Review of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

So, I'll just get straight to the point here, Zom 100 is probably both one of the best yet uninspiring anime out there. From a critical standpoint, while the premise is quite unique and interesting, in my opinion, where it falls flat is simply the depth of the characters and the world, as well as the lack of a deeper message going forward apart from "just enjoy life" or whatever. It doesn't aim to create any lore for itself or make the characters more interesting and feel real either. Everything here just feels very stereotypical and idealised to the point where it just gets annoyingat times.

The plot just revolves around the theme of escapism, as the characters use the zombie apocalypse in order to find time to truly enjoy life, something they haven't been able to do due to overwork at their jobs, specifically in the case of Akira Tendou, the MC. Again, the plot is simple, but unique. As the story goes on, the characters in the show eventually learn about the harsh realities of life in a zombie apocalypse while trying to chase their dreams and finish everything they set out to do in their "100 things I want to do before I become a zombie" notebook.

In my opinion, the (ironically enough) part where the show really shines is in every second of enjoyability and just the impact of every moment, and I think this is enough to be able to recommend the the show. Because at the end of the day the show is meant to just be simple, chaotic fun and I really do like it for that. A lot of the moments in the show *do* feel cheesy but at the same time, it manages to contribute to the overall charm and lightheartedness that it aims to deliver, and it really becomes a guilty pleasure of sorts when watching. It really knows how to draw you into the characters' experiences, even if it lacks the depth or complexity seen in some other anime.

Something I think a lot of people really get wrong about this show is in the mindset that Zom 100 is a show that's trying to be deeper than what it is and something that's trying to push the boundaries of the genre like a ton of other anime this season, when it reality it's not. Like I said, at the end of the day, the show is just meant to be simple, chaotic fun and should be consumed as such, not as a deep commentary on life in a zombie apocalypse, Japan's toxic work culture, or the problems of depressing, anxiety, and social rejection. Because if it is taken more seriously than it should be, it really hides just how good this show truly is.

Lastly, I'd also like to give a shoutout to the great animation within the show, especially for a studio new to the industry like Bug Films, it's really amazing to see just how good the animation turned out, even if it resulted in numerous episode delays (which caused me to lower my rating considerably since I and probably a lot of other people lost interest after the last 4 episodes didn't air until Christmas). Kudos to them and all the people who helped in production.

TL:DR, great show with pretty good comedy, characters, and animation, but lacks depth and can be stereotypical at times. If you dislike comedy or lighthearted shows and/or are looking for something more in-depth and serious, or something like a horrific zombie horror show then this isn't the show for you.

Also, Shizuka best girl.