Thank you to NetGalley and VIZ Media for the ARC of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead by Haro Aso. I have not really read Manga before, so this was kind of a new experience for me as a reader. The main story revolves around Akira, a young business man who is already jaded with the large corporation he works for and laments going to his job each day. One lucky (or unlucky) day, he realizes that he no longer has to go into work because of the zombie apocalypse. His first thing he must do? Create a bucket list and drink more beer!

Overall, I thought the story was smart because of the juxtaposition between being a "work zombie" and being a "real zombie." Sometimes, there is little difference. However, I will not be purchasing it for my library, because of the excessive female nudity.

Unfortunately the download wasn't complete, but the art was great and from what I could follow of the store I'd definitely be able to sell at the store.
Our store sells a lot of manga.

This book felt a little underdeveloped. I realize that this is Vol.. 1 with more story to come, but it was not clear on a straight reading IMHO that this list of things that he wanted to do was the actual goal of the main character. He was a bit girl obsessed (that's a common Japanese manga trope, correct?) and "living it up" among the undead. It's certainly a different take on the life of the living surrounded by the walking dead. But it almost is too silly because Akira here far too dismissive of the threat to him from these zombies--so focused on his bucket list. A nice moment between him and his "buddy" does develop at the end of this volume, but again it's not entirely clear that Akira's endgame is really the bucket list.

Again, as an Educator, I would hesitate to be able to recommend this book to my peers and teachers at my school. However, if you want a fun read that does not take the zombie trope too seriously, this is not a bad title to pick up. Hopefully, the subsequent volumes are readily available to tie up some of the loose ends for the reader.

A 24 year old office worker finds a new lust for life after the zombie apocalypse destroys normal life as we know it but frees him from his soul-crushing job in this comedic survival horror manga.

The concept was an intriguing one and the not-so-subtle criticism of the brutal Japanese work culture provides a good starting point, but ultimately the story fell a bit short for me. Although I sympathized with main character Akira's plight and was willing to suspend my disbelief that he could react so cheerfully to all the death and mayhem around him (this is supposed to be humorous after all) I couldn't help but spend most of the book skeptical that he could completely avoid all danger while everyone else around him was being slaughtered. The humor wasn't really present except for the juxtaposition of Akira's jaunty attitude and the zombie chaos, and the lustful male gaze toward the female characters-while not unexpected-turned me off as well. The art is well-drawn, but nothing different or unique compared to other manga out there.

Overall, while the initial premise drew me in the story and characters did little to hold my interest and make me invested in reading another story about zombies when they are already so omnipresent in media these days. I highly doubt I'll pick up the next volume of the series.

Entertaining because of how ridiculous the situation is. The main character's reaction makes no sense, which is exactly why it's so funny! There are some hints that the story will take a more serious turn in future volumes. But for now, a light and fun read.

I was looking for a MG or YA manga for Maverick's committee and although this graphic novel was entertaining, it's definitely Adult for YA so I'm on the fence about recommending it for the list because I've never nominated a title in that age category before since I work with middle school students. I thought the concept wasn't as original as some mangas I've seen, but it was still an interesting read that was easy to read, which is hard to find in manga for me sometimes. Adults who like manga would enjoy this.

Well, that is a lot of fan service (so fair warning), but otherwise I found this amusing. Nothing particularly wowed me about it, but it was entertaining and good for a laugh. I think I would even read book 2.

I don't typically read manga. I always get confused which way to read since I don't read it very often. I really enjoyed this and would happily read more of the series. I would have preferred it in color, although with a zombie story I understand why I wouldn't get that. But when the main character talked about seeing the world in color now I slightly expected it to change.

Akira has been slaving away at a thankless company for the last few years. Working long hours with no overtime and no compensation. When he wakes up and zombies have taken over the world he decides to quit his job and do everything he's always wanted to do.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is a new comedy horror series with story by Haro Aso (Alice in Borderland) and art by Kotaro Takata (Hallelujah Overdrive!, I Am Sherlock). There is no shortage of zombie apocalypse material in the world today, and as a result, a lot of these narratives can feel much the same. But I’m happy to report that Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead stands out from the rest.

Throughout the years, many zombie films have surprised me with their fresh perspectives, such as Train to Busan, Zombieland, Overlord, Warm Bodies, and 28 Days Later. And in manga, I Am Hero, School-Live!, and Highschool of the Dead are a few that have made a lasting impression. After reading its first volume, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is one that I’ll most likely be adding to the list.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is another series that, like those mentioned above, distinguishes itself from the rest with its fresh take on the zombie apocalypse. Not necessarily in terms of the zombies themselves, which look and act like your typical zombie so far, but in the way that the main character responds to and reacts to his new reality. Where most stories show its main character trying to survive at all costs and living in fear of the zombies, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead flips the script and gives you a MC that isn’t concerned as much about surviving but living life to its fullest instead.

