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Highschool of the Dead, Vol. 1 (Highschool of the Dead #1)

by Daisuke Sato, Shouji Sato (Illustrator)

3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 · rating details · 694 ratings · 48 reviews

A mysterious illness is spreading rapidly through the halls of Fujimi High School. In a matter of hours, the campus is transformed from a place of learning into a hive of nightmares, as the infected students collapse and are reborn as flesh-hungry zombies! Only a handful of students escape the initial outbreak - among them Takashi Komuro and his childhood friend, Rei. He m

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Published 2010 by Carlsen (first published January 1st 2007)

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Oct 01, 2012 Despair Speaking rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nonstop-action-call-in-james-bond

I hated this and loved this at the same time. I had always wanted a zombie manga/book that revolves on teenagers and how they would cope when they're attacked with hardly, if there will be any, adult help. And Highschool of the Dead did just this. It has the right amount of action, character development (although a bit slow), and realistic psychological reactions to certain situations to get you hooked.

But this is obviously for the male audience because there is WAY too many ecchi in it. Oh yeah...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Rei rated it 5 of 5 stars

(Gonna leave an overall comment for the entire series here as I can't be bothered to go around personally commenting.)

I love this series, despite disliking it originally for the reasons I'm about to say, but it has a couple of flaws but in no comparison to how amazing it is. I'm also going to admit -after reading the manga and watching the anime series- the anime has had a major influence over my opinion on this entire creation although the books (I own all) are terrific in their own right.

The a...more (Gonna leave an overall comment for the entire series here as I can't be bothered to go around personally commenting.)

I love this series, despite disliking it originally for the reasons I'm about to say, but it has a couple of flaws but in no comparison to how amazing it is. I'm also going to admit -after reading the manga and watching the anime series- the anime has had a major influence over my opinion on this entire creation although the books (I own all) are terrific in their own right.

The anime grew on me after reading the first book and re-watching the series again.

First off, I'll start with the good stuff. Personally, it's everything I LOVE in an anime; boobs, guns and the walking dead. I'm like to point out I am a girl, and I don't just read this for the fan service; but because it's genuinely good with an awesome storyline, no matter how unoriginal. Personally when I read this, I feel there and involved, and the anime made me feel no different. Focusing more on the book, the art is beautiful, detailed and the authors know what they're talking about, especially when the firearm knowledge is brought up and revealed in the after thoughts of the book that they had experience with guns.

As for the bad parts; I HATE Rei. She's just whiny all the way through, over-jealous and annoying. I've tried to find other things about her that I like but if I was to go skin-deep, her looks aren't even enough to keep me entertained. I just felt myself wanting to slap her, constantly. I have to admit, Rei was personally the only thing I honestly couldn't stand in the series, book or otherwise.

The characters in general are the typical group of kiddie friends you'd expect to encounter in anime (they just pack guns). You got the tough leader guy who fancies the main female/caught in a love triangle. The bitchy smart one. The ditzy female character. The strong silent type. The shy guy who fancies one of the girls but she/he won't directly say it. You know the drill.

Only other thing I could say negatively is that -like in ~~all~~ most anime- they all almost MAGICALLY know a martial art. I know that it's taught in schools in Japan but it's makes me eye-roll when, OF COURSE she's a black belt in blahblahjutsu, or OF COURSE he took gun training in Britain. I dunno, it just makes me tsk when it's in all anime almost.

Despite its flaws here and there, it isn't enough of a problem to make me mark it down. I love it, it's a good anime for it's genre and providing you're old enough to watch it, go for it. It's a must see.(less)

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May 18, 2012 Iron rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review is for the whole series rather than just this issue (saves me having to write six of these) but overall I thought this series was alright.

The highlights in my opinion were that there were plenty of zombies (so if you came to the series for that then you won't be disappointed) as well as gore and hyper-kinectic fights (as well as an astonishing level of attention to detail when it comes to technical details of things such as firearms and economics). There are also quite a few interest...more This review is for the whole series rather than just this issue (saves me having to write six of these) but overall I thought this series was alright.

The highlights in my opinion were that there were plenty of zombies (so if you came to the series for that then you won't be disappointed) as well as gore and hyper-kinectic fights (as well as an astonishing level of attention to detail when it comes to technical details of things such as firearms and economics). There are also quite a few interesting character moments and they do make sure that you like the heroes and want the villains to die in a fire (something that's very easy to get wrong).

