MANGA REVIEW | "Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead" - Vol. 12
It was bound to happen between Akira and Shizuka. Throughout Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead, it’s been a tug-of-war over when these two characters would show feelings for one another. And in its twelfth volume, both of their minds finally click to that realization. But do those emotions come too far, too late?
Things kick off with the two-parter “Deserted Island of the Dead”. Both Akira and Shizuka have escaped the zombie-filled cruise, but are now separated from their friends. On top of that, there’s no food, no electricity, and no means of contact. For Shizuka, it’s a nightmare; for Akira, it’s another thing to check off the bucket list!
Of course, it also doesn’t help that Shizuka is upset over catching Akira naked with another woman (who was also naked). But the question she ponders is, why? Is there a reason for her to be this upset? And suddenly, she begins to connect the dots in her head over the situation. However, matters of the heart can wait; island prep comes first!
Despite his zany mannerisms, Akira really does his best to find ways to survive on the island. While Shizuka looks for rations, Akira attempts to catch some fish and start a fire. But from her perspective, it looks like he’s doing nothing but goof off. That’s where a promiscuous figurine winds up being the key to getting a flame roaring!
After this stroke of luck, Shizuka decides to come clean to Akira about her feelings. Alas, who she thinks is Akira winds up being yet another zombie, with the two survivors now trying to find a way off the island. However, a secret base discovery not only finds a key to their survival, but also to what everyone is searching for: a cure!
Much time is taken to explain the chapter title “Steam Locomotive of the Dead”, as we’re treated to a flashback involving a researcher and a woman immune to zombie bites. Their whole turmoil is showcased, as it goes from Day 0 of the infestation all the way to the present day. It all finds a way to interlock with Akira and the gang, who arrive in hilarious fashion.
There’s a lot of hope built up in “Beloved of the Dead”, as everyone (including their two new comrades) find a vaccine facility with a questionable name. Getting in winds up being a little easy, as talks about how a vaccine can be made from the blood of someone immune. It looks close to endgame territory, as Akira and Shizuka chat about what happens when the vaccine is distributed. But then, something happens.
This is where I can’t go any further into discussing this volume of Zom 100. What I can reveal is what happens next will be a race against time. And it’s going to be intense. There’s a good dose of humor and deep storytelling found in Volume Twelve, with one final twist that will leave many readers hanging. If Zom 100 is about living without regrets, then let’s just say Akira is about to have a big one resting in his arms…
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
