Zombieland Saga - Idol Anime's Gateway Drug

Those sneaky zombies got me. I'm pretty sure I unironically like idol anime now.
Let's figure out how they did it.
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In the depths of his Mother's Basement, Geoff Thew creates videos analyzing the storytelling techniques of anime and video games. He has been named the number one Worst KZbin Anime Reviewer by The Top Tens.

[@iqjdsrt92]

And then there's the moment when you realize you are just like the 2 weird metal guys who started to follow the girls for their brutality and ended up just liking them as idols

[@ironmaster6496]

If you think about it its kind of a Metaphor fon the fanbase (Came for the deaths and metal, stayed for the Well written characters and interesting story)

[@ZeStreD]

You'd be amazed how often that happens in real life but you never see it because they are such niche personal accounts.

[@O-san4]

I really liked that idea because *damn* I'm a metal head

[@Nolroa]

The two metalheads are the representation of us, the viewers.

[@camerontofu5798]

*I FUCKING LOVE THEM*

[@wod26]

*_You cannot escape Idol hell once you have entered_*

[@Meowblivion]

@The Killer Animeman Not Better than K On

[@roxasthelonewolf23]

i can

[@peanutbutter4047]

@@Meowblivion wut? When did K-On became idol anime?

[@isaacmahoney5947]

But i escaped. Escape is possivle. I am FREEEEEEEEEE

[@MrRandom125]

@@peanutbutter4047 It isn't

[@kingsquid330]

i also find hilarious that the manger is a necromancer that seems like he was a DnD charater that kept rolling natural 20s on charisma

[@daniel_rossy_explica]

The twist is, all the faces of his d20 were 20s. It was a rigged die

[@daniel_rossy_explica]

@Egg T what? Sorry, didn't catch the reference

[@cnlbenmc]

Well as of season 2; He's not actually the necromancer and he fumbles out some 1s pretty hard at a couple of points.

[@michellamoureuxm]

Naw he's a fucking gnome in disguise, crit fail first, then either the reroll ability crits

[@timothymclean]

F*king sorcerers.

[@pixelpudding3914]

Person:I hate idol shows! Zombieland Saga: It’s free real estate

[@tryblight]

;)

[@robno1033]

I just read that in Shade's voice XD

[@deaththingy6666]

that how mafia works

[@theratking3075]

K I'll get the mercy sniper

[@theratking3075]

Or maybe..... fatman

[@ballisticriot6082]

For anyone who says this show is bad, make sure you check both ways before crossing the street because *Truck-kun shows no mercy.*

[@TheErolind]

Thanos car

[@Borderose]

Truck-sama is the god of death.

[@Flaris]

It isn’t good. Bring it Truck.

[@marshallcoleman4167]

Yeah, just ask Kira Yosikage lmao

[@Gooong]

Darn. Last 3 times I saw Truck-kun I got isekai'd. This time I just got zombie'd.

[@JustinY.]

They pulled the greatest bamboozle since School-Live.

[@neopixelosu]

HOW ARE YOU HERE SO EARLY

[@ZanraiKid]

Justin Y. FASTEST COMMENTER IN THE WEST

[@AlexDivineycomedy]

Boii

[@moobattle]

What the hell what is your wpm

[@siegfriedfinal343]

Where is your jojo reference

[@doylethompson1510]

The manager is absolutely hilarious and one of the best voice performances I've heard. Hes ridiculous, meant to be ridiculous, and hints at the idea that hes ridiculous on purpose and plays up a persona for the girls. You're short selling him pretty hard. Hes out making connections during the hot spring episode and the way he treats each girl is different and they each respond differently. You're seriously underselling his character.

[@krmunoz2169]

Maybe better this way so he doesn't spoils it. I think he sold the series well enough that I'm gonna watch it now fml I don't want to be an idol guy :(

[@lancestryker]

GO GO GO GO GO-GO GO GO GO GO GO GO GO-GO

[@priestesslucy3299]

@@krmunoz2169 you don't have to be an 'idol guy' to enjoy some idol anime. Neither guy nor full on Idol fan [I hate Idolmaster forexample] but I love the hell out of Zombie Land Saga, Macross Delta/7/Frontier and AKB0048. I like love live too, but not enough to watch the new shows beyond the first just yet, other higher priority anime have consumed my anime viewing time since they came out lol

[@micmup6890]

Anime has never really made me laugh but fuck, when the manager came out with a french outfit and baguette and then said merci in the most stereotypical gay french accent kilked me

[@caspexx]

SPOILER: As seen in the last episode you can see that Kotaro is actually an old friend of Sakura and it might mean that he did all this to make Sakura's dream of becoming an idol and being successful at something true.

[@thepinkertons823]

A note on the horrible CGI dance numbers. Lily and Saki's performances made me notice that those, too, are a critique of the fabrication of idol culture. Theirs were traditional animation -- which given that they were more heartfelt made sense. We're supposed to see that they came from the girls themselves.The flashmob, the Saga Rock scene, those were marketing ploys. So it makes sense that they were done in that robotic CGI. The show uses its own medium to tell us whether a performance is genuine or not. It's great.

[@AudreyLacer-Bug]

I really like Saki, she's badass!

[@lancestryker]

The CGI makes me feel like I'm looking at 2.5D

[@FallenPasha]

Lily's song was really beautiful

[@deborah_chrysoprase]

Oh! I'm so glad I'm not the only person who noticed this. I felt the Lily episode hit me pretty hard and as I was thinking about it, I realized the dance actually looked good, and came to the same conclusion, that perhaps the earlier dance scenes were intentionally made to look manufactured in the same way that the dances really were. As the series progressed, it was another way of giving the experience of the girls becoming more and more skilled in their showmanship.

[@frederickgrandison3609]

@@AudreyLacer-Bug Close to best

[@vanilla_milkshake]

One thing I'm surprised no one is taking about is the brilliant idea the production had to make the early performances in CGI. It seemed like a cheap short-cut at first, then we got to ep 8 where the girls perform a song they wrote together that was all hand-drawn animation. Then Saki's song in ep 9 pretty much confirmed that the use of CGI for the "less genuine" performances was intentional. Genius.

[@artuno1207]

Two things I got from this, first it was to parody the janky 3D animation you expect from idol shows, and second was what you said, to show the increase in performance abilities of Franchouchou (and the studio).

[@hpm5800]

I had a similar interpretation regarding the CGI as well. Production Quality=Franchocho's Growth. The lives gets better as the Idol group gets better.

[@MHSchonberg]

The other interpretation is that the janky CG is meant to resemble uncanny stiff zombie movement.

[@MrMetalforever5]

Vanilla Milkshake Even if it’s a joke or parody, the CG is tough to look at and takes away from the show. Kick me in the balls all you want but don’t roll your eyes and say “Boy isn’t this a harsh critique on male empowerment.”

[@roboticjanitor3332]

Romantic morning walk encounter with truck kuun

[@kcsupersonic1]

I feel like Kotaro is not being given enough credit. He acts the part of the sterotypical idol manager who cares nothing for the humanity of the idols he manages, but you also see him doing a lot of the grunt work in the background in order to make the group run. When he ditches the group to go goof off, he is actually negotiating deals and appearances for the group. He also allows all the zombie girls to determine for themselves what they will do for their image. He doesn't take sides in the Idol ideology debate and says that it is ok to not want to do public signings. He also hilariously berates the others when he believes that they won't accept Lily. I think he is putting up a front, because he believes that is just how a manager is supposed to act.

[@Borderose]

Isn't he also kind of a necromancer? That's kinda rad.

