Zom 100

Akira Remembers to Appreciate Family

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Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Ep 9 Review

Zom 100 is unlike most zombie apocalypse stories that came before, and that has to do with its main themes. The whole story’s an argument that people are spending too much of their lives working and doing what society expects of them instead of doing what they want. As a result, many people never get to do the things they want in life until it’s too late. That’s nothing new to this story, but this week’s episode adds another layer to this concept. It’s hard enough when people need more time to do what they want. Now add that they may not have the time they want to spend with their loved ones before they’re gone. 

This review will get pretty deep, so put tissues on standby.

The Magic of a Treehouse

As Akira and his group nears the end of their trek to his hometown, they run into a literal roadblock. The only tunnel leading to Gunma is sealed off on both sides and infested with zombies. Nothing can get out or get in. Thus, the trip to “Kanto’s best-kept secret” continues on foot, leading the group to run into a carpenter being chased by a zombie boar. After saving his life, the carpenter, Masaru Kumano, explains why he’s out in the woods. He’s building a treehouse to keep himself safe from the zombies, something that Akira and Kencho eagerly join in on. Both because it’s on Akira’s Bucket List, and the simple fact that most kids dream of having a cool treehouse.

Tragically, Kumano reveals that the treehouse is not just for safety, but a tribute to his dead son. He always promised that they’d build a treehouse one day, but he lost his wife and son when the zombie plague broke out. This leaves him filled with melancholy over the fact that he didn’t spend as much time with his kid as he wanted.

This moment defines the tone of the rest of the episode, as it makes Akira reflect on his own relationship with his parents, who he hasn’t seen since he left to work in Tokyo. Many young adults leaving home for the first time (and even the ones who remain at home) can feel guilt over not showing enough gratitude to their parents, or getting to do everything they want with them. That was even before the zombie outbreak; with the chance of survival far lower now, Akira’s more determined than ever to make things up to his parents.

I won’t lie: this episode made me think about my own relationship with my parents, and what I can do to help them as we all get older. Anyone acutely aware of the passage of time and how their parents might not always be around may end up feeling the same. 

Gunma is the Perfect Anti-Zombie Stronghold…Until Now

Regardless, Akira leads his group to his hometown of Gunma, and he isn’t joking when he calls it Kanto’s “best-kept secret.” It’s the perfect stronghold to ride out a zombie apocalypse: limited routes to get in, self-sustaining food supply, and plenty of people around make it a veritable redoubt. Akira and his friends could take refuge there forever if they wanted to. Alas, trouble’s already brewing in the form of a group that serves as evil twins to Akira and his friends.

Many refugees from the cities wound up making their way to Gunma following the zombie outbreak, which isn’t a problem at first glance. However, four of those people have come with the intent of destroying the village by unleashing the zombies on everyone. The reason why? Simply for the sake of it.

Meet Kanta Higurashi, a nihilistic NEET and Akira’s evil counterpart. The anime doesn’t reveal his full backstory yet, but it spends the final moments of the episode establishing why he and his group are dark reflections of Akira’s group. Like the protagonists, they were people who either wanted more out of life or were dissatisfied with society and their place in it (or lack thereof.) Whereas Akira and his friends are using zombie virus to better themselves and live their best lives, though, Kanta’s group doing the opposite. They’re indulging in their worst vices and acts of petty vengeance against those they think wronged them. There will likely be those who use the end of the world to embrace their worst aspects, and Kanta’s group is a frightening example of what can happen. 

Too bad we don’t know when the next episode will air.

Support the People in the Anime Industry

Zom 100 has been continually plagued by numerous delays since it’s premiere. As a result, what should’ve been a surefire hit for the summer season has likely not live up to its full potential. Now, it’s suffering its most considerable delay yet as the final three episodes of the first season are delayed indefinitely. 

There’s a dark sense of irony to this. For an anime about bashing abusive working conditions, the anime industry is one of the worst places for people to work. The last few years have seen a growing awareness of how bad it is working in the anime industry, with people even being hospitalized from sheer exhaustion. Now, that kind of work environment could cost Zom 100 a spot as one of the best anime of 2023.

The anime opening was actually incomplete when the series premiered. This latest episode is the one that includes the full opening.

There’s no telling when this popular anime might return, but for now, the best fans can do to support is to spread awareness about how great it is. Anyone who’s hated their jobs can emphasize and identify with Akira and his friends, and maybe it can encourage more people to prioritize their own wellness in this chaotic world. That, and it can help spread awareness of how the anime industry needs serious reforms.