The story follows Akira, a 24-year-old office worker who’s become a zombie in his own right thanks to his job. With little rest and no time off, he dreads heading into the office each day. He wants to quit, but he just can’t find it in himself to resign. But one day, he finally finds a way out thanks to the zombies that now roam the streets. When he wakes up in this new world, Akira is full of joy, because he’s free to do what he wants and he finally gets a day off work.

In many ways, Akira reminds me of characters like Luffy from One Piece, because they both lack the apprehension and fear that commonly hold people back. They jump in headfirst no matter what stands in their way. They almost have this blind confidence about them that makes them fun to follow. People are drawn to them because they are mesmerized by their charisma and their ability to look adversity directly in the face, and in turn, we are mesmerized by them as well.

Opposite of Akira is Shizuka Mikazuki, who has differing views on how to live life in a zombie apocalypse. She avoids risks, while Akira thinks life is too short to avoid taking them. While he’s building his list of “100 things to do before becoming a zombie”, she’s building her list of “100 things to do to avoid becoming a zombie”. These two have very polarizing personalities and views on life and this only adds more interest to the story. In the first volume, they had brief interactions together, but I’m interested in seeing how these two connect in the future.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead has a great set of characters, but it also has an interesting premise. While the world is going to hell, the main character of the story is getting his act together and trying to make up for lost time. This perspective is really interesting to me and it’s an angle that’s rarely, if ever, explored. The series also features the perfect balance between comedy and horror; It never leans too far into one genre over the other. While I love a good gorefest, there has to be more to the story, and Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead has that and so much more.

Another thing that’s interesting about this series is its character designs, which look like they are out of a shonen, but it’s also very much a seinen in terms of its art style as well. It has a unique look that is unlike anything I’ve seen before and this is something I look for in a new manga series. The panels also contain quite a bit of detail. I really enjoyed the art in the series, and apart from its characters, felt this was one of the areas at which it excelled most.

As it currently stands, the story is lacking a serious note that gives it some weight, but this is something that I feel is coming in the volumes to come. Not everything can be fun and games in a zombie apocalypse, and perhaps it will just take some time before Akira realizes what this all truly means for his future let alone the fate of humanity. I love the hilarity and absurdity of some of the scenes in this series, and while they can be unrealistic at times, they are all in good fun and make for an enjoyable read.

The entertainment factor Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead has alone makes it worth checking out. It’s one that doesn’t follow the horde in terms of its premise and identity and this gives it a lot of potential. So far, it’s off to a good start and I can’t wait to see how its characters and story develop in the chapters to come.

Thank you to Netgalley, Viz, Haro Aso, and Kotaro Takata for a copy of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, Volume 1 in exchange for an honest review!

Review Link: https://animecollective.com/zom-100-manga-review/

A humorous story filled with a relatable character that has the best outlook on a crazy situation. I loved the artwork that made up his world and the different characters that played crucial parts in his life.

I loved the premise of this manga. It is rare to see a story told of a zombie apocalypse with such hilarity and optimism- a man working for a dark corporation, Akira Tendo, sees the zombie apocalypse as his opportunity to complete his bucket list. He encounters a beautiful woman in a grocery store while attempting a "beer run" and saves his best friend in this first volume. The story was definitely entertaining and unique and it absolutely made me want to continue reading. In fact, I'm looking forward to purchasing this when it is released in paperback and the volumes that proceed it. I'm so very glad I requested and read this without taking into account all of the skewed reviews as it truly is an entertaining and unique manga!

3.5 stars
This is an incredibly silly take on the zombie apocalypse sub-genre. The main character is an average person who works (or rather is overworked) at an unfulfilling, questionably useful job. After years of burnout are alleviated by a horrible viral outbreak, he is single-minded in his pursuit of a relaxing day off, going so far as to make a beer run and find his best friend in the middle of the apocalypse. It's a pretty fun first volume.

Recommend for anyone interested in escapist zombie nonsense, just as long as you don't mind a weirdly high amount of topless zombie women.

FTC disclosure: I received this book from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Japanese salaryman Akira is stuck in the reality of being a slave to the grind - working long hours, not getting enough sleep, repeatedly shouted at by his boss and told if he doesn't like it there are plenty others who will take his place. As a result, when he is leaving his apartment block one morning and comes across his landlord eating another tenant and he quickly realises the zombie apocalypse has arrived, he is the world's happiest man as it means he doesn't have to go to work.
Akira creates a bucket list of things he wants to do with all his spare time, and is not prepared to let a zombie apocalypse stand in his way. In this first volume of the story, he manages to cross a few things off the list - including asking out the girl of his dreams and having beers and laughs with his best friend. Needless to say, neither of these occurrences are how you would normally imagine them, but both situations bring equal amounts of laughs, fear and gore.
This is a fun ride, as Akira navigates life in a dramatically altered Tokyo. The cartoons adhere well to the manga standards - for instance all the women look like extraordinarily pneumatic schoolgirls - and there were a few moments of eye-rolling sexism, but they don't detract too much from the main narrative which is undeniably entertaining. The idea that living in a zombie apocalypse is preferable to having to go to work is a great premise for a story and prompts a lot of reassessment of the reader's work/life balance... So much fun - I look forward to Vol. 2.