[@Vulcano7965]

He is apparently also a decent composer. So It's not like that he has no clue of music and instruments. Which is pretty neat (it also adds to his weird persona. I mean, playing guitar with a bathing cap? :D)

[@ShinigamiSparda]

Don’t forget the beatboxing.

[@quellzai2293]

This is a great comment. I'm really starting to appreciate Tatsumi. I thought he was gonna be kinda in the background after the girls got established, but he is still an important character, pointing the girls in the right direction, setting up their brand (in his own way), keeping them from going at each other, etc. I really liked the part where Ai and Junko walk out of rehearsal (i think it was the flash mob episode) and Tatsumi gives them a brief but powerful pep talk, saying that the other girls are trying their best, and asks Junko and Ai how long they plan to "be zombies". And in the Saga Rock episode, his talk with Junko was really inspiring, and had real world aspects to it. Without that pep talk, Franshoushou wouldnt have owned at Saga Rock, maybe not even finished the performance, since Junko stepped up and helped Ai through the storm (both literally and physically)

[@Vulcano7965]

@@quellzai2293 Tatsumi is the frame for this show. He gets to pick where the story is heading (mostly) and we never get to see how. Also his ability to pull shit out his ass.

[@user-gs3jq3nn6u]

Honoka : literally dancing in the traffics and didn't get hit by a car Sakura: running straight to the traffics and automaticaly get hit by a truck

[@jessamynroguski9649]

I honestly always felt that whole dance in the street with Umi and Kotori was all in her head imagining how being an idol would be leading to her decision

[@nevreiha]

I'll fucking do it again

[@francosalas9583]

What do you expect from the girl who can literally tell rain to fuck off?

[@RaffoPhantom]

Imagine being so unlucky you get isekaied into your own world again

[@CainLupus]

Yamada Tae is defs my favorite idol of all time. I mean what other idol could do a perfect rooster crow? Absolutely Legendary (Yamada Tae).

[@connerrolofson1585]

Tae Yameda is NEVER LEGENDARY.

[@frederickgrandison3609]

She hilarious

[@TomoExcel]

I swear when we get her backstory, it's going to wreck us forever.

[@uc4490]

@@TomoExcel I am pretty sure there is a spin-off manga where is a she is a main character

[@thegreatgonzales6813]

@@uc4490 Yeah, and after reading it I can see why Kotaro didn’t try explaining Tae’a history. It’s… a lot.

[@riemaennchen]

Its just like a real Zombie infection. One bite (or episode in this case) and you are one of them.

[@Saeda88]

That's terrifyingly accurate... Luckily they're not after my brains. Not that I'd have any to spare...

[@TheColonelAutumn]

Oh fuck your right

[@KusogakiRenfir]

I'm disappointed that this anime is as underrated as it is since it easily makes top three for me. The humor is absolutely hysterical, and the deconstruction of the idol genre is nothing short of genius.

[@ulfricstormcloak7142]

Underrated? At least in Anime Trending, most (if not all the time this season) they're pretty much in top 10. And judging from r/anime and myself, this is the first idol anime me and many others watch.

[@KusogakiRenfir]

@@ulfricstormcloak7142 Yes

[@harenava1451]

ZECTCustomUnit Oh dude if you want a twist on the zombie genre, I'd highly recommend iZombie, it's alright

[@jerome6578]

Yeah, not a lot of people reviewing this on yt.

[@melonlord1414]

This show sold 3 times as many BlueRays as My Hero Academia Season 3. It's great, but it's not really underrated (at least not in japan)

[@battlesheep2552]

Aside from the implied promiscuity, there's also the fact that Yugiri smokes, even in public appearances. Definitely a big no-no for that appearance of "purity" idols are expected to maintain, but she does bring that Meiji-era charm that makes it work.

[@rikustorm13]

FR :D

[@pwojo9776]

For Kotaro trying his hardest to hide that the girls are zombies, he's surprisingly very liberal with Romero. The dog's on Franchouchou merchandise (t-shirts, sweaters, slippers, etc.) and he brings him out into the open a lot; even at some events. Romero and the metal-heads are the best boys of this show.

[@jerome6578]

He dig snuball from pet cemetery 😂

[@Kolbjornelenano]

Wait, the dog's name is Romero? Like in George A. Romero?

[@IronGiant2790]

@@Kolbjornelenano haha yup!

[@teekahseng5773]

Apparently the reason why the saga prefecture is chosen to be the focus is because the president of Cygames, who produced Zombieland saga, Koichi Watanabe, is born in Saga and wanted to boost tourism there.

[@joseph2941]

That is so meta. I wonder if it is working.

[@GweiTheLeafChild]

Even more, the commercials that air during ZLS are for Saga products and services, and the cast of the show seiyuu actually do Saga events in real life. The Seiyuu of the show blogged their experience in the Gatalympics wearing the same Franchouchou shirts as the anime.

[@SquallGunblade88]

Huh, neat!

[@Sebastian-tm6hk]

tee kah seng There's always that one show that comes once in a while that may not look much at first glance, but then things become almost conspiracy theory level of deep when you really start digging into it. Needless to say, I love moments like these.

[@RaGiAn87]

HE WANTED TO SAVE SAGA

[@Just_Some_Guy_with_a_Mustache]

Tell me every other idol show has girls getting run over and/or death metal. If you can tell me that, then we'll talk.

[@czzy9468]

I second this

[@BladeOfSteel-Sword_Saint]

I see you everywhere!

[@PabloHernandez-gl5ij]

Just like the zombies I see you everywhere

[@Hoshimaru57]

Most shows have an episode or 2 or character that goes completely off the rails. Idolmaster has an episode where Makoto and Azusa are doing a photo shoot for a wedding magazine, and somehow it revolves into the entire town chasing Azusa and Makoto kicking the shit out of gangster looking guys to the tune of her signature song. Honestly I wish I knew which one that was cause it was epic to my recollection.

[@arlekino0792]

Umm, now we only get a metal idol group "Baby Metal"...

[@kaheis4566]

The last episode really affected my view on tatsumi. The whole time I thought he was just a dick, which he kind of is, but his sole intention was to help his high school crush (Sakura) achieve her dream, even after she'd died. Now he's best boy of 2018

[@drivetypeformula9535]

And the Few Mystery still unaswered (the last Minute of Eps.12 that newspaperman give us Seed) wonder when the Season 2 come or atleast Colored Manga. But i don't mind rewatch again when BD out (wonder they fix CG Dance on that)

[@Magmafrost13]

That makes it so much worse though. He obsessed over his dead highschool crush for 10 years, brought her back to life as a zombie, abused and exploited the shit out of her, and apparently still has romantic feelings for her despite being 10 years older than her and also her manager. He's a massive fucking creep.

[@Magmafrost13]

@@Hisname22 2 and 3 are a problem because they create a gross power dynamic. This is of course made a lot worse by the fact that he functionally owns her life. Legally she's dead. She cannot leave him. I shouldnt have to explain why its fucked up to have a romantic relationship under those circumstances. 1 is frankly just delusional, its not 'true love' its creepy obsessiveness.

[@zimo4147]

@@Magmafrost13 it's fuckin called FICTION. All of those would be creepy as hell in real life, but this is a goddamn anime, and tatsumi's character is great

[@meto9285]

tbh Kotaro was one of my favorites the whole time. yes he's a bit of a dork but he's hilarious along with his VA who is way too into it, great character

[@ryansavering4115]

Okay, hands up, how many of us cried at the end of episode 8 with Lily’s song to her dad? Cause I know I did

[@Sheeshiest]

cried last year and cried again after rewatching.

[@mariobadia4553]

I cried when saki finally figured out she's never going to be with the man she loves because she will never grow into an adult.

