Is This a Zombie?

Is This A Zombie?, originally known as Kore wa Zombie Desu ka?, hails from FUNimation from 2015. The anime series is an eclectic mix of genres, effortlessly blending comedy, supernatural, and harem to create a uniquely engaging narrative that ensures viewers will be entertained throughout its progress. It's a captivating show that keeps you guessing as it deconstructs and mocks the typical anime tropes, providing a refreshing spin on your typical supernatural, harem-based entertainment.

The protagonist, Ayumu Aikawa, is anything but ordinary even in the realm of anime heroes. This unlucky high schooler winds up murdered by a serial killer and then brought back to life, thereby entering a strange existence as a zombie. He no longer fears death because he is already dead; however, his new form comes with its very own assortment of oddities and issues. Unlike the zombies portrayed in mainstream supernatural tales, Ayumu breaks the mold by not fitting into the stereotype. He can speak coherently, doesn't crave brains, and retains all his memories and personality despite now being a member of the undead.

One of the most compelling aspects of Is This A Zombie? is its bizarre yet captivating premise. While trying to figure out his place in a world where he technically no longer belongs, Ayumu stumbles upon a magical battle fought by necromancers, vampire ninjas, and megalo (monster creatures from the netherworld). In an eventful twist, he accidentally absorbs the powers of a magical girl (named Haruna) he encounters during one of these battles. This, coupled with his life as a zombie, fills Ayumu's new existence with a series of the unexpected, hilarious, and unnerving.

Being a magical girl brought a unique twist into this unusually delightful concoction. Now, Ayumu must cope with his masculine identity and dignity while occupying a role typically reserved for sweet, innocent young girls. Despite these comical and uncomfortable challenges, he remains undeterred in his search for his own murderer. All the while, he’s dealing with an array of mystical and unreal characters who will either help or hinder him on his journey.

At its heart, Is This A Zombie? is a blend of supernatural action and rom-com harem antics that will have viewers hooked. Around Ayumu, a diverse cast of female characters stepping out from completely different realities find themselves inexplicably drawn to him, creating a fantastical harem. Eucliwood Hellscythe, the necromancer who resurrected Ayumu; Haruna, the magic garment girl from Villier Academy whose powers he accidentally absorbed; and Seraphim, a vampire ninja, which is as extraordinary as it sounds, are just a few of the many eccentric characters populating the show and adding layer upon layer to the narrative.

Notably, Is This A Zombie? doesn't bank solely on its outlandish premise and comical blend of genres to engage viewers. The narrative possesses depth, which is explored through the character arcs of each seemingly outrageous yet endearing character. Each possesses their own intriguing backstory that is revealed gradually over the course of the show, adding a sense of depth and fleshing out the world, relationships, and driving the ongoing narrative arc.

The overall tone of the show is light-hearted and humorous, with the comedy often skewing towards slapstick and farce. Frequent gender-based jokes add a coy layer to the humor, largely based on Ayumu's devilishly awkward situation as a male magical girl. However, intense and chaotic action sequences keep the pace going, effortlessly heightening tension while adding another dimension to the narrative.

Touching on both horrifying and hilarious imagery, this genre-blending anime effortlessly deconstructs stereotypes while spinning a hysterically exaggerated but consistently entertaining narrative. Adorned with outrageous characters, an unlikely hero, and a well-balanced mix of comedy and action, Is This A Zombie? is a delightful watch to any anime enthusiast.