Mastering the Path to Voice Acting Success: Zeno Robinson's Incredible Journey to Making Dreams Reality

Summary

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a hit anime due to its mix of horror and comedy, and its likable main character, Akira Tendou, voiced by Zeno Robinson.

Inspired by English voice actors such as Johnny Yong Bosch and Christopher Sabat, Zeno Robinson, an anime enthusiast himself, pursued a career as a voice actor. He strongly emphasizes the significance of dedicated study and practice in order to excel in this field, and encourages aspiring voice actors to observe and learn from the experiences of established professionals in the industry.

The Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead anime has gained widespread popularity for its effective blend of horror and comedy and its endearing protagonist, Akira Tendou, voiced by Zeno Robinson. Set in a zombie apocalypse, the series follows Akira as he embraces the opportunity to live life to the fullest after quitting his soul-crushing job. With comedic moments, heartfelt scenes, and intense zombie action, Zeno Robinson's portrayal of Akira adds depth and charm to the anime.

Growing up as a devoted anime fan, Zeno Robinson was inspired by renowned English voice actors such as Jonny Yong Bosch, known for his role as Ichigo in Bleach, and Christopher Sabot, famous for voicing Vegeta and Piccolo in the Dragon Ball series. Motivated by these talented individuals, Zeno pursued his dream of becoming a voice actor. Since landing his breakthrough role on Big City Greens, Zeno has had the privilege of working with many of his idols and now takes on the role of Akira in Zom 100.

Zom 100 is currently streaming new episodes every week on both Netflix and Crunchyroll. Join Akira on his journey as he fulfills his bucket list, aids those in distress, and remains the most joyful individual in a world plagued by the undead. Zeno, a member of Screen Rant, engaged in a discussion about the anime. He shared cherished voice acting moments from his career and, of course, delved into the topic of zombies.

Zeno Robinson, An Anime Fan Who Made His Dreams Come True, Talks Zom 100

Zeno Robinson explains that when he is cast as a new character, his initial step is to research the show and gain an understanding of the character's personality and behavior. He delves into the character's background and explores factors such as their origin and experiences, seeking to comprehend why they have become the individuals they are.

I watch any available media, such as manga and anime. Before recording, I make sure to watch the specific anime and practice my initial idea of how I want the character to sound based on their design and original voices. For example, I did this with Akira. However, the voice we hear in the show is different from the one I auditioned with. Through research, my perception of how Akira should sound changed. We recorded the first trailer and worked with the director, producers, and Viz to refine the voice. Together, we developed the English voice for Akira.

Speaking of Akira from Zom 100, he is striving to accomplish his bucket list amidst a zombie apocalypse. What are a few things on your own bucket list?

Zeno Robinson: Japan is definitely a destination I aspire to visit in the future, as it aligns with my passion for travel. Throughout my life, I have always had a deep interest in both music and acting. However, due to the need to choose between the two, I ultimately decided to pursue music. Nevertheless, my desire to learn to play the piano has remained strong. With a natural inclination towards creativity, I have also delved into painting and currently, I am enthusiastically working on my own manga. The dream of releasing my own manga independently is something that truly drives me. Additionally, I have always harbored a desire to create a video game and have a plethora of creative endeavors on my personal bucket list.

For those individuals who have "become a voice actor" as a goal on their own bucket list, what advice can you offer to someone aiming to pursue this path in 2023?

Zeno Robinson suggests that one should always remember their love for their craft. He emphasizes that the journey will be challenging and filled with obstacles, but the key to not giving up is holding onto that passion and never abandoning the dream. The process involves consistent and dedicated study, practice, and observation. If formal classes are not accessible, one should watch and learn from accomplished voice actors like Bryce Papenbrook, Gerry Rosenthal, AJ Beckles, Anairis Quiñones, and Johnny Yong Bosch. By studying their performances and understanding how they tap into their emotions, one can develop their own abilities. Zeno emphasizes the importance of feeling and connecting with the material, as it will resonate with the audience. Ultimately, remaining committed, constantly improving skills, and striving to become the best artist possible will eventually lead to opportunities in the industry.

One Of Zeno's Favorite Performances Is From Attack On Titan Season 3

Speaking of other amazingly talented voice actors, what are some VO performances that you've heard during your youth that inspired you to become a voice actor?

