Posted by OP Sequence
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
OP: 「絵空事」 (Esoragoto) by nano.RIPE
Watch the OP!: Streaming ▼
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
「私が…ゾンビに…なったら」 (Watashi ga… Zonbi ni… Nattara)
“If I… Became… a Zombie”
Apparently having fetishes for the supernatural is the norm now. People better jump on the zombie band wagon because ghosts, vampires and werewolves are so overrated! At least… that’s the impression I’m getting from this season and shows lately.
This first episode opens up with the introduction of Furuya Chihiro (Kimura Ryohei) who openly admits that he has a thing for zombies — to the point that he plans to date (and marry) a zombie girl. As weird as it sounds, I find his character very refreshing to watch, minus the scary zombie obsession. He has a strong connection to his family which I admire, especially when he even went to the point of wanting to resurrect his dead stray cat. This was a pretty tragic scene to watch in the first 10 minutes; even I felt a little heartbroken. Speaking of cats, Chihiro’s hair constantly reminds me of Tsukiyomi Ikuto from Shugo Chara!… don’t they look like cat ears?
The focus on the anime though is on Sanka Rea (Uchida Maaya), who appears mainly at the latter end of the episode. Her back-story came as a bit of a surprise and I wondered how deep they’ll drive into that next episode; it’s definitely a darker feel that I was anticipating (and I guess that’s where the mystery comes into play). I wasn’t expecting such a connection between Rea and Chihiro to form so quickly, however this seems to work for me. Conversations weren’t awkward because they talked a bit about their past and they really gave the audience a good feel for their relationship and personalities.
There are a ton of side characters that I’m loving too: Saouji Ranko (Yahagi Sayuri) who is Chihiro’s cousin and shares his interest in zombies; Furuya Mero (Iguchi Yuka) who seems to have a strong relationship with her brother; and Furuya Jogorou (Saitou Shirou) who is this adorably hilarious grandfather with his facial expressions. Chihiro’s other schoolmates don’t seem to interest me that much, however I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt for now. Hopefully they’ll branch out from being stereotypical peers. Considering that the cast of characters is relatively small right now, I anticipate a lot of character development in the coming episodes.
There’s also a ton of fanservice in this episode. I wish I could screencap them all for you guys, but I’ll save that for future episodes. I read a few complaints about Studio Deen’s role as animators but if this episode is any indication of future production values, I don’t think I’ll be very disappointed. Although I want to hold judgment on that one; this episode was lacking in movement and focuses mainly on the conversations between characters. Not that I mind, because I doubt there will be much action for this anime in general.
With that said, I’m thoroughly impressed by Sankarea’s premiere. The last few seconds show a glimpse of what’s to come (I was fully anticipating it to happen within this episode) and builds up momentum for next week; this will hopefully explain Rea’s possessive father. What else? The opening theme is decent, but I love the ending theme a lot! I won’t lie, it’s probably the type of ballad that I can listen to on repeat for hours. I think it’s just what the show needs to dial down the hype from the last 30 seconds of the episode – which consists of a zombie coming after you.
ED Sequence
 |
 |
 |
ED: 「above your hand」 by Annabel
Watch the ED!: Streaming ▼
Preview
 |
 |
 |
Looks like a Shaft show for me, but really good!
Looks pretty good for a DEEN show.
Director has worked for shaft his whole career before directing this.
No wonder I get that Shaft feeling towards near the end of the episode.
It’s a good start as it peaked my interest that I went ahead a read the manga right after watching this.
I’m enjoying this from the very first episode. I like it~!
Please no censorship!!! Especially THAT part in the shower else I’ll never forgive DEEN.
The protagonist seem to have a severe case of necrophyllia.
For those of you who dont know what necrophilia means, it is simply being atracted to corpses, in this case zombies.
And itt was a great episode.
This was definitively a good opening episode for this series. I’ll agree that Chihiro is a rather refreshing character, and there really is quite a bit of fan service through out the series. I’m going to enjoy this adaption.
very good animation quality here. sanka rea is so cute!
good music for the op and end as well!
i think this is the most promising show so far that i’ve seen =]
The manga is very nice, I’m actually quite suprised that there is an adaptation for it.
I wonder where this season will end :/
Technically speaking, the “Zombies are the in thing!!1!!!111!” was from the 2009 range. We’re just now getting them all adapted into anime. Dystopian futures are, apparently, now all the rage again, so expect more of those around 2015.
