“When hardcore FPS enthusiast Hiroaki Dewa pulls off his VR headset and steps outside for the first time in ages, he realizes that the whole world is in ruins! Soon after, he coincidentally runs into horror junkie Otoha Judou, and the two of them team up to endure the zombie apocalypse. One fateful night, a VR AI known as “Raven” leaves them a cryptic message: “Survive, and humanity may flourish once again.” Follow these ragtag oddballs as they cling to hope in a hopeless world!” (J-Novel Club)
In the afterword, Ichirou Sakaki states he was trying to capture “A zombie apocalypse setting with a chill atmosphere, like that of a camping trip”. An apt reflection on his work on “When the Clock Strikes Z” which offers a playful romp through the world's end filled with comedic stings and silly descriptives of trying to survive a city of the undead. Furthermore, this challenge that the author set himself also is grounded in a sincere interest in both horror films and FPS videogames, allowing a degree of fan service to those obsessed with one or both of the genres.
Character-driven, Hiroaki and Otoha are the perfect personas for a title of this ilk. Each with their own area of expertise and polar opposite personalities, the two manage to build a rather endearing relationship despite the constant threat of death. In particular, Otah's calculated nature and survival instinct built off a life of obsessing over zombie films can both overwhelm and charm the more boisterous Hiroaki. Otah, thankfully, has enough depth to make her an endearing character and not just a one-dimensional romantic interest to the one NEET FPS fanatic.
The later chapters introduce additional characters, with a slight hint that the book could transition into a more harem-focused comedy. Given how well Sakaki handles humor around awkward interactions Hiroaki has with women, it is not necessarily a deterrent, but if the reader will have any reservations after finishing the first volume it will be as to whether it ditches the horror-lite elements for awkward love triangles. Undeniably, the greatest strength here is how the zombies interject themselves to cause occasional chaos in an otherwise easy-flowing light novel. It will be exciting to see how Sakaki adapts this as the cast grows in later volumes, if he, hopefully, does not shift the focus entirely.
The art from Katsudansuo is complimentary to the work but does little to stand out. Given the book is more focused on dramatic elements, they act to give a better vision of the appearance of the character. Still, the lack of zombie illustrations may be slightly disappointing for those who are coming to the book more focused on those elements. Released as part of the J-Novel Club, the book is only available in digital format for purchase or through membership in the club. This is slightly disappointing, yet the playful take on the apocalypse actually suits nighttime reading on kindle as a way to unwind.
“When the Clock Strikes Z,” in many ways, is your stereotypical light novel that does little to challenge the regular tropes despite the chaotic backdrop of Japan in ruins. However, it works in favor of the work by implementing humorous and adorable elements that make it an entertaining read with nods to the horror genre and gaming complimenting the story. Undeniably, It is a perfect balance of genres that will appease fans who both enjoy zombie fiction and the accessibility of light novels.
