The story of the zombie apocalypse is something that’s been done for a very long time. Whether it’s movies, television, comic books or video games, some attempts have been really successful in terms of portraying the world infested by these flesh eaters (Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, The Last of Us, Crossed) and some have been average to downright bad (everything after the first season of The Walking Dead). These stories use the same formula: throw ordinary characters into a world overrun with zombies and see what happens. The stories are always simple but watching these characters run, fight back, bicker amongst each other and use their wits is something you can’t help but eat up if it’s done right.
Having said that I’ll proclaim proudly, I love High School of the Dead! This review can be voted towards the bottom of the barrel, I’ll say it again, I love it. And I’ll explain why. It’s awesome. Balls to the wall action! Yes, the characters are thin. Yes, so is the plot. And yes, it relies heavily on fan service. But that is not the point. High School of the Dead does what it sets out to do. It’s an action horror that wants to entertain and that is exactly what it does.
Contains Minor Spoilers
Story
High School students have to survive in a world overrun with zombies where all females seem to be extremely gorgeous and have huge breasts. That’s basically it. It’s all just an excuse to watch teenagers go all out killing zombies. There’s an underdeveloped romance subplot which really wasn’t necessary but the focus remains largely on the characters that fight to survive. The action is gruesome and bloody. You’ll need a strong stomach for all the gore and blood spilled throughout the show. There are some moments of comedy, drama and suspense incorporated into the story that help contribute turning something really simple into a genuinely fun ride.
Art
Zombies always look awesome. In a grotesque, badass, sometimes nauseating kind of way, and here they look no different with terrible skin and blood dripping from the mouths. The main characters are drawn really well. Apart from their huge eyes, the characters are drawn rather realistically. The landscapes and buildings are drawn really detailed too which can be said for all the backgrounds in general. The art is probably the best part of High School of the Dead.
Sound
High School of the Dead has one of the best OP’s I’ve ever heard. This rock ‘n roll song gives you an idea of what to expect: adrenaline fuelled violence and lots of running. The moans and groans coming from our cannibalistic baddies make you uncomfortable and uneasy. The seiyuus all do a wonderful job with their respective characters and the sound effects are perfect. The sound of shoes hitting the ground as someone runs, gunshots and explosions, all of it sound great.
Characters
Characters can make or break a zombie story since the focus is always on them trekking through this hell hole. The main cast is made up of anime stereotypes (an otaku, a really cool lead etc.) with very little development, but stereotypes that can kick ass. They come across a couple of side characters throughout the story, some good and some bad. Watching the true nature of humanity unfold in a crisis like this is always fun watch. Stealing from one another and killing each other for survival. Watching characters react to their surroundings. What will they do and how far will they go? Just like in Gantz, some of the people here are disgusting human beings. This is a nice contrast between our likeable main characters and the panicked and selfish citizens that populate this world.
Enjoyment
I’ve been raving about HOTD, but honestly, I would have given it a 10 if the fan service was used more to the benefit of the show. There are times where it wasn’t really a problem but when someone is running for their lives and you can’t take the suspense anymore, you see a cleavage or panty shot and that just ruins everything you just took in. It is an all out horror with some funny bits but moments like these ruin the atmosphere completely. However the usage is a small complaint on my part. It may not be for everyone but it is one of the most entertaining zombie titles you’ll experience. And it’s light years away from being boring. Switch your brain off and enjoy.
9/10