Akira Tendo watches zombie movies to escape his life. He works at a job he hates and doesn't have the courage to tell the girl he likes his feelings. His spirit is broken and he dreams of change. He gets his wish when the zombie apocalypse happens.

I am not usually a fan of zombie stories. It is my least favorite type of monster story, but this one was everything that I love in a horror. Akira Tendo has given up. He really just wants something exciting to happen. I love that in the beginning he is sitting at home and even looks like a zombie. Just existing in his day to day. It is very witty.

Because the end can come at any time, he creates a list of things he wants to accomplish before a zombie kills him. It is a lot of fun and the story is basically broken up by each item on his list. I am super excited for my copy to be able to pick up and will continue the series.

I didn’t pay much attention to the description, only knowing it was about a zombie apocalypse, but this is a lot more deeper than I gave it credit for. When it comes to zombies stories they are usually grim and depressing, so for a guy to find his freedom in the end of the world was refreshing.

Stuck in a job he hates, feeling run down and overworked, our hero comes close to wanting to end it all before the world is overtaken by zombies, and he sees it as the chance to finally do the things he always wanted to do. He writes a bucket list, and defies the odds to live his life to the fullest.

Is this a little ridiculous? Of course it is, but it adds to the charm. The fact our main character is able to survive this long is suspect, but this isn’t that type of story. It has a deep message about Japanese society and work culture. Japan has extreme attitudes to work, encouraged to work long hours with no overtime pay, and these effects are felt throughout society. There’s a reason Japan has a high suicide rate. There’s a reason they have the term Karoshi — death from overwork. Japan are trying to put a stop to this, but this behaviour is so ingrained it’s going to take a long time to change, and you can see the pressures placed on our hero and his fellow colleagues to work more than they should, even if it makes them miserable.

This manga is like a response to this culture, how things can only change with a huge societal change. Like, let’s say, a zombie apocalypse.

Despite the optimism he feels at his new freedom, you don’t forget that it is the end of the world. You can feel his regret at his lost time, the regret he feels at missing out on spending time with friends and family, and the deaths of people he knew and liked. It’s bittersweet how he only reclaimed his life when the world is ending and it all seems hopeless, but the optimism is almost infectious that when something does go right for him, I can’t help but want him to succeed.

I really enjoyed this manga, and I would definitely keep reading the series. It has a hopefully optimism that you can’t help but enjoy, and I look forward to watching the rest of the story unfold.

I tried to enjoy this title, but I didn't find any of the characters likable, nor are they particularly notable.

Follow Akira as he works through his bucketlist during the zombie apocalypse.

Akira has spent the last few years of his life working for a company that demanded so much of his time he became a figurative zombie. There were so many things he didn't realize he was missing out on...until the zombie apocalypse hit out of nowhere. Now that he no longer has to go to his soul crushing job, Akira now has the time to do whatever he likes....as long as he can continue to avoid the zombies. But he doesn't really seem to mind them as he uses his new found freedom to complete all the things he has been missing out on.

These range from going home and visiting family, hanging out with his best friend, drinking a cold one (or two), falling in love, and growing abeard (among many many other things). Navigating a world of zombies isn't so bad as long as he isn't a zombie himself.

Will Akira acomplish his goals? What started the Zombie Apocalypse? Is there any hope for a real future? Read and find out!

I am usually a huge fan of graphic novels and zombies, but for some reason I found this one a little lacking? The art style is visually apealing and the story plot makes sense. Maybe I just need a little more to go off of? Definitely not a bad book, I just think it maybe wan't my thing.

I definitely recommend you all check it out for yourself! It is the kind of material I can see many of my friends reading and enjoying even if I didn't care too much for it myself.

This was an entertaining book, the art and writing were clear and detailed. It's a different take on a zombie outbreak than most, being the kind of humor and fanservice typical of manga aimed an older teenaged boys. It wasn't to my taste, ultimately, but there's an audience for it. More Zombieland than Walking Dead.

**I received an ARC from the publisher on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I love zombies and I love how did was written. The bucket list ascept makes it a different take on a zombie story. The illustrations were awesome, especially the zombies. I loved the main characters. Can't wait for the next one.

A very unique take on a zombie apocalypse.

When you pick up a book about zombies (or decide to watch a movie/tv show), you expect it to be about surviving, finding the resources and tools to live, and maybe "killing" the zombies. This manga throws all of this out and decides that the protagonist is just going to enjoy the freedom of an apocalypse with no more day-to-day life responsibilities, and make a list of things to do before dying (aka the bucket list).

I loved the concept, but started of quite skeptical about the author pulling it off. Did he make the hero believable? No, but I love him! Did he explain how the hero somehow survives against all odds? No, but I love it. It's just fun to read something with zombies that doesn't focus on how to survive and "kill" zombies. It's quite graphic, but has a great sense of comedy.

I really enjoyed this first Volume and will read the next ones to see what happens with that bucket list.