Akira Tendo (Shuichiro Umeda) is tired of his mundane life as a salary worker. Dissatisfied with his job and rejected by his crush, he yearns for something more fulfilling. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers a zombie apocalypse unfolding before him. In Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Akira decides to seize this opportunity to live life on his own terms by creating a bucket list of things he wants to do before the zombies ruin everything.
The story begins with a man desperately running through a city in chaos, surrounded by abandoned cars and corpses. As a hungry zombie catches up to him, the camera focuses on the graffiti message “Memento mori” on a nearby wall, symbolizing the impending doom.
Akira has always felt aimless and discontented. He despises his job, his apartment is a mess, and the woman he admires, Saori Ohtori (Sora Amamiya), is having an affair with his boss. However, when the zombie outbreak occurs, Akira finds liberation from his monotonous life. With no need to work or conform to societal norms, he embarks on a mission to complete his bucket list before turning into a zombie.
The tasks on Akira’s list range from learning English to finding his ideal partner. While most people are terrified by the multiplying zombies, Akira sees this chaos as an opportunity to experience the life he’s always yearned for. His enthusiasm leads him into hilariously strange situations, providing a fresh and comedic take on the zombie genre.
Zom 100 stands out from other anime series with its unique premise. While it incorporates elements of zombie narratives like Sankarea and High School of the Dead, it offers a refreshing perspective by emphasizing the protagonist’s pursuit of a fulfilling life. This series is not solely about zombies; it blends horror with a slice-of-life approach, making it relatable for anyone who has endured a job they disliked or had unfulfilled dreams.
Though the zombie apocalypse may seem terrifying, Akira’s carefree attitude turns it into a joke a minute. Zom 100 explores the wish we all have to live life to the fullest and fulfill our aspirations. The presence of zombies adds an extra layer of excitement to an otherwise mundane existence.
In terms of sexual content, there are slight references to Akira’s boss’s affair, but it doesn’t dominate the story. As the episode ends, Akira reflects on how the zombie apocalypse has transformed his perspective on life. He decides to embrace every moment and starts by purchasing pen and paper for his bucket list.
Sora Amamiya shines as Akira’s love interest, portraying a character who is sweet yet enigmatic. Her performance adds depth and intrigue to the story.
While some lines may seem cliché, such as Akira declaring his freedom from work in the midst of a zombie chase, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is still an enjoyable and exciting series. It offers a fresh take on the zombie genre and creates anticipation for what lies ahead. Overall, it’s worth streaming and witnessing Akira’s journey to cross off everything on his bucket list.
(Don’t forget, Netflix is also releasing a live-action adaptation of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead in August 2023. Get ready for more thrilling adventures!)
Brittany Vincent has been covering video games and tech for over a decade for publications like G4, Popular Science, Playboy, Variety, IGN, GamesRadar, Polygon, Kotaku, Maxim, GameSpot, and more. When she’s not writing or gaming, she’s collecting retro consoles and tech. Follow her on Twitter: @MolotovCupcake.
