BITE INTO THE UNDEAD: Zom 100's Terrifying Journey with BUG FILMS
BUG FILMS, an emerging studio in the anime industry, is making waves with their latest creation, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead With a fresh face and innovative approach, BUG FILMS is captivating audiences with their exceptional work
The Summer 2023 anime season is highly anticipated due to the return of popular titles. However, there is one new anime that stands out: the adaptation of the manga Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead by Haro Aso and Kotaro Takata. The first episode of Zom 100 was visually captivating and took a unique approach to the zombie horror subgenre. What makes the series even more intriguing is the studio responsible for its animation.
BUG FILMS is a relatively new player in the world of anime studios, having been established in September 2021. Despite being their first ever anime production, Zom 100's debut episode was a tremendous success. Let's take a closer look at BUG FILMS, the studio behind this season's Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead.
Background
Works
BUG FILMS, a production company, was officially founded on September 22, 2021, by Hiroaki Kojima, an animation producer who previously worked on "Komi Can't Communicate" at OLM. It operates as a subsidiary of Twin Engine Inc. The primary goal of BUG FILMS is to create valuable works and push the boundaries of animation. Instead of following trends, the company aims to make room for new forms of expression. As of 2022, BUG FILMS has a team of 21 employees, including Satoshi Nakano (chief animation director of "Summer Time Rendering" and a lecturer at Tokyo Designer Gakuin), Kazuki Kawagoe (former OLM employee), and Hibiki Saito.
BUG FILMS, a Tokyo-based production company, has played a role in the creation of several popular anime series. Notably, they have been involved in the production of Komi Can't Communicate (2021) and Summer Time Rendering (2022). However, their current project, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, marks their first independent endeavor, as their previous works were developed in collaboration with OLM. Additionally, BUG FILMS has contributed to various anime projects in smaller capacities, including providing second key animation for titles like The Ancient Magus' Bride, Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury, Undead Murder Farce (currently airing), Pokémon Horizons: The Series, and Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible.
Zom 100
: Deeming Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead a successful project may be premature, considering it is BUG FILMS' first anime production and adaptation. However, the series has been astounding in its first two episodes. The initial episode, in particular, marks a significant milestone for the studio, as it expertly captures the essence of the original manga through impressive visuals and animation. This level of dedication to the production goes beyond mere surface-level aesthetics.
The skill of the BUG FILMS staff is evident in the vibrant visuals of the series. Based on what we've seen so far, it's clear that the studio is destined for great success. In Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, we follow Akira Tendo, a former wage slave, in a world devastated by a zombie apocalypse. Despite the chaos, Akira's previous experience of working in a toxic and exploitative company for three years has taught him to appreciate the freedom he now has. This inspires him to create a bucket list of all the things he wants to do before the inevitable end.
The original manga, written by Haro Aso and illustrated by Kotaro Takata, is currently being serialized in Shogakukan's Monthly Sunday Gene-X. Since its start in October 2018, 14 volumes have been released. The manga has been licensed for English release by VIZ Media, with the 11th volume set to be published in August. However, the series also provides simultaneous English chapters on the VIZ Media digital manga service. The anime series is directed by Kazuki Kawagoe, who previously directed both seasons of the Komi Can't Communicate anime. Hanako Ueda provides assistance, while Hiroshi Seko, the series composer of all seasons of Mob Psycho 100, handles the series composition. The music is composed by Makoto Miyazaki, and the character designs are done by Kii Tanaka, who is also the chief animation director for Kaguya-sama: Love is War.
Viewers can currently stream Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead on Crunchyroll, Hulu, and Netflix.