[@kiyoshi5430]

@@mariobadia4553 same T-T

[@serenity3157]

@@mariobadia4553 dem feels

[@mitzuriki]

@@mariobadia4553 SPOILER ALERT PLEASE

[@greg4811]

They literally crawled out of idol hell to get you.

[@JosieBobaGames]

I'm calling to the twist right now that Tatsumi is the one who was driving the truck that hit Sakura

[@Sacron1143]

The truck seemed empty to me, but considering that Sakura died 10 years ago i would guess they are related somehow, and that Sakura's death is what inspired him to become a manager, and Ai's what gave him the idea of zombies.

[@lemonlupinreuben5362]

Plot twist, Tatsumi is Sakura’s dad

[@christophercrafte]

@@Sacron1143 why would Ai be the the thing that gave him the idea for zombies? he clearly is just able to make zombies just look at his dog

[@Sacron1143]

@@christophercrafte Lightning. In many movies/series a body being reanimated in pictured by a lightning falling on the body, so it might have give him the idea of zombie Idols.

[@loganbowcutt]

Tatsumi is Tae's dad, that's why she's #0 and when all the girls are the computer it's Tae that keeps bringing things to Tatsumi.

[@bernardli9514]

Starts off as a parody of idol animes and then becomes an idol anime. "YOU HAVE BECOME THE VERY THING YOU SWORE TO DESTROY!"

[@toby_2bae4me25]

Zombieland Saga sees through the lies of the idol anime

[@nathanielranney9163]

"FROM MY PERSPECTIVE, IDOL ANIME HATERS ARE EVIL!"

[@kadokrawa99]

Well they look promising as idol thou afterall

[@firebirdchild975]

AND MADE IT BETTER

[@thomasallen9974]

Thats basically Konosuba vs Waifu culture and Isekai. They gave us the worst girls to call waifu, and they dont back down from it AND PEOPLE LOVE THEM (Axis cultists are wierd still). It pokes fun at EVERY Isekai trope I can notice, AND DOES IT BETTER!!

[@zahariusgallicchio]

I'm actually very happily surprised by how generally positive everyone has been about Lily and it makes me so relieved. I was worried that either the community would lose it's collective shit and just be a toxic pool of pain and hate or the anime would handle it poorly and keep revisiting and forcing the idea but neither happened and it makes it so much better. "Yes, she is trans, moving on." Is the exact way the anime handled it and imo that I'd the best way to handle it in media.

[@rena-chan3686]

Im Happy you are happy :) Kind of surprised though, because as far as im aware for the trans charakters in Boku no Hero, Tokyo Ghoul and Mahou Shojou Site (all from this year) there was no hate like you are fearing. Im never conciously write hate - no one should. If we ever get a season 3 of konosuba we might need to discussion a specific charakter from the 5th light novel, but discussion means engaging with people and will allways be a good thing.

[@wow-bp6vf]

Wait what

[@wow-bp6vf]

Why would ppl freak out about lily?

[@Justanidea5976]

Don't hate me, but I was going to leave the show because of that. But now I'm definitely looking forward to ep. 8. I wasn't gointo leave becuz the person is trans but because of how the media would constantly praise and see it as a new thing. Or that Lilly was going to have a flat character issue but surprisingly Lilly fits in so well into the show. So far my favorite episode is episode 2. Be glad that I've replied, Makoto, don't tell the others that I enjoy this anime. Toko will freak.

[@mudawott]

@@rena-chan3686 those shows never really got explicit about this character is trans. And unfortunately Sui Ishida cant write LGBT characters for shit so most characters of his that could be considered trans ended up falling into a lot of bullshit. With My Hero you wouldnt really know about Tiger or Magne being trans unless you read the manga. Hopefully they keep Magnes transness in because Twices defending of her tugged at my heart. Lily dod get a fair amount of backlash, people were saying shes a trap, a crossdresser, they made up rumours that the original japanese didnt have these trans mentions ( they did in fact they were more explicit at some points). Its just good that there is a part of the internet that just doesnt do that

[@ThyJeffinater]

The og fans (the metal dudes) are the so good lol Saki is the goddess of the show

[@KC_Enthusiast]

The metal boys are great

[@chestbumphero]

Thy Jeffinater you know it’s funny because I would say they represent people like me. People who are more connected to the “hardcore crowd” and when you see something unexpected in that crowd you want to explore that. Now I’m here waiting for the ost of this show to come out and as a whole it’s so weird to say it because you never think to be interested in something like this.

[@nokrismusic]

Tae though... Saki is a good second

[@megamage911]

@@chestbumphero 100% me as well tbh xD

[@megamage911]

@@nokrismusic Exactly my thoughts my dude!

[@DjCrimsonFox]

I see the two metal head guys that evolve into being their biggest fans being kind of the perfect comparison to those who end up looking into the idol genre more because of this anime. In a way, we grow alongside them, and just love the infection as it spreads.

[@darthralin]

Exactly. That's why seeing them in the audience always gets a smile out of me. That, and I spent my late teens being a metal elitist, which makes that feeling work even more.

[@quellzai2293]

My thoughts exactly. I think they personify the idea that music can bridge gaps, and has the power to connect and speak to all sorts of people. In Episode 1, the metalheads didnt want to hear anything but death metal. But as they grew to like Franshoushou, the girls introduced the group to more genres. The metalheads probably wouldnt have been caught dead at Saga Rock before knowing of Franshoushou, but through the power of music!! ,they can enjoy much more

[@megamage911]

As a massive metalhead myself, I fully agree with this comment tbh. I did watch 1 episode of Love Live once, but didn't really give it more of a chance. Now I might go back to it soon tbh.

[@SegaMaster172]

“Infection” Hehe, ironic...

[@dekdenfor9770]

that's an amazing point that I didn't see but fully agree with.

[@aaronolson6736]

I just love getting to watch Tae slowly become less feral by relearning how to at least slur words while also retaining her "free spirit". Somehow I get the feeling she died from severe head trauma or died in a coma. Might be why Tatsumi left out her past.

[@sev1120]

One theory I've heard is that her death involved some level of asphyxiation, as lack of oxygen can have strong negative cognitive impacts, hence why it's taking her that much longer to recover, the damage her brain took means it's having to come online with the most vital parts of it first, and I have no doubt that she'll be able to fully speak eventually

[@aliesterus1.023]

The bad CGI in Zombieland Saga might be intentional, considering the other points where CGI turns up, it's been on point.

[@danielleanderson6371]

After season 2 I absolutely love Yugiri, and I love that this show made her such a badass without sacrificing a single fragment of her femininity. Butch women are amazing, genuine people, but it's so important to recognize that adopting a masculine quality is not required for a woman to be great. It is enough for a woman to simply be herself.

[@Zelenal]

This anime is further proof why the Decon-Recon Switch is such a powerful tool. You point out all of the flaws in something to not only point them out to people blind to them but also to draw in people who hate the concept because of those flaws and then you point out all of the good about it and why so many people love it and ways it can be better and overcome those flaws and suddenly the haters are now just regular fans.

[@RoyalFusilier]

Agreed. This is why deconstruction-reconstruction is a million times superior to a simple, cynical, nihilistic deconstruction. See: KOTOR 2 versus the Last Jedi, for instance. Both take apart Traditional Star Wars Morality And Tropes. Only one offers something to put in the huge gash it tore in its own series.

[@rogerogue7226]

@@RoyalFusilier Sorry, my star wars must be lacking. KOTOR 2?

[@peterng7702]

@@rogerogue7226 Knights of the Old Republic.

