With Norma’s banner just days away in Zenless Zone Zero (ZZZ), HoYoverse just dropped her Character EP. It wastes absolutely no time reminding players that she is completely and unapologetically unhinged in the best possible way. 🔥
The short is built entirely around Bangboo experimentation, with Norma constantly escalating her latest “projects” in increasingly absurd ways. Rather than focusing on combat or story setup, it doubles down on her personality.
Cartoon Chaos Meets Bangboo Experiments
The animation style pulls heavily from classic cartoons like Dexter’s Laboratory and The Powerpuff Girls, while layering in chaotic energy reminiscent of Panty & Stocking. But knowing Norma, it doesn’t stop there.
As soon as the clever Bangboo Space Marine sequence begins, the EP continues stacking references, including internet meme-style gags and rapid-fire comedic cuts that keep the momentum going right to the end.
Norma remains at the center of everything, treating Bangboo like raw material for her experiments. In-game, Norma is shown to be much more caring about her Bangboo, but the EP showcases her unhinged side at its finest. The tone never really slows down — simply escalating from one idea to the next without asking for permission.
The biggest surprise comes toward the end, when Norma attempts to trick Velina into approving her next “project” by staging a surprisingly heartfelt birthday party for her. For a moment, it almost works, landing as a touching scene for Velina. That is, until the camera cuts away to reveal the reality underneath.
Behind the celebration, all of Norma’s previous insane experiments are swept under a thin, barely convincing veil of normality.
It’s a final punchline that perfectly sums up the EP: chaotic, funny, and just barely held together by the illusion of control. Perhaps that’s what Norma’s really like underneath the surface.
With her banner on the horizon, the Character EP reinforces exactly what Norma brings to ZZZ: a very thin line between genius and disaster. For other news, keep checking back for more Zenless Zone Zero on Icy Veins.