The low points in my opinion were that there can be a lot of 'mood whiplash', a very serious and sad scene will be followed up almost immediately with breaking the 4th wall comedy or cheesecake shots (you could make a drinking game out of the number of panty shots there are), this brings me onto the fanservice. If you don't mind or enjoy fanservice then you'll probably be fine with this comic, if it's the sort of thing that bothers you then you'll probably find this to be an awkward read since they layer it on pretty damn thick (it seemed a bit weird to me that no-one in our main cast has a bra size under DD, remember that these are also meant to be High School students), it's taken to ridiculous extremes with the Nurse who's titanic breasts are the source of several jokes (and not one of them about back pain).

Most bothersome of the fanservice is a group bathing scene which comes completely the fuck out of nowhere, we go from the survivors showing relief and happiness at the end of one issue and go right onto all the girls together, naked in a steamy bathroom at the beginning of the next with no real explanation or introduction as to why (other than to get naked chicks soaping up each other's breasts into the comic of course).

The story also has a habit of getting somewhat melodramatic with a lot of lamenting about how 'the world will never be the same again' and other such things and it just began to drone on after a while (I also have to mention that the previous mood whiplash even applied to characters who frequently go from being moody and miserable to being happy and bubbley again in the space of a single panel).

Overall, this isn't a bad series by any extent but by the same token I wouldn't say it overly wonderful or brilliant. It's enjoyable but otherwise not remarkable.(less)

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Jun 27, 2012 Carly rated it 2 of 5 stars

The first volume show's the story's potential, but the misogyny/male centric attitude in the first half was annoying. The strongest female character believes that the center of a woman's pride is to protect a man's honor, the main female character starts off super useless and whiny and the smart female character is a bitch...we aren't supposed to like her I assume, but I do. The main male lead slaps the female lead simply because she wanted to know what was going on before just leaping to her fe...more

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Aug 19, 2011 Kereesa rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Fans of zombie plotlines, and don't have huge expectations.

Shelves: 2011, young-adult, zombies, urban-fantasy, teenage-romance, nic-s, manga-shonen, manga-english, manga, grrl-power, we-are-never-getting-back-together

Highschool of the Dead pretty much is exactly what it sounds. Set in a highschool, this first volume follows Takashi, his long-time crush (and therefore the romantic angle) Rei, and her boyfriend as they struggle to survive when a zombie outbreak occurs at their school. As they fight off the undead, they will meet other survivors, and attempt to band together to escape the highschool of the Dead! :O

I was really interested when I first heard of Highschool of the Dead. I mean the concept isn't ver...more Highschool of the Dead pretty much is exactly what it sounds. Set in a highschool, this first volume follows Takashi, his long-time crush (and therefore the romantic angle) Rei, and her boyfriend as they struggle to survive when a zombie outbreak occurs at their school. As they fight off the undead, they will meet other survivors, and attempt to band together to escape the highschool of the Dead! :O

I was really interested when I first heard of Highschool of the Dead. I mean the concept isn't very original, zombies are a pretty standard feature in a lot of contemporary storylines these days, and they provide the author with the ability to not fully explain the why/how/etc of the zombies appearance until later or (possibly) never. But I like zombies, I like watching people killing zombies, and I enjoy the typical death/survival thoughts/actions/motivations that basically make any scene with zombie outbreaks a crazy fun soap opera. And, yes this is very superficial of me, but I liked the artstyle.

So the story's pretty typical of a zombie storyline. Multiple people all surviving in their own way, while watching their friends get turned/killed. Most of it's pretty introductory, and the story doesn't really pick up till the end of the volume, but it's entertaining for the most part.

The characters are kind of where I was a bit disappointed, especially the main heroine, Rei. Rei is one of those typical passive heroines who pretty much leaves everything up to the hero. I mean, I know it's a shonen, and there's a huge bunch of yum-yum-let's-eat-your-brains zombies running around, but I hoped for a more gunho chick for me to like. There is one in the series, but it isn't Rei sadly. Takashi is also pretty stereotypical as the strong hero in love with the girl but doesn't admit his feelings. This is, however, the first volume in a planned series, so room for character development is definitely there.