[@zerofox641]

“The final episode ai predict…” In the wake of the season 2 finale I think we’ve learned to NEVER predict where this show is going to go

[@AssassinLupus7]

Yeah, I actually just finished it today, and, um... yeah. That was a turn.

[@BMWM3GTR2001]

I watched the first episode because of memes That was 11 episodes ago

[@SoryWearsPrada]

Saki’s episode made me crave a good female bosozoku anime soooo bad. Also she’s best girl (+ the legendary YAMADA TAE) and I can’t wait till they drop the full song from the end of that episode. I’m also hoping for a what’s in an op for Zombieland Saga, it’s too fucking glorious and has so many cool references with amazing animation and the song is just orgasmic.

[@megamage911]

100% agreed with everything in this comment! I want all of this as soon as possible!

[@Nolroa]

The scene of two biker girls walking towards the horizon leaving behind a pile of knocked out rivals is the concept of epicness.

[@just_a_rebel8261]

Same

[@SoryWearsPrada]

Nolberto Roa Pulido YES. I have no idea why there aren’t any anime like that. We only get snipets here and there or just characters of that type mostly in comedy anime but they barely get attention.

[@nathandamaren2093]

I assume that when mothers basement starts raking in a 7 figure salary hes gonna buy a mansion, move his mother into the upper floors and then move himself into the basment?

[@rileymitchell3510]

And, not only that, your talk about how different standards of idol femininity are valid, the biker, the sexual, the trans girl, easily translates into how these are all valid for real women as well, all femininity is valid just as all idols should be valid, and that's a delightful message to see put out so well.

[@SaiyanHeretic]

Funny true story: The dilapidated house where Franchouchou resides is based on a real place in Saga, and they did indeed see something like a 500% increase in tourism since this show premiered.

[@corvusthestrigoi]

“...Her romantic morning walk encounter with Truck-kun.” Dagnabit, you can’t come out of left-field with a line like that. My nose can’t handle all the air in my lungs being ejected out at Mach 2...

[@ZanraiKid]

I may still not be sold on idol anime, but I’ll be damned if this show didn’t make me understand the appeal.

[@USSAnimeNCC-]

Same here after watching the video I'm still not sold but I feel more like giving it try

[@Exel3nce]

the idol aspect is the worst part of it tho

[@braydenroberts8190]

Honestly, it highlights what makes any story good. Characters interacting and changing as they work alongside each other towards a common goal. Add in some honest to god emotion and intelligence to your writing and you get a fantastic show.

[@flatfacedcat]

Lily's episode made me cry. And I'm really excited for Yugiri's focus episode! I'm a fan of the Love Live franchise, so I enjoy this series a lot too. I think though Love Live Sunshine is a better anime than its predecessor, in writing and visuals.

[@theleafeon1]

Aqours has so many good songs he's sure to fall in love with at least one of their songs

[@alex_zetsu]

I don't mind episode 10 as it was, I'm just annoyed that the preview of episode 10 (after Aki sings her song) implied Yugiri would get a focus episode 10 and it wasn't.

[@CanuckGod]

If I were to watch one of the series, I'd pick Sunshine over the original for the reasons you listed, even if you wouldn't get the references to μ's that they drop every now and then. Of course, it would be better to just watch both series, as I enjoyed them both, but I preferred the story of Aqours just a bit more (and I think their songs are a bit higher quality than those of μ's) - but you can't go wrong either way. P.S. Best girl = You.

[@theleafeon1]

@@CanuckGod shukashuu is best seiyuu girl

[@yuitachibana6145]

I love all of Love Live, even though I haven’t really gotten too into the anime. I just love the music and love the game. Done. You don’t have to even watch the anime to love LLSIF XDD

[@GhengisJohn]

That Plastic Love in the background. Good choice.

[@xavierboudrot12]

The animation is drop dead gorgeous

[@peanutbutter4047]

I see what you did there

[@smgtercero]

except the dancing part lmao

[@Saeda88]

Honestly, where in so many other anime it would bother me to hell and back again, this time, it doesn't as much. I wonder if the music has a part in that... because it really is very good.

[@skeletor8951]

People complain about the CG dance scenes but I havent seen much acknowledgement of the fact they HAVEN'T been using CG for the last two episodes, and it looks absolutely great.

[@dingus2754]

Xavier Boudrot 6/10 cheesy, yet a bit funny

[@damnthatsrough970]

The best thing about this show is without a doubt is .... THE LEGENDARY YAMADA TAE Well that and the manager is just like a fusion between huin kyoma and best guy ever BUT THE LEGENDARY YAMADA TAE

[@justinfarischon7868]

No one is better than THE LEGENDARY YAMADA TAE!

[@TheNegiMahora]

The manager IS Hououin Kyouma, they're voiced by the same dude.

[@cardboardgod]

PREACH IT BROTHER.

[@megamage911]

DENSETSU YAMADA TAE!

[@marlonbryanmunoznunez3179]

Also de easiest voice acting job for Kotono Mitsuishi :)

[@scoutbobout2291]

I heard this show had a transgender character it treated with respect, which is so rare in anime that it piqued my interest. But the rest of your commentary on this show absolutely sold me. I've had similar reservations about idol anime, and knowing that it treats the idol industry with a critical but optimistic tone really gets me hyped to dip my toes in. Good job Geoff, now I've got yet another show to watch!

[@lucasmillerthelewderofloli9327]

@@wamzyz1239 No. Hideri is absolutely not a trans character. He makes it clear he only crossdresses to be popular and cute.

[@Danonpyon]

The idolm@ster has an androgynous character

[@pigifi]

In Sakura's defence to getting hit, her house's fence pretty much blocks her view. What's the deal with JP suburb houses not having pavements? Truck-kun's job can't get any easier.

[@Philipper234]

"running off to do tourist sh*t" Did you watch the same episode I did? Because while he said he's going to do that, he actually met the boss of the company they where performing for. Networking and doing stuff a manager should do. Also he consoled Junko when she locked herself up. He always accepts the girls as they are, e.g. Lily and Junko, and wants them to figure things out in their own way. I guess we have to wait till the end of the series to judge him as an actual character with some depth, or a caricature of some greedy manager.

[@Carlos-ne3zf]

Even in the mountain episode where he just give them a break to have fun since Sakura was too stressed about the concert, Jugiri straight up asks him about Sakura "You wanted her to figure it out for herself didnt you?" And then slapped the shit out of him because .... well because she is Jugiri

[@lumvilumvi]

I’m still shocked because of that Tatsumi plot twist in the final

[@loumalabann9303]

@@lumvilumvi i mean some people already predicted it before i mean sakura is the only one who wasn't legendary two of them were idols one of them was a legendary biker from the dying age of bosozoku one of them is a famous geisha (and the daughter of an immortal chinese wizard) one is a child actor and the last one is the legendary tae yamada

[@JGJonny]

*This is the only idol anime I actually enjoy watching every week*

[@RickKouwen]

Same Because the humour is great and have a engaging story And moost idol show is more eye candy amd music then interesting story

[@falk2009]

Excuse me, but did you consider bunny girl senpai? Because if you dont enjoy watching that, *you have to be terminated*

[@fluxuous6907]

Falk200 he said IDOL anime

[@falk2009]

@@fluxuous6907 oh shit oh fuck oh shit sorry.

