‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ is a captivating light novel series that has garnered a significant following since its release. Written by Shinichi Kimura and illustrated by Kobuichi, this unique blend of comedy, action, and supernatural elements has won the hearts of many fans. In this article, we will delve into the world of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ and explore how it transitioned from a light novel to a thrilling TV series.
Understanding the light novel: Summary and setting timeline
The ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ light novel series takes place in a fictional world where supernatural creatures and humans coexist. The story revolves around Ayumu Aikawa, a high school student who is tragically murdered but is resurrected as a zombie by the mysterious necromancer Eucliwood Hellscythe. As Ayumu navigates his new life as an undead being, he becomes entangled in a web of supernatural adventures, encountering vampires, magical girls, and other peculiar characters along the way.
The setting of the light novel is primarily centered in the city of Tokyo, Japan. However, the narrative also takes us to various other locations, both within and outside the city. The timeline spans over multiple arcs, with each arc presenting Ayumu with new challenges and uncovering deeper secrets about the supernatural world he has become a part of.
Transition to the screen: Summary of the TV series
The ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ TV series successfully captures the essence of the light novel and brings it to life on the screen. The animated adaptation, produced by Studio Deen, follows the main storyline closely while adding its own visual flair and dynamic action sequences.
In the TV series, Ayumu’s journey as a zombie is portrayed with stunning animation and vibrant colors. The comedy elements are expertly executed, providing numerous laugh-out-loud moments for viewers. Additionally, the action scenes are exhilarating, showcasing Ayumu’s unique abilities as a zombie and his encounters with various supernatural beings.
While the TV series faithfully adapts the main plot of the light novel, it also introduces some original content and minor alterations to enhance the viewing experience. Overall, the transition from light novel to screen is seamless, making it a must-watch for both fans of the original work and newcomers to the ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ universe.
Who’s who in ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’
‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ boasts a diverse cast of intriguing characters, each with their own quirks and personalities. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key players in this captivating series:
- Ayumu Aikawa: The protagonist of the series, Ayumu is a zombie who strives to protect those he cares about while dealing with the challenges of his undead existence.
- Eucliwood Hellscythe: The necromancer who resurrects Ayumu as a zombie. Eucliwood possesses immense power but struggles with her inability to speak.
- Haruna: A magical girl who accidentally turns Ayumu into a zombie. She exudes a cheerful and energetic personality, often adding a touch of chaos to the story.
- Seraphim: A vampire ninja who initially clashes with Ayumu but later becomes an ally. Seraphim is stoic and skilled in combat, providing a strong presence throughout the series.
- Yuki Yoshida: Ayumu’s classmate and childhood friend, Yuki is a kind-hearted girl who develops feelings for him. Her genuine and caring nature adds a touch of romance to the series.
These characters, along with many others, form a dynamic ensemble that brings the world of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ to life.
Guest stars in ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’
In addition to the main cast, ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ features several notable guest stars who make memorable appearances throughout the series. These guest stars bring their own unique charm to the story, adding depth and excitement to the narrative.
One such guest star is Chris, a mysterious yet lovable mermaid who enthralls both Ayumu and the viewers with her enchanting voice and captivating presence. Another noteworthy guest star is Sarasvati, a powerful and elegant vampire queen who adds a sense of grandeur to the series.
These guest stars not only contribute to the storyline but also provide opportunities for interesting character dynamics and unexpected plot twists. Their inclusion further enhances the overall viewing experience of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’.
Memorable quotes from ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’
‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ is filled with witty and memorable lines that have become fan favorites. Here are a few noteworthy quotes from the series:
- “I might be dead, but I can still kick your ass!” – Ayumu Aikawa
- “Being a zombie isn’t so bad. I mean, I get to eat all the curry I want without worrying about gaining weight!” – Ayumu Aikawa
- “I’m a magical girl. I can do anything!” – Haruna
- “Silence is golden, but duct tape is silver!” – Eucliwood Hellscythe
- “Vampires are like onions. They have layers!” – Seraphim
These quotes perfectly capture the humorous and light-hearted tone of the series, leaving a lasting impression on fans.
The soundtrack of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ by Shinji Kakishima
The music in ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall atmosphere and emotional impact of the series. Composed by Shinji Kakishima, the soundtrack perfectly complements the various scenes and moods portrayed throughout the story.
