That's what you're thrown into the moment you start watching Highschool of the Dead. The rest is a journey filled with more zombies, guns, drama, and lots and lots of sexy fan service! It's not really like your run-of-the-mill zombie story in that you're really drawn into the story by the characters and the raw feelings from all of the characters you are following. Let me break it down.
Story Score: Seven
I gave the story a seven because, yes, it is an unoriginal plot... sometimes, I think, overused. You know, like vampires and werewolves? Except none of the zombies are sparkly OR vegan. I happen to like zombie stories, though, and relish the excitement of seeing these characters get through different situations together. I like the sub-stories within the bigger stories, like the relationships of the students, the relationships of the students with their parents, and so-on.
Art Score: Ten
I. love. the. art. Unlike a lot of other animes, the art never wanes in quality, but stays at the same quality level, which definitely makes it more enjoyable and easier to get into. The women are beautiful, the men are virile, and the zombies are SCARY. The gore is a bit over the top, but that's what makes it such a good zombie show! Now, let's talk about the fan service. A lot of people can't handle the fan service, saying it takes away from the quality. I am a girl, yes, and being such, I shouldn't take too kindly to women being exposed like they are in this show, right? But I really don't care, in fact, I like it! I really enjoy the fact that the artists can on one-side, make a really gory, crazy fight scene happen, but are also able to indulge another sense by showing sexy poses and such. There is something so exciting about how they pull that off. Sex appeal and violence go hand-in-hand sometimes and the artists know exactly the right things to draw and they do it well. The scenery is also beautiful. Space scenes, sunsets, city scenes, night time rides, water scenes... everything! It's all gorgeous.
Sound Score: Ten
The soundtrack to this thing is amazing to me. They have exactly the right tempo to every fight scene, slow melancholy melodies for the sad moments, an awesome opening song, PLUS every ending song is different and connected to the episode in some way. They even have a song in the very first episode from one of my favorite horror-piece composers, John Murphy (he did some notable work in the zombie flick, '28 Days Later').
Character Score: Seven
I only give this a seven because, again, the characters, like the plot, are a bit cliche. But I do adore the differences between all of them, and sometimes the clicheness is so adorable you can't help but love all of them. I'm on the edge of my seat everytime because I don't want any of them to die, haha.
Enjoyment Score: Ten
I thoroughly have enjoyed every single episode of this series so far and cannot wait for the second season.
Overall: Ten
I just love this series. I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves zombies, guns, boobs, drama, angst, comedy, or romance. :D
