
© MadhouseDaisuke Satō (story), Shōji Satō (character design)
Overview
'Highschool of the Dead' immerses viewers in a gripping tale of survival during a zombie apocalypse that sweeps across Japan and the world. The story follows Takashi Komuro, a high school student thrust into chaos when a deadly virus transforms humanity into ravenous undead creatures. Alongside his classmates—Rei Miyamoto, Saeko Busujima, Saya Takagi, Kohta Hirano—and the school nurse Shizuka Marikawa, Takashi must navigate a crumbling society filled with perilous threats from both the living and the dead. From escaping their overrun school to seeking refuge in an abandoned mall, the group faces harrowing challenges, moral dilemmas, and moments of camaraderie as they fight to survive. With its blend of intense action, horror, and emotional drama, 'Highschool of the Dead' explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, and the fragility of human civilization.
Opinion
'Highschool of the Dead' stands out as a visually stunning and adrenaline-fueled entry in the zombie genre, combining relentless action with moments of heartfelt drama. Directed by Tetsurō Araki and animated by Madhouse, the series boasts exceptional animation quality, particularly in its dynamic action sequences and atmospheric horror elements. Characters like Saeko Busujima and Kohta Hirano shine through their unique personalities and growth, adding depth to the narrative. While some critics highlight the presence of fanservice as detracting from the overall tone, others appreciate its integration into the chaotic and desperate world. Despite being left incomplete due to the manga's hiatus following Daisuke Satō's passing, the anime remains a cult favorite among fans of zombie and action genres. Its ability to balance tension, humor, and emotion ensures that it remains memorable even years after its release.
Characters
Takashi Komuro
Voice: Junichi Suwabe
Rei Miyamoto
Voice: Mamiko Noto
Saeko Busujima
Voice: Aya Endo
Saya Takagi
Voice: Fumiko Orikasa
Kohta Hirano
Voice: Katsuyuki Konishi
Shizuka Marikawa
Voice: Mika Kanai
Alice Maresato
Voice: Romi Park
Credits
Author
Daisuke Satō (story), Shōji Satō (character design)
Studio
Madhouse
Cover Art
Shōji Satō
Publisher
Fujimi Shobo
Producers
Geneon Universal Entertainment, Fujimi Shobo, Madhouse, Kadokawa Shoten