Unleashing Undead Chaos: Ultimate Zombie Apocalypse Anime and Manga Guide!
Explore the thrilling world of zombie apocalypse anime and manga with these 10 must-watch titles From High School of the Dead to I am a Hero, immerse yourself in the resurgence of this horror sub-genre that captivated fans in the 2010s and continues to enthrall into the 2020s
The zombie apocalypse anime horror genre experienced a revival in the 2010s and continues to grow in popularity in the 2020s. Zombies have been portrayed in various forms, ranging from traditional flesh-eating creatures to unexpected identities like idol singers. Moreover, anime enthusiasts can find a plethora of shows that delve into the thrilling adventures of the undead and the struggles of those fighting to stay alive.
Disclaimer: The following content discusses horror and violence and may contain spoilers for the referenced zombie apocalypse anime. The author's opinions are solely expressed within.
10 zombie apocalypse anime and manga for zombie horror fanatics
1) High School of the Dead
High School of the Dead is a renowned anime that revolves around a zombie apocalypse, earning either fame or notoriety depending on personal perspectives. The storyline delves into a global crisis where humanity is plagued by a deadly pandemic, transforming individuals into zombies. The spotlight remains on a community of high school students and their dedicated nurse as they strive to overcome the challenges and stay alive.
While this series has gained a reputation for its excessive fanservice, particularly in the anime, it does not overshadow the horror elements. The horror in this series follows the typical tropes of zombie movies, with graphic depictions of people being eaten, torn apart, shot, stabbed, and left to die. Adding to the horror are the presence of cults, the characters' own psychological issues, and the constant threat of betrayal or worse, constantly plaguing the students.
Unfortunately, the untimely passing of author Daisuke Sato in 2017 led to the discontinuation of the story, with the focus shifting to another series called Triage X. However, what remains of the series is still worth the attention, if only to understand why the anime has sparked controversy.
2) School-Live!
The horror genre often conceals its true nature, and School-Live! serves as a perfect example of this. The School Living Club of Megurigaoka Private High School, also known as the School Life Club, is a group committed to living within the school premises. Yuki Takkeya, the main character, has a deep affection for her school and everyone associated with it. Each day presents a new and exciting journey for Yuki, her classmates, and their teacher.
However, in reality, both the school and the nearby town of Megurigaoka have fallen victim to a zombie apocalypse. The other members of the club, who are also Yuki's friends, aid her in coming to terms with the situation and staying alive. By juxtaposing Yuki's vivid imagination with the harsh realities of survival, the series blends elements of slice-of-life storytelling with the gripping terror of the horror genre.
3) Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead
According to fans, it is preferable to watch the anime rather than read the manga, as the manga's quality deteriorates once the characters leave high school. The series is truly captivating due to its clever contrasts, exploration of themes such as hope and despair, and the intense suspense that keeps viewers on edge.
Akira's existence was burdened by an overwhelmingly mundane workplace, filled with lifeless and gloomy monotony. The looming threat of a zombie apocalypse, although perilous and deadly, offered him an opportunity to fulfill all the desires listed in his bucket before his inevitable demise. One of these desires was to confess his feelings to a colleague, even if she had succumbed to zombification, and he narrowly escaped with his life soon after.
Still ongoing, this anime is highly recommended for those seeking respite from the excessively gruesome entries found elsewhere. It presents a more genuine and heartfelt humor, in contrast to High School of the Dead.
4) Seoul Station
Released in 2016, Train to Busan is a thrilling live-action Korean film depicting the struggle for survival amidst a sudden zombie outbreak on a South Korean train. Serving as its animated prequel, Seoul Station is equally terrifying and suspenseful, if not more. Centered around individuals on the fringes of society, the story follows Hye-sun, a former s*x worker, and her partner Ki-woong as they navigate the chaos unleashed by the fast-moving hordes of zombies emerging from Seoul Station. Their survival proves challenging due to police blockades, overwhelmed hospitals, and the military's ruthless elimination of anyone suspected of infection.
The content goes beyond the scope of the original film by portraying the mayhem of a city besieged by zombies. Fans of 28 Days Later should particularly appreciate this aspect, as it aligns with the film's theme of demonstrating how a city actively copes with the undead.
5) Gyo: Tokyo Fish Attack
Gyo, a zombie apocalypse anime created by Junji Ito, presents a remarkably unique concept. The inspiration for this anime came from Ito's nightmares and his curious thoughts about sharks possessing legs. Tadashi and Kaori, a young couple, embark on a scuba-diving adventure in Okinawa's pristine waters, only to come face to face with a peculiar fish that defies nature by having legs. This encounter marks the beginning of a disturbing turn of events.
This film gained notoriety for its portrayal of a nightmarish concept: a gigantic great white shark with legs terrorizing Okinawa. The idea of swarms of walking sea creatures invading and overtaking Tokyo alone is enough to evoke horror, but the film further intensifies the fear by introducing the Imperial Japanese Army's wartime experimentation, walking machines, and viruses.
