This wild and funny premise is the basis for the hit anime series Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead. The show was an out-of-nowhere smash when it premiered in 2023. Viewers went crazy for the darkly comedic story of coworkers pursuing bucket lists in a zombie apocalypse instead of just surviving.

Now that Zom 100’s first season has aired, fans everywhere are desperate to know – will this unique zombie workplace comedy get renewed for season 2? And if so, when can we expect Zom 100 Season 2 to be released?

In this detailed Bloomberg article, we’ll look at all the important factors that could lead to the show being renewed, including ratings, popularity, source material, and more. We’ll also provide an overview of the story, characters, fun behind-the-scenes details, and frequently asked questions about a potential second season.

Zom 100 Season 2 Renewal Status

The Overwhelming Success of Season 1

Before looking ahead at season 2, it’s important to reflect on just how much of a cultural phenomenon the inaugural season of Zom 100 became. Upon its release in January 2023, the anime immediately struck a chord with audiences through its masterful world-building, intense zombie action sequences, and deeply human storytelling despite its outlandish premise.

Adapted from the hugely popular manga series written and illustrated by Haro Aso and Kotaro Takata, Zom 100 season 1 earned universal acclaim. It scored an outstanding 8.0 user rating on MyAnimeList, a 4.8/5 on Crunchyroll, and an impressive 7.9/10 on IMDb. Clearly, the eccentric tale of everyday office workers like Akira Tendo becoming apocalypse-surviving badasses while still finding time to work through their bucket lists resonated with audiences craving a fresh spin on the zombie genre.

With such a strong start, it’s no surprise that fans immediately began clamoring for more adventures with their new favorite characters after the gripping season 1 finale. And while they may have to exercise some patience, all the pieces seem to be in place for Zom 100 to continue its hot streak with season 2.

Season 2 Release Date: What to Expect

As of early 2024, an official season 2 renewal and release date have not been announced by production studio Bug Films or any of the show’s creators. However, multiple insiders and reputable anime news sources have reported that a second season is essentially inevitable and likely being actively developed behind the scenes.

The key factor potentially causing a delay is the widely-reported production issues that plagued the team behind season 1. According to Digital Spy, staffing shortages and other challenges arose that made the already tight schedule for delivering a full season of anime even more difficult. This likely contributed to the lengthy 9-month gap between the season 1 finale in March 2023 and when audiences finally received any substantial updates about the show’s future.

To avoid a repeat of these problems and deliver the highest possible quality for season 2, smart money is on the production cycle being extended into 2024. Noted anime leaker and insider YonkouProd speculated in October 2023 that a release window of Fall 2024 or even early 2025 could be likely for Zom 100’s return.

While this projected delay may be disappointing for eager fans, it would ultimately be for the best. The last thing passionate viewers want is for their beloved bucket list adventurers’ next journey to be negatively impacted by the same rushed development that hampered season 1 at times. A bit of extra patience will go a long way in allowing the talented team at Bug Films to really knock season 2 out of the park without being overwhelmed.

Zom 100 Plot Summary

Thanks to the manga source material being well ahead of the anime’s current story pace, we have a pretty clear idea of where season 2 will take the plot when it does eventually release. Season 1 covered approximately the first 19 chapters of Haro Aso and Kotaro Takata’s original manga, culminating in Akira, Shizuka, and the other survivors finally reaching the safety of an island after fleeing the disastrous Emerges (zombie) outbreak and terrorist attack that unleashed the Pandora Virus on the world.

Anime Corner reports that Zom 100 season 2 will adapt the story from around Chapter 22 of Volume 7 and beyond in the manga. As of September 2023, the manga had reached 15 collected volumes, providing ample source material for season 2 to explore new exciting story arcs.

According to plot summaries, the next chapters will see the core group taking a brief respite from working towards their huge bucket list ambitions like getting married or becoming a singer. Instead, they’ll focus on smaller, more attainable goals to help boost their morale and regain their sanity and happiness after the unimaginable trauma they endured.

However, this period of rest won’t last too long, as the very premise of Zom 100 is seeing these determined characters chase their wildest dreams no matter how dire the circumstances. Before too long, Akira, Shizuka, Kencho, Beatrix and their friends will hit the road once again on an exciting new journey across the country.

Zom 100’s Popular Characters

Much of Zom 100’s success can be credited to its ensemble cast of distinct, well-developed, and humorous characters that fans immediately took a liking to:

Akira Tendo – The former corporate guy who eagerly embraces the zombie apocalypse, creating the “Bucket List of the Dead” to seize life’s pleasures before undead demise. What started as a personal mantra transforms Akira into the unlikely but defiant leader of a survivor group, fueled by dark humor and an iron will to truly live on the brink.

Kenichiro Katsuno – Akira’s best friend who trades in his businessman persona after the apocalypse to become the cheerful, pun-slinging jester of the group. The newly-blonde Kencho is determined to bring laughter to even the bleakest of survivor campfires through his endless supply of Dad jokes and improvisational comedy.

Shizuka Mikazuki – Initially written off as a hardened survivalist, Shizuka evolves into a dynamic, multifaceted heroine who couples strategic pragmatism with rekindled passions like singing. Her voice of reason grounds the group while encouraging them to embrace life’s fleeting moments, forming an indomitable partnership with Akira’s impulsive optimism.

Beatrix Amerhauser – An eccentric German student who arrived in Japan to immerse in its culture, only for the zombie apocalypse to become her greatest anthropological field study. Unfazed by the undead horrors, the plucky Bea treats surviving as an opportunity to appreciate and preserve Japan’s heritage, from making sushi to analyzing classical art.

Interesting Zom 100 Facts

• The manga’s title is a pun, as “Zombie 100” can be read as “zom-bai” which sounds similar to the Japanese word for “bucket list.”
• When designing character visuals, mangaka Haro Aso based certain characters on real people he knew.
• The Zom 100 anime production added a disclaimer at the start saying not to try any of the stunts or activities featured.
• Akira Tendo’s character design with the blazing red hair was directly inspired by the manga icon Kyo Sohma from Fruits Basket.
• Zombie extras had to undergo “zombie coaching” lessons to master the exaggerated shambling and snarling.

FAQ about Zom 100

Here are some common fan questions about the Zom 100 anime series and its potential second season:

• Why did they decide to make a bucket list instead of just try surviving?
• The characters know they’ll inevitably become zombies, so they embrace trying to live out their craziest dreams while they still can rather than just survive in despair. It adds a unique spin on the zombie genre.
• Will the original voice actors return for Zom 100 Season 2?
• While nothing is confirmed yet, it’s highly likely most if not all of the main Japanese voice cast would reprise their roles if a second season gets made. Voice actor continuity is important for returning anime seasons.
• How far ahead is the Zom 100 manga compared to the anime?
• As of the end of Zom 100 Season 1, there was still over 40 chapters (or around 4 volumes) of unreleased manga source material to adapt into a second season.
• Will the anime drastically change or diverge from the manga’s story?
• While very minor anime filler is possible to expand some scenes, the first season followed the manga script extremely closely. Barring any issues, Zom 100 Season 2 would likely just be a faithful continuation of the manga’s storyline.
• Will any filler episodes or non-manga stories be included?
• Filler anime-original episodes or storylines are always possible but quite unlikely for Zom 100. The manga provides more than enough canonical material to adapt as is, with no need for much filler.

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