Kara Dennison
September 22, 2023 
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is one of the most popular anime of the season, and for good reason. It’s got an interesting story, gorgeous animation, and a solid message. It is also, sadly, one of the most delay-plagued anime since Yowamushi Pedal. And while we’re willing to wait for more top quality bucket list tackling, we need some things to watch in the meantime. And so do you, right?
To that end, here’s a trio of series with similar themes. Only one is from this season, and only one involves zombies. But we’re pretty sure you’ll see the similar DNA across the shows.
My Unique Skill Makes Me OP even at Level 1
Sharing a season with Zom 100 is My Unique Skill Makes Me OP even at Level 1. In case you can’t guess from the sheer size of the title, it’s based on a light novel. And yep, it’s an isekai. Our hero, Ryota, manifests as a dungeon drop. In this new world, all food is found in dungeons. And while his level is capped at 1, his S-tier item drop combined with some sick weapons makes him a force to be reckoned with.
What does that have to do with our new favorite zombie anime? Like Akira Tendo, Ryota has just escaped an abusive corporate job. The preponderance of anime protagonists in this situation probably says something in and of itself… For now, enjoy the story of another put-upon office worker living his dream life.
ZOMBIE LAND SAGA
Zom 100 and ZOMBIE LAND SAGA share more than the walking dead. (Though, yes, that is a thing they have in common.) Both are a surprising spin on zombie fiction. While the genre tends to be a way to examine stagnation in modern society, both of these series go the opposite direction. The presence of zombies brings with it themes of resurrection, second chances, and living your dreams. And that’s some encouragement we could all use.
Incidentally, six of Franchouchou’s seven members voiced shambling corpses in Zom 100 episode 6… so that’s another connection between the two!
A Place Further Than the Universe
Four unlikely friends brave the unknown to find themselves and chase impossible goals. That’s an apt (if undead-light) description of Zom 100, but it also covers A Place Further Than the Universe. This sleeper hit followed four high school girls on a trip from Japan to Antarctica. Why? Well, that depends on who you ask.
Both series fluctuate between silly antics and deep self-reflection. While our four Antarctica-bound heroines are at a lot less risk to life and limb, there are a lot of emotions to reckon with along the way.
Looking for a more classic vintage to fill your time? Try this trio of retro anime!
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