Although there are some inconsistencies between the movie and the manga adaptation, these differences can be attributed to the movie's need to compress 19 chapters into a 75-minute production. Whether one prefers the manga or the film, both are highly recommended for enthusiasts of zombies, zombie fish, or Junji Ito.
6) Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Described as the "steampunk Attack on Titan," Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress draws inspiration from the aforementioned anime while incorporating notable distinctions. Set in an alternate history version of the Industrial Revolution, the story unfolds on the island of Hinomoto, which finds itself besieged by a formidable zombie species known as the Kabane.
In this world, the only viable mode of transportation and means of supplying the island's cities are massive armored trains, which constantly require safeguarding and maintenance. This is where Ikoma, a skilled mechanic, enters the picture. Determined to create weapons capable of penetrating the Kabane's impenetrable bones, he becomes a significant figure in the battle against these relentless creatures.
The zombies, as per usual, are not the sole creatures of terror in this series. The city's corrupt caste system ensures a firm grip on power, with the affluent "bushi" caste resorting to any means necessary to preserve their oppressive dominance over the impoverished.
7) Sunday without God
Sunday Without God offers a unique take on the apocalypse, presenting a less violent and chilling portrayal with profound existential implications. While it does involve zombies and the undead, this series stands apart as it is milder and carries a lighter tone compared to other entries on this list. The central concept revolves around the absence of God and death itself from the world, resulting in the inability of individuals to die.
However, this does not lead to unnecessary violence among individuals, except for a small number of disgruntled individuals. The narrative centers around a young girl named Ai, who is of mixed heritage - half-human and half-gravekeeper. Her life takes a dramatic turn when Hampnie Hambart arrives in her village and massacres its inhabitants. The unexpected twist? He is Ai's biological father.
In this world, people are unable to die, and they are also unable to give birth. When individuals "die," their physical bodies and cognitive abilities gradually deteriorate, leaving them resembling mere zombies. Ai and her companions tirelessly strive to reverse and combat this slow decay.
8) Shi Xiong/Zombie Brother
Zombie Brother is a Chinese anime that takes place during a zombie apocalypse caused by water contamination. The protagonist, Professor Xiao Fei, becomes trapped in the chaos and embarks on a journey to reunite with his girlfriend, Wei. Although the premise seems straightforward, the story takes unexpected and eccentric twists. For instance, one of the zombies developed an unusual fixation with paper currency. Additionally, the series features astonishing zombie acrobatics, peculiar zombie frogs, and a multitude of peculiar and random events.
The task of surviving against the zombies becomes incredibly challenging due to their increasing strength with each person they consume. The terrifying scenario of an apocalypse combined with the presence of zombies is bound to evoke fear and captivate those seeking out a zombie apocalypse anime.
9) Fort of Apocalypse
Just like other types of zombie media such as the Resident Evil video games, The Last of Us, and 28 Days Later, the usual slow-moving zombies are accompanied by special zombies. These special zombies include nimble zombies that transform into dog-like creatures like in John Carpenter's The Thing, zombie seals, and zombies capable of enhancing and mind-controlling their fellow zombies called Bokors.
Leaving the prison only exposes the four individuals to more horror, as it is the zombie apocalypse, and even the nearby city is not safe. However, as is common in zombie media, humans cannot be fully trusted either, especially when it comes to those perceived as criminals.
10) I am a Hero
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Similar to Zom 100, the premise of I am a Hero centers around Hideo Suzuki, a struggling artist. Suzuki's pursuit of manga stardom falls short, leaving him feeling like a mere background character in his own life. However, when a dreadful zombie apocalypse unfolds, the horror intensifies rapidly within this manga.
Despite featuring an unconventional main character and an array of eccentric individuals, this manga effectively portrays the terrifying reality of a zombie apocalypse. In addition to the typical adult zombies seen in The Walking Dead, this manga introduces even more unsettling zombie variations, such as zombie children, zombie babies, and other unique types that exhibit evolving intelligence through consumption.
The main storyline takes us on a fast-paced journey from Tokyo to Mount Fuji. However, amidst this, we also witness the terrifying and intense experiences of other characters in Osaka, Ibakari, and Nagasaki, all facing the outbreak.
In anime and manga, the zombie apocalypse comes in various forms, each with its own unique twists. However, they often incorporate familiar themes and characters. Whether it's the result of a viral outbreak, extraterrestrial interference, or the consequences of a failing government, these narratives delve into societal and human issues, exploring the complexities that arise when society crumbles.
Survival takes center stage in these selected 10 examples of zombie apocalypse media, where the survivors are constantly confronted with unexpected obstacles and challenges. Moreover, the narratives of these apocalyptic tales also shed light on the inherent cruelty of humanity.
