If you would rather become a zombie than go to work another day, Zom 100 Bucket List of the Dead Episode 1 is the show for you. Let’s see how the journey from being a zombie among the masses to being the living among the zombies goes for our protagonist in this review!
Zom 100 Bucket List of the Dead Episode 1 Overview
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, also known as Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto in original Japanese or just Zom 100, is an action, comedy, horror, and supernatural anime airing as a part of the Summer 2023 anime season. The show is based on a manga series written by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata.
The anime is being produced by Studio BUG Films, who are working on a full-length anime for the first time. The show is being directed by Kazuki Kawagoe, a well-known director who has previously directed popular shows such as Komi Can’t Communicate and Beyblade. This episode is also known as Zom 100 Episode 1, and Zom 100 Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto Episode 1.
– Zom 100 Episode 1 Review does not contain spoilers –
Zom 100 Bucket List of the Dead Episode 1 Review- Memento Mori
When looking at the promotional content for this show, there was a heavy emphasis placed on just how miserable the protagonist’s life is right now, which didn’t quite connect. How bad could it really be that he appears to prefer to stay in a world that is full of death, chaos, and unrest? Is it possible to have a work-life so bad that one would prefer to have flesh-eating monsters around 24/7? The answer appears to be yes, a hundred per cent. You, me, or anyone else would also prefer to live this way if the alternative was Akira Tendo’s job.
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This was an exceptional pilot episode for a series which explained the show’s premise, established the main character and his motives, and was incredibly entertaining while doing all this. I can’t seem to think of one bad decision made in this episode by anyone who put their heart and soul into creating it. The writing, production, storyboarding, direction, and everything else that goes behind making an anime was perfect, and it legitimately could not have been done better than it was.
The display of Akira’s job and what it turned him into was realistic and revolting and painted a harrowing picture of the working conditions in Japan. It also made you immediately root for Akira’s character and his struggles. You were right alongside him when he tried to convince himself that this was okay, that his company needed him to work this much, or even when he thought of committing suicide for a split second to rid himself of this misery. His actions and behaviour could not be condoned, but they could be, and were, understood.
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The production in this was absolutely immaculate beyond what we generally think of when it is talked about. The frames were beautifully animated and well put together, sure, but there was so much more going on that needs to be looked at. The entire sequence when we first see the zombies and the way it was coloured in contrast to what came before it, alongside the aspect ratio of the show changing when Akira’s life quite literally changed in front of his eyes, made this stand out. I’m sure we will have more to discuss about the production in the coming weeks.
Overall, Zom 100 Bucket List of the Dead Episode 1 was pretty flawless. I can find nothing but positive things to say about it because it took me by surprise as to how good it really was. It maintained a grounded approach to what is sure to be a bombastic series, and the concept is unique, with a lot of legs and storytelling potential. We might be looking at the dark horse for the anime of the season if the quality continues to be this good.
Verdict
Zom 100 Bucket List of the Dead Episode 1 was as perfect as a pilot episode can be. The storytelling, character writing, production, and sheer quality of this episode were sky-high.
Click here to read the review of the next episode!