Anyway, I really liked the moment between Chihiro and his sister, Mero, at the grave for the Baabu. As an older brother who’s buried his fair share of family pets, it really was nice touch.
I’m kind of digging the “SHAFT-lite” style they have going. I hope it keeps up. It’ll be nice to get a series like that, about zombies no less, without quite as much Shinbou hijinks. Just enough to keep it fresh but not too much to distract. Of course, watch it go totally one way or the other and I eat my words.
Still, this is a definite watch for a while.
I actually had no idea when this manga came out… nor how or why zombies became so popular o_o I’ll be sure to keep on top of the trends though… lol
well….after this i think ill be jumping on board this wagon 😛
annabel ed give another vibe on that ed, but it was epic! truly epic ed
and this show show too much fetish like father take a photo from his 16 year old daughter he must be king of hentai in his previous life
oh my indeed yea so um cat ears hair boy want a zombie girlfriend?
yet met a sankarea ok then let see how this series for this whole cat ears hair boy & zombie love?
& oh mention more on it funi just got it http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-06/funimation-adds-sakarea-zombie-comedy-anime
This show really has my attention. The show seemed to flow at a good pace and Im glad the 1st episode didnt rush into Sanka turning into a Zombie right away. I thought this was just going to be the typical rom-com show that comes out every season but the story seems to be dealing with alot of dark issues like child molestation.
feels so shafty… no complaints bout that
If they’re the living dead, would it still be necrophilia?
Anyway, this episode has really gotten me interested. Unexpectedly good visuals coming from Studio Deen and a quirky cast. I just hope the story doesn’t turn sad and creepy like the vibes I’m getting.
Damn, cant get enough of Sanka Rea. Props to the VA too, she’s perfect for her(dat whimper<3)
Looking forward to next episode and to your post too Cherrie.
PS: Is it just me or the father looks so much like Meme's mom lol.
I’m a big fan of Sankarea and so far it looks really good. There is fanservice in the manga but it’s not blatant nor overly used – you don’t get that ‘fanservice’-y vibe from the manga.
I’m hoping they don’t try to crank up it up in the anime because it doesn’t need it as there is a good story to tell. Very good adaptation thus far and they have kept it really close to the manga, sometimes shot for shot.
I really like the ED too, one of the better ones I have heard lately. The OP was eh, standard fare.
all the fan service that happened so far happened in the manga. You dont really get a fan service vibe from this anime either.
Doesn’t the grandfather look a lot like the grandmother from Denpa Onna?
Great start for Sanakarea. The characters are actually pretty likable, and I have faith that this is going to be a great adaptation.
The series looks really promising, but I find the posesive nature of Rea´s father way more disturbing than Chihiro´s obssesion with zombies.
Me too! When she talked about her father, I was thinking, “Wait what?!” There goes my innocent impression of this series…
So far of the new series I have watched this and Zetman are off to good starts.
I need more Sanka, Rea’s in my life. Keh keh keh.
hmm, the show wasn’t quite what I expected. I generally tend to avoid shows that are dark in nature with the exception of Another but the story is interesting so far so I’ll give the season a few more eps.
RWanko reminds me of a certain girl called Anaru.. >_>And yes like others have pointed out, looks surprisingly good for a DEEN production, looks like that have upped their level a little.
Can we not make cat ears on dudes a thing Japan?
I think Chihiro and Ayumu from Kore wa Zombie desu ka? could become really good friends, they both share a certain common interest in their lives.
I shat bricks when I expected something of DEEN quality in here but got a SHAFT-ish feel instead. Director was a SHAFT staff when I checked so that’s why.
Rea’s seiyuu is pretty good for a newbie. I’m just worried for the limited material for it but if it’s this good then I’d better just enjoy it.
more shaft goodness!
I actually liked the opening theme more. The various mind games were entertaining and remind you of Mawaru Penguindrum, Eden of the East, and Arakawa Under the Bridge’s interesting opening themes.
Fukuya’s personality, despite his unheard of fetish, is surprisingly easy to grow on. I agree with Haseo: Ayumu and Fukuya would make for a comical encounter.
So Zombies are the new thing this season? I’m becoming a fan of something I never showed interest in this easily?! I look forward to future screencaps.
I’ve often said that nano.RIPE is an acquired taste, but once you get it, you savour it to th fullest. I had no idea they were going to do the opening, and when I heard her voice, I did do a great big SQUEEEEE.
But then, Annabel’s ED……OMG. That is the show stopper right there.
