Sankarea

Sankarea: Undying Love

Characters

Chihiro Furuya

MAIN

Rea Sanka

MAIN

Akino

SUPPORTING

Mero Furuya

SUPPORTING

Heren Shino

SUPPORTING

Yasuda

SUPPORTING

Satsuki

SUPPORTING

Mizuki Yamanouchi

SUPPORTING

Himuro

SUPPORTING

Megane no otoko

SUPPORTING

Baabu

SUPPORTING

Jogorou Furuya

SUPPORTING

Doon Furuya

SUPPORTING

Kobutori no otoko

SUPPORTING

Kaoru Saouji

SUPPORTING

Cap no otoko

SUPPORTING

Danichirou Sanka

SUPPORTING

Ichie Shinoda

SUPPORTING

Juri Nakadai

SUPPORTING

Ranko Saouji

SUPPORTING

Yuzuna Furuya

SUPPORTING

Mogi

SUPPORTING

Aria Sanka

SUPPORTING

Butler

SUPPORTING

Miko Yasaka

SUPPORTING

Sankarea: Undying Love Season 1 – A Hauntingly Unique Blend of Romance, Horror, and Heart

Sankarea: Undying Love Season 1 is an anime that defies easy categorization, weaving a peculiar yet captivating tale of romance, grief, and the undead. Adapted from Mitsuru Hattori’s manga, this 2012 series (produced by Studio Deen) follows Chihiro Furuya, a zombie-obsessed high schooler, and Rea Sanka, a girl trapped in a gilded cage, whose paths collide in a story that’s as emotionally raw as it is bizarre. This review dives into what makes Sankarea a standout, exploring its unconventional narrative, complex characters, and bold thematic risks, while steering clear of promotional fluff.

A Premise That Bites Deep

At its core, Sankarea is about Chihiro, a teen who dreams of a zombie girlfriend—not out of malice, but a strange, almost innocent fascination with the undead. When his beloved cat, Baabu, dies, he attempts to resurrect it using an ancient recipe found in a dusty book. Enter Rea Sanka, the sheltered daughter of a wealthy, controlling family, who screams her frustrations into an abandoned well. Their chance meeting sparks a chain of events that transforms Rea into a zombie after a tragic accident, setting the stage for a romance that’s equal parts tender and unsettling.

The premise alone is a daring tightrope walk. It blends romantic comedy with horror, using zombies not just for shock value but as a metaphor for freedom, loss, and the human desire to defy death. Unlike typical zombie fare, Sankarea isn’t about survival or gore (though it has its moments); it’s about what it means to live authentically, even when society—or death—tries to dictate otherwise.

Strengths: A Fresh Take on Love and Loss

1. Unconventional Romance: The heart of Sankarea is the relationship between Chihiro and Rea. Chihiro’s awkward kindness and Rea’s quiet strength create a dynamic that feels genuine, despite the fantastical circumstances. Their bond avoids clichés of insta-love, growing slowly through shared vulnerability. Rea’s zombie state adds layers—her struggle to retain her humanity while decaying physically mirrors Chihiro’s quest to understand his own feelings. It’s a romance that’s sweet yet tinged with tragedy, never shying away from the macabre reality of Rea’s condition.
2. Thematic Depth: The show tackles heavy themes—abuse, autonomy, and mortality—with surprising nuance. Rea’s backstory, involving her father’s obsessive control, is chilling and handled with care, exposing the suffocating weight of expectations. Her choice to drink Chihiro’s resurrection potion, initially mistaken for poison, is a desperate bid for freedom, making her transformation into a zombie feel like both a curse and a liberation. The series also explores grief through Chihiro’s attachment to Baabu, offering a universal anchor for viewers.
3. Visual and Auditory Craft: Studio Deen’s animation is a highlight, with lush backgrounds and expressive character designs that amplify the emotional tone. The contrast between Rea’s ethereal beauty and her gradual decay is striking, while Chihiro’s cluttered, zombie-obsessed room feels lived-in and authentic. The soundtrack, blending eerie melodies with upbeat tracks, captures the show’s tonal shifts, and the voice acting (especially in the Japanese dub) brings raw emotion to key moments.
4. Zombie Lore Innovation: Sankarea reimagines zombies in a way that feels fresh. Rea isn’t a mindless monster; she retains her personality, but her body requires constant care (like eating hydrangea leaves to slow decay). This creates unique challenges—how do you date someone who’s technically dead?—and grounds the supernatural in practical, almost scientific detail. It’s a clever twist that keeps the horror elements engaging without overwhelming the story.

Weaknesses: Where the Plot Stumbles

1. Incomplete Narrative: The biggest criticism of Sankarea Season 1 is its abrupt ending. With only 12 episodes, the series introduces new characters and plot threads in the final moments, leaving many questions unanswered. For example, the mysterious organization tied to Chihiro’s potion and Rea’s condition is barely explored, frustrating viewers who want closure. Manga readers may find this less jarring, as the source material continues the story, but anime-only fans are left hanging.
2. Disturbing Undertones: Rea’s father’s behavior—his obsessive, inappropriate fixation on her—is a major plot driver but can feel uncomfortable. While the show doesn’t glorify this, it sometimes treats the issue too casually, which may alienate viewers sensitive to themes of abuse or suicide. The balance between dark themes and rom-com humor doesn’t always land, risking tonal whiplash.
3. Pacing and Focus: The middle episodes occasionally drag, spending too much time on side characters like Chihiro’s cousin Ranko, whose unrequited feelings add little to the core story. The ecchi elements—fan service moments typical of the genre—can feel out of place, clashing with the show’s more serious undertones. These distractions dilute the focus on Chihiro and Rea’s relationship.

Why It Stands Out

Sankarea is not your typical anime. It’s neither a full-blown horror show nor a fluffy rom-com, but a strange, beautiful hybrid that dares to ask: What happens when love transcends life itself? Its willingness to blend genres—pairing zombie horror with adolescent longing—sets it apart from peers like Highschool of the Dead or Clannad. The show’s exploration of freedom through Rea’s zombie transformation is particularly poignant, offering a metaphor for breaking free from societal or familial chains.

Yet, it’s not flawless. The unresolved ending and uneven tone may leave some viewers unsatisfied, especially those who dislike ambiguity or heavy themes. Still, for those drawn to stories that take risks, Sankarea delivers a next-level experience that lingers like the scent of hydrangea leaves.

Final Verdict

Sankarea: Undying Love Season 1 is a bold, haunting, and deeply human anime that redefines zombie romance. Its strengths—unique premise, emotional depth, and stunning visuals—outweigh its flaws, making it a must-watch for fans of unconventional storytelling. However, its cliffhanger ending and mature themes mean it’s best suited for viewers who can handle loose ends and dark subtext. If you’re ready for a love story that’s equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, Sankarea is a rare gem worth unearthing.

Rating: 8/10 – A beautifully weird journey that bites off more than it can chew but leaves a lasting impression.

Sources: MyAnimeList reviews, Anime Herald, Attack On Geek