Zeno Robinson: The Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood dub had a huge impact on me. It made me realize that I wanted to pursue voice acting. The emotions it evoked in me, the suspenseful moments that left me wanting more at the end of each episode, inspired me to make others feel the same way. Another standout performance for me was Jay Michael Tatum's speech in Attack on Titan. It still gives me chills every time I hear it. He is incredibly talented.

Working on Code Geass with Yuri Lowenthal was a great honor for me. It was my first-ever voiceover job, and even before that, I was already aware of his reputation and talent.

I also have a strong enthusiasm for playing video games. In Kingdom Hearts 1 & 2, Haley Joel Osment portrayed the character of Sora. It was intriguing to witness his transition from the age of 14 in the first installment to 19 in the second, and his voice became remarkably cool. Dot Hack was another noteworthy game series, particularly Dot Hack Gu, which featured the talented duo of Johnny Yong Bosch and Yuri Lowenthal once again. I can easily go on for hours discussing the various actors and actresses who have influenced me throughout my childhood. For example, hearing Goku's iconic transformation into Super Saiyan for the first time, as well as witnessing Gohan's incredible Super Saiyan 2 power during the Cell saga. Tales of Symphonia, on the other hand, introduced me to the outstanding performance of Scott Menville as Lloyd Irving. The list goes on and on, with Johnny Yong Bosch shining in Bleach as well. I was an avid viewer of Bleach and will always remember the powerful moment when Ichigo found his determination and unleashed his Bankai for the first time. Johnny Yong Bosch's intense delivery of the word "Bankai" was truly memorable. I apologize if I have taken up a significant amount of time discussing these inspirations, but I could easily continue listing other captivating performances that currently inspire me. One such performance is Miley Flanagan's portrayal of Naruto, which is truly remarkable.

Justin Briner's portrayal of Deku in My Hero Academia stands out among more recent years. Before venturing into the world of anime acting, I had been an avid viewer of the very individuals who have now become my esteemed colleagues. Have you had the pleasure of listening to Sean Chiplock's outstanding performance as Subaru in Re: Zero? It is nothing short of mind-blowing. While the representation of black voice actors was not as prominent during that period, I must express my profound admiration for this medium that I grew up with. Witnessing the remarkable talents and extraordinary accomplishments of these individuals has truly been the driving force behind who I am today.

Zeno Was Ready To Destroy His Voice For Dragon Ball

Johnny Yong Bosch reprised his role as Ichigo in Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War, and his outstanding performance has been a major source of inspiration for many English voice actors. I believe that one day, your work as Gamma 2 in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero will have the same impact. The powerful moment you had in that movie always brings tears to my eyes, just like Briner's Deku anime screams.

Zeno Robinson: That scene was absolutely insane. We did one scream under the direction of [Christopher] Sabot, who now helms a lot of the Dragon Ball projects. After I did the scream, he asked if I was okay. I told him I wanted to do it again. He was concerned about protecting my voice, but I insisted that this was Dragon Ball. If there was anything worth risking my voice for, it was this moment. I've watched Dragon Ball screams my entire life, and this was my chance to give it my all. I was determined to go beyond my limits. So, we did it one more time. I believe that's the version that made it into the movie.

Many people inquire about my preparation for that particular event. I participated in a panel discussion alongside an individual whose name eludes me at the moment. We both concluded that our dedication to continuous learning has been an ongoing journey throughout our lives. The resonating screams of anime have been a constant presence in my existence. Therefore, everything I had poured into that climactic moment in Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero was a culmination of my lifelong devotion.

In the series Zom 100, Akira endures the most dreadful work experience of his life. I'm curious, what is the most unpleasant job you have ever encountered?

Zeno Robinson: I have been fortunate enough to not have had many jobs in my life. However, I vividly remember the time I worked in retail for about a year after dropping out of school. The reason for dropping out was because I only had one credit left to obtain my degree, which seemed unnecessary to me. As I started my retail job, I had a positive outlook, much like in the movie Akira. I thought to myself, "People complain about retail, but it's not that bad." But as time went on, by the third weekend, I realized I couldn't handle it anymore. I felt trapped, not knowing what I would do if I stayed there for longer than a year. I made a promise to myself that I had to make progress in my career within that year, or else I would go insane. Just before reaching the year mark, I got the opportunity to join Big City Greens, and I promptly quit my retail job. That experience was truly miserable for me.

Can you recall any particular scenes that you have helped bring to life and have left a lasting impact on you?