Oh damn. After watching the first episode I got curious and ended up reading several manga chapters. I am not usually a big fan of romantic comedies, but the story here is actually much more… disturbing than what you would expect from such wacky premise. This is going straight in my must-watch list for the season 🙂
Eww… I love zombie genre but NOT like this…… Let see how long I can stand be4 I got squicked out.
Seriously, you won’t notice the dead… Unless it reminds you that the one in front of you is one.
I am glad this manga got an adaptation, I’ve been following it for quite a while. It’s the first anime series in which I read the source material before the release of the anime, so I’m pretty excited. Whether this adaptation succeeds or not remains to be seen, but from what I can tell from the first episode, they are on the right track. The voice acting is really good so far, the grandfather’s voice is exactly what I imagined in my head, it just felt so surreal. The OP was pretty cool too, I was afraid they were gonna put way too much focus on the horror side of the story, but I was glad to see that was not the case. I had no idea what to expect from the ED on the other hand, but it turned out fine so that’s good, gonna have to see where this bowling alley thing goes though.
Some of these caps would be perfect for a wallpaper!
I agree, but are you thinking of caps like this, this, and this, or were you thinking more like this, this, and THIS.
Don’t you guys think that Rea looks a lot like Saten from Railgun?
The director worked for many SHAFT shows, including Madoka.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=20712
EDIT(?): And the art director also did everything SZS.
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=69336
You gotta hand it to animes. The creators are trying to make necrophilia MOE and they might just succeed with Chihiro’s nekomimi and Rea looking so great!
Definitely one of the more interesting premieres and you would never have guessed this was a DEEN’s production. Loving the OP and ED as well 😉
Oh my. Where do I start? There was good and bad. The OP? Music just didn’t fit. It felt like I was just about to start watching Hanasaku Iroha. On the flip side I loved the ED. Great music – felt more appropriate to the subject matter.
As far as the show was concerned- I’m pleasantly intrigued. The zombie fetish was a new twist. I’m interested to see whether this takes a Stephen King Pet Cemetary tone. I doubt it but hey… It would make for a pretty interesting storyline.
I do like Rea (who wouldn’t) and can’t wait to see more. ♪(´ε｀ )
Actually, the similarity is intentional. The 2nd and 26th chapters of the Sanka Rea manga are named “Pet Sematary.”
could it be that I’ve seen a reference to the Zombie Comedy Movie Shaun of the Dead? The white shirt, the red necktie and a cricket bat, it looks to good that I laugh that my lungs hurt xD
There’s a reference to ‘Dawn of the Dead’ which ‘Shawn of the Dead’ is a spoof of. You can see a poster on his wall ‘Dusk of the Dead’.
Sure it is the spoof of Dawn of the Dead, but putting Chihiro into the role of Shawn in his day dreams, was a very amusing part for me.
All in all you can see many Horror specific references.
There are two references to that scene you’re talking about, one of them more obscure. One you’ve already named (Shaun of the Dead). The other one is a 1981 movie by Lucio Fulci called ‘The Beyond.’ That’s where the little zombie girl is from.
GG this caught my interest so much that i went on to read all the available manga chapters. Oh well at least i can watch this for rea HNGGGGG even if i spoiled myself for the plot hahahah~
Still enjoyed it even though I spoiled myself with the manga before it aired. Really liking the adaption so far though, perhaps one of my more highly anticipated shows from this season’s schedule. 🙂 Hopefully Deen continues to do it justice.
Also yay for more Annabel.
I was feeling apprehensive after reading the series description but I ended up loving this episode. I ended up reading all the manga chapters that have been translated and unlike Accel World, I wasn’t disappointed.
I don’t really know much about DEEN’s failures in the past but the visuals seems pretty stunning so far. I mean just look at those entrancing blue eyes; the sleek, damp, black hair; the lighting in the abandoned bowling alley (this kind of reminds me of ep1 in Nisemonogatari); and how neatly drawn the characters are.
I don’t know how far they’ll get in 1 cour but I’ll be enjoying every second of it 🙂
Very unique anime……must wait for upcoming episodes….
I love the art style – those slightly shifty looks so many characters have, the almost completely angular faces and even the cat ears!
It’s also very nice hearing Iguchi Yuka as Mero, and Kimura Ryohei is absolutely perfect for Chihiro.
Very much looking forward to seeing how they handle certain scenes later on.
INDEX!!!……. I mean, Mero. Heck.. INDEX!
