Review of High School of the Dead
There hasn't been an anime that's marked me as much as this one. I might hold a bias to it, seen as it was the first anime I ever watched, but the fact of the matter is that, if I had watched any other show, I wouldn't have been as invested into anime as I have been for the last 8 years. From afar highschool of the dead is just another zombie anime. but as we venture further into the anime. it doesn't take long to notice that it isn't just another generic anime but instead, a show that will be engraved in the mindsof anime views for years to come.
7/10 - The story: While it is true that anime with deeper nuance written into them exists, it doesn't take away the fact that the simplicity of the story in itself is genius. Daisuke Satou, the author of H.O.T.D, made sure to create a setting and narrative that accentuated the characters and delivered on the ambiance this show is known for. and in that regard, I believe he excelled in this department and for that reason, it gets a 7.
9/10 - The art: Madhouse created a masterpiece unlike I have ever seen before, an art style anime viewers take comfort in, generic and simple at its base, and deliver an expressive cinematic action-driven packed show that resides in our memories. I can honestly say that the animation in H.O.T.D holds a plate above other animated driven animes I have seen in my lifetime. due to this, I award a 9 to the art.
9/10 - The Sound: Accompanied by a godly OST, this anime excelled in the sound department. the soundtrack followed the story impeccably, managing to combine factors of a horror OST with the pumping and heavyhanded metal guitar the show's producers used on many occasions, on the topic of metal guitar. the show's opening and ending are some of the best I've ever heard. in fact! I still take a listen here and there to Kisida kyodan & the akebosi rockets' limited array of music now and then. A well deserved 9 for sound production.
9/10 - The Characters: Character design in H.O.T.D is a prime example of how to give a cast fun and memorable personality. in terms of appearance, the show deceived us. For example, handing over an MC with generic looks only to give him an alpha but kind disposition made Takashi a badass, it is a testament to the genius writer Daisuke was. For that reason, I have decided to award a 9 to the character design.
10/10 - My Enjoyment: To this day, I have still to find an anime I have enjoyed and remembered as much as H.O.T.D. From the well-implemented fanservice, which by the way, in my opinion, is the best showing of ecchi in anime history, to the badass scenes of the group fending off the zombies for a desperate grasp at survival and of course the bitch slap. I can definitively say that this is entertainment to a world-class level. for that, I declare it a 10/10 in enjoyment.
In conclusion, with all the pleasure in my heart, I dearly recommend H.O.T.D.
Genius writing and florescent direction anchored this anime to my soul, and im sure it will do so to yours. Im proud to give this anime a 10/10. a favorite that I don't mind rewatching over and over again. I wish it was concluded but unfortunately, I'll have to live with the possibility the show's plot will never be concluded.
OVERALL - 10/10