Zombie Loan Vol.#03

By: Danielle Van Gorder
Review Date: Wednesday, September 03, 2008
Release Date: Monday, June 30, 2008

Creative Talent
Writer/Artist: Peach Pit
Translated by: Christine Schilling
Adapted by: N/A

What They Say
Trying to go after "the Butterfly," Michiru and Koyomi end up finding themselves in an offline meeting for killers! Chika, Shito, and Shiba are running after them! With "Yomi" awakening on the spot there, will it turn into a free-for-all fight? The heat rises more, and our accelerating story takes an unexpected turn...

Story and art by Peach-Pit

The Review
Michiru and Koyomi have found themselves caught up with a strange group of people, who all seem to be followers of the Butterfly Killer! Disturbed at how little human life seems to mean to these people, Michiru speaks out, and gets found out for the "imposter" she is. Things get a little tense, but Yomi manages to keep the situation in check for long enough for Chika and Shito to arrive. Hot on the trail of the Butterfly himself, the track the killer to his lair and, with a little help from Chiba (and only minor injuries to his would-be victim), dispatch the Butterfly Killer in short order and complete their mission.

Or did they? According to the Ferryman the next day, the Butterfly is still on the loose - and when the previous night's victim shows up on their doorstep newly turned into a zombie, the truth becomes painfully clear. Chika is hit the hardest by the fallout, unable to accept either the reality of the betrayal, or the painful truth of his current existence. He reveals some of his fears to Michiru, who before this point didn't understand the real nature of the Zombie Loan. It's possible she still doesn't, but at least she's a bit closer to the truth.

The gloomy mood can't last for long, though, especially with the very first company sponsored relaxation trip to enjoy! The group is all heading out to a hot springs resort...but it might not be the kind of resort that Michiru is anticipating. And when Michiru and Shito get attacked while taking a walk, things take a turn for the dramatic.

Peach Pit does some very strange books, and this is no exception. It's much darker than any of their other titles that I'm familiar with, almost unrelentingly morbid. This isn't a feel-good sort of book by any stretch of the imagination. But with a dark, moody atmosphere, violence, and the ever-present zombies, this should easily appeal to fans of shounen violence.