“Sankarea: Undying Love” – When Zombie Obsession Meets Real Emotion

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re into weird, heartfelt stories that mix zombie vibes with actual romance, Sankarea: Undying Love is your jam. This 2012 anime (from Studio DEEN, of all people) takes the overdone zombie trope and flips it on its head—no brain-eating hordes here, just a dude who’s way too into the undead and the girl who accidentally becomes his dream come true.

First off, let’s talk about Chihiro Furuya. He’s not your typical anime protagonist. This guy’s room is a shrine to zombie culture: Jason masks, Freddy Krueger gloves, you name it. When his beloved cat Baabu gets run over, he doesn’t just grieve—he tries to brew a resurrection potion. Cue Rea Sanka, the sheltered rich girl with a creepy dad and a death wish. She drinks Chihiro’s potion after a suicide attempt, and boom: zombie girlfriend.

What makes Sankarea stand out? For one, it’s not just a joke. Yeah, Chihiro’s obsession is played for laughs (his friends think he’s nuts), but the show leans into the real mess of loving someone who’s… well, dead. Rea’s body starts rotting, she craves raw meat, and sunlight burns her. But Chihiro? He’s all in. As one fan put it, “Truly Chihiro is one guy I admire for his true guts in his love for zombies.”

The animation is a surprise too. Studio DEEN isn’t exactly known for top-tier quality, but Sankarea looks sharp. The backgrounds are detailed, the character designs are on point (even if Chihiro’s hair is a little much), and the horror elements—like Rea’s decaying skin—are gross enough to feel real without being over-the-top. One viewer noted, “Some very nice animation and visuals. The only thing I don’t really like is the MC’s character design, but I guess that he might grow on me if done right.”

But let’s get to the good stuff: the feels. Rea’s backstory is dark—her dad is controlling, her mom is absent, and she’s basically a prisoner in her own home. When she becomes a zombie, she finally feels free. Chihiro, who’s always felt like an outcast, finds someone who gets him. Their relationship is weird, sure, but it’s also sweet. As another fan said, “This series is the closest that is recent and has a Guy x Girl relationship that the girl is a zombie and the guy does not give a fuck of real girls. To him all are 3D pig disgusting except for Zombies.”

Of course, it’s not all rainbows and brain smoothies. There are family secrets (Rea’s dad is super sketchy), supernatural threats, and the small problem of Rea’s body falling apart. The show balances humor and horror perfectly—one minute you’re laughing at Chihiro’s zombie rants, the next you’re cringing at Rea’s rotting hand.

Now, is it for everyone? No. If you’re here for fast-paced action, you’ll be bored. If you hate slow burns or weird romances, skip it. But if you want something that’s equal parts funny, creepy, and heartfelt, Sankarea delivers. As one reviewer summed it up: “Great first episode! Didn’t expect what she said earlier about her father, my god. Second episode looks really interesting and can’t wait.”

The special episode? It’s a nice bonus, but the main 12 episodes are where the magic happens. The ending leaves some loose ends (thanks, manga being ongoing at the time), but it’s still satisfying.

In a sea of generic rom-coms and over-the-top action shows, Sankarea is a breath of fresh (if slightly rotting) air. It’s weird, it’s wild, and it’s worth watching. As one fan put it, “Show of the season, already calling it.”

So grab your favorite snack (maybe skip the raw meat), dim the lights, and give Sankarea: Undying Love a shot. You might just fall for a zombie too.

Final Verdict: 8/10. It’s not perfect, but it’s fun, heartfelt, and unlike anything else out there. If you’re into unique romances or just want to see a guy love zombies unapologetically, this is the show for you.

“Zombie love never looked so good.” – A very confused but happy viewer.