[@antoniomacias1401]

*I haven't watched it but i'm watching this video right now*

[@harpy7094]

I like how everyone agrees that tae is the best idol lol. Besides her being really cute and chaotic I really enjoy how she is being treated by others in the show. They do not hate on her when she is being weird and even though she can’t sing she still does her best and the girls appreciate it. They do not force her to sing or look down on her, she is just as important as everyone else in the group

[@SylviaMoonbeam1127]

As a transgirl myself, Lily’s spotlight episode made me cry so hard... though I was annoyed they (I think it was Sakura?) outed her to the whole group. Then again, their manager made a good point “so what? Are you going to kick her out then?” It’s one of the few moments where we actually DO see him care about the girls

[@binkyboy448]

Who said Sakura told the others without Lily's permission? Lily was standing right next to her, and the thing we see her annoyed at was Saki laughing over the fact that someone as cute and petite as her was ever called something as macho as "Masao Go" (it's like the Japanese equivalent of "Brock Samson").

[@mycenaeangal9312]

Lets implement the trans agenda comrade :3

[@caspexx]

I didn't even realize she was trans lol. That's how less of the spotlight was.

[@vaneplane]

Wait Lily was trans gender?!?? I didn't know :0

[@boneboy3264]

@@vaneplane the whole thing about 'that was my old name', saki's 'ah, who cares what kind of junk she's got' and kotaro's 'what, is she not allowed in your girl group anymore?' comment, it's pretty clear. we stan a trans icon

[@tammysilverwolf1085]

"Romantic morning walk with Truck-kun" that made me laugh louder than it should have. Great video as always.

[@saralee8996]

That was a very romantic encounter with Truck-kun. 13:06

[@Kitsune10060]

Romantic, if a bit rough.

[@KianaWolf]

If only she had toast in her mouth, then we'd know it was true love.

[@PrivateCritter]

it's one heck of a romantic introduction.

[@Nolroa]

@Bryan MillerMaybe Van-chan at episode 7 best waifu.

[@Nolroa]

The encounter with Truck-kun is at 2:29 the encounter at 13:06 is the one that Junko Konno had with Van-chan.

[@AntagonistChan]

Tae Yamada is great, no doubt, but I'm STILL shocked that this show actually gave us the bright ray of sunshine that is Lily, so she's definitely the best for me. My trans zombie daughter is perfect, you can't change my mind.

[@factionalhitman]

Why do people refer to Lily as trans? Like, ok, I'm fine with Lily's gender and all, but she's not trans. It's still debatable whether or not Lily removed her *ehem* peepee, so it's more accurate to call Lily as trap.

[@AntagonistChan]

@@factionalhitman You have no idea what trans actually means, do you? Trans does NOT mean "getting the surgery", it means "identifying as a gender that isn't the one you were assigned at birth". I'm a transwoman, and I still have my dick, and I honestly don't have any plans to remove it. I would REALLY rather not be referred to as a "trap" since that term implies that I'm somehow trying to trick people. It's not my fault if people make assumptions about me that aren't true, and in fact I tend to go out of my way to make sure people know I'm trans because I'm so terrified of the possibility that someone's gonna think I'm trying to trick them. (why the hell'd you choose MY comment to respond to, anyways? I'm not remotely the only one in this comment section talking about this, and my comment isn't particularly a hot topic, what with it only having eight likes...)

[@factionalhitman]

@@AntagonistChan Ok, now I get it. People use "trans" a lot without completing it. So what we have here is a case of being "transgender". Most of the people in my country just address transgender as undergoing surgery (clearly wrong, but that is the basic understanding of "trans" in our country). Though, I am curious as to what the difference is in being straight up gay and a transgender person. What is the difference between a transgender and one who crossdresses for the sake of crossdressing while attaining their original gender? What do we call those people? Heterosexual?

[@mycenaeangal9312]

@@factionalhitman that would be a crossdresser lol. and I'm gonna cut you some slack since English seems to be a second language for you, but "a transgender" is not gramatically correct. Transgender is an adjective. So you should say "a transgender person." I know it's wordy. That's why we shorten it. You were really close though. You got it right twice earlier in your comment. If you want, Pedantic Romantic is a content creator a lot like Mother's basement and has a good video on traps and makes a pretty good case for why you shouldn't use that word. If you want a simple replacement, X gender is a pretty good catch all.

[@factionalhitman]

@@mycenaeangal9312 Yeah, you're on point. English is a second language. I was planning to watch that while I started watching the 7th episode but realized I got spoiled so I exited. YT hasn't recommended it to me since.

[@CraigfromOmaha]

The flying kick that Saki delivered to Lily’s dad’s head is even more impressive when you learn that Saki is only 5 feet tall. That girl’s a badass!

[@VigatheOtagal]

Yes. Zombies will open the gateway for anime idol fandom in the west. HAHAH! ZOMBIES ARE THE GATEWAY TO IDOL HELL! Join us. (BTW the idol genre has been running since the 70's. It's not exactly "new", but a genre that had some ups and downs. 2010 and up had a BOOM like the 1980's. I look forward to your Love Live episode)

[@davidd.w.8681]

Next year: "Zombies ruined Idols"

[@2710cruiser]

Looking fwd to your Love Live episode as well

[@BiscuitGirl9154]

How?!

[@digivagrant]

This drug has reached its expiration date.

[@thesightofpeace9750]

Yeah Tatsume is right. If an actual zombie showed up in the real world, I'd give it about 30mins of it walking around till either *A.* The government or some group takes it in for experimentation Or *B.* It gets obliterated on the spot.

[@ShankMugen]

@Plsc1994 1994 due to this show it would reduce the amount of madness required for such a person to do it

[@Mr._Matt]

Well, if it could talk and seemed non-hostile (not to mention adorable...as far as zombies go), I'd say A would be far, far more likely than B.

[@aachaion]

Or maybe Kotaro's secret plan was to conceal the girls' zombieness until they get so popular the government couldn't touch them without public outcry.

[@KoylTrane]

Holy shit, you might be onto something

[@restlessDSM]

In Japan it might get 30 minutes. In gun-happy America it'd probably be closer to 5.

[@subaquatictoaster]

Finally watched this show and I am just blown away by the music and the character writing. You can feel the love they put into each of the girls but especially Lily in my opinion. She was written with so much care it made me cry

[@whitelichmage7004]

This is honestly one of the best anime of all time specifically for the lore, characters, art style, humor and many fun, fast paced and catchy songs sung by the undead idols. This anime easily deserves an outstanding 9.5 out of 10 and comes very close to being a complete masterpiece alongside Code Geass, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Puella Magi Madoka Magica, The Ancient Magus Bride and Spice and Wolf. My only true gripe about this series is it could've gone deeper into other aspects such as who are the other girl's families/friends? What is the mystery behind Tae's death? What is Kotaro's backstory? How did he become a necromancer and what are his feelings towards his old best friend and love interest Sakura growing up? Had the series answered these most important questions to better flesh out the story's character's i would've given Zombieland Saga a 10 out of 10. Then again these things more than likely will be covered in a later season 3 which we will hopefully get after the awesome cliffhanger we got at the end of season 2.

[@IsabellaGeyer-Kim]

Pls don't hate me for saying this, but Kotaro Tatsumi is best girl. Those last episodes really grew on me!!!

[@kiyoshi5430]

Yes

[@Screwhead281_]

*Saki best zombie girl don't @ me*

[@SecretIdentityStudio]

Agreed.

[@clarbo3849]

Actually just true.

[@oliviarose73]

Accurate

[@HetTheWitch]

*coughs* THE LEGENDARY YAMADA TAE *coughs*

[@lemonlupinreuben5362]

Lily Hoshikawa is better. Heart attack is better than Driving off a cliff

[@luckypikachu4892]

When I first heard of this, I thought it was a sequel to Zombieland

[@catbugani]

A Tactician named Lucky Pikachu me too, I mean that’s part of the reason why I even started to watch it. Then I got hooked.

[@alteito]

Same.

