Have you ever wanted to get something more out of life? If so, then you might be able to enjoy Zom 100 by Haro Aso, Kotaro Takata?!
Summary
Ever since Akira Tendou vaulted toward adulthood, he's had a rather ... rough time. Years of working in a black company office job have practically sucked up his time, energy, and motivation. He's left in such a wretched state that his first thought is getting back to the job even when the world falls apart in the zombie apocalypse.
When it finally clicks through that life as he knows it is practically over, Akira can't help but smile. Because in this world of the dead, he can live again. Now that he knows that tomorrow isn't guaranteed, Akira promptly lists 100 things he wants to do before becoming a zombie, a goal that will inadvertently send the young man across a ruined Japan with many friends.
Characters
Akira Tendou: Even when he was a young boy Akira was an energetic, nice, adventurous, and excitable scamp. After the zombie apocalypse, these traits have gotten ten times more apparent. The man is always rushing forth to try out new and dangerous things, both to live out his life and make due to past promises. While Akira can often get led astray if he gets too wrapped up in current affairs, he always manages to come through for his friends.
Kenichirou Ryuuzaki: Akira's old college buddy, Ryuuzaki, is often there to add to Akira's madness. Originally a real estate salesman Ryuuzaki now seeks to be a comedian who brings smiles to the masses. Though he will need better material, given that most of his jokes include stripping.
Shizuka Mikazuki: Growing up as a rich heir to an overseas company, Shizuka has favored doing the most "efficient thing" over what her heart truly desires. However, after meeting with Akira and Ryuuzaki, this mindset changes as she adopts a more fun personality. Her innately intelligent nature leaves her the group's form of common sense as she pursues her dream as a doctor.
Beatrix Amerhauser: A later addition to the group, Beatrix is a German college student obsessed with Japanese culture. So much so that she's practically a human samurai, serving as the group's best fighter. Despite being far from home, Beatrix makes the most of it by continuously exploring excitedly with her new friends.
Overview
We've covered post-apocalyptic/zombie stories in the past here (Shoot Around, TACIT, and Hive), but goddamn if Zom 100 isn't one of the most fun on the list. Zom 100, though, puts in its spin by focusing more on the survivors than the horror of the zombies. Nevertheless, the first couple of chapters does massive work to excite the sheer danger of the plague despite the unlikeness of any main character dying.
Aspects help to drastically ramp up the main theme of living life to the fullest. While Akira's list does start pretty trivially, once more characters get brought into the fold, it takes on a more symbolic meaning that holds together. It makes every fun activity Akira's gang takes feel impactful, whether it be them deciding to get black-out drunk or do an infamous triathlon.
Even though it has the smallest chapters in this cluster, Zom still has a buttload of content that takes up its episodic stories. From visiting Akira's hometown, fighting against an illegal elite system in Osaka, or legit exploring a new location, there's so much fun. I feel like this all goes without even mentioning the beautiful art.
While it's evident that Koutaro Takata is horny on principal, he still gives everyone a brightly vibrant look even when trapped behind simple black and white. It's been a while since a story has wholly enraptured me with sheer fun like this.
Epilogue
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, despite its relatively fresh idea, is going to get instantly more popular over time. With this shearing, a live-action adaptation like DeadbEAT's Meal, along with a new anime adaptation on the way, we will be eating well in this manga for at least a while.
And I'm going to be sure to enjoy the ride. This was exactly the type of story I needed to read right now. 2023 has lowkey been kicking my ass for a while now. I want to write so much, but life seems to be throwing constant curveballs. So whenever I get a reminder to slow down and take things in, things are easier. So this is why I'll say instead of going to where the spotlight will take us next, let's take a minute breath before it takes us somewhere next.