First Look: High School of the Dead

Title: High School of the Dead Genre: Action, Ecchi, Horror

Summary: Takashi Komuro is a normal highschool boy, until an infection breaks out that turns people into zombie-like creatures. Along with his friends & the school nurse, they fight their way out and continue their journey to find out what exactly has happened to the world.

First Look: If you were wondering, yes this was probably the closest SFW (safe for work) picture I could find to represent Highschool of the Dead. Kind of gives you a hint what goes on in the anime eh? Despite being in the anti-ecchi side of anime viewers, it just goes so well with horror. That sounded a lot less creepy in my head… But let me explain. Any sexual parts of Highschool of the Dead feels more like a break from the horror going on around them. Without it, most viewers will probably be thrown into a pit of sorrow and hate. Highschool of the Dead is not your typical anime horror. The intense atmosphere, sick scenarios, and bloodshed brings you into a whole other world. I was thankful that Madhouse has taken lead in the publishing of this anime because of the brilliant work they do. From the first four episodes I can already tell that they dedicated quite a lot of time with the animation and making a very close adaptation of the manga. The computerized scenes flow very well. Tears, sweat, and blood look natural, and lighting effects can’t be better. The opening and ending compliment the hardcore action as well as the dramatic heart wrenching reality that the world crumbling around them. The only fear I have is the episode count. It has been released that only thirteen episodes will air. That leaves us with two real options: 1) they cut the series short and create a makeshift ending disappointing everyone or 2) they hold off for a second season. I’m hoping for multiple seasons considering each episode is roughly one chapter of the manga. However, with only one chapter release per month (if that) the series will either not air again for a long time, or fillers will be implemented. Both of which I would hate to see. Lesser of two evils, I’m voting for multiple seasons. Another disappointing thing that happened was the 15 minute recap of episodes 1-3 in episode 4. I’m pretty sure the killing, characters, and story is still fresh in my mind. So it was a rather obvious method to fill air time.

Final statements: I’m a huge fan of the manga, and this series seems to be following it quite well with possible extra features. The series can end up good or bad depending on how they handle the slow chapter releases (which currently seems far from over). I will definitely keep this on watch with high hopes and fingers crossed. May I also suggest picking up the manga which is only 26 chapters in (unless you don’t want any “spoilers”).