[@amiablereaper]

Yeah, or something like High School of the Dead

[@veraducks]

I ahd the same thought, but was equally confused because the actual sequel isn't out until next year.

[@notoriousadrian4369]

i know, I dindt thought it was a boring idol shit

[@owendinostudios1200]

Some speculate that Yugiri was decapitated because of the scar across her neck, and tae was probably starved to death because of her obsession to chew on the team’s hair especially Junko’s hair. Also, she was the only one to try to break down the door when Sakura locks it and does not want anyone to get in because she might have been trying to break down a locked door that she was trapped in. Also, her hair is shaped like a squid

[@catsuneniku]

Okay Real quick Geoff. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I've seen nearly everyone on the net refer to Lily as a "Trap" which is just... Insulting. I broke the biggest smile when you mentioned her as she was, and were just as great with it as the show itself was

[@ceeme03]

Ladies and gentlemen *We got him*

[@Bluecho4]

All according to keikaku.

[@crudlucasconsigliere4084]

Welcome to Idol Hell, boy.

[@cuzimspecial1]

*YOU FINNA DIE, BABY!* Wait is that even the right meme I forget

[@glasspaper3]

I think the bad 3d cgi was intentional to poke fun at love live. As they have shown, when they want to they can totally do a good 2d dance segment

[@MakotoriASMR]

Garrison Allen I doubt. Love Live has good CG especially now. It’s all funding. Before Love Live Sunshine they had god awful CG, better than most but still bad. They are leading in that department currently. I’m sure funding for this was just split more into having some full 2D and giving songs 3D for budget reasons.

[@Luinta]

The way I saw it, the 3D was used when they were being manufactured, or performing for the sake of performing. When they worked on something genuine and heartfelt, the CG was gone. I think it might be a dig at the manufactured and inauthentic nature of manufactured Idol performances in general that play the part but lack the heart.

[@williamtimonen6814]

The number was far to long for me to take it seriously as a joke.

[@Mackubex]

It was intentional. At the end of episode 7 when Kotaro said "they finally look like real idols", that's when everything changed and every performance after that is purely in 2D. After the Saga Rock performance in Episode 7 they finally became an "idol group" & learned to accept each other.

[@hujimix]

Good lord. I'm going to have such a good time laughing and pointing fingers at all these retards pulling dumb baseless theories out of their asses, when the last performance comes out in full CGI again.

[@ronin1st26]

Saki, just strange getting into the genre but her song and just plain interaction is well developed plus that Wholesome smile at the end of the song is beautiful.

[@neptune153]

I like how an anime about zombie idols was your gateway drug to Idol Hell

[@gibson17155]

I will say one thing, liking Zombieland Saga does not mean you will like other idol anime. I used to be an avid idol watcher (idolmaster, Wake up Girls, Chance Pop Session, Love Live, etc.). The way that I see it, Zombieland Saga is a deconstruction of the idol genre. Many of the things said in this video support this (unconventional start, unconventional themes, unconventional girls for idol anime). I don't disagree that this anime might pique an interest in someone that has avoided idol anime to get interested in them, I just believe that the things about this show people like, barring animation and music, are not present in other idol anime. The reason Zombieland Saga, to me, is such a good take on the idol genre is because of the mystery surrounding the characters, Kotaro (and Tae chan. Cockadoodledoo mother fu**er), and the complete lack of any idea what is going to happen next. Every idol anime I've ever seen is a straight cut, start to finish, girl has a dream, gathers members, one girl doesn't want to do it, she decides to do it, they have hardship, OMG we got a big gig, some problem happens before big gig, it doesn't matter, they do the gig, YAY! I'm bored. Zombieland keeps its audience engaged through character interaction, which is not a part of the general idol formula. In the end, it comes down to how much of what you found good about Zombieland Saga was because of the characters, and how much was because of the idols that will influence whether or not you would like a conventionally formulated idol anime. If you actually read all of this, you're welcome, and holy shit you have time on your hands.

[@deedelta9263]

"holy shit you have time on your hands" LOL, this literally took less than a minute to read.

[@roawrenzo]

@Brandon Roberts i see you are a man of culture

[@gibson17155]

Omari_X 65 it sure took more than a minute to write😂

[@Nippontradamus]

Or maybe I'm a fast reader

[@manracmolactrac]

Can we all take a moment to apprieciate the voice acting quality in this show as well? Tatsumi has got to be the most ridiculously varied performance I've heard in forever - the rap battle in episode 2 has a ton of punch, making it an instant classic, and I'm pretty sure Yamada's zombie grunts are done by the VA who played Misato in Eva.

[@Zwiebel4]

This is the thing that confused me the most. Why would they hire one of the most expensive voice actresses just for some grunting noises? Which makes me hope that there will be a flashback episode for Tae somewhere down the line... I hope she doesnt awake tho. Or maybe she is already. I can't really tell. She might be just plain weird.

[@KeJien]

@@Zwiebel4 those are some top tier grunting noises though.

[@SaneeXD]

I still find it so funny that the seiyuu behind Kotaro also portrays Light.

[@Nagifan7496]

SaneeXD He was also Okabe Rintaro in Steins Gate.

[@sugarcoatedslaughterhouse4937]

I identified with Saki immediately, as well as absolutely loving her. There aren’t a lot of “tough” girls in idol anime. Same deal with Kaoru from Bandori.

[@frederickgrandison3609]

I loved her hype

[@mariobadia4553]

I got kind of sad when she figured out she could never be with the man she's in love with since she will never grow into an adult woman

[@persik_3rd]

Or Tomoe and Masking!

[@0NodMan0]

*_Macross is a hugely underrated "Idol" anime series.._*

[@siegfriedfinal343]

Mother's Basement vs Father's Basement

[@isaacmahoney5947]

* daddy's basement

[@bakacdaz]

Father’s Rooftop.

[@kujikawathemeekmage3640]

Siegfried Final - *papas basement

[@dasirrlicht5415]

Uncle's Backyard

[@devin8367]

@@dasirrlicht5415 uncles closet

[@danieldragotti2608]

I don't what deranged madmman thought this was a good idea but, we should listen to them more

[@mjdragonmaster6559]

Wise words

[@hannahstork6398]

I personally really like anime that does a good job with an insane premiss.

[@jellijilli5216]

They did my girl yūgiri dirty by skipping her arc 😩😩😩

[@seansola6708]

maybe next season

[@elizabethlestrad5282]

@@seansola6708 I hope so. It was one of the only two things that disappointed me. The second being Saki being cheated out of a proper reunion with her friend. I just found it totally unrealistic that her best friend would not immediately recognize her appearance, voice, and mannerisms (she did for a second, but somehow immediately brushed it off and never pursued it again). Then it happened again with Ai and her former comrades of Iron Frill. I'm hoping one of them gets exposed next season, maybe even Tae, I really want to know her backstory.

[@stupidbroad]

@@elizabethlestrad5282 based on how the final episode ended with the reporter guy holding side by side pictures of Ai, Junko, and Lily saying that it didnt make any sense, Im guessing that the next season will include that bit in the plot

[@yourfriendlyeverydayhealer9306]

@@elizabethlestrad5282 I mean, you can’t really blame her. To her, Saki was dead for a while and for a random girl to sudden come up and act/look a lot like said friend whose dead, that’s gonna spark some nostalgia and bittersweet memories but it won’t be enough to outweigh the logic. She saw her friend die and even if Saki somehow managed to live without her knowing, she would have had very notable changes such as scars and such or at least looked older. Seeing someone who looks and acts like your old dead friend is something, but it can’t overtake the logic that they died. It would be interesting to see who gets outed, either Ai, Junko or Lily or perhaps Tae would be the one. And from the teaser of the song for next season, looks like our courtesan girl is getting the spotlight she well deserves. Hopefully Tae’s story will get revealed too.