I Give “Treehouse of the Dead” a 4.5/5

Guten Tag, Fraulein Beatrix!

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Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Ep 8 Review

There comes a time in the lives of many otaku’s, weebs, and Japanophile’s where loving Japan from afar isn’t enough. They have to take the time and save the money to see the land of the Rising Sun for themselves. Unfortunately, life has a way of throwing people curve balls, like a zombie apocalypse. However, as Zom 100’s philosophy has repeatedly espoused, it’s better to follow your dreams than live without them. As Akira, Kencho, and Shizuka continue their trek across Japan, the young woman they run into loves Japan so much, not even zombies will stop her from enjoying it. Guten tag, fraulein Beatrix! 

Shizuka may have competition on the “Best Waifu’s” list for 2023. 

As a side note, the show updated the opening to include footage of their adventures in Tokyo, and a zombie dance number that would make Michael Jackson proud. 

Beatrix Amerhauser, Japanophile Extreme!

After he managed to tell off his worthless former boss and leave him crying on the road, Akira, Kencho, and Shizuka continue their trek across Japan to Akira’s hometown. Shizuka’s finally more open with the others, joining them in scratching off items on their bucket list. Their road trip winds up taking a detour, though, when they see a truck being attacked by zombies. Before Akira can do his hero thing, though, the driver comes out clad in samurai armor and uses a naginata to skewer all the zombies! 

Meet Beatrix Amerhauser, a 21-year-old German student and die-hard Japanophile. She’s dreamed of coming to Japan since she was a child, but by the time she arrived, the Zombie apocalypse was underway. Like the rest of the group, though, she refuses to despair, wanting to experience as much of Japan as possible. Given her attitude, it’s inevitable that she chooses to join the group.

Beatrix is a very worthy new addition to the show’s roster. Much like Akira, she has this fearless attitude that drives her to do things others would call crazy. She’s just as athletic, too, using her samurai armor and naginata to mow down zombies like it’s nobody’s business. At the same time, she’s also knowledgable like Shizuka. She knows more about Japanese culture than some Japanese do!

Also, like Kencho, there’s a few moments where she’s not afraid of stripping naked, albeit because there’s hot springs involved. In other words, she fits right in with the group.

Hot Springs and Sushi Galore

Introductions to Beatrix aside, this episode is noteworthy for adapting stories into one episode. The first half that introduces Beatrix also sees the group fight a horde of zombies for the chance to try authentic sushi. The second sees the group indulge in a common fanservice staple: hot springs and open-air baths. 

Anyone who’s watched a comedy-based anime will know what a hot spring or open-air bath entails. And like many examples, Akira winds up getting in one at the exact same time that Shizuka does. What makes it funny, though, is the fact that Akira’s more interested in enjoying himself than seeing Shizuka, much to her disbelief. It’s a good way of subverting the classic hot-spring scenario by having the man not be a pervert about it. 

Humor aside, their unexpected time together does lead to a tender moment where Shizuka opens up to Akira more. Despite writing him off as an impulsive idiot at first, she’s come to admire how uninhibited he is. She even admits that she’d hope to date someone like him one day.

That’s right; Akira and Shizuka shippers just got a ton of fuel for their cause!

All in all, this episode was a very light-hearted affair. After the heavy stuff that viewers had to endure in the previous two episodes, it’s nice to get a reprieve. Despite being a zombie story, Zom 100 remains, at its core, a comedy series. That, and the episode introduced us to yet another waifu for 2023, Beatrix Amerhauser. Now fans are going to have to debate who’s better: Beatrix or Shizuka?

Let the arguing begin!

I Give “Sushi and Hot Springs of the Dead” a 4.5/5

Akiraiger is Here to Save the Day!!

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews , , , , , ,

When you’re a little boy, you dream about becoming the coolest thing when you grow up. Things like it being realistic, or even physically possible, aren’t that big a concern. Whether it’s being an astronaut, a Jedi, a race car driver, or a superhero, if it’s cool, most little boys are going to want to be one. And that’s what Akira now wants to do for his bucket list: he’s become the superhero Akiraiger.

This is gonna be fun!

The Superhero Akiraiger Appears

So after remembering this time from his childhood where he dressed like a superhero and beat up some bullies, Akira decides nows the perfect time to become one for real. Despite the fact that he’s got no powers, no brilliant mind, or a ton of money. Yet he wants to be one anyway, and he’s got a lead.

