As an expert in the medium, it is a pleasure to dissect one of the most refreshing takes on the saturated zombie genre. "Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead" (Japanese title: *Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto*), written by the brilliant Haro Aso (creator of *Alice in Borderland*) and illustrated with vibrant energy by Kotaro Takata, is much more than a survival horror story. It is a satirical, colorful, and deeply human exploration of what it means to truly live.
The Premise: From Corporate Slave to Apocalypse Survivor
The story follows Akira Tendo, a 24-year-old man who entered the workforce with high hopes, only to have his spirit crushed by a "black company"—a term used in Japan to describe exploitative workplaces with grueling hours and toxic environments. For three years, Akira has lived in a literal monochrome world, exhausted to the point of contemplating suicide just to avoid going to the office.
Everything changes one morning when he wakes up to find his apartment building overrun by zombies. While most people would react with terror, Akira has a different epiphany. As he watches a neighbor being devoured, his first thought isn't "I’m going to die," but rather: "I don't have to go to work anymore!"
This moment of dark comedy sets the tone for the entire series. The world literally regains its color in Akira’s eyes. Realizing that his time is likely limited before he inevitably joins the ranks of the undead, he decides to stop running and start living. He creates a "Bucket List of the Dead"—a notebook containing 100 things he wants to do before becoming a zombie.
Demographics and Genre
While its high-octane action and comedic beats might make it feel like a *Shonen* (young boy) series, *Zom 100* is firmly categorized as Seinen (young adult men). It is serialized in *Monthly Sunday Gene-X*.
The Seinen classification is crucial because the manga deals with mature themes that resonate specifically with adults: the soul-crushing reality of the 9-to-5 grind, the loss of identity in a capitalist society, and the existential dread of wasted youth. It balances gore and horror with "Slice of Life" and "Adventure" elements, creating a unique tonal cocktail that appeals to a demographic that understands the horror of a spreadsheet more than the horror of a monster.
The Journey and the Crew
As Akira sets out to complete his list—which ranges from simple pleasures like "cleaning my room" and "drinking beer all day" to grander goals like "going on a cross-country trip in an RV"—he encounters other survivors who challenge and complement his worldview.
He is joined by Kencho, his former college best friend who carries his own regrets about his career choices, and Shizuka, a pragmatic and highly prepared survivor who initially views Akira’s hedonistic approach as a death wish. Later, they are joined by Beatrix, a German otaku whose love for Japanese culture adds a layer of whimsical wonder to their grim surroundings. Together, they navigate a Japan reclaimed by nature and the undead, turning the apocalypse into the ultimate "gap year."
Main Themes: Carpe Diem in the Face of Decay
The core theme of *Zom 100* is Carpe Diem (Seize the Day). The manga posits a radical idea: the pre-apocalyptic world was the "real" zombie outbreak. People were already walking dead, moving through life without passion or agency. The arrival of actual zombies is merely the catalyst that forces the characters to reclaim their humanity.
Another major theme is The Critique of Modern Work Culture. Haro Aso uses the zombies as a metaphor for the mindless consumption and the "death of the self" inherent in corporate exploitation. Akira’s refusal to be afraid is his ultimate rebellion against a system that taught him his only value was his productivity.
Finally, the series explores Optimism as a Survival Strategy. While Shizuka represents the "survival" aspect (calculating risks, hoarding supplies), Akira represents the "living" aspect. The manga argues that surviving is pointless if you have nothing to live for.
Conclusion
*Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead* is a visual and narrative feast. Kotaro Takata’s art is exceptional, using "neon gore" and expressive character designs to contrast the bleakness of the setting with the joy of the protagonists. For any
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