[@hildxnie]

@@elizabethlestrad5282 I too was hoping they would have a reunion, but I think the show wants the characters to learn to move on and not be trapped in their past after facing their issues

[@CariagaXIII]

so basically they *saved saga* if you end up watching more

[@dkk2753]

Is it weird the 3d models don't bother me in this show?

[@projectboy5409]

It seems They are moving away from CGI. Maybe the girls are getting better?

[@npaulagain]

It has the thing that ALL great parodies need. A real and thorough love of the thing they're parodying.

[@daydreamdog851]

episode 8 really hit home for me, even managed to make me cry, which is rare for me. zombie land saga overall was hilariously heartwarming and was definitely a favorite of mine!

[@isracarbajal7405]

After watching the first oshi no ko episode i was astonished and wanted to watch something similar and remembered hearing good things about zombieland saga. Not what i expected. Turned out to be better. Now want to see the aliens.

[@rodney2x48]

I hate idol anime. Idolmaster? Hated it. Love Live? Also hated it. This, though? I fucking love it.

[@Inkblotchy]

idol anime seems to rely too heavily on overly cutesy moe one note/troupe castes, since at the end of the day theyre just there to look pretty for the fans. not to mention i think lovelive's overly sparkley eyes are a major artistic turn off. still, i feel like i should try and give it a shot? however, the great and over the top humour of saga, along with the fun horror elements, are specifically what i enjoy about the show, not just that im looking at a bunch of cute designs.

[@animedude8712]

Ever heard of AKB0048?

[@TakaCode]

Why Idolmaster :(

[@dededead1172]

But but todokete

[@raeoverhere923]

Love Live is a damn travesty, but I got super attached to the Idolm@ster girls. Hoping this series will be as enjoyable as MB is hyping it up to be.

[@lial1878]

I came to the comments expecting a whole barrage of transphobia but I was pleasantly surprised, especially compared to other parts of the anime community and their reactions. Thanks to all the allies who just made my day better!

[@GweiTheLeafChild]

It helps that Geoff's viewership are pretty cool peeps in general and no doubt Geoff probably smacks down the more toxic ones when he can

[@alexpenneytration699]

Who gives a fuck

[@techieswreckies]

Im also glad that everyone here is being very chill and open, but my advice to you would be to stop going out of your way to expect negative things. People usually find what theyre trying to find.

[@DenjaX]

Lia L is transphobia really a thing? How the fuck can a person develop fear of transgender people? Maybe ignorance is the word you are looking for? I have real phobia and it really sucks to have one so it bothers me to use the word phobia profusely especially in that context.

[@Fallen-Saint]

all the allies i seek death but will never find

[@davidmcmahon4633]

Tae became my favorite character in the series when they did the commercial for the Drive-In. Whenever they have her on, usually in the back when practicing or performing, my eye is always on her and not the other girls.

[@NickleAskew]

Zombieland Saga is an amazing idol spoof. It's hilarious whether you've watched idol shows or not. Plus the OP has to be the best of the season.

[@MysticCouchPotato]

“But I also know [Love Live] has much, much better cgi dance segments” *Oh you sweet summer child*

[@MakotoriASMR]

Brandon Roberts It does have better. Just not in the beginning of Love Live School Idol Project. See the current stuff from LLS or even the movie and it is clearly superior

[@dataweaver]

Boy, did you get your “next episode” prediction wrong. But that's OK; I don't think anyone saw that coming.

[@homelesst9]

My friends won’t watch this show because “it’s to girly” They are literally girls, I am a male This makes no sense

[@artytoons]

The humor is equal opportunity.

[@animejuggernaut2553]

Exactly! I've recommended shows to buddies only for them to put it off cause it's too girly. Like, bruh, we're all dudes, and the show is choke full of pretty anime girls, i don't see how that's a problem at all XD

[@pranitp.29]

@@animejuggernaut2553 LoL maybe they don't like those girly elements? Not the characters ig...

[@animejuggernaut2553]

@@pranitp.29 Maybe, cause i'm pretty sure if was just the pretty anime girls, they might've given it a try, they generally also have girly elements right....

[@keplerr1512]

i’m usually not that into anime, but this one’s absurd tone, cute animation, heartwarming character development, and altogether original story. can’t wait to see more!

[@NeonUFO]

I'm excited for the episode about Yugiri, she's been interesting so far and I'm curious about her. Also, I'd be interested in seeing you take on Macross eventually if you plan on watching it! -But I'm also a bit nervous if you do, seeing as Macross 7 is pretty much my favourite show but most people seem to hate it lmao- As for your question, I think Lily and Tae are my favourites, Lily has the cutest design and Tae just cracks me up every time.

[@TheVahnara]

I always thought Macross 7 was a mech anime from name alone, lol

[@joseph2941]

Upvote1000 to see Geoff do Macross.

[@chaps_2543]

Literally sweating because I know the Yugiri episode is gon be sad

[@TrejoDuneSea]

@@TheVahnara Macross 7 is a mech anime, just like all the other Macross shows. But the main character happens to be in a rock band, and music is very important for plot reasons.

[@Ash_Yu]

I'm really happy to hear you recognize Lily. The representation was not something I expected, and wasn't even needed to make episode 8 the beautiful tear-jerker it is, but it was still hella meaningful to the trans community and has made a lot of good people super happy :) Edit: You probably should've put a spoiler warning on this though haha

[@dtester]

The young boy passing off as a girl or "Gender-bending" in general is not all that uncommon in Anime and Japanese manga etc... off the top of my head take Momiji from Fruits Basket. Don't get me wrong, glad it makes people happy just wanted to point out some history ;)

[@Ash_Yu]

@@dtester The difference is that usually those characters still identified as their birth sex. Lily, even before she went into acting and even when she's alone, is ALWAYS shown to be a girl. She isn't just trying to pass-off to others, it's how she feels comfortable. She also shows other strong signs of GID that would be used for a successful diagnosis such as a strong desire to disassociate with her old name, and avoidance of activities that could out her, and most importantly dysphoria over male sex characteristics. Dysphoria was literally her killing blow.

[@dtester]

@@Ash_Yu I would actually not claim one way or the other. I've seen a very broad spectrum. Some seem to just like cross dressing. Some are straight up girls in boys body (and vice versa). Some seem to be their own personal identity whatever it might be. I have no statistics, just my personal experience of course.

[@Ash_Yu]

@@dtesterKinda also worth pointing out the studio behind this is MAPPA, which has a good track record so far with LGBT characters. They're the studio well known for Yuri On Ice and they've also got another character, Yuuta, in a different series that does an interesting job exploring dysphoria from a transman perspective (albeit in a more fantasy set up). (Edit: Also trans flag shorts. There's only so many things at a time that can be chalked up to a coincidence imo.)

[@Nolroa]

@@dtester It would not be so out of the ordinary if DanganRonpa had not done it first.

[@rlo.pjskbdkgyosnkaiktshrmy]

zombieland saga is THE BEST OVERWHELMING ANIME EVER. Like, dig deeper, read the lyrics of their songs then analyze it and connect them with the stories and just watch them growing and having that desire to live once again after their short lives, that they finally get to “live” again. JUST WATCH IT

[@ren6140]

Everyone who watched ep 8 Lily's backstory cried, no mather how cold-hearted or tough you are, that episode caught everyone off guard

[@stephanievalladares808]

Not really but ok...

