Well, I finished Zombie Loan and I rather enjoyed it. The animation is smooth, the plot line is interesting, and it has a fun cast of characters. From the serious Shito, to the determined Chika and the adorable Michiru – it’s a fun ride.
My only major fault with the series is the same one I’ve had in the past with these shorter series like Black Blood Brothers and Loveless – mostly the lack of ending. The last arc had a definite ending – but the overall main plot was left open. Since there is a manga (assuming its released in a timely fashion) this isn’t too big of a problem. I can always read and find out what happens.
Anyway, here’s a big review of each of the arcs – spoilers included. Read on if you care to. ^_^
Episodes 1-3: Here’s Michiru!
The first three episodes of the series are your basic let’s introduce everyone mini-arc complete with shy schoolgirl and two hot mysterious men who were the only survivors of a large automobile accident. Michiru is a quiet classmate who usually gets stuck doing what others tell her – one day while buying her classmates lunch she runs into (literally) Shito and Chika. One thing leads to another and we find out that Michiru has Shinigami1 eyes that allow her to see the ring around people’s necks that turn black when it’s a person’s time to die. Or in the case of Shito and Chika – when someone is dead.
The purpose of these episodes is to explain how Michiru ends up working for the Z-Loan company with Shito and Chika. It’s pretty standard, but it does have some amusing moments. And the start of many a line where Shito or Chika says the line “I’ll kill you.” Oh, the irony.
Episodes 4-6: Butterflies are Dangerous
The end of episode three was a lead-in to the next major story arc. Yomi (The alter ego of Kiyomi who has a perchance for trying to grope/rape/jump Michiru) left us with a cryptic message about butterflies and the number 72 that’s related to a bunch of murders by a serial killer called “The Butterfly.” But this isn’t nearly as interesting as the sudden introduction of Chika’s childhood friend Shiba. Shiba is a genius and is welcomed by Chika to help solve the case – Shito on the other hand wants this new touchy-feely friend dead and gone. Lots of fun ensues and we get to see Kiyomi and Michiru in Gothic Lolita.
This was a good arc, even if it was predictable. It was obvious that Shiba was the main villain probably from the first moment he was introduced – but that didn’t deter too much from the plot line. He’s also the start of many, many suggestive moments between Chika and other men. I think Yomi’s groping of Michiru is to make things up to the guys who would rather not watch Shiba lick Chika’s chest. Needless, it was a good arc and we get our first peak at the Grim Reaper himself.
Episodes 7: Required Hot Spring Episode
Hot springs, nude girls, ping-pong and werewolves. You should know what to expect from this one; though watching Bekko-san (The Ferryman and more or less Boss of Z-Loan) pull out his own personal ping-pong paddle was worth watching the episode for.
Episode 8-11: Shito Secrets and Crazy Doctors
Back from vacation, Shito finds his room in disarray (to be exact – every item was moved 2 cm and marker was drawn on one figure) and storms out to find the culprit – who is later revealed to be Toho. In this arc we find out about Shito’s connections to the mafia, his own personal secrets and we get to deal with a crazy Mad Doctor and other new characters in one long final arc. That’s a good quick summary – so go watch it. It is the best arc hands down and the reason I’ll be buying the manga to find out more.
At first glance, Toho looks like an Ichimaru Gin ripoff from Bleach. And he still is after watching. Not that I minded; he’s pretty crazy and obsessed with Shito. Fun stuff there.
And what Zombie series is complete without the Mad Doctor? This man is strangely likable, despite being possibly one of the more twisted characters I’ve seen in anime.
It could be because he kidnapped Shito and left the boy handcuffed to a bed for close to three episodes to be taken care of by a very adorable little girl Golem.
And of course – we get to see the Grim Reaper reduced to a small chibi doll-like thing that is constantly hugged to death by Michiru. It really doesn’t get much more adorable than that – especially when she translates his squeaking into such wonderful lines such as “I’ll cut your tongue out.”
Conclusion: Good But Short
It’s not one of the best anime I’ve seen, but it was definitely worth watching once and I will probably end up watching it a few more times. Honestly, I wish it were longer – the ending left it very open for a second season or continuation and I hope that it gets it. As far as undead Zombie stories go – it’s one of the better ones. If the manga ever gets to the arcs that follow the manga, I’ll fill you in.
And to leave you, this image of the Mad Doctor at possibly his most insane moment. Isn’t he cute?
- God of Death/Grim Reaper↩
kariiina 