Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

Do you have your very own bucket list? A personal list of things you want to do before you bid farewell to this world someday? The points on it may not make much sense and even sound utterly idiotic, but the heart wants what the heart wants! The goal is to tick them off individually with each eventful day, which may or may not require intensive planning from your end. So, while we make our way through it, new additions, removals, or changes might as well occur as per our ever-changing mind and body. Don’t forget to make time for these meaningful activities even as you grind daily!

“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead," also known as “Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto” or “Zombie 100: 100 Things I Want to do Before I Become a Zombie," is a 12-episode TV anime series that aired from the 9th of July till the 26th of December in Summer 2023. It was produced by Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Shogakukan, and dugout, licensed by VIZ Media, and brought to life by Studio BUG FILMS. The primary staff behind it includes Kamei Hiroshi, Kojima Hiroaki, Satou Emi, and Hasegawa Yuuki as producers. It features the genres of action, comedy, horror, supernatural, and suspense alongside the themes of adult cast and survival. This series of 24-minute episodes was targeted at the Seinen demographic and received a rating of R-17+ for its violence and profanity. It is part of a production deal between VIZ Media, Shogakukan, and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions.

The anime is based on the manga of the same title, which is the work of author Aso Haro and artist Takata Koutarou. It began publication on the 19th of October 2018 and is still ongoing, getting serialized in Sunday Gene-X. It was published in English on the 16th of February 2021 and got simulpub through VIZ Manga. Additionally, it was released in Italian by J-POP on the 21st of April 2021. A single summary episode titled “Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Recap” was released as a TV special on the 10th of September, 2023. Done by the same studio, it has a runtime of 24 minutes and recaps the first seven episodes of the anime series.

The story is centered around protagonist Akira Tendou, a top university graduate with an impressive extracurricular record in the rugby club. Having practically nailed every step to securing his dream job, he even has a beautiful and kind co-worker who always brightens his day within the office like icing atop the cake. Indeed, he has smooth sailing ahead, right? But while his life seems to be going great superficially, he soon realizes that all he’s stacking up personally are sleepless nights and brutal work and has no choice but to accept it as his new reality.

Over three painful years, the mind-numbing labor in this exploitative company becomes way too apparent to ignore, and he even becomes unable to recognize the tired and unaccomplished person he has become. As he slowly loses all his passion, much like his overworked colleagues, Akira’s fate turns unexpectedly when a zombie apocalypse breaks out! While the world around him is in utter chaos, he finds this turn of events his saving grace. Now, with plenty of free time on his hands, he decides to complete a bucket list of one hundred things he is determined to do before he, too, gets zombified eventually. While surrounded by the dead, Akira feels more alive than ever and is ready to jump into the fray!

First off, understand that Zom 100 is not a Zombie-Apocalypse-Survival show; this is about a protagonist exploring what it means to live and the purpose of HIS life. His goal is not survival; it is to live a full life even amidst the chaos of an apocalypse, something he lost earlier because of an exploitative job. As such, this show has a lot of promise, and I am happy to say it delivers in many ways, especially regarding production quality. The premise is unique (not the Zombie Apocalypse thing), and the plot is simple and easy to follow. The apocalypse is just an exaggerated plot device to serve as a backdrop for Akira’s whacky adventures to complete his bucket list, bordering on pure fantasy, and is super engaging. The very mindset of prominent characters removes the horror and brutal survival aspects here, where the journey seems more like a fun-filled joyride, as seen through the protagonist’s eyes.

The way others react contrasts with him, making this show more of a genre parody. Additionally, there’s this videogame-like feel, which I can’t seem to get over, adding charm to the series. The protagonist and the viewer (ideally) focus on the bucket list, so we have no explanation about the zombies themselves and how this outbreak began. Similarly, the MC does not care about them, and I’m all for it!

Moving onto the character department, we have the usual ragtag team of survivors, but they are more joyriders than anything else. Their circumstances seem grim, but the fact that this cast does not react to it at all is all the more perplexing. For example, for every terrified dumb couple out there losing their minds over surviving to see the next sunrise, there’s a dude pissed about his beer supply running dry. As such, things keep getting more bizarre with each passing episode, but I guarantee it’s fun. As for character development, a lot is put into Akira himself, a man who faces numerous challenges while confronting the fears holding him back.

His growth, self-discovery, and transformation journey is relatable and beautiful, especially if you've been in a similar work environment. It also tells us a lot about mindset because the disasters and dangers surrounding someone mean little if they are focused on something else! He is just hopelessly optimistic, while the remainder of the group has their separate objectives despite sticking together. They collectively convey a strong message that it’s never too late to try stuff because death is inevitable, and it’s always better to go without regrets.

The best thing about this show is the art and animation department. The production quality is up there and undoubtedly one of the best in that season. The animation is so fluid that even the zombies look "alive," which is a testament to how vibrantly lively the characters themselves are. Every frame has been enhanced by leaps and bounds over its base form; I could practically see the quality oozing out most naturally! The color palette is masterfully used to perfectly set the story tone, where even the gore is portrayed as a gushing splash of pigments.

I loved how the blood is multicolored and has a unique aesthetic—huge props to the color saturation handling! The backgrounds are perfectly crafted to stage this comedic joyride amidst the chaos and take care not to steal the spotlight from the more essential things. Character designs are simple but memorable and well-crafted to give a clear idea of what kind of people they are. They don’t slack off on the zombie designs, as they look creatively grotesque and eerie, contrasting the comedic and horror elements.

The Sounds and Music department is also great. The OSTs fit the scenarios perfectly; their placement is natural and has no repetitive pattern. Unlike your typical Zombie Anime music, these pieces have a variety to bring out the whacky concepts of the show. The opening theme is "Song of the Dead" by KANA-BOON, which is fast-paced, fun, carefree, rambunctious, and whacky, really bringing out the joyride the characters are on despite the chaos. The ending theme is "Happiness of the Dead" by Shiyui, which focuses more on the show's lighthearted side. Both do an excellent job of getting you into and out of the Zom 100 mood. The voice actors also do a stellar job overall, particularly Umeda Shuuichirou as Akira. He delivers each line with such a natural and visceral feeling that I had no doubt that it came from the depths of his heart.

“Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead” is a spectacular anime thanks to its unique story, comedy, oddly relatable themes, character development, groundbreaking visuals, and the strong message it gives about life in general. Work can swamp you and keep you from doing things that matter to YOU, so always make time to get through your bucket list and even go crazy every once in a while; that is how you live a life YOU won’t regret. There’s so much whacky fun to enjoy here, and I recommend it to anyone seeking fresh and colorful air!