Highschool of the Dead: A Zombie Apocalypse Through Anime Eyes
Highschool of the Dead, known in Japan as Apocalypse Academy: Highschool of the Dead (学園黙示録 HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD, Gakuen Mokushiroku HIGH SCHOOL OF THE DEAD), is a popular anime series that blends the zombie apocalypse genre with elements of action, horror, and surprisingly, ecchi.
The story throws us into a world suddenly overrun by zombies, referred to as "Them" in the series. We follow a group of high school students and a school nurse as they navigate this terrifying new reality, fighting for survival against hordes of the undead and the equally dangerous living.
Plot Overview
The narrative primarily focuses on Takashi Komuro, a second-year student at Fujimi High School. When the zombie outbreak erupts, he's forced to kill his best friend, who has been infected. This traumatic event fuels his determination to protect his remaining friends and find his girlfriend, Rei Miyamoto.
Takashi's group quickly expands to include Rei, who initially resents him, along with other classmates and faculty: Saeko Busujima, the beautiful and deadly president of the school's kendo club; Saya Takagi, a genius girl from a wealthy and influential family; Kohta Hirano, an overweight but incredibly skilled marksman and firearms enthusiast; and Shizuka Marikawa, the somewhat airheaded but surprisingly capable school nurse.
The group faces constant threats from the ever-present zombies. They scavenge for supplies, battle their way through hordes, and encounter other survivors, some helpful and some hostile. The anime doesn't shy away from depicting the brutality of the situation, showing the desperation and moral compromises that people make in order to survive.
As they travel, they learn to rely on each other's strengths. Saeko's martial arts skills, Kohta's knowledge of weaponry, Saya's intelligence, and Shizuka's first-aid abilities all become crucial to their survival. Even Takashi, initially just an ordinary student, develops into a capable leader and fighter.
Characters of Interest
Here are a few of the key personalities that bring the story to life:
- Takashi Komuro: The protagonist, forced to mature quickly in the face of the apocalypse. He struggles with feelings of guilt and responsibility for the safety of his friends.
- Rei Miyamoto: Takashi's girlfriend, initially torn between her feelings for him and her resentment over past events. She's skilled with a spear and becomes a formidable fighter.
- Saeko Busujima: A calm and collected expert in martial arts, particularly kendo. She's often the group's most reliable combatant but harbors a dark secret about her past.
- Saya Takagi: A highly intelligent but often arrogant girl who provides valuable strategic insights and technical expertise. Her privileged background sometimes clashes with the realities of their situation.
- Kohta Hirano: Initially a timid and unassuming student, Kohta's knowledge of firearms and his surprisingly accurate marksmanship make him an invaluable asset to the group. He's also something of an otaku, which provides some comedic relief.
- Shizuka Marikawa: The school nurse, whose large bust size is frequently the subject of fan service. Despite her somewhat ditzy demeanor, she's a skilled driver and possesses surprisingly practical knowledge.
Themes and Elements
Highschool of the Dead explores several themes, including the breakdown of society, the struggle for survival, and the importance of teamwork. It also delves into the darker aspects of human nature, showing how people can become ruthless and selfish when faced with extreme circumstances.
Beyond the zombie horror, the anime is also known for its over-the-top action sequences, its frequent use of ecchi elements (fan service), and its distinctive art style. The animation is often praised for its fluid movements and detailed character designs.
The series also satirizes various aspects of Japanese society, including the emphasis on conformity, the rigid social hierarchy, and the perceived helplessness of authority figures in times of crisis. The characters often question the traditional values that have been ingrained in them, as they navigate the chaos and uncertainty of the apocalypse.
Production and Release
The anime adaptation of Highschool of the Dead was produced by Madhouse, a renowned animation studio known for its high-quality work on series like Death Note, One-Punch Man, and Hunter x Hunter. The series was directed by Tetsuro Araki, who also directed Death Note and Attack on Titan.
The first episode aired in Japan in July 2010, and the series ran for 12 episodes. It was licensed for distribution in North America by Sentai Filmworks, and it has been released on DVD and Blu-ray. The opening theme song, "HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD," performed by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets, became a popular hit.
Controversies and Criticism
Highschool of the Dead has also faced criticism for its gratuitous use of fan service and its perceived objectification of female characters. Some viewers have found the series to be exploitative and tasteless, while others argue that the ecchi elements are simply a part of the show's overall style and tone.
The series also sparked controversy due to its depiction of violence and gore. While some viewers appreciate the anime's unflinching portrayal of the zombie apocalypse, others have found it to be excessively graphic and disturbing.
The Unfinished Story
Unfortunately, the Highschool of the Dead anime remains incomplete. The manga series, written by Daisuke Sato and illustrated by Shoji Sato, went on hiatus in 2011 due to the illness of Daisuke Sato. Tragically, Daisuke Sato passed away in 2017, leaving the manga unfinished. As a result, there has been no second season of the anime, leaving fans with an unresolved cliffhanger.
Despite its controversies and incomplete ending, Highschool of the Dead remains a popular and influential anime series. Its unique blend of genres, its memorable characters, and its striking visuals have made it a favorite among fans of zombie horror and action anime.
While the possibility of a second season remains uncertain, the anime continues to be enjoyed and discussed by fans around the world. It serves as a reminder of the potential of the zombie genre to explore deeper themes about human nature and the fragility of society.
Legacy
Highschool of the Dead has left a noticeable impact on the anime landscape. It showcases Madhouse studio capabilities to deliver high production value anime to the world. Other anime studios have learned and evolved their production techniques from this series.
This anime has many parodies and shout outs from other media sources. Highschool of the Dead has been a staple to be referenced by others. This series has left an impact in the industry with its unique take.
