Its not too hard to find upgrades (Goblin Kaboomist, anyone?), but its not that unique of a strategy and feels very reminiscent of the Saheeli, the Gifted / Brudiclad, Telchor Engineer deck from C18
Considering Commander decks have been released alongside major sets since Ikoria: Lair of Behemoths, this isnt really all too much of a surprise
They also both happen to be red so that you can take advantage of cards like Solphim, Mayhem Dominus and other damage doublers
It was also another way to splash a color in a deck that didn't require lands that could cast cards of that color
Zombie players are eating good in Magic
Modal counterspells have traditionally been quite good because, when counterspells are not good, the card still does something