At the Shinagawa Aquarium, they this special suit made from titianum mesh and steel fibers built to withstand bites from crocodiles and sharks. In other words, if he wears it, Akira will be zombie bite-proof. Thus, Akiraiger and his partner, the Blonde Nudist (Kencho dyed his hair and strips to attract zombies) are born. 

Sadly, there’s a flaw with Akira’s plan: his new super suit doesn’t stop things from biting into him. Thus, he still gets bit, and it hurts. The upside, though, is that his first outing leads him to save a group of people that includes a familiar face.

Shizuka is Like an Ice Princess…at First

Shizuka, the girl that Akira ran into on his beer run, makes her return amidst a group of survivors running that he saves. And even though she’s grateful for the rescue, she remains a veritable ice princess. She starts psycho-analyzing Akira and tearing down all his rationale. For example, she pegs him as this insecure guy whose doing this to boost his self-esteem. And that he’s risking his life and Kencho’s life for something stupid! It’s brutal to watch!

This episode does a good job of highlighting the contrasts between Akira and Shizuka’s mindsets. They’re like Kirk and Spock; Akira is the one with the crazy plans and let’s his gut and emotions guide his actions, while Shizuka is the one who relies on logic and rationale. She sees no point in working with Akira because she thinks he’ll get them killed. Ironically, it’s Alria’s willingness to act on emotions that saves her life when they’re cornered by a zombie shark. 

No, I’m not joking. There’s a great white shark turned into zombie that ate divers that are also turned into zombies. And now the divers’ legs are sticking out of the shark and using it to hunt for fresh meat. It’s the kind of thing that’s both hilarious and terrifying. It works!!

Shizuka and Akiraiger Will Return

So, in the end, Akira, Kencho, and Shizuka take down the zombie shark with a plan that would make Captain Kirk proud. Akira wears her down enough to get her contact info, and they all head their separate ways. Shizuka says that she doubts that she’ll ever see them again, but she’s in the opening and credits. She’s going to come back. However, it seems that Akira and Kencho can’t do much more in Tokyo, and the plague’s getting worse. Thus, they decide to say Sayonara Tokyo and head into the country for Akira’s hometown.

Zom 100 Episode 5-Shizuka Embarrassed

This was another funny episode from one of the best anime of the year. The only problem is that it got delayed a week due to some sort of athletics competiton, which cost it some momentum. The good news, though, is that the dub is now out for all to enjoy. Given how it has Zeno Robinson voicing Akira and Xander Mobus as Kencho, I’d say its in good hands. As for Akira, he’s doing a great job of living his life to the fullest, and I salute him. Also, I ship Akira and Shizuka. The sparks are there!

I Give “Hero of the Dead” a 4.5/5

Akira Needs Love, Too!!

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Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Ep 4 Review

Dating in the modern day is hard; there’s no argument about that. Things like dating apps meant to help people meet and fall in love have only complicated an already complicated act even further. Throw in a zombie apocalypse, and the chances of finding love in the world seem even bleaker for people like Akira. It only gets worse in this episode as Akira gets close to finding love…only for it to be ripped out from under him.

As someone who struggles to find love today, I feel your pain, Akira. 

The Quest for the Perfect TV…and Date.

Now that he’s got Kencho living alongside him, Akira’s ready to enjoy that new life with his bro. They’ve got a rooftop camp set up, plenty of food and drinks, and Akira can play video games all day. Kencho even decides to get in on Akira’s bucket list by adding something: wine and dine with a flight attendant. This only leads Akira to remember a painful fact: he’s never had a girlfriend, while his best friend can date anyone he wants. 

This is another reason I like Akira so much as a character: I can see a bit of myself in him, especially in my social life. College was fun, but it kept me so busy I never had time for dating, something I now regret. While I’ve never worked at a place as horrible as Akira did, it can still get in the way of having a social life. In addition, there’s the subtext found in this conversation about how detrimental the kind of job Akira had is to society. The stress may keep people from going out to find love and have families. That may be why a lot of countries have declining birth rates. In other words, the show’s saying work culture is killing people’s chance to find love. Again, I relate to it. 

Source-Sportskeeda, Crunchyroll,

At any rate, Akira heads out on another scavenging mission, this time to find an even bigger TV to play video games on. It sounds, and is, stupid, but remember, the show’s advocating the importance of happiness and mental health even in dark times.

Akira Comes So Close to Scoring…Okay, He Doesn’t!