Zeno Robinson: The episode in My Hero Academia Season 6 that stands out to me the most is the Hawks backstory episode. It has left a lasting impact on me because I had the opportunity to portray Hawks's voice in three different versions. I had his regular voice, then his damaged voice, and it was exciting to bring forth that reveal. Additionally, Hawks's confrontation with Twice was a significant moment.

In The Owl House, I portrayed a character named Hunter who goes through a lot of challenges throughout the series. There is one particular scene where he breaks down crying, and that scene resonates with me deeply because it pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I genuinely enjoyed the opportunity to perform in that emotional scene. Similarly, in Re: Zero, I play the character Garfiel, who has one of the most intense and emotional anime scenes I have ever done up to that point. This scene showcased his anger and emotions, and I poured a great deal of emotion into it. The depth and complexity of the show itself also make it memorable for me.

I'm currently involved in Persona 3 Reload, where I portray the character Junpei. Those familiar with the game are aware of his captivating story arc, and there's a particular scene that will forever resonate with me. I underwent a unique journey alongside Junpei, sharing the same emotions in that very moment. This experience will always stay with me, and it even evokes some strong emotions when I reflect upon it.

Another noteworthy mention goes to the flaming ink scene featuring Ogun in Fire Force. I absolutely adore that particular scene. Being a black anime enthusiast and having the opportunity to portray a character of the same background in a remarkable show like Fire Force, it was a truly special moment. Ogun's flaming ink scene ranks as one of the top three highlights of my career.

What are your favorite zombie movies and shows? Personally, I used to be a huge fan of zombies when they were really popular. I would often spend my evenings playing Left 4 Dead 2 with my friends, bringing my Xbox over to their house. That was my go-to experience.

The Last of Us has always been one of my favorite video games, even before the show premiered. Being a part of The Last of Us 3 or any future installment would be a dream come true for me. I admire the game's unique take on the zombie apocalypse and the profound impact it has on its world. Both the games and the show have captivated me with their brilliance.

I used to be a dedicated viewer of The Walking Dead. However, like many fans, I had my limits and stated that if certain characters were killed off, I would stop watching. Unfortunately, my limit was surpassed, but my love for the show remained. I also enjoyed the Telltale Walking Dead series and had aspirations of being a part of it. Despite auditioning, I never got the opportunity, but I hold a special place in my heart for Clementine, one of my favorite characters in The Walking Dead. So, in summary, I have a deep affection for that show.

Fear not, for Telltale Games has returned with a renewed vigor for game development.

Zeno Robinson: Absolutely! They are working on The Expanse, which has me thrilled. And I couldn't be happier about the resurgence of The Wolf Among Us. Their return brings me immense joy and anticipation for whatever exciting projects they have in store. Their rendition of The Walking Dead was truly exceptional, as it was one of the rare forms of media that was able to evoke tears from me. It takes a remarkable piece of work to elicit such emotions, even from a seasoned actor like myself. But The Walking Dead managed to achieve that.

If there was a zombie apocalypse, how would your actions differ from those of Akira, your Zom 100 character?

Zeno Robinson: Well, I would actually emulate a lot of what Akira does. However, I think I would approach it with a bit more seriousness. [laughs] I would genuinely fear for my life and not view it as an opportunity for self-improvement. Instead, I would gather everyone and ask them to hand me a crowbar. I'd lock myself inside my house with my video games and only venture out when absolutely necessary. I wouldn't see it as a chance to fulfill all my unaccomplished desires. It would be more of a life-or-death situation in my perspective. Would it be like The Last of Us? So, that's one aspect where I would differ. I would take things with a greater sense of urgency. Nevertheless, I greatly admire Akira for his ability to transform the situation and his courage is truly commendable.

About Zom 100: Bucket List Of the Dead

In a cluttered apartment filled with trash, Akira Tendou, a 24-year-old, gazes at a zombie movie with eyes devoid of life and filled with envy. Having endured three exhausting years at a exploitative company in Japan, his spirit has been shattered. He lacks the courage to confess his feelings to Ootori, his beautiful co-worker. However, one morning, he stumbles upon his landlord devouring another tenant during lunch. The entire city is overrun with zombies, and although Akira is fleeing for his life, he has never felt more alive.

Also, make sure to check out our previous interview with Zeno Robinson for Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead streams new episodes weekly on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

Sources: Screen Rant Plus