Sankarea

Tell me if you've heard of it: A high school student fantasizes about being with his ideal girl. It's not uncommon in romantic comedies, but here's a thing that can make your blood run cold—pun intended: he likes zombies! He has an obsession with zombie girls, and one day, POOF! Because of the story, he must live with one. What could go wrong with this premise? Sankarea, on the other hand, stands out as the polar opposite, as something distinct. However, some context is required…

The manga-based anime series "Sankarea" was announced in the October 2011 edition of Bessatsu Shonen Magazine and aired in Japan from April 5th to June 28th, 2012. On June 8th and November 9th, 2012, two original video animation episodes were published alongside the limited editions of the manga's sixth and seventh volumes. On November 30th, 2012, a third OVA episode was published alongside the sixth Blu-ray Disc and DVD volumes. "Esoragoto" by nano.RIPE is the opening theme, while "Above Your Hand" by Annabel is the closing theme.

Funimation, which licensed the series in North America, released the series dubbed in English on Blu-ray Disc and DVD on October 1st, 2013. When it was found that the release featured the edited version, Funimation recalled and postponed a Blu-ray/DVD release of the uncensored content.

There was no news for a few years until Funimation announced a March 31st, 2015, release date for the entire unedited series. Customers who received the altered version may return it for a refund or exchange it for the uncensored version when it is released. MVM Films has obtained the series' license in the United Kingdom.

Sankarea is a TV anime series that spans 12 episodes in total. It began airing on the 6th of April and went up until the 29th of June in the spring of 2012. Lantis, Pony Canyon, TBS, Kodansha, and BS-TBS produced the show, and Studio Deen brought it to life under a Funimation license. Based on the source manga, it featured the genres of comedy, horror, supernatural, and ecchi, targeted at the Shounen demographic. These 24-minute episodes received a rating of R+ for their mild nudity.

Between December 2009 and September 2014, the manga was published in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine and collected into eleven tankōbon volumes. Studio Deen's anime television adaptation aired in Japan from April 5th to June 28th, 2012. Kodansha also released a book adaptation by Ry Suzukaze in July 2012. On July 2nd, 2013, Kodansha released a book adaptation under the Kodansha Ranobe Bunko banner. Ry Suzukaze wrote the novel Sankarea: All Night-Rea Long, and Mitsuru Hattori illustrated it.

Chihiro Furuya, a zombie-obsessed youngster, has desired an undead girlfriend since he was a small child. Soon after, his fascination with zombies comes in handy when his cat Babu is run over, prompting Chihiro to attempt to create a resurrection potion and bring him back to life. Chihiro's cat dies, but Chihiro tries to make a resurrection potion using an old manuscript describing resurrection and starts doing experiments in an abandoned building.

Every day, he sees a rich girl named Rea Sanka screaming into an ancient well about her harsh existence. After discovering that Chihiro has been listening in on her private rants, Rea agrees to assist him in his experiments, gradually coming to terms with the idea that, should she turn into a zombie, Chihiro would be the one to take care of her.

After forming a close relationship with her, Chihiro is inspired to keep fighting for Babu's survival. He is ultimately successful thanks to the poisonous hydrangea flowers grown by Rea's family. Rea drinks the resurrection potion, thinking it will kill her and relieve her of the burden of her life.

Although it does not immediately kill her, its effects do not wear off, and she eventually meets her end in a horrific accident that reincarnates her as a zombie. With Chihiro's help, Rea adjusts to her new, undead life.

This arrangement is a dream come true for a boy who wants a zombie girlfriend. I guess it would be Highschool of the Dead meets Mysterious Girlfriend X. Yes, Mysterious Girlfriend X is an anime; watch it; it involves a saliva fetish!

However, Chihiro's life in Sankarea only gets stranger as he deals with Rea's strange new cravings and the unanticipated consequences of her transformation. Whatever the case may be, my first impressions of the story were favorable. I was hooked after the very first episode.

The story's progression is sluggish but straightforward to follow, but as the series progresses, we see some gradually unraveling nuances, such as Rea's backstory.

We also glimpse Ranko, the first cousin of Chihiro, often called Wanko by Chihiro. Chihiro's history and recollections from childhood are gems that most of us should retain in our hearts. More significantly, when we learn what transpires behind the curtain in Rea's life, the anime's tone darkens while remaining lighthearted.

The characters are what make the program unique. When you decide to begin this anime, you will encounter one obsessed with zombies, one too wealthy to be free, the most fabulous cat in the world, and others. Everyone has incredible synergy. The show truly shines whenever you want to learn more about the protagonists.

In terms of art, I was afraid I wouldn't like it. After discovering that Studio Deen had been involved in this, my hopes died like a zombie. However, after viewing those initial few episodes, I'm relieved they proved me incorrect. I enjoy the series' style and art so far, even if they are simple. After all, art isn't what defines a series' ultimate satisfaction. Do you still not believe me? Simply ask Gurren Lagann.

The voice acting is excellent, bringing out the characters' personalities. Although the background music may be improved, it still blends nicely with the action. Both the opening and ending are fantastic as well. It suits the show well! It's not as spooky as Shigofumi: Letters of the Departed, but you'll notice it as you get into the series. Dynamic music is also thrown in, which captures part of the story's tone. The melody of comic music is also tossed in during brighter ambiances.

While the show makes light of the concept of zombie love, its underlying themes of wish fulfillment and even necrophilia are not lost on viewers. From before the girl turns into a zombie to after the girl turns into a zombie, the chemistry between them seems undeniably genuine, and the problem keeps coming up whether they talk about it or not. Do you love zombie girls or a girl who has become a zombie?

Finally, Sankarea is a charming romantic comedy with minimal scary undertones for zombie fans. I would not suggest this to anyone sensitive to blood and gore or recommend it to those hoping for anything akin to Highschool of the Dead, although fans of Is This a Zombie might be pleased. I recommend it to individuals searching for a different kind of romantic comedy than usual. Fairly recommended.