HomeComics/MangaMANGA REVIEW | "Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead" - Vol. 14

MANGA REVIEW | "Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead" - Vol. 14

MANGA REVIEW | "Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead" - Vol. 14

Oh you poor sods. Did you think that Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead would spoof Resident Evil without a boss battle happening? As the last volume showed, our heroes would be standing toe-to-toe with a behemoth of a zombie mutant. Fortunately, Akira and the gang have a new member of the team: the 18 year-old Izuna Tokage. And yes, she’s a pro gamer!

That pro gamer mentality is needed when facing the zombie behemoth, as Volume Fourteen begins with the conclusion of “Airsoft of the Dead”. Everything you could imagine being in a boss battle is there. Mutations, weak spots, and the occasional wise-ass banter are all covered in this fight to the perma-death. Oh, and they also have a couple minutes before this section of Umbriel Corporation (because of course it’s called that!) is incinerated.

Thankfully, Izuna seems to be a good fit for the crew, as her focus and levelheadedness during this battle is key to victory. Although the rest of the cast of Zom 100 have their qualities, there always seems to be a lack of concentration from everyone. After all, this isn’t just a fight for survival for them; it’s a Goddamn road trip! So perhaps it’s good that Izuna is joining the crew, as her tactics could aid in bigger zombie battles.

Or should I say maybe join? Because of everything Tsurumi has done to help her, Izuna finds it hard to leave his side. So she needs a bit of head-clearing, which “Grandpa of the Dead” offers her. Kenichiro takes center stage for this story, as he sets out to find his grandfather’s gravestone. It leads into a solid flashback, with the grandad being one of the strongest male figures in his life.

For the most part of Zom 100, Kenichiro is often the goofball. So it’s a nice surprise to see him have a moment of seriousness that also gives him some character growth. His reflections are both endearing and heartbreaking, as every moment shared with the grandfather leads to an important epiphany for younger Kenichiro. Despite his silly mentality, these two chapters show that he’s got a lot running around in his mind.

It also helps to have newcomers Izuna by her side, as her gaming knowledge gets Kenichiro out of another sticky zombie situation. And the game she finds the solution for this undead problem isn’t one you’d think would aid in such a conundrum. (Think ghosts instead of zombies.) The mini-arc ends with Kenichiro honoring his grandfather, Izuna knowing what she wants, and a little surprise that gives our favorite wannabe comedian a big dose of hope.

Volume Fourteen of Zom 100 ends with “Blue Marlin of the Dead”. While not exactly an important chapter, it shows just how much Akira and the rest have grown as teammates since the beginning. It involves the most toughest fish to catch, and the amount of hard work and dedication it’ll take to bring onto the boat. As it concludes, the team not only get to snack on the most delectable of fish meat, but are given the keys for their next journey. Literally.

There’s a lot of fun, chaos, and tough decisions made in this volume of Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead. But knowing Akira and the gang, they’re always ready to make some changes for the better. A new crew mate, some good zombie kills, and even some time to reflect result in a solid volume of Zom 100. If this manga continues with this level of quality, then I’m won over.

FINAL GRADE:

Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.

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The J-POP king of America, Evan has been bringing the hottest sounds of the Land of the Rising Sun to the English-speaking public since his college radio days. He's also an expert in the gaming, anime, & manga realms, never afraid to get critical when the times call for it. Born & bred in Boston, he achieved his biggest dream yet by making the big move to Tokyo, Japan in Summer 2023! For personal inquiries, contact Evan at evan@b3crew.com. For press/band inquiries, write to us at thebastards@bostonbastardbrigade.com. (Drawing by AFLM of Wicked Anime)