High School Of The Dead: Zombie Anime Review

High School of the Dead, guys, is a rollercoaster ride through a zombie apocalypse, and it's not for the faint of heart! This anime throws you right into the thick of things, with high school students battling hordes of the undead while trying to survive. It's got action, suspense, and a healthy dose of fan service, which, let's be honest, is part of its unique charm. If you're into zombies, intense fight scenes, and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then High School of the Dead might just be your next binge-watch.

What Makes High School of the Dead So Engaging?

First off, let's talk about the plot. The story kicks off with a mysterious pandemic turning people into zombies – or "Them," as they're called in the show. Our main characters, a group of high school students and a school nurse, have to band together to escape their zombified school and find safety. What makes this anime stand out is its fast-paced action. There's hardly a dull moment as they fight their way through hordes of zombies, using everything from baseball bats to firearms. The animation style is also super crisp and detailed, making the fight scenes visually stunning and incredibly engaging. You really feel the intensity of each encounter, as the characters struggle to survive against overwhelming odds. Beyond the action, High School of the Dead also explores the dynamics between the characters. They're not just fighting zombies; they're dealing with personal conflicts, forming alliances, and trying to maintain their humanity in a world gone mad. This adds a layer of depth to the story, making you care about what happens to them. Seeing how they cope with the stress and trauma of the apocalypse, and how their relationships evolve under pressure, is a big part of what makes the show so captivating. And, of course, we can't forget the zombies themselves. High School of the Dead doesn't hold back on the gore, with some seriously creepy and creatively designed undead. The visual spectacle of the zombie hordes adds to the overall intensity and excitement of the show. It is a survival story with a lot of action.

Characters You'll Root For (and Maybe Crush On)

One of the biggest draws of High School of the Dead is its cast of characters. You've got Takashi Komuro, our main protagonist, who starts off as a bit of an ordinary guy but quickly steps up to the plate as a leader. Then there's Rei Miyamoto, Takashi's childhood friend, who's strong, capable, and fiercely loyal. The relationship between Takashi and Rei is a central part of the story, with their shared history and feelings adding an emotional layer to the zombie-slaying action. Saeko Busujima is another standout character. She's the skilled and elegant president of the kendo club, and she's an absolute badass with a sword. Her calm demeanor and incredible fighting skills make her a formidable force against the undead. Then you have Saya Takagi, the genius daughter of a wealthy and influential family. Saya's intelligence and strategic thinking are invaluable to the group, but she's also got a sharp tongue and a bit of a superiority complex. Rounding out the main cast is Kohta Hirano, the self-proclaimed otaku and gun enthusiast. Kohta's knowledge of firearms and his surprising bravery make him an essential member of the team. And let's not forget Shizuka Marikawa, the school nurse. Shizuka is, well, let's just say she's got a very noticeable figure, and she provides some much-needed comic relief amidst all the chaos. But she's also a kind and caring person who does her best to protect the students. Each of these characters brings something unique to the table, and their interactions and development throughout the series are a big part of what makes High School of the Dead so engaging. You find yourself rooting for them, worrying about them, and maybe even developing a little crush on one or two of them.

Fan Service: Love It or Hate It?

Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: the fan service. High School of the Dead is known for its generous helpings of, ahem, scantily clad characters and suggestive scenes. This is definitely a polarizing aspect of the show. Some viewers find it distracting and unnecessary, while others see it as part of the anime's over-the-top, tongue-in-cheek style. There's no denying that the fan service is there, and it's pretty prominent. The female characters are often depicted in revealing outfits, and there are plenty of shots that focus on their, ahem, assets. The show also uses slow-motion and exaggerated camera angles to highlight these moments. Whether you enjoy this aspect of the show or not really depends on your personal taste. Some viewers find it to be a fun and harmless addition to the overall experience, while others find it to be exploitative and distracting. It's worth noting that the fan service doesn't really detract from the main plot, which is about survival and fighting zombies. But it's definitely something to be aware of before you dive into the series. If you're someone who's easily turned off by this kind of content, then High School of the Dead might not be for you. But if you're willing to look past it, you might find that there's a lot to enjoy about the show's action, characters, and overall story. It is one of the main aspects of the show that people either love or hate.

Action-Packed Zombie Mayhem and More!

High School of the Dead is more than just a zombie anime; it's a thrilling ride that blends action, horror, and a bit of saucy humor. It's a show that knows what it is and doesn't try to be anything else. If you're looking for a serious, philosophical exploration of the zombie apocalypse, this might not be it. But if you want a high-octane, visually stunning, and often hilarious adventure through a world overrun by the undead, then you're in the right place. The animation is top-notch, the fight scenes are intense, and the characters are memorable. Sure, the fan service might not be for everyone, but it's part of the show's unique identity. And beneath the surface, there's a story about friendship, loyalty, and the struggle to maintain humanity in the face of overwhelming odds. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a wild ride. High School of the Dead is an anime that will definitely leave a lasting impression. Whether you love it or hate it, you won't forget it anytime soon. This anime is definitely worth checking out if you enjoy a good zombie story with a twist.

Will There Ever Be a Season 2?

Ah, the million-dollar question: will there ever be a season 2 of High School of the Dead? This is something that fans have been asking for years, and unfortunately, the answer is still up in the air. The first season of the anime aired back in 2010, and it covered only a portion of the original manga series. There's definitely enough material for a second season, and the show was pretty popular, so why hasn't it happened? Well, there are a few factors at play. One of the main reasons is the untimely passing of Daisuke Sato, the writer of the High School of the Dead manga. Sato passed away in 2017, which left the future of the manga series uncertain. Without Sato, it's difficult to continue the story in the same way. There have also been some legal issues surrounding the series, which have further complicated things. These issues have made it difficult for the studio to move forward with a second season. So, while there's still a glimmer of hope for a season 2, the chances are looking pretty slim at this point. It's a real shame, because High School of the Dead has a lot of potential, and fans are eager to see what happens next. But for now, we'll just have to keep rewatching the first season and hoping for a miracle. It is one of the most requested season 2 of anime.

Final Verdict: Is High School of the Dead Worth Watching?

So, after all that, the big question remains: is High School of the Dead worth watching? The answer, in my opinion, is a resounding yes! If you're a fan of zombie stories, action-packed anime, and characters you can root for, then you'll definitely find something to enjoy in this series. It's not perfect, and the fan service might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's a unique and memorable anime that stands out from the crowd. The animation is fantastic, the fight scenes are exhilarating, and the story keeps you hooked from beginning to end. The characters are well-developed, and you'll find yourself invested in their struggles and triumphs. And while the lack of a second season is disappointing, the first season is a complete and satisfying story in itself. Of course, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, but that just adds to the excitement. Overall, High School of the Dead is an anime that I would highly recommend to anyone who's looking for a thrilling and entertaining zombie adventure. Just be prepared for some over-the-top action, a healthy dose of fan service, and a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a wild ride, but it's definitely worth taking. So go ahead, dive into the world of High School of the Dead, and see if you have what it takes to survive the zombie apocalypse!