When their adventure predictably ends with them being chased by a mob of zombies (and zombie firefighters spraying actual fire), the duo takes shelter inside an underground mall. Said mall’s already occupied by a group of one man whose name we never get and three beautiful women. All of whom are flight attendants. 

The second Akira and Kencho realize this, they’re on cloud nine as the whole thing soon turns into an impromptu mixer. At least, it does for Kencho. He wins over one girl so fast that they’re already going off on their own the next thing Akira knows. 

Yes, they do sleep together. The show doesn’t dance around that.

Meanwhile, Akira tries to impress the others by drinking an entire bottle of tequila…only to end up puking into a toilet. Anyone who drinks too much alcohol at once can relate to that.

Despite that, he does end up having a sweet moment with one of the attendants, where they both talk about why they wanted to work the jobs they had. While things didn’t turn out well for Akira, the woman, Yukari, admits that despite all the bs, she still likes her job. It’s a sweet moment, even if Yukari does have a boyfriend.

Too bad the old man got infected by a zombie bite. RIP, flight attendants.

Source-But Why Tho?, Crunchyroll

Even this Can’t Get Akira Down

So, to his dismay, Akira loses his best chance yet to find love, but he and Kencho do get that giant TV they wanted, scratching two more items off their bucket list. The last conversation that Akira had with Yukari also inspires him to add something new: remember his childhood dream. 

I love Akira’s optimistic attitude more and more with every episode. Even when mankind’s facing possible extinction, he can bring out the absolute best in people through his carefree nature. By all accounts, he should be dead by now, but he isn’t. It’s part of why this anime’s so fun and inspiring. Keep living your dreams, Akira, no matter how silly or crazy they are.

One last thing: by the time you read this, the dub for Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead will be out. Whether you’re a pro-dub stan or just want to support the voice actors, you should watch it. Zeno Robinson’s voicing the main character, and he’s been killing it with his roles over the last few years. That, and when you hear him as Akira, you can imagine Hunter from The Owl House.

I Give “Flight Attendant of the Dead” a 3.5/5

Seeking a Bro for the End of the World

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Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Ep 3 Review

Pro-tip for surviving the zombie apocalypse: there’s strength in numbers. The more people working in one group means greater odds of survival, especially if those people work well together. As Akira continues his carefree life during the end of the world, he realizes he’s missed on so much time with his friends. Being Akira, he decides to make up for lost time. Even if that means going into a zombie-infested hotel. The things that one will do for the sake of their bro are amazing.

Enter Gray Fullbu-I mean, Kencho

So, back in college, Akira had a best friend on the rugby team named Kenichiro “Kencho” Ryuuzaki. He was the opposite of what Akira was before the apocalypse. He was extroverted, charismatic, good-looking, and had a successful, high-paying job. He could date most beautiful of women and would brag about it to Akira, to his irritation. As a result, their last meetup a year earlier ended on a sour note. Now, Akita’s ready to fix that.

There’s just one problem: he’s trapped in an upscale love hotel filled with zombies. Kencho’s hasn’t eaten in days, he’s out of water, and he has to listen to his now-zombie date moaning in her restraints.

Yes, it was that kind of hotel. Akira, though, doesn’t care. He still heads out to get his bro.

Kencho Is Going to be the Comic Relief

Despite all odds, Akira manages to find Kencho and says he’s sorry for snapping at him and that he should’ve listened to him and quit his job. The zombies cut their reunion short when they have to break for the roof and pull a rooftop jump that would make Assassin’s Creed proud. It’s here though that Kencho ends up opening up about his own problems.

In this day and age, there are jobs that, despite being well-paying, require people to do less than reputable things like lie. In Kencho’s case, he had to lie to a lot of customers as a salesman, something that he hated. The worst part is that this happens in real life. People have to throw away their dreams and morals to keep a roof over their heads. They gain security but lose what makes them who they are.  

Inspired by Akira’s determination to live his best life, though, Kencho decides to follow his bro’s example, and become a stand-up comic. So, he jumps across the street…and strips naked as he does so, much to Akira’s amusement.

Believe it or not, that’s not the first time I’ve seen a guy strip like that in an anime. Gray from Fairy Tail does that a lot! It’s hilarious!

Two Bros Hanging Out During the End of the World

So now that Akira has Kencho, this solo survival game has become a duo. And as before, even though the world is falling apart, the two are happier than ever. Together, the two might end up surviving the zombie apocalypse.

