Gakuen Mokushiroku: HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD

High School of the Dead

Aired Date:2010-07-05

Status:FINISHED

Ratings:66/100

Genres:Action, Drama, Ecchi, Horror, Romance, Supernatural

Season:1

Total Episodes:12

Duration:24 min/ep

Studio:AT-X

Source:MANGA

Format:TV

Director:Tetsurou Araki

Review:50/100

Watch Online: Hulu Official Site HIDIVE Netflix Amazon Prime Video

Synopsis

The lockers are splattered with blood, the student bodies are piling up and that's not mystery meat they're eating in the cafeteria… it's the faculty! And that's just the start of the worst day of school ever when a nightmarish virus is unleashed, turning humans into flesh eating zombies and converting Fujimi High School into a literal hell on Earth. Now it's a crash course in survival, and the only test or skill that matters is the ability to keep moving, breathing and fighting. Because if nerds, jocks and the surviving staff can't find a way to work together to escape this carnal house of education, they're all going to end up on the menu. And that's assuming there's anyplace safe left to escape to. (Source: Sentai Filmworks)

Trailer

Characters

Takashi Komuro MAIN

Kouta Hirano MAIN

Saeko Busujima MAIN

Rei Miyamoto MAIN

Saya Takagi MAIN

Shizuka Marikawa MAIN

Alice Maresato MAIN

Rika Minami SUPPORTING

Kazu Ishi SUPPORTING

Naomi SUPPORTING

Highschool of the Dead: A Thrilling Blend of Zombies and Anime Excess

In the summer of 2010, anime fans were treated to a wild ride with Highschool of the Dead, a 12-episode series that stormed onto screens with a potent mix of horror, action, and unabashed fan service. Adapted from the manga by Daisuke Satō and illustrated by Shōji Satō, this Madhouse production, directed by Tetsurō Araki, carved out a unique space in the zombie genre. It’s a show that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: a high-octane, over-the-top survival story set against the backdrop of a zombie apocalypse, with a heavy dose of adolescent fantasy. While it’s not without flaws, its cult following and lasting popularity speak to its undeniable appeal.

A World Gone Mad

Highschool of the Dead kicks off in present-day Japan, where a deadly pandemic sweeps through, transforming people into ravenous zombies—referred to by the characters as “Them.” The story centers on Takashi Komuro, a high school sophomore at Fujimi High, who witnesses the outbreak’s horrifying start when a teacher is bitten at the school gates. What follows is pure chaos: blood, violence, and a desperate fight for survival. Takashi bands together with a group of classmates—Rei Miyamoto, his childhood friend and love interest; Saeko Busujima, a katana-wielding badass; Saya Takagi, a sharp-tongued genius; Kohta Hirano, a gun-obsessed otaku; and Shizuka Marikawa, the curvaceous school nurse—along with a young girl named Alice and her dog, Zeke.

The group’s journey takes them from their overrun high school to the zombie-infested streets, a mall, a police station, and eventually an elementary school meant to be a safe haven. Along the way, they face not just the undead but also human threats—corrupt survivors, crumbling societal norms, and their own wavering moral compasses. The anime doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker sides of humanity, from betrayal to desperation, even as it leans heavily into its genre tropes.

A Feast for the Senses

What sets Highschool of the Dead apart is its unapologetic commitment to excess. The animation, handled by Madhouse, is a visual treat, with fluid fight scenes and visceral gore that make every zombie encounter pulse with intensity. The show’s aesthetic is pure early-2000s anime, with vibrant colors and exaggerated character designs that amplify both the horror and the fan service. Speaking of which, the series is infamous for its liberal use of panty shots, jiggling breasts, and suggestive angles—elements that have sparked both praise and criticism. For some, it’s a guilty pleasure; for others, it’s a distraction from the story’s strengths.