[@emilybelle]

Are you telling me that the smol one is portrayed as an actual trans female character and not as just a "trap"? Because if so than holy shit that is amazing and I am on board!

[@nocturnal1097]

Yup she is! The official Twitter even confirmed her as being a trans girl and not a cross dressing boy!

[@neimur9696]

Yeah out of all the anime to give us serious trans representation it's the one about fucking zombie girls. Not that I'm complaining, though. This show's the best.

[@Luinta]

Yep, She is trans, and accepted by the group, wit hthe general messages being that Lily is Lily and just as much a girl as the rest of them. Alllllso feel the need to point out that "Trap", while often flung around as an "anime term" is an anti-trans slur that doesn't actually originate from Japan, but from a 4chan meme that was quickly used against trans women to paint them all as perverts in dresses trying to trick straight guys. ......The More You Know~

[@emilybelle]

@@Luinta I did know that, it's very sad and I'm always kind of bothered when I hear the word trap used to describe a character whom we're not explicitly told is trans despite the fact that for the most part it's clear that based on who they are as a character that it seems like they almost certainly are trans. e.g: Ruka Urushibara from Stains Gate or maybe Hideri Kanzaki from Blend-s. I can't personally think of any others but I'm sure there are more.

[@Densoro]

This show just earned my respect in several ways I didn’t expect. I might even check it out. Also I thought the truck scene was gonna be gore and gibs everywhere so I didn’t watch it, but I’m pleasantly surprised there too o:

[@bradrock9846]

Truck-kun is best girl

[@Nolroa]

And Van-chan too.

[@barrettfenwick8028]

Truck-kun; he's smashed more anime girls then you ever will! :P

[@minyaw1234]

When I was watching Love Live and started to like it - I finally understood all those Idol Otakus. It was never just "sexualisation of innocent looking girls" - The problem is that you don't get exposed to all of the peripheral shows, websites, blogs and so on in the west, its like a reality TV show in Japan. You don't get that the idol otakus, just like in this anime, know about the struggles of their idols and come and cheer for them. Everything is build in a way to emotionally connect you to their problems and successes. That's how they get you. I felt dumb looking down on them, I made fun of them for years because I thought they just cheer for the sexy girl, while in fact - there are more beautiful girls, there are better singers, what makes you an idol otaku is not that, but the emotional connection to the idols life. And if I had posted that earlier, most would tell me that I'm only defending those creepy dudes (while there are many female fans! A lot actually!) I can somehow only reach people once they were converted.

[@minyaw1234]

@btamamura No problem, I know exactly how you feel - it's not only the singing, dancing or simple sex appeal that interests us in idol bands, you want to cheer them on, you feel like they deserve success. I'm not going to lie and say there is no sex appeal involved, because sure, most wouldn't mind if they could get closer to their idol, male or female - but it's not only that, that doesn't make someone an idol. Also thanks for inserting a bit about male idol groups, I don't have much experience with those shows but I'll add them on my list.

[@azurerandomness]

I still can’t believe they touched on depression And SAKURA’S DEPRESSION was taken seriously, im so grateful they did that

[@squirtleislife1312]

The whole "I'm really unlucky at the moment of truth" was a bit too goofy for my taste, even if it sometimes feels like no matter what you do the universe will have a way to give you a big fuck you. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the resolution and the message it sent

[@thewikiddreamer]

Not at all judging, I'm just legit surprised....Lily's trans?!?! Holy shit that is AWESOME! And her dad loves and misses her all the same! That's just too pure for words!

[@oddwimpod3617]

WikidDreamer Both English and Japanese official twitter confirmed it and the English account retweeted a Crunchyroll article about it~✨

[@artuno1207]

Just to jump in, before anyone brings up the trans vs trap debate regarding Lily: a trap is typically someone who knows they're Male but acts feminine and puts up a feminine image for whatever reason, while a trans person is someone who does find comfort in their own body, so they actually wish to be the opposite gender they are. Lily found so much distress in being a Male, that they freaking DIED from the realization of having to grow up as a man (this combined with being overworked and a pre-existing heart condition, of course), so it's safe to say Lily is trans and not a trap.

[@thewikiddreamer]

@@artuno1207 Dude, I know the difference between the two. I was just genuinely suprised that not only did an anime go there but they did it with such a level of compassion and good taste. If no one on THIS thread was crying trap when we clearly know what trans is, why did you feel a need to define what wasn't even being discussed? It comes off as condescending on what should be a joyous revelation. IJS 😕

[@virovac885]

The more I think about it, the more it ties everything together. Her earlier try-too hard to be cute stuff in episode 3,; why this kid is so fine with being undead. And apparently its really hard to change your name in Japan so her stage name was really good for her psyche. Its not just good representation, it was the perfect bow to pull everything together

[@oddwimpod3617]

WikidDreamer I can not speak for Artuno's intentions but what I can tell you is that when I first commented on this thread there was a comment above mine saying Lily wasn't trans. So maybe it's bc of that? :'D Not justifying or anything tho

[@bigswings2414]

Every company exploits its workers. Just some do it more than others.

[@neimur9696]

I actually really agree with this. I think any anime that's about characters working somewhere has the potential to be "romanticizing" or "glorifying" that industry, especially considering Japan's problem with overworking people to death.

[@audgirlout9830]

Thank you for sharing this series with all of us! I've been in the same boat as you were for a long time, actively avoiding idol series since I considered them to be too sugary and cliche, but my sister adores the genre. With Zombieland Saga, I think I've found something we can enjoy together

[@ferrycruise7104]

I watched this video, and I went to check it out. I’m now caught up, in tears, and thankful you made this video about such an amazing show.

[@Gigabarto]

5:27 he wasn't touristing, he was in a business meeting with the old lady.

[@christophercrafte]

exactly he clearly wasnt paying attention to his character because he has some nice moments with the girls and his goal to save saga is pretty clearly about bringing tourists in to saga.

[@SpaceLemon.]

One of the characters is canonicly trans and is treated well, so this show has my thumbs up.

[@Mestari1Gaming]

Trap?

[@jimmyseaver3647]

Mestari1Gaming Not if they ID as female.

[@Mestari1Gaming]

@@jimmyseaver3647 The creators of the anime say that she is trans or no?

[@jimmyseaver3647]

Mestari1Gaming They don’t _need_ to. Lily shows signs of dysphoria: insecurities about her body, a fear of developing masculine traits, and even fears the other girls seeing a… loose end. A trap she is not.

[@Mestari1Gaming]

@@jimmyseaver3647 I think they do. Their story, their characters. If you want to know whats what. Go ask them. They designed Lily.

[@marcelinefaraday6804]

I've been an idol fan since LL! and went into Zombie Land Saga after weebs got their jimmies rustled bc Lily is trans. Had I heard of it before, I likely would have gotten into it anyway (zombies and idols, yes pls!) but hearing it had a trans idol meant a lot to me as a trans woman. As expected, I loved the show immediately and fell pretty hard for Saki. There is just so much good intent behind this show and I'm glad it has given at least one person a willingness to give idols a chance. Also fitting that a zombie show can turn someone, eh?

[@parenttangled11]

If you are going to try idol anime I highly recommend watching AKB0048. It's another idol anime that combines it with other genres to get this loving awesome mix of girls you genuinely care about. Essentially it's set in a sci-fi world where music and entertainment is banned so the idols emulate the legendary AKB48 and then hold underground concerts where they have to fend off enemy mechs while they sing. One of my absolute faves if you want something a little more exciting than the moeness of love live.

[@EternalFrost73]

Yep, I'm a fan of AKB0048. Picked it up for my daughter (she got hooked on Show By Rock) so I was looking for other good musical anime. Found AKB.