TV-Series
Description
Babu is a male cat who plays a pivotal role in the events of Sankarea. Originally a stray, he was adopted by the protagonist Chihiro Furuya and became a beloved member of the Furuya household. His name comes from his distinctive, stuffy, nasal meow, and it is also a reference to the character Barbara from the film Night of the Living Dead 3D. At just one year and five months old, Babu tragically died after being hit by a car.
Deeply saddened by the loss of his pet, Chihiro attempted to use a resurrection recipe found in an old, mysterious book. The attempt was successful, and Babu was brought back to life as a zombie cat, making him the first being to experience zombification in the story. However, he did not wake up immediately after being revived. Because Babu remained unconscious, Rea Sanka mistakenly believed the resurrection potion was a poison and drank it herself, leading to her own transformation into a zombie.
After his resurrection, Babu’s appearance changes noticeably. His eyes turn a striking red and he develops odd-colored eyes, which is known as heterochromia. As a zombie, his diet also changes from normal cat food to a primary need for hydrangea leaves, much like Rea Sanka.
In terms of personality, Babu is clever, observant, and loyal, often serving as a quiet companion and a subtle guide to the main characters. After his revival, he is sometimes depicted with a dignified, old-fashioned way of referring to himself, which adds an element of refined humor to his character. Despite his undead state, he shows a deep sense of empathy and sacrifice.
Babu’s role in the story is crucial, as he is the direct catalyst for the central plot. His death prompted Chihiro to create the resurrection potion, and his delayed awakening directly caused Rea to become a zombie. Throughout the series, his identity becomes a point of curiosity for other characters, such as Mero Furuya, who often comments that he looks exactly like the deceased cat Babu, without realizing it is truly him.
The character also shows significant development in an original video animation episode, which is told from his perspective. In this episode, Babu falls in love with a female stray cat. He experiences a moment of losing control due to his zombie instincts and almost attacks her. To protect her from the danger he poses, he makes a painful decision to leave her while she sleeps, sacrificing his own chance at happiness for her safety. This story highlights his noble and caring nature, even as a zombie.
Deeply saddened by the loss of his pet, Chihiro attempted to use a resurrection recipe found in an old, mysterious book. The attempt was successful, and Babu was brought back to life as a zombie cat, making him the first being to experience zombification in the story. However, he did not wake up immediately after being revived. Because Babu remained unconscious, Rea Sanka mistakenly believed the resurrection potion was a poison and drank it herself, leading to her own transformation into a zombie.
After his resurrection, Babu’s appearance changes noticeably. His eyes turn a striking red and he develops odd-colored eyes, which is known as heterochromia. As a zombie, his diet also changes from normal cat food to a primary need for hydrangea leaves, much like Rea Sanka.
In terms of personality, Babu is clever, observant, and loyal, often serving as a quiet companion and a subtle guide to the main characters. After his revival, he is sometimes depicted with a dignified, old-fashioned way of referring to himself, which adds an element of refined humor to his character. Despite his undead state, he shows a deep sense of empathy and sacrifice.
Babu’s role in the story is crucial, as he is the direct catalyst for the central plot. His death prompted Chihiro to create the resurrection potion, and his delayed awakening directly caused Rea to become a zombie. Throughout the series, his identity becomes a point of curiosity for other characters, such as Mero Furuya, who often comments that he looks exactly like the deceased cat Babu, without realizing it is truly him.
The character also shows significant development in an original video animation episode, which is told from his perspective. In this episode, Babu falls in love with a female stray cat. He experiences a moment of losing control due to his zombie instincts and almost attacks her. To protect her from the danger he poses, he makes a painful decision to leave her while she sleeps, sacrificing his own chance at happiness for her safety. This story highlights his noble and caring nature, even as a zombie.