The art style is one of the best things about this series (so far anyway). It's very clear-cut, with good details needed for the gore and zombies within the story, as well as the action and fight scenes. The gore is particularly impressive, and really stands out to make the story addicting (and repulsive in a sense...) to read.

All in all, this first volume of Highschool of the Dead definitely shows potential, but doesn't present anything new to the zombie field as of yet. The characters have yet to be developed, and the plot line is pretty basic, but the art style and the general outline of where the story's going keeps you engaged. 3/5(less)

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Apr 30, 2013 Erin-Claire Pallott rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: videogames-and-manga

I actually watched the anime first. I buy the manga really because I collect it but I love reading it.

I loved the story. I am all for the violence and ecchi. Sometimes it is nice to read something straight forward and full of action. I definitely don't regret spending money on the books. Even as a straight girl, I am not bothered by all of the overly large breasts and panty shots. It is all just a fun read for me.

I love the story line and all of the characters. I am able to read it multiple time...more

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Aug 09, 2011 Lynnsey Wisdom rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I discovered this manga a few years back. At first, I wasn't very interested because it didn't seem like a manga that would ever be finished, so I forgot about it over time. When I saw it published in English at my local book store, I was quite surprised and picked it up. I have to say it was money well spent.

This isn't for those who dislike fanservice. I don't personally mind it and think that it's called for in this instance. Boobs, boobs, and more boobs.

If you enjoy American zombie movies,...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Emmy Lou rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Zombie fanatics who crave bloodshed and gore, with a side of fanservice

Shelves: 1st-in-a-series, 2012, manga-and-manwha, science-fiction, disturbing, own-or-owned, horror, favorites, best-of-2012

Gritty and dirty, HOTD is the story of a world spinning out of control. An infection is traversing the world over, killing hundreds of millions. Too bad for the survivors - the dead don't stay that way.

In this volume, we meet a group of high school kids who have banded together to brave this hell of a world they are forced to live in.

If you're left craving more, be sure to check out the anime. It's just as (maybe even more so) delicious as the manga!

Note: I own the Full Color Omnibus 1-4, so I...more

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Jan 01, 2013 Morgan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: manga

I picked this up because I saw that there were zombies and I hoped for tons of zombie kills. As I began to read, I noticed A LOT of panty shots. Now, I'm a straight girl, so this was sort of annoying. I don't care about panties. I just want to see them kill zombies.

Don't even get me started on the boobs in this manga. They bounce all over the place in this one panel. Seriously wear a bra or get a better one. It isn't that hard. Don't even get me started on the nurse. She has huge boobs. It's kin...more

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Nov 27, 2011 Nat rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: comics, zombies, i-own, horror

I LOVE THIS MANGA!!!
Okay...gore check
Awesome fight scenes...check
Amazing characters...check
Zombies...check
Awesome story line..check

Honestly I found this on a whim at the bookstore under the mature section, and snatched it up. Sadly I should've bought the 2nd one while I was at it.
But hell this manga was so much fun to read, the artwork was beautiful to look at, and none of the characters annoyed me. So I'm satisfied and perfectly content with this series. I kind of got sick of the ever lasting...more

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Aug 10, 2011 Courtney rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: manga

More reviews at Rondo of a Possible World: YA Book Reviews

Zombie apocalypses are one of my favorite things to read or watch (That's why I love Zombieland so much, well, that and Jessie Eisenberg) and Highschool of the Dead really set the bar with that. I'm a big horror reader. So anything that's gory or disturbing I'm up for the read. This manga was a sure fire hit on gore.

The only thing that was difficult to get past in this manga was the Echi, or the perverted messes that that that happens e...more

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May 22, 2011 Kira rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: manga, favorites, dystopian, zombies, awesome-heroine

This manga made me feel so sick that a lot of times I contemplated just not finishing it for the sake of the meatball sub I just ate. I mean, come on. I thought the ecchi was gonna be the issue, but it was more the whole beating in zombie heads with a wooden sword, you know?