Overall, this was another banger of an episode. The comedy remained as black as ever, and the fact that it was S&M gear that wound up saving Kencho’s life makes me laugh. I think that Kencho will be a fun character to have around, even if he does strip naked a lot. 

‘Zom 100’ is a Hilarious Jab at How Corporate Jobs Can be Hell!

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Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Review

Once upon a time, working an office job for a big corporation seemed like the ideal life. To get paid working in a safe place that required minimal physical labor sounded like a dream come true. Then people realized the truth: office jobs suck! You face annoying commutes to work, do something that, in the grand scheme of things, has no value, and potentially deal with bosses that are either jerks or idiots. And when a person deals with that day in and day out, every day, can you even call that living? It’s less like you’re living and more like being a zombie. 

Then again, being a zombie might be an even better alternative. That seems to be the philosophy that this new, hilariously comedic horror anime called Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead seems to live by. When everyone living through a zombie apocalypse is the equivalent of hell, this show looks at us and asks, “Was life before any better?” 

Akira Tendo, the Corporate Slave Zombie…

The first episode opens with one of the most depressingly realistic introductions to a character I’ve seen in a while. Meet Akira Tendo, who, at the young age of 24, already lives like he was dead. Three years ago, he got a job at a production company fresh out of college. At a glance, it looked like his dream job. He’d be doing what he loved, his co-workers seemed nice, and he even had a crush on this cute one named Saori Ohtori.

It took less than a day for him to start hating it. 

If people in America think corporate jobs are bad, then that’s nothing. In Japan, there’s the concept of a “black company.” In essence, it’s everything negative about working in a big business office job. Everyone’s expected to work overtime without pay; the bosses are more like slave drivers and concern for mental and physical health is nonexistent. It gets to the point where some people would rather die than live like that. I’m being serious.

As depressing as this is, Zom 100 plays up Akira’s horrible life for the sake of black comedy. We hear his coworkers bragging about how much overtime they’re putting in; his boss is an abusive demon, and that girl he likes? She’s the boss’ mistress! He can hear them making out from inside the man’s office. By the time we’re introduced to him, he’s more a zombie than a person.

Again, it’s exaggerated for comedy’s sake, but it’s still a big jab at how corporate work sucks.

Wait, a Zombie Apocalypse? I NEVER HAVE TO WORK AGAIN!!

One day, as Akira’s reluctantly headed to his terrible job, the thing so many people dread happens. The zombie apocalypse begins, and Akira starts freaking out. Then, as he’s busy running for his life, he realizes something. Something that will offer him salvation from his hellish life: he never has to work again. 

Then suddenly, the formerly monochrome world Akira’s in lights up in an explosion of colors. It’s a big, neon-colored expression of how Akira’s happy for the first time in years. Everyone else is reacting to this like it’s Highschool of the Dead, while Akira’s treating it like the best day of his life. It’s a brilliant moment of black comedy that left me grinning at the sheer audacity. The show’s saying that it would be better to face down zombies rather than sit in an office and do a job that gives you no fulfillment. 

So, now alive for the first time in years, Akira does what he should’ve done years ago. He heads to Ohtori’s place to confess his love but finds she’s already a zombie, along with his fat boss. So, killing three birds with one stone, he quits his job, throws his boss out the window, and then confesses to Ohtori before running for it. And he’s still happier than ever.

Get Busy Living Before you Get Busy Dying.

Afterward, Akira realizes that odds are, he’s going to die and become a zombie himself. Before that happens, though, he wants to live his life to the fullest. So, he grabs a notebook from a convenience store and comes up with his bucket list of 100 things to do before he dies. And that is where the first episode is.

There have been many zombie apocalypse stories told over the year, including anime like Highschool of the Dead. But this might be the first time in living memory where the idea of a zombie apocalypse doesn’t look that bad. Yes, society collapses, and people have to fight to stay alive. But when you contrast that to how horrible Akita’s life was before this, could you even call it living? Life is meant to be more than just slaving away at a job you only do to pay the bills. It’s enjoying yourself. Maybe Akira has the right idea about what he’s doing. Regardless, I’m going to enjoy watching this series.

There’s more, though. The dub comes out on August 6th on Crunchyroll and Netflix (and has Zeno Robinson as Akira), and the latter is making a live-action version of this. Clearly, the anime distributors seem to have a lot of faith in this, so that should encourage you to watch it. Even if we can’t all quit our dead-end jobs, seeing someone like us do that makes our world a little brighter?

I Give “Akira of the Dead” a 4.5/5