‘Zom 100: Bucket List Of The Dead’ Anime Review- Zombies And A Day Off Work
This anime aired in 2023.
Zom 100: Bucket List Of The Dead is a horror comedy anime from the Japanese animation studio Bug Films. It is based on the manga by author Haro Aso and illustrator Kotaro Takata.
Akira Tendo (Zeno Robinson) is excited to start his career in Tokyo, but almost immediately, his job becomes draining on his life. His once-colorful world fades, and he finds himself depressed and lethargic. Years later, he wakes up and finds himself in a zombie apocalypse. At first scared, he then rejoices, realizing he does not have to go to his depressing job. Reconnecting with his old friend Kenichiro “Kencho” Ryuuzak (Xander Mobus) and befriending survivalist Shizuka Mikazuki (Abby Trott) and German tourist Beatrix Amerhauser (Laura Post), the three set off so that Tendo can complete his bucket list of 100 things to do before they all get eaten by zombies.
This anime is incredibly funny. The pilot starts off making you feel the pressure, claustrophobia, and harsh world of the corporate office, but soon switches gears. You laugh along with Tendo and his friends as they travel, try new things, and even encounter some adversaries as they try to stay alive in a zombie-infested Japan. The humor was on point, and I had a good time.
What made it even better was how relatable the characters were. Anyone who has worked in an office connects with Tendo and understands his feelings as his soulless job sucks him dry. This new adventure, despite being dangerous, made you feel like part of the fun through his eyes. I have to say, Zeno Robinson should win an award for the voice acting he is doing here.
I also thought the animators did a fantastic job. Their use of colors and how they convey the circumstances as they come. It was very impressive and they definitely put their best foot forward.
One thing that is clearly observable is how this anime criticizes the corporate culture in Japan. If you research it, you can see how oppressive it can be for the workers. Not the bosses, obviously, but the workers are often not allowed to go home, get terrible pay, and are sometimes abused by their bosses. The writers definitely criticize it, as you can tell by the rejoicing over a doomsday event.
The production behind this show was very troubled. It was put on hiatus in the middle of the season and only recently relaunched. I genuinely hope that it continues into a second season because I think that its humor, joy, and look at life are on point.
Check out the trailer below:
PARENTAL CONCERNS: Some gory images, Minor foul language, Rude humor, Some partial nudity and sexual innuendo
This review is based on the dub from Crunchyroll.
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