Wait, let me get this straight, people. NO ONE likes Ranko over Rea? Have you all seen the assets on her? The rack! The booty! You all are blind! Blind! bah~~!!:( That Rea cleavage shot is totally misleading, sorry to throw the cold water into the mass frenzy over Rea mania. She clearly, I mean, CLEARLY squeeze them with them arms!! The oldest trick in the book along with bicep squeeze while crossing arms. And you all fell for it~~~~! Ah that trick never gets old, he he he 🙂
Ok, ok, that apron certainly didn’t do us favor, but we all will see, just wait. Ranko will show y’all! Geez, why do I always like secondary characters over the main ones? They are always doomed to failure on hooking up with the main guy, but no~~~!! I always go for that. grumble grumble. I’m afraid the trend started with Shampoo (Ranma) and Asuka (Evangelion) for me. Cruel fate, oh, poor me. ha ha ha
If Ranko fails to catch up, then surely, my favorite character for this show, Ms. Darin, aka the mischievous foreign blondie trope, put some damper on this raging Rea mania.
Dayum, one of my favorite manga series becoming an anime… I just can’t help but to rejoice every moment in this episode.
I just can’t help but to love any series that have zombie materials in it:
Sankarea: Romance
KoreZom: Comedy
HOTD: Serious
(Tokko, Charvelier… but these are old so)
I wonder if Chihiro is actually my brother…………..
This is my favorite new show so far. The characters are all likable, the animation is gorgeous, the plot is mysterious yet has its humorous points, and the music is great (lover of nano.RIPE).
More so than Ikuto, I think Chihiro ripped off Ookami-san’s Nekomiya in terms of catboy hairstyles even more. (http://s3.amazonaws.com/data.tumblr.com/tumblr_m229u1I1HT1qdhsq1o1_1280.png?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAI6WLSGT7Y3ET7ADQ&Expires=1333890419&Signature=eeRGa%2Bq%2FSrebaBvJa9Jf2lTaG5U%3D)
But then again, no one’s complaining X3
Chihiro’s hair reminds me more of Tatsumi’s hair from Shiki.
http://918thefan.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/shiki10_4.jpg
It was a decent first episode. I’m hooked!
Also, congrats on getting your first anime post out! I’m loving your writing style :]
xoxo. You’re too sweet <3
As long as Rea won’t become this creepy stitched green zombie, I’ll probably love this. ^_^
Thanks for the review! This looks Interesting!
sadly I only have time to pick up two or three shows this season so does anyone think this will be worth it in the long run?
one thing you can be certain, this is NOT your standard zombie show…
It’s the season of zombie moe~♪
Dude, clearly you don’t know what you are getting yourself into by watching this if you think this is a Zombie moe show. Even Kore wa zombie doesn’t have any Zombie moe (just a creepy zombie dude who likes to cross-dress). Give up on that moe business and just enjoy some gruesome and disturbing stuff that will come later (with some comedy/romance/lighter stuff, of course)…. Well, unless if you thought Frurya Jogorou (aka grandpa) as a moe, then it’s my bad, man.
I’m interested to see if Tasogare Otome x Amnesia will be as good
To be honest, I was not expecting much from this show. I am glad to say that I am pleasantly surprised.
This got off to a great start and holds a good bit of potential. I especially liked the dark undertones, as well as the shaft-esque Animation (which I now have an explanation for, courtesy of totoum). OP and ED also impressed. Although, I didn’t see much fanservice myself- and what I did see was in good taste.
A must watch for now- here’s hoping it stays that way.
P.S.: Did anyone else find the tone of this show reminiscent to Bakemonogatari?
Nice pace and likeable characters… I’m already looking forward to this series.
BTW, it would be nice if you could make the full-length shots for this series – I’d be totally grateful!
I actually looked at the first episode myself for any full-lengths, but the pans are acting in a way that say “full length shots? lolyeahright.” D:
I hope that’s not the case in every episode ;_;
Very calming, very intriguing.
Not that bad of a first episode, and I’m curious as to where this story will lead. The ending theme makes it seem that this show may head off into some pretty serious territory though. Which speaking of which, that ending theme has to be one of the most lovely songs I’ve heard in a while now!
Although I am into Zombie genre like him, but I nvr wished for a zombie filled world that have cute zombies asking me not to shoot them and run and hug the zombie… This is so exciting so give me more of this!!!
Deen done well.
But I’m worried that the nude scenes might get censored. There ARE plenty of them since this IS a zombie show and all… And the protagonist is into necrophilia(? dunno if this is a case of necrophilia though).