The soundtrack is another highlight, perfectly capturing the show’s chaotic energy. The opening theme, “HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD” by Kishida Kyoudan & The Akeboshi Rockets, is a heart-pounding rock anthem that sets the tone for the apocalypse. Each episode’s closing theme, sung by Maon Kurosaki, varies to reflect the mood, with standouts like “Return to Destiny” and “Color Me Dark” adding emotional depth to the carnage. The score, composed by Takafumi Wada, balances ominous tension with adrenaline-fueled action, making every zombie chase feel cinematic.

Critical Reception and Controversy

When Highschool of the Dead debuted, it garnered mixed but passionate reviews. Critics like Chris Beveridge from Mania.com praised its departure from typical high school anime, noting, “There’s a lot to like here if you’re looking for something beyond the usual high school dramas and comedies.” Carlo Santos of Anime News Network lauded its commitment to straightforward horror, saying it “pulls it off admirably” compared to more ironic or silly zombie fare. However, not everyone was sold. Zac Bertschy, also from Anime News Network, dismissed the first episode as something that “could’ve easily been written by a horror fan with 19 minutes to kill,” pointing to its reliance on familiar tropes.

The show’s heavy fan service has been a lightning rod for debate. Some viewers embrace it as part of the anime’s cheeky charm, a nod to its shonen roots and target audience of young male viewers. Others argue it undermines the story, objectifying its female characters—many of whom are otherwise strong, capable survivors. Episodes like the infamous bath scene in episode six, which leans hard into suggestive imagery, have fueled discussions about whether the show prioritizes titillation over substance. Yet, for fans, this audacity is part of its appeal, a refusal to take itself too seriously in a genre that can often feel grim.

The Unfinished Legacy

Tragically, Highschool of the Dead remains incomplete, a fact that has left fans clamoring for more. The anime adapts the first four volumes of the manga, which ran in Fujimi Shobo’s Monthly Dragon Age from 2006 to 2013 but was left unfinished after Daisuke Satō’s death in 2017 from ischemic heart disease. The manga, which concluded with 30 chapters across seven volumes, went on hiatus multiple times due to Satō’s health struggles, with only 13 chapters remaining unadapted. Illustrator Shōji Satō, respecting his late collaborator’s legacy, chose not to continue the series without him, effectively halting any chance of a second season.

This decision, while honorable, has been a source of frustration for fans, especially since the anime ends on a cliffhanger. A single OVA, “Drifters of the Dead,” released in 2011, offered a brief, non-canonical side story, but it did little to satisfy those hoping for closure. Posts on platforms like X reflect ongoing fan disappointment, with some calling it “zombie SAO but without the interesting premise” (@cy_spar, June 2025) and others lamenting its shift toward ecchi over survival (@WhiteMageJenny, June 2025). Yet, the show’s cult status endures, with reprints of the full-color manga omnibus still celebrated by publishers like Yen Press.

Why It Still Matters

Despite its cancellation and polarizing elements, Highschool of the Dead remains a standout in the zombie anime niche. Its blend of horror, action, and harem dynamics predates similar genre mashups and offers a raw, unfiltered take on the apocalypse. Unlike The Walking Dead, which emphasizes gritty realism, or Zom 100, which leans into humor, Highschool of the Dead revels in its absurdity, delivering a spectacle that’s equal parts thrilling and ridiculous. For fans of zombie media, it’s a must-watch for its high-energy animation and willingness to push boundaries.

If you’re new to the series, it’s available on platforms like Hulu and Amazon, with Blu-ray and DVD releases from Sentai Filmworks offering both English and Japanese audio. Be warned: this isn’t a show for the faint of heart or those sensitive to graphic violence and nudity. But if you’re in the mood for a zombie apocalypse with a side of anime flair, Highschool of the Dead delivers a bloody good time.

Sources:

• Anime News Network reviews
• Sportskeeda articles on series cancellation
• MyAnimeList forum discussions
• X posts reflecting fan sentiment