Director: Takaomi Kanasaki,
Starring: Junji Majima, Austin Tindle, Iori Nomizu, Jad Saxton, Midori Tsukimiya, Cherami Leigh, Ai Shimizu, Monica Rial, Aya Goda, Caitlin Glass, Hiroyuki Toshino, Anthony Bowling, Hisako Kanemoto, Brittney Karbowski,
Running Time: 325 minutes
Certificate: 15
The simple answer to the question posed in the title of this anime, IS THIS A ZOMBIE?, would be a resounding “NO!” from purists familiar with the brain eating, shuffling, decaying kind of zombie the majority of audiences are acquainted with. It’s not hard to see why, as our hero, Ayuma (Majima/Tindle) is introduced to us as a member of the undead, but is fully capable of cognitive thought as well as not giving off a foul smell. His debut scene captures the tone of intensity and humour that the show aims for, as Ayuma rescues a cat from the path of an incoming truck. Ayuma is flung into the air and each time he flies through a tree or bush, more of his clothes are removed. The opening works as it is filmed with all the hallmarks of an action sequence, before revealing its ridiculous sense of humour.
Ayuma has been brought back from the dead by a necromancer who now lives with him. It is Ayuma’s quest to discover the serial killer who is responsible for his death, which adds a very dark atmosphere at times. The show mostly juggles such shifts in tone rather well, but it does lack a sense of coherent consistency at times, not just in tone but also effect. The comedy is well warranted, but can also be very hit and miss. Ayuma and the necromancer are soon joined by a host of paranormal girls that, in typical harem fashion, end up living with Ayuma. It’s a tad disappointing that the series takes this route, as it does have the ingredients to be something completely original.
Fortunately, the show never lets go of its heart. Despite the humour and wackiness; which includes Ayuma absorbing the powers of a Magical Garter Girl, allowing him to wield a chainsaw in a pretty dress, IS THIS A ZOMBIE? remembers to keep the audience involved. The love that Ayuma feels for his necromancer is completely justified and handled in a genuinely sweet way. The necromancer’s mute stance means that a lot of the romance is left to subtext, offering a cool respite from the loud comedic moments. It also builds up to a number of touching moments that do not seem out of place, and also allow for the more obvious traits of a harem to be easily digestible. Even tiring plot points such as an inevitable beach episode are given new life with a twist involving a hilarious battle of the pop idol twists. It works as both an interesting look at the characters, as well as a satire on pop culture.
The show favours its brighter funny moments, as opposed to the dark and disturbing elements that bubble below the surface. For many, this will be a weakness as it makes it harder to stand out from a flood of similar themed shows. Luckily, it has enough new and interesting ideas, as well as lovable characters, to at least pass the time for even the most jaded of viewers. IS THIS A ZOMBIE? is as cute and as twisted as its non-committal title suggests.
IS THIS A ZOMBIE? Series 1 is released on DVD on 15th July via MVM.
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