Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

If you're expecting Zom 100 to deliver a realistic zombie apocalypse akin to The Walking Dead or The Last of Us, you might be in for disappointment. Zom 100 isn't centered on the zombie apocalypse; it's more of a backdrop, a narrative device to enhance the story's impact. So, what's at the heart of Zom 100? For me, it's a celebration of the strength of human will and a love for life. In essence, it sends a powerful message that individuals never give up and always have dreams. The series encourages us to view human life as a fleeting moment in the vast universe, urging us to make it meaningful so that we have no regrets. In Zom 100, the zombies aren't the real enemy; a person can be a zombie even without an apocalypse. The first episode beautifully illustrates this concept, not just through its narrative and atmosphere but also through its brilliant use of colors. The series emphasizes the importance of enjoying life, employing the simplest means – contrast. The stark difference between gray and colorful, life and death, surrender and determination... The creators use these contrasts to instill in the viewer the idea that the main focus is to relish life. They are willing to exaggerate and bend the laws of physics, embracing anime's freedom, even throwing in absurdities like a zombie shark and it works – as long as you're not expecting logic and realism. For some, the protagonist jumping off a roof onto a group of zombies might seem far-fetched, but in the context of anime, it works beautifully. I do understand that what works in anime, where physics can be bent and effects heavily embellished, may look quite silly in a live-action film, but I don't feel the need to find out if I'm right. I thoroughly enjoyed the series; it boasts one of the best openings that resonates with a love for life, complementing the overarching theme. However, I'm a bit disappointed that the production faced challenges, leading to a three-month broadcasting hiatus. This hiatus significantly dampened the excitement I initially had for the show. When the last three episodes were released, instead of feeling an intense urge to watch them immediately, I found myself thinking, "Well, it waited this long; it can wait until tomorrow." While I appreciate that the studio BUG FILMS prioritizes the well-being of its employees, openly addressing the unacceptable practices of some other companies, to ensure all episodes are at 100% quality, not just at 30%, a three-month broadcasting gap still has its drawbacks. If I had binged the series all at once or even with a weekly break, I might be inclined to give it more than a strong 4 stars. On the other hand, it could also be seen as my fault; I can choose to watch series all at once when the final episode is released rather than continuously. Regardless, as a consumer, I believe I'm always right and shouldn't have to adapt, so 8.4/10. (26/12/2023)