Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto

I didn't know this show existed until just a few days ago, and that's thanks to a YouTube channel called "Super Eyepatch Wolf". (by the way he's great go subscribe to him, he makes great video essays). He made a video where he basically talked about his favorite things that came out this year, and in this video he talked about this anime.

The first thing that grabbed my attention was its clever and original premise. The idea of a guy trying to survive during a zombie apocalypse, as he makes a bucket list of 100 things he wants to do before he gets turned into one, instantly grabbed my attention.

Another thing I love about this show is the goofiness of it. There is a zombified shark with human legs in this.

I'm truly in awe of how amazing this anime adaptation is so far! I have been a huge fan of the manga since that first fan translation back in 2019 and ever since then I've kept up with every chapter. Of course then I saw the announcement of the adaptation and I got even more excited. "One of the very few genuinely good zombie manga is getting an anime AND a live action adaptation?" I thought to myself. I couldn't believe it and still cannot believe it, yet here we are with the first episode. It was truly everything I wanted in the opening episode and way WAY more. I love how much time they spend showing just how awful his work environment is, which works perfectly into the second half of the episode. Honestly the only complaint I have is just I want more episodes and soon enough that complaint will no longer exist. I'll update this review when the full anime comes out without any spoilers of course. But yeah, check this anime out and when you're done consider reading the manga. You will not regret it.

(Episodes 10-12 have been delayed indefinitely)

For now, let me ignore the frustrating production schedule for this anime. This is a review till episode 9.

The beauty of this anime lies in its simplicity. This is an apocalyptic slice-of-life. As ridiculous as it sounds, somehow it works because of how well the studio Bug Films has envisioned this story.

Zom 100 has one very simple theme - "You only live once". And the story always sticks to the single theme. The author has explored a very different perspective on a Zombie apocalypse. And that alone makes this anime very, very unique. The setup for the protagonist was just perfect for this particular story. Just see the 1st episode and you'll understand.

This is one of those stories that'll make you think about your own life. What's in your bucket list? What are the things you want to do? What's your childhood dream? Or what's your current dream?

The characters are nice and a very wholesome group of 4 forms towards the end of the season. Akira as the protagonist is very integral to the story. As far as his personality goes though, he's not as interesting. The character that actually stole the show was Shizuka. The way she was at the beginning of the anime and how she was slowly influenced by Akira was great to see.

I think they sort of set up a nice cliffhanger towards the end of episode 9 so that we keep waiting for the next 3 episodes to release later. But I do hope that they make a season 2 and take their sweet time instead of rushing into the production and delaying the episodes continuously.

But this is a very good anime and it's great to see the different way in which the author as well as the anime staff has envisioned this story.

Review for Episodes 10-12:

Well, I loved it. It was exactly the kind of finale I would've expected from Zom 100. I think this anime is one of a kind. It knows its message and cherishes it. It also presents itself with a lot of confidence and energy. Just go watch the opening on YouTube and you'll know what I mean. These are exactly the kind of shows that separate anime from other media. Normally, you wouldn't expect a zombie apocalypse story to have a weirdly wholesome, entertaining and somewhat light hearted vibe. But that's exactly what Zom 100 is. There obviously is some dark stuff here and there though. But this anime had a very specific feel to it and I was all for it. This is the way that the author wanted to convey his message. And I found it very creative. The message is very simple, but the way of conveying it is what made this anime what it is. And sometimes simple messages are all that is required for an anime.

The final episode was everything that I love about this series. It brought me to tears - bittersweet ones. It was directed beautifully and animated gorgeously.

I really hope we do get a season 2. I would love to see where this studio goes from here. It would be a shame if they don't continue this series, because so far I have been very impressed with this studio, and this story is worth continuing.

No exaggeration this anime is a complete disaster.

The premise could have worked: a guy finally feels free after a zombie apocalypse, goes off to complete a bucket list. Sounds cool, right? But the execution is some of the most pathetic I've seen in recent anime. It's not even mid it's below rock bottom.

The characters are paper-thin and unbearably annoying. Akira is just loud with no real growth. Every "quirky" moment feels forced and desperate. It's like the show is constantly screaming "LOOK AT ME I'M FUN" while having nothing remotely fun to offer. The writing is shallow, the pacing is all over the place, and the tone shifts so awkwardly it's like watching multiple bad shows stitched together.

The humor is unbearable. It doesn't land - at all. Not once. It's not edgy, clever, or even dumb-fun. It's just empty noise trying to fill space. It feels like they had no idea what they wanted this show to be, so they threw in colors, yelling, and weird edits to distract you from how hollow everything is.

Animation? Flashy, sure but it's wasted on absolutely nothing. It tries to hide the lack of substance with bright visuals and random chaos, but it falls apart the moment you realize there's no soul in it.

I don't care how hyped it was when it dropped. This anime is a complete failure from start to finish. I don't recommend it to anyone. Don't waste your time.

This animation is pure CINEMA. I was really surprised by this anime, which I had been waiting for a long time. The cinematography is amazing, and the animation and art are also superbly done. Every episode has an incredible direction. The first episode is amazing, thrilling, and enjoyable. It features one of the greatest opening episodes ever, I think I can state with confidence. This zombie comedy masterfully shows you how the end of the world impacts you and how individuals may steal your passions and aspirations by using the apocalypse. An incredibly fascinating masterwork that encourages you to break free from these influences in order to fully live your life. Memoriam mori!