ZOMBIE-LOAN review: A deep dive into the world of zombies and contracts

"ZOMBIE-LOAN": A soulful drama set between life and death

"ZOMBIE-LOAN" is a TV anime series based on the original manga by PEACH-PIT, and was broadcast on TV Asahi and AT-X from July 3 to September 11, 2007. Although it is a short series of 11 episodes, it has a deep story on the theme of life and death and features unique characters. In this article, we will take a closer look at the appeal and highlights of "ZOMBIE-LOAN," as well as the attention to detail of the production team behind it.

story

The main character, Kita Michiru, is a timid girl who cannot even speak her mind to her friends. One day, she happens to meet her classmates Akatsuki Chika and Tachibana Shito. They were thought to have miraculously survived the overpass collapse six months ago, but in fact they have returned to life as zombies. Michiru finds the "Rings of the Dead" around their necks, and Chika and Shito, who realize its power, tell her their true identities. They have returned to life by taking out a life loan, and are paying off the loan by exterminating zombies. At first, Michiru refuses to get involved with them, but fate mercilessly draws her in. As life and death intersect, a soulful drama woven by a boy and a girl begins.

Commentary

"ZOMBIE-LOAN" features stylish action drawn by PEACH-PIT and a deep story on the theme of life and death. Michiru, a student at Seiseki Kurobane Academy, is a timid girl who is treated like a lackey in her class, but she has the "eyes of the Grim Reaper" and the ability to see the black rings around people's necks when they are facing death. When Chika and Shito find out about this, they take Michiru to a room in a suspicious multi-tenant building called "Z Loan." They plan to use Michiru to get her to cooperate with them in zombie hunting. This work questions the value of life and the meaning of living, leaving viewers deeply moved.

cast

The cast of "ZOMBIE-LOAN" is as follows:

• Michiru Kita: Houko Kuwashima
• Akatsuki Chika: Kenichi Suzumura
• Tachibana Thinker: Sakurai Takahiro
• Tortoiseshell: Toshiyuki Morikawa
• Reiichiro Shiba: Junichi Suwabe
• Poetry: Chiwa Saito
• Night Town Calendar: Kana Ueda
• Kuze Shimotsuki: Goto Saori
• Aso Cycad: Kentaro Ito
• Mint: Norio Tsukui

These voice actors liven up the work with their performances that make the most of the individuality of each character. In particular, Houko Kuwashima's performance as Michiru is impressive, combining timidity and strength. Kenichi Suzuki's performance as Chika and Takahiro Sakurai's performance as Shido also bring out the charm of their characters.

Main Staff

The following staff members were involved in the production of "ZOMBIE-LOAN".

• Original work: PEACH-PIT (Square Enix monthly "G Fantasy")
• Director: Akira Nishimori
• Series Composition: Atsuhiro Tomioka
• Character design: Chiharu Sato
• Prop design: Tai Onami
• Art director: Norifumi Nakamura
• Color setting: Mariko Kawai
• Director of photography: Yoichi Ogami
• Edited by: Naoki Watanabe
• Sound Director: Miwa Iwanami
• Music: Hiroyuki Sawano
• Producers: Kenji Ota, Tomoko Takahashi, Shinao Shimoji
• Animation Production: XEBEC M2
• Produced by: NAS
• Produced by: ZOMBIE-LOAN Production Committee (Super Vision, NAS, E-Net Frontier, XEBEC)

These staff members have faithfully recreated the worldview of the original work while adding expressions unique to anime, providing viewers with new excitement. In particular, Director Akira Nishimori's direction and Hiroyuki Sawano's music are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work.

Main Characters

The main characters of "ZOMBIE-LOAN" are as follows.

