Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? Review
This one is a bit outside of my general genre preference. I tend to overlook most moe/fanservice/harem type animes that filter through each season, but for some reason or another I found myself watching the first episode one day. The premise is Aikawa Ayumu is killed by a serial killer and then revived by the necromancer Eucliwood Hellscythe. Ayumu decides to become her protector so she starts living with him. Shortly thereafter two more girls move in to complete the harem. One of them is a vampire ninja and the other is a self proclaimed genius mahou shoujo.
Watching the apathetic zombie Ayumu shrivel in the sun and get sawed in half by a chainsaw wielding magical girl is pretty entertaining. It was that unforgettable transformation sequence that hooked me though. Something about watching Ayumu find himself dressed from head to toe in pink frills and lace and fighting a giant lobster just won me over. Zombie showed, with that first episode, some creative and decent story writing that I just wasn't expecting from this type of show. There is good banter between the characters and even to my surprise decent drama mixed in here and there.
Unfortunately, the quality of the writing didn't last. Around halfway through, the show started a descent into the realm of cliched and disappointing. The comedy that originally made the series shine either devolved into silly jokes or just vanished entirely. The main villain that eventually gets introduced just isn't appealing. The fan service gradually becomes more gratuitous and the feel of the show falls into mediocrity. It's really a shame, when Zombie is at its best there is obviously potential for something unique to grow, but the writing just falls flat in the end.
Also episode 12... I honestly don't know what to think about that one. In fact, for all intents and purposes the show basically ends after episode 11. The last episode is a random pool episode that turns into a who can be the biggest idol competition. The only reason I can come up with for it existing is just to go all out with fanservice. There are plenty of swimsuits and skimpy outfits for any who are interested to ogle at.
I can't honestly recommend Kore wa Zombie Desu ka? for most people. I enjoyed it for what it was and it is only 12 episodes. Some of which are actually good. So there isn't any harm in watching even if I think it could have been much better. At most I would say to watch the first three episodes if you want some good comedy. Or if you want to gratuitous fanservice, just skip to the last episode. Also watch the airwhale battle and call it good.
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