The soundtrack features a diverse range of musical styles, from catchy and upbeat tracks during comedic moments to haunting melodies during intense action sequences. Each piece of music adds depth and richness to the storytelling, immersing the viewers in the world of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’.
Notable tracks from the soundtrack include the energetic and catchy opening theme, “Ma・Ka・Se・Te Tonight,” which sets the tone for each episode. The ending theme, “Kizuite Zombie-sama, Watashi wa Classmate desu,” is a delightful and playful song that leaves viewers with a sense of joy and anticipation for the next episode.
Overall, Shinji Kakishima’s masterful composition elevates ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ to new heights, making the series an auditory delight.
Cosplay guide: Dressing like Eucliwood Hellscythe and Ayumu Aikawa
‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ has inspired many fans to delve into the world of cosplay, allowing them to bring their favorite characters to life. Two popular characters to cosplay from the series are Eucliwood Hellscythe and Ayumu Aikawa. Here’s a cosplay guide to help you recreate their iconic looks:
- Eucliwood Hellscythe: Eucliwood’s outfit consists of a black dress with intricate lace details and a voluminous skirt. Pair it with black knee-high boots and a silver pendant necklace. For her distinctive feature, wear a long, silver wig and use makeup to create a pale complexion with dark, expressive eyes.
- Ayumu Aikawa: Ayumu’s casual outfit consists of a black hoodie, a white shirt, and black pants. Complete the look with black sneakers and a silver necklace. To transform into his zombie form, add gray face paint, disheveled hair, and fake blood for a gory touch.
By following these cosplay guides, you can become Eucliwood or Ayumu and showcase your love for ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’.
Shinichi Kimura: Bio and his 5 best works
Shinichi Kimura, the talented author behind ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’, has made significant contributions to the world of light novels and anime. Here’s a brief bio of Shinichi Kimura, along with his five best works:
Bio: Shinichi Kimura was born on July 9, 1973, in Tokyo, Japan. He began his career as a writer in the late 1990s and quickly gained recognition for his unique storytelling abilities. Kimura’s works often combine elements of comedy, fantasy, and romance, captivating readers with their engaging narratives and memorable characters.
5 Best Works:
- ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ – A standout series that blends comedy and supernatural elements seamlessly.
- ‘Durarara!!’ – A thrilling urban fantasy series set in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, filled with complex characters and intertwining storylines.
- ‘Tatakau Shisho’ – An epic tale about a group of individuals known as Armed Librarians, who protect sacred books in a world on the brink of destruction.
- ‘Kamisama no Memochou’ – A mystery series that follows a shut-in detective and his group of eccentric assistants as they solve perplexing cases.
- ‘Gosick’ – A historical mystery series set in the early 20th century, featuring a brilliant young detective and his enigmatic companion.
Shinichi Kimura’s works have captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing his versatility and creativity as a writer.
Studio Deen: 5 notable media productions
Studio Deen, the renowned animation studio behind the ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ TV series, has produced numerous notable media productions over the years. Here are five standout works from Studio Deen:
- ‘Fate/stay night’: This fantasy anime series follows the story of Shirou Emiya as he becomes involved in a deadly battle for the Holy Grail.
- ‘The Seven Deadly Sins’: Based on the manga of the same name, this action-packed series follows the adventures of the Seven Deadly Sins, a group of powerful knights.
- ‘Higurashi no Naku Koro ni’: A psychological horror series that explores a small village plagued by mysterious murders and a curse.
- ‘KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World!’: A comedic isekai series that follows Kazuma Sato as he embarks on hilarious adventures in a fantasy world.
- ‘Rurouni Kenshin’: A classic samurai anime series set during the Meiji era, featuring the iconic swordsman Kenshin Himura.
These notable productions from Studio Deen highlight their wide range of genres and their commitment to delivering high-quality animation.
If you love ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’: 10 similar movies, TV series, and books
If you’re a fan of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ and crave more supernatural comedy and action, here are ten similar movies, TV series, and books that you might enjoy:
- ‘Is This a Zombie?’: A light novel series by Shinichi Kimura, which inspired the ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ franchise.