• Chika Akatsuki: A zombie who miraculously survived the overpass collapse accident six months ago. She borrowed a large amount of money from Z Loan and made a contract to be resurrected, and works day and night hunting bounty zombies. She has a short temper, but is a hot-blooded person and hates crooked things.
• Tachibana Shito: A zombie who miraculously survived the same accident as Chika. He has many mysterious aspects and is cool, but also a bit of an airhead. He is intelligent and makes sharp statements, but sometimes doesn't listen to others, and he and Chika are constantly arguing.
• Kita Michiru: A timid girl who can't say what she wants to say. She usually wears glasses, but when she takes them off, she has the "eyes of the Grim Reaper" and can see the black ring around a person's neck, which symbolizes their death.
• Yuuta: A boy who works at Z Loan. He supports the company by gathering information, treating injuries using ectoplasm, making tea, answering the phone, etc. He has a bright personality at first glance, but inside he is quite dark. He likes grotesque things.
• Kenken and Konkon: Yushi's friends (both hands). Each has a different personality. Kenken on the right hand is bad-mouthed but actually a good guy. Konkon on the left hand is shy but intelligent.
• Yoimachi Koyomi: A resident of the Seiseki Kurobane Academy dormitory. She is usually a cheerful girl, but when her other personality, "Yomi," appears, her personality changes drastically. She has a special ability called the "Tongue of the Dead."
• Kuze Shimotsuki: Chairman of the Seiseki Kurobane Academy. Although he still looks quite young, he speaks in an adult manner.
• Tortoise Shell: The manager of Z Loan, which lends lives. He is always absent-minded, but everything is about money and is very cool. He owns his own table tennis racket and is quite skilled.
• Shiba Reiichirou: An old friend of Chika. He is precocious and intelligent, so he feels bored with everyday life. Seeking excitement, he becomes involved with Z Loan, and begins working part-time at the suggestion of Tortoiseshell, who recognizes his excellent brain.
• Aso Sotetsu: A third-year student at Kurobane Academy. He is a senior zombie of Chika Shito who usually travels abroad, but returns to Japan when it's time to renew his loan. He has a bold and forceful personality. He is called the "Dub King" at school.
• Inubashiri Zen: A third-year student at Hakuoh High School. His weapon is a pair of hardened ectoplasm swords.
• Touma Toko: A second-year student at Hakuoh High School. She has the mysterious ability to search for zombies that are far away.
• Shuji Tsugumi: A first-year student at Hakuoh High School. He's as laid-back as Shito. His weapon is a machine gun.

Each of these characters has their own background and worries, and plays an important role in deepening the story. In particular, the relationship between Chika and Shito and Michiru's growth leave a strong impression on viewers.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "ZOMBIE-LOAN" are as follows.

• PAYMENT 1/Death's Eyes (2007/07/03)
• PAYMENT 2／Should I go? (2007/07/10)
• PAYMENT 3/The Tongue of the Dead (2007/07/17)
• PAYMENT 4/Butterfly Wings (2007/07/24)
• PAYMENT 5/Sacrifice (2007/07/31)
• PAYMENT 6/ Thirst for Freedom (2007/08/07)
• PAYMENT 7/Wandering Heart (2007/08/14)
• PAYMENT 8/Even after death, loneliness (2007/08/21)
• PAYMENT 9 / Living Corpse (2007/08/28)
• PAYMENT 10/The Law of Destruction (2007/09/04)
• PAYMENT 11 / Life and Death (2007/09/11)

The subtitles of each episode symbolize the development and theme of the story, helping viewers to delve deeper into the story. In particular, phrases such as "the eyes of the Grim Reaper" and "the tongue of the dead" are important keywords that touch upon the heart of the work.

Related Titles

There are also episodes of "ZOMBIE-LOAN" that have not been broadcast. These episodes complement the content of the original manga and help viewers understand the story more deeply. The original manga itself is also very popular, and many fans have been waiting for it to be made into an anime.

Theme songs and music

The theme songs and insert songs for "ZOMBIE-LOAN" are as follows.

• OP1: Wolf's throat
  • Lyricist: Chiba Yusuke
  • Composer: The Birthday
  • Song: The Birthday
• ED1: Chain Ring
  • Lyricist: Tatsuro
  • Composer: SATOchi
  • Arrangement: Miya, Hajime Okano
  • Vocals: Mukku
• IN1: Solitary Serenade
  • Lyricist: MAIS
  • Composer: Hiroyuki Sawano
  • Vocals: Aika Sekiyama

These songs are important elements in enhancing the atmosphere of the work, and the opening theme "Ookami no Do" in particular left a strong impression on viewers. The ending theme "Chain Ring" and the insert song "Solitary Serenade" also deeply express the theme of the story.

Attractions and reviews

The highlights of "ZOMBIE-LOAN" are its deep story and unique characters. The film, which focuses on the theme of life and death, asks viewers about the value of life and the meaning of life, and is deeply moving. It has also been praised for depicting a realistic human drama while incorporating the fantasy element of zombies.

The character growth and relationships are also not to be missed. In particular, the world seen through Michiru's "eyes of the Grim Reaper" and the friendship and conflict between Chika and Shito leave a strong impression on viewers. In addition, supporting characters such as Yushi, Kenken, and Konkon also play an important role in deepening the story.

Another highlight is the attention to detail of the production team. Director Akira Nishimori's direction and Hiroyuki Sawano's music are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the work, providing new emotions to viewers. In addition, the character and prop designs faithfully reproduce the worldview of the original work while adding expressions unique to anime.

Reasons for recommendation

"ZOMBIE-LOAN" is a work that is appealing for its deep story and unique characters on the theme of life and death. In particular, the content that questions the value of life and the meaning of living deeply moves viewers. In addition, while incorporating the fantasy element of zombies, it is also praised for depicting a realistic human drama.

This work is recommended for viewers who want to enjoy deep themes and are interested in the growth and relationships of unique characters. In addition, the production team's attention to detail and the quality of the music are high, providing viewers with new excitement. Please watch "ZOMBIE-LOAN" and experience its charm.