“ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead Episode 1 – A Comedic Dive into the Afterlife”

Review: ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead Episode 1

A Fresh Take on the Zombie Genre

The zombie genre has been done to death, both in traditional media and in anime. With the oversaturation of zombie content, it becomes increasingly difficult to find new angles that provide a fresh perspective on the genre. However, ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead manages to breathe new life into the genre by using it as a backdrop for a pitch-black comedy that explores the soul-crushing nature of the corporate world and the importance of finding meaning in life.

In the first episode, titled “Akira of the Dead,” the protagonist, Akira Tendo, finds himself in a zombie apocalypse. But instead of the focus being on survival and horror, ZOM 100 takes a different approach. It becomes a story about self-discovery and the quest for a fulfilling life. Through the chaos of the undead invasion, Akira learns what it means to truly be alive, rather than just going through the motions of an existence devoid of direction and purpose. It raises philosophical questions about the difference between merely existing and truly living, and how a cataclysmic event can serve as a wakeup call to reevaluate one’s priorities and pursue their dreams.

A Dark Comedy Infused with Genre Tropes

ZOM 100 embraces genre tropes, akin to a rom-com, and skillfully subverts them by juxtaposing sweet and optimistic moments with moments of destruction and chaos. The tone of the series is reminiscent of Edgar Wright’s “Shaun of the Dead,” although ZOM 100 takes things to more intense and absurd places. The use of tropes from a different medium serves as a reminder that this is not just another zombie story, but rather a unique and self-aware take on the genre.

The visuals in ZOM 100 are striking and effective in conveying the themes of the series. The use of a muted color palette during flashbacks emphasizes the lifelessness and monotony of Akira’s corporate job. In contrast, vibrant colors flood the screen when he realizes he is caught in a zombie apocalypse, representing a newfound freedom and sense of purpose. The decision to depict the carnage through a rainbow-colored lens adds a touch of visual flair to the series, setting it apart from other zombie-centric anime.

Furthermore, the music in ZOM 100 is another standout aspect. The opening theme song, “Song of the Dead” by KANA-BOON, perfectly captures the bombastic and care-free energy of the anime. It adds to the overall experience and sets the tone for the series.

A Promising Start with Room for Growth

ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead Episode 1 is a successful and engaging introduction to the series, although it does have its slow moments. As it covers three years in just 24 minutes, some viewers may feel that the pacing could have been adjusted to allow the story to progress more quickly. However, considering the script supervision by Hiroshi Seko, known for his work on acclaimed anime series like “Attack on Titan,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and “Mob Psycho 100,” any reservations about pacing should be alleviated in subsequent episodes.

Overall, ZOM 100 offers a unique and entertaining blend of zombie slaughter and a dead-end day job, resulting in a dark comedy that is both silly and disturbing. With its fresh take on the zombie genre, engaging characters, and visually appealing aesthetics, ZOM 100 has the potential to become a standout anime series. As viewers delve deeper into Akira’s journey and confront his fears and aspirations, the series promises to deliver a thought-provoking exploration of life’s purpose and the pursuit of happiness.