- ‘The Devil is a Part-Timer!’: An anime series that follows the Devil King as he is forced to work at a fast-food restaurant in modern-day Tokyo.
- ‘Assassination Classroom’: A manga and anime series about a class of students assigned to assassinate their alien teacher.
- ‘Rosario + Vampire’: A manga and anime series that combines supernatural romance and comedy, following a human boy’s adventures in a school for monsters.
- ‘Heaven’s Lost Property’: An anime series that follows a young man who encounters a mysterious angel-like creature with incredible powers.
- ‘Blood Lad’: A manga and anime series that revolves around a vampire boss and his encounters with humans and other supernatural beings.
- ‘Kampfer’: An anime series about a high school student who transforms into a female warrior to participate in a battle between different factions.
- ‘The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya’: An anime series that combines supernatural elements with slice-of-life comedy, centered around a high school girl with god-like powers.
- ‘K-ON!’: An anime series about a group of high school girls who form a band and navigate the ups and downs of their daily lives.
- ‘Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok’: A manga and anime series that follows the misadventures of the Norse god Loki, who is banished to the human world.
These recommendations are sure to satisfy your craving for more supernatural comedy and action similar to ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’.
Book club discussion questions for ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’
If you’re part of a book club or simply want to delve deeper into the themes and characters of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’, here are some thought-provoking discussion questions to spark engaging conversations:
- How does Ayumu’s transformation into a zombie affect his relationships and his sense of identity?
- Discuss the role of humor in ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ and how it contributes to the overall tone of the series.
- Explore the theme of redemption in the story. Which characters undergo significant transformations and find redemption throughout the series?
- Analyze the different supernatural beings introduced in the series. How do they reflect human emotions and desires?
- What are some of the challenges faced by the female characters in ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’? How do they defy traditional gender roles?
These discussion questions will encourage deeper analysis and appreciation of the themes and characters in ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’.
Parent guide for ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’
The TV series is rated for mature audiences, as it contains violence, suggestive themes, and occasional nudity. It may not be suitable for younger viewers. Parents should exercise caution and use their discretion when allowing their children to watch this series.
Intriguing tidbits about ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’
One of the intriguing aspects of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ is its unique blend of genres. It combines elements of comedy, action, supernatural, and harem, creating a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. The series manages to balance these different genres effectively, providing both comedic moments and intense action sequences.
The setting and timeline of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ are also worth mentioning. The story takes place in a fictional city called Sotoba, which is portrayed as a modern-day urban environment. The timeline is not explicitly mentioned in the series, but it is implied that it is set in the present day. This contemporary setting adds to the relatability and appeal of the show.
Buying guide & gift ideas for ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ fans
If you are a fan of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ or know someone who is, there are plenty of options available for buying merchandise and gifts related to the series. Here are some ideas to consider:
- DVD/Blu-ray Box Set: The complete series is available in a box set, which includes all the episodes and bonus features. This is a must-have for any fan who wants to own the entire series.
- Manga Adaptation: ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ was also adapted into a manga series. You can buy individual volumes or a complete set, which allows fans to enjoy the story in a different format.
- Official Merchandise: Look for official merchandise such as posters, keychains, and t-shirts featuring the characters from the series. These items make great collectibles and gifts for fans.
- Cosplay Accessories: If you or someone you know enjoys cosplaying, consider buying accessories to dress up as Eucliwood Hellscythe or Ayumu Aikawa. Look for items like wigs, costumes, and props to complete the look.
- Artbook: ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ has beautiful artwork, and an artbook showcasing the illustrations from the series would be a great addition to any fan’s collection.
Conclusion
‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ is an entertaining and unique TV series that successfully brings a light novel to life. With its blend of genres, intriguing tidbits, and relatable characters, it has gained a dedicated fanbase. If you are a fan or know someone who is, consider exploring the various merchandise and gift options available. From DVD box sets to cosplay accessories, there is something for everyone. So go ahead and immerse yourself in the world of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’ and enjoy the thrilling and comedic adventures of Ayumu Aikawa and his supernatural companions.
If you’re looking to dive into the world of ‘Kore wa Zombie desu ka?’, check out the DVD box sets and official merchandise available online. Happy watching and happy shopping!
