Undead Unluck episode 6 analysis: Confronting the zombie UMA

The sixth episode of Undead Unluck, titled "Spoil," was released on November 10, 2023. In this episode, Andy and Fuuko embarked on their first mission as members of The Union. Their objective was to locate and either capture or eliminate the UMA known as Spoil. To accomplish this, they traveled all the way from New York City to Longing, Nevada, in the United States.

This marked a strange shift in pace for Andy and Fuuko, who had spent the previous four episodes being pursued by The Union. As the opening suggested, they were now becoming a part of the organization. At Andy's request, they were accompanied by Shen, one of the first Negators they had encountered.

Undead Unluck episode 6 kicks off the Spoil Arc in the manga, encompassing chapters 11, 12, and the initial five pages of chapter 13. Our protagonists have a multitude of revelations and daunting tasks ahead of them, all while racing against the clock to meet the August 31 deadline, despite assurances from Juiz. Please be advised that spoilers lie ahead.

Undead Unluck episode 6: Spoil, the zombie UMA

Driving across Nevada

In Undead Unluck episode 6, the story unfolds in a different location than previously anticipated. Rather than New York City, we find ourselves in Nevada, where our protagonists, Andy, Fuuko, and Shen, embark on a journey to Longing, Nevada, hoping to discover the mythical UMA. Surprisingly, Andy chose a terrestrial vehicle over a helicopter for this expedition.

The episode starts with a recap of previous events. Andy suggests continuing to Las Vegas, but Fuuko and Shen convince him otherwise. They discuss the UMA and reach a shocking realization - they will have to confront Spoil and its zombie horde.

During their overnight stop, Fuuko, unable to sleep, asks Shen about her role in helping and why she is accompanying them. She believes that completing the Quest will provide Andy with a clue on how to permanently die with Unrepair. Shen explains that she wants to witness Andy's full potential, especially the steel embedded in his head.

UMA and Spoil, explained

Spoil's effect, and UMAs explained in in Undead Unluck episode 6 (Image via Our Website)

Preliminary findings indicate that on August 21, an decayed body resembling a zombie mysteriously appeared in the heart of New York City. To prevent widespread panic, the witnesses' memories were deliberately erased. This zombie, known as James Smith from Longing, Nevada, was positively identified.

However, the investigative team dispatched to Longing immediately fell victim to zombification. The town was isolated from the mainland, except for a stone bridge, and fortified by a substantial metal barrier to prevent zombie escape. Andy, after a fierce encounter with a multitude of zombies, becomes infected but miraculously retains his partial immortality, preventing complete zombification.

Shen then clarifies that UMAs differ from Negators in their behavior: while Negators nullify the rules, UMAs embody the rules themselves. UMAs typically have a broad impact, and the particular one in question had such a significant effect that it engulfed the entire town. Among the aftermath of Andy's destructive spree, there was a lone surviving zombie—a woman who had hoped to experience the joy of marriage. This desire resonated with Andy, who had experienced the effects of Spoil and eagerly rushed to wed her.

Time limits

In Undead Unluck episode 6 (Image via Our Website), the time limits play a crucial role.

The UMA's effect differs from the typical zombie plague encountered in other zombie-related media. It does not spread from one person to another. Instead, it operates on a specific time limit within Spoil's area of influence. Andy had a mere 904 seconds (or 15 minutes) at his disposal before Spoil's effect would take hold.

Fuuko and Shen encountered a child who was investigating the commotion, only to discover that he was a member of a small group wearing timers. In episode 6 of Undead Unluck, it is revealed that their timers are twice as long as Andy's, lasting for 9230 seconds (equivalent to 2 and a half hours).

Upon crossing the boundary between the infected and non-infected, Fuuko and Shen also gained timers of 1,000 seconds (approximately 17 minutes). It is assumed that the only way to deactivate these timers is by neutralizing Spoil. Given the difficulty Andy faced in battling Gena, it can be argued that fighting Spoil will be even more challenging.

The source of the zombie infestation

Spoil revealed in Undead Unluck episode 6 (Image via Our Website)

Upon successfully fulfilling the zombified woman's request to get married at an altar, Andy learns the origin of the infestation: a seemingly harmless angel statue positioned at the rear of the church. Initially, Andy's mission was to apprehend this UMA (Unidentified Mysterious Animal), but he ultimately decides to eliminate it.

Employing the Crimson Cross technique, Andy slashes the statue, causing it to spew blood. As a result, Spoil, a colossal bipedal monster with purple skin, enormous teeth, and a white covering resembling stone or bone, unveils itself. The angel statue seems to function as either an armored headpiece or part of its head.

After striking the UMA twice using the church bell, Andy calls out, instructing those who are still retaining their own consciousness despite being zombiefied and seeking revenge, to just trace the sound of the bell. The whole town promptly responds to this call, with the horde of zombies drawing nearer, while Andy readies himself to engage in a fatal battle with Spoil.

Final thoughts

Undead Unluck episode 6 brings a refreshing shift in the storyline, offering a much-needed respite from the previous chaotic episodes. The viewers are reintroduced to Fuuko and Andy as they embark on their journey with The Union. However, their path is immediately obstructed by a formidable challenge that refuses to be easily overcome.

The animation for this episode is once again incredibly smooth and dynamic, showcasing David Production's exceptional talent. It is refreshing to see a unique take on the zombie theme, as many other anime tend to approach it in a more conventional manner. We will have to wait for the next episode to find out if Andy will fully unleash his powers against Spoil, as this is the first UMA he has encountered. Another intriguing question revolves around Fuuka and Shen, as their roles in the upcoming battle remain uncertain due to their current location underground with the group of children. It is safe to assume that the upcoming events will be just as wild and unpredictable as the rest of the series. Undead Unluck fans will definitely want to tune in next time to witness the outcome of the fight against Spoil.

Editor's P/S

In Undead Unluck episode 6, we witness Andy and Fuuko embarking on their first mission as members of The Union. Their objective is to locate and neutralize the UMA known as Spoil. This marks a significant shift in pace for the duo, who were previously being pursued by The Union. Accompanied by Shen, one of the first Negators they encountered, they travel to Longing, Nevada, in search of the UMA.

The episode begins with a recap of previous events, followed by a discussion between Andy, Fuuko, and Shen about the UMA they are facing. They realize that they will have to confront Spoil and its zombie horde. During an overnight stop, Fuuko asks Shen about her role in helping and why she is accompanying them. Shen explains that she wants to witness Andy's full potential, particularly the steel embedded in his head.