One of the shows I have high expectations, they have opened the episode deviating a little from the manga. Nonetheless they are telling the story faithfully from the original material. Graphics is stunning and Rea’s skin tone is the same with the manga: pale and makes her looks like a zombie.
Well done Deen, well done.
“a ton” of fanservice is a bit of an exaggeration you think? There were two instances, if that.
“There’s also a ton of fanservice in this episode.”
Uh? Someone here don’t know what real fanservice is. 🙂
Did JJ Abrams have a hand in this show? I’m totally loving the use of lens flares.
Is Mero dead? Why is she wearing the headband used for spirits?
Oh and the guts spilling was a bit ew.
Mero just like cosplaying, I think.
The guts spilling is only a beginning for what’s to come later.
My own personal take: Mero is fully aware of her brother’s preferences. You can call it cosplay. But we could also call it…bro-con?
God Rea is so damn cute and attractive it should be illegal.
First off, been a zombie fan for so long, these days I am almost into Sly Hipster territory concerning the genre. Almost. Giving everything a shot this season without expectations, I go in blank slate.
I had no clue that nano.RIPE would be doing the OP. Kudos. Love this band, they made Hanasaku that much better for me.
Paint by number introduction of not so typical school student. Dig that his Dad is a Shinto priest, and that his Grandfather is senile; not seen often in either case if at all. Liking Mero, her break down and cry got me a bit (as it was supposed to). Her imitation of the the Buddhist dead when Chihiro was filling his ice bucket makes me wonder if she is a bro-con.
Ugh, supporting cast surrounding MC is cut-out and bland. Seen these idiots way to much.
Backgrounds, animation, and pacing are all top notch, much better than DEEN has done in the past. Surprised by the SHAFT like stylings, but seeing the shows pedigree it should be a surprise at all.
Sanka Rea herself is very well animated, and had a great introduction. She has enough character quirks to explore, without being silly or just plain stupid. Plus, the modeling of her is gorgeous. Well worth watching, just for her character alone.
Say it with me, “Sankarea Fascination”
The ED itself is just plain awesome. It’s haunting and beautiful at the same time. Annabel was a perfect choice.
Great pick if you haven’t watched it already.
Main character is black cat?
Wow! This will be my favorite anime of the season! Hope the good parts in here doesn’t go away. xD and nice delivery of fanservice! Aah. i miss tsundere service of senjougahara. xD Anyway, Love Rea! :3
I’ve been following the manga ever since and I’d say that they adapted it pretty well. To be honest, I find the characters more interesting in the anime than the manga. Every single one of them. And damn, the animation’s done pretty well.
I’m really looking forward to this.
Is this going to become the show of the season. Five sub groups on on it. Is that more than a little unusual? It remains to be seen who will drop it as time goes on, but damn, so much to choose from.
In watching it EIGHT freaking times this weekend, I have to say it again.
Sankarea Fascination.
After reading this post and the comments, I’ve decided to give Sankarea a chance. That ED song is beautiful.
Is it bad that I get the feeling that the necrophilia in this show will probably squick me less than the spit fetish in Mysterious Girlfriend X? What have you done to me, anime.
Wow, I know for a fact I’m going to both enjoy and finish this series. I thrive on romance and the story seems pretty original with good room for comedy. I love how the main character can talk without being timid to girls just because he’s not interested in them unless they’re undead. I’m not a fan of the cat ear looking haircut, but I suppose he needs to be unique in physical appearance because he’s the main character *shrug*. Anyways, looking forward to the next episode
Liked the show, LOVED the ED. Full version of it coming out when? Anyone know?
nano.RIPE doing the OP and Annabel doing the ED. I got so much nostalgia for one series. XD
Also, the manga’s ongoing, I recommend you to read it for now 8D
Sankarea Fascination!
Great ep. Really agree with the Shaft vibe everyone’s talking about. Does anyone else think that Rea looks like what a grown up version of Alice from Kami-sama no Memochou would look like?
Great animation, interesting plot.
The zombie thing got me interested.
Somehow I thought of an Anonatsu with a zombie instead of alien.
I guess its the animation style that makes me want to watch.
Perhaps I’ll have a look at the manga to see what goes on after to see if its worth watching on.
I finally got around to watching this, and I think that it is a good adaptation of the manga. I thought the VA for Sanka Rea did a very good job. Also, for those who have not read the original source material, while there will undoubtedly be a lot of romantic-comedy material, the main story is quite a bit more sinister and dark. However, the manga did a good job in balancing the two, and based on watching the first episode, I think that the anime staff will do a good job.