Thrilling Adventures Await: Unleashing the Undead in Zom 100 -Bucket List of The Dead-!

In 2020, Netflix aired the survival thriller series Alice in Borderland, which received positive reviews from both critics and audiences. What many may not realize is that this Japanese series is actually based on a manga of the same name by Haro Aso.

Now, Haro Aso's latest work is receiving an anime adaptation set to be released in the Summer 2023 anime season. Titled Zom 100: Bucket List of The Dead, this new series shares similarities with Alice in Borderland in terms of horror, thriller, and survival elements. However, unlike its predecessor, this story has a foundation of humor and adventure. With that said, here's all you need to know about this upcoming summer anime.

The Story

The story of Zom 100: Bucket list of The Dead centers around Akira Tendo, a young man who has spent years trapped in a soul-sucking job at a heartless company. He feels bored, depressed, and miserable. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when a global zombie outbreak occurs. This event changes everything for Akira – he no longer has to go to work and is finally liberated to live life on his own terms.

Instead of wasting away in his apartment, Akira decides to create a bucket list of all the experiences he desires before succumbing to zombification. Some items on his list are actionable, like "Enjoy an all-night drinking spree with friends" or "Embark on a journey across Japan." Others are more abstract, such as "Find the love of my life" or "Take a gamble on a get-rich-quick scheme." With a substantial number of entries added to his list, Akira is ready to venture outside and embrace the greatest chapter of his existence.

The Characters

We have discussed Akira, who is one of the rare individuals who find joy and gratitude in the midst of a zombie outbreak. However, he is not the only unique character in Zom 100. Another notable character is his best friend, Kenichiro Ryuuzaki, a former salesman and womanizer who aspires to become a comedian and enjoys sharing cringe-worthy jokes. Akira used to envy Ryuuzaki for his seemingly perfect life, but it turns out that Ryuuzaki is the one who admires Akira's straightforwardness and strong work ethic.

Apart from these two inseparable friends, there is also Shizuka Mikazuki, a young woman who possesses both a highly analytical mind and an unwavering obsession with fitness. These three individuals embark on a long journey together until they encounter Beatrix Amerhauser, a young German woman who holds an intense fascination with Japanese culture and dreams of becoming a skilled samurai.

The Staff

Zom 100 is brought to you by Bug Films, a relatively new animation studio. Bug Films has previously contributed to popular anime such as Ancient Magus Bride and Kubo Won't Let Me Be Invisible. However, Zom 100: Bucket List of The Dead marks their first full animation project.

The director of Zom 100 is Kazuki Kawagoe, who also directed both seasons of Komi Can't Communicate. Makoto Miyazaki is in charge of the music. Miyazaki has an impressive track record as a theme song composer or arranger for renowned anime such as Mobile Suit Iron Blooded Orphan and One-Punch Man. The series will feature the opening song "Song of The Dead" by KANA-BOON and the closing song "Happiness of The Dead" by Shiyui.

Another important member of the cast is the voice actors. Shuichiro Umeda, known for his role as Izumi in Shikimori’s Not Just A Cutie, will lend his voice to Akira Tendo, the main protagonist. Makoto Furukawa, who portrayed Shadiq Zanelli in Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury, will provide the voice for Kenichiro Ryuuzaki. Tomori Kusunoki, recognized for her role as Makima in Chainsaw Man, will be voicing Shizuka Mikazuki. Lastly, Minami Takahashi, known for her portrayal of Megumi Tadokoro in Shokugeki no Soma, will be the voice of Beatrix Amerhauser.

Release Date

Zom 100: Bucket List of The Dead is set to release in Japan on July 9th, 2023. The international audience can also look forward to watching this new series on Hulu and Netflix as part of their Summer 2023 anime lineup. It will be available on both streaming platforms simultaneously with its release in Japan.

Additionally, Netflix recently announced during their Geeked Week live stream on June 7, 2022, that there will be a live action adaptation of Zom 100. The film is scheduled to premiere on August 3, 2023, adding another exciting adaptation to the franchise. Don't miss out on this one as well.