Don't get me wrong, it's an amazing manga. I've given most of the mangas I've read high ratings, because I only spend my time on the ones that come highly recommended. Most manga series are very long, and with this OCD compu...more

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Apr 17, 2011 Matthew rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: manga, horror, young-adult

I was at a Horror convention once and an author explained the difference between good zombie stories and bad zombie stories. Bad zombie stories focus solely on the blood, gore and shuffling mindless monsters. The good ones focus instead on a group of people, how they interact and the choices they make as they try to survive. Sato really seems to get that concept by assembling a mismatched bunch of teens and one school nurse as they try to figure out what happened, where to go and how to avoid de...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Miranda Merrill rated it 4 of 5 stars

My review for the whole series (or at least what's published as of April 2013)

I like the concept, the whole zombie apocalypse theme can be really overdone, but this is the first series I've found that focuses on highschool students. I like that about this manga. Being a teen is hard enough but have pretty much all of the adults wiped out and you're left in charge for maybe the first time in your life. Very action packed and the story kept me interested, HOWEVER, I only give the series 3.5-4 star...more

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Jul 11, 2012 Annice22 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: horror, manga, action, sci-fi

I had watched the anime series first before I started reading the comic series. Reading this first volumne was better than any of those crappy zombie movies you see on TV. It was fast paced and as well as being well written for a comic book. It's defintely not for a little kid to read, way to graphic with the zombies attacking people. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

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Nov 17, 2012 Hope rated it 3 of 5 stars

This manga is pretty good. I watched some of the anime too. It is just weird to me to see high school anime girls being eaten my zombies... I watch the show The Walking Dead which is A LOT better. It's more realistic. If you want a really good zombie show, watch The Walking Dead!

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Sep 26, 2012 Jacob Jones rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hotd

I've read the first 6 books in the past few days. Great series! Pretty raunchy but it has tons of awesome action and lots of hilarity! I haven't been able to post my review of this series because I didn't realize "Highschool" was one word. Haha!

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May 15, 2013 Sam rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: manga

Story 2/5

Artwork 4/5

So 3/5 stars?

All these zombie stories are starting to feel the same to me; a mysterious virus causes people to om nom nom each other and the characters that are left to survive are so square.

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Mar 07, 2012 Debye rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: manga, borrowed

Interesting gory story of friends trying not to get eaten by their friends who have turned Zombie.
The only way to kill them is to beat them in the head with a bat. Still not sure. Yen Press.

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Jun 23, 2011 Tif rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: manga, zombie-dystopia, ecchi

The art is terrible, the dialogue is poorly written and disconnected from the characters- I don't know who is saying what. The anime was an improvement.

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May 11, 2013 Jenna rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels, young-adult

Meh. The martial artists survive but the track team can't outrun zombies? It's all right. Don't think I'd read more of it though.

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Jul 10, 2011 Ashlyn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: manga, manga-seinen, library-book

Your typical zombie apocalypse. Echi manga styled. Why the hell was this at the young adult section of the library I will never know.

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Apr 10, 2011 Melissa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: manga, series

A manga take on the beginnings of a zombie apocalypse focusing on high school students. While it's not the most original plot, Takashi Komuro, the main character, sort of reminds me of Conner from Unwind by Neal Shusterman, and the plot is sort of reminiscent of Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden. I absolutely love both of those books, so they're the main reason why I'm going to keep on reading this series.

However, Highschool of the Dead is obviously geared towards guys since the major...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Josu rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Cumple con el cometido de un primer tomo, y el anime se parece bastante. Espero hacerme con el segundo pronto.

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Nov 24, 2012 Jamie Rosen rated it 3 of 5 stars

It wasn't what I was expecting -- much more of a straightforward zombie-flick style story, and not really to my taste. I was expecting something quirkier.

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Jun 13, 2012 Keya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, manga, owned

Shameless, gore-ridden, tits and ass filled pulp. Not much else to say. Well except yay zombies.

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Aug 03, 2011 Morbus Iff rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: manga

Utter poop. Page after page of mindless killing with nary an interesting story. Pass.

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Apr 12, 2011 T.J. Blackburn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: graphic-novels

Cheesy and splatter-tastic. Saw the anime and wanted to read the manga. Easy fun.

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Dec 28, 2012 Justin Rivera rated it 5 of 5 stars

love this book so much I will sad when I finish the hole series

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Jul 26, 2011 Jord¥n rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: manga, horror

not the best....not the worst.........kinda gives zombies a bad name.....will not read the second book. not my type of manga

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