Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

The original manga is by Haro Aso (of 'Alice in Borderland' fame), with a vibrant and lively art style and rich colors that might make you think it's a fun, comedic adventure story at first glance. Protagonist Akira Tendou has been exploited by a black-company for three years, living like a zombie every day and completely losing passion for life. Just as work is about to crush him, a zombie apocalypse suddenly breaks out in the city. While most people would fear and flee, he thinks: 'Finally, I don't have to go to work anymore!' So he writes down '100 things to do before becoming a zombie' and embarks on an adventure with his companions. This series is completely different from most zombie survival manga! While other zombie works focus on tense survival and human suspicion, the core of this one is 'liberation.' The apocalypse is his starting point to escape the hell of corporate drudgery. The strongest contrast is right here: amidst a city overrun by zombies and the constant threat of death, the story is filled with laughter. But beneath the humor lies very real pain, depicting workplace exploitation and the confusion of young people about the future. Even on the happy journey, you'll encounter cruel partings, blending joy and sorrow. It's not a simple power fantasy manga; you'll laugh while reading, but also be touched by the protagonist's desire to truly live. It's a story about desperately grasping for small joys in a cruel apocalypse, and it becomes more resonant the more you read it 😊