Zom 100 and Monogatari are two very different anime series, but they do share some stark similarities that make it inevitable to draw a comparison list between these two masterpieces, one climbing the ladder of trendy anime fast and the other one is a cult favourite. Zom 100 is a more recent series, but it has quickly become a favourite among fans of zombie apocalypse stories while Monogatari is a more established series, and it is known for its complex characters and dialogue-heavy storytelling.
Top 5 ways in which Zom 100 reminds us of the Monogatari series
5. The use of comedy
In Zom 100, the humour comes from the protagonist’s deadpan reactions to the zombie apocalypse. For example, when Akira first encounters a zombie, he simply says, “Oh, a zombie.” This deadpan humour is similar to the humour found in the Monogatari series, where the characters often make witty remarks and observations. For example, in the first episode of Bakemonogatari, the protagonist, Koyomi Araragi, says, “I’m a vampire, but I’m not a bad guy.”
4. The focus on character development
In Zom 100, the protagonist, Akira, learns to appreciate life more after the zombie apocalypse. For example, after Akira saves a group of survivors from a zombie attack, he says, “I’m glad I could help.” This moment shows that Akira has grown as a person, and it is a good example of the character development that is found in Zom 100.
In the Monogatari series, the characters learn to deal with their personal problems and grow as individuals. For example, in the second season of Bakemonogatari, the character of Hanekawa Tsubasa learns to overcome her fear of cats which shows that Hanekawa has grown as a person.
3. The use of supernatural elements
AKIRA IS FINALLY FREE!!! 🤩 #Zom100 pic.twitter.com/KihPwULcuT
— Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (@Zom100_EN) July 9, 2023
In Zom 100, the zombies are a supernatural threat that the characters must face. For example, in the first episode of Zom 100, Akira encounters a zombie that is able to speak will tell us that the zombies in Zom 100 are not just mindless creatures.
In the Monogatari series, the characters have supernatural powers that they use to solve mysteries and fight evil. For example, in the first episode of Bakemonogatari, the protagonist, Koyomi Araragi, is able to transform into a vampire which shows that the characters in the Monogatari series are not ordinary people.
2. The use of dialogue
The characters spend a lot of time talking to each other, and dialogue is often used to develop the characters and the story. For example, in the first episode of Zom 100, Akira has a conversation with his friend, Yuu. This conversation helps to develop Akira’s character and to set up the story.
In Monogatari, the dialogue is even more important. The characters often have long, philosophical conversations, and these conversations are used to explore the characters’ thoughts and feelings. For example, in the second season of Bakemonogatari, the character of Hanekawa Tsubasa has a conversation with the protagonist, Koyomi Araragi, about her fear of cats.
1. The use of visual symbolism
Symbolism is often used to foreshadow events or to represent the characters’ inner thoughts and feelings. For example, in the first episode of Zom 100, Akira sees a white butterfly. This butterfly is a symbol of hope, and it foreshadows Akira’s eventual victory over the zombies.
In Monogatari, the visual symbolism is even more complex. The characters often encounter objects or animals that have symbolic meanings. For example, in the first episode of Bakemonogatari, the protagonist, Koyomi Araragi, encounters a snake. This snake is a symbol of temptation, and it represents Koyomi’s own temptation to give in to his vampiric urges.
In conclusion, both Zom 100 and the Monogatari series are both entertaining and thought-provoking series that use comedy, character development, supernatural elements, dialogue, and visual symbolism to great effect. If you enjoy one series, you are likely to enjoy the other. Wait no longer and stream them both on Crunchyroll or Netflix.