High School of the Dead

Episode 1: Spring of the Dead

Episode 2: Escape from the Dead

Episode 3: Democracy Under the Dead

Episode 4: Running in the Dead

Episode 5: Streets of the Dead

Episode 6: In the Dead of the Night

Episode 7: Dead Night and the Dead Ruck

Episode 8: The Dead Way Home

Episode 9: The Sword and Dead

Episode 10: The Dead's House Rules

Episode 11: Dead Storm Rising

Episode 12: All Deads Attack

Click here to join our Patreon campaign

Pros

- Really strong characters who you are able to root for and empathize with

- The action sequences are impressive as the group partakes in coordinated, stylized fights against armies of zombies

- While the show is largely of the "popcorn" variety, there are several emotionally resonant moments throughout.  Be they moments of inspiring heroism or grim tension, they all work and accomplish what they set out to do.

- Saeko is freaking awesome, episode 9 notwithstanding.


Cons

- There is A LOT of fan service here.  All of the panty shots and close ups of cleavage are taken to such ridiculous degrees that they don't even accomplish the intended goal of being sexy.

- Episode 9 paints a character in a light that goes against what made her so freaking awesome to begin with.  Oddly enough, it's never brought up again, rendering it completely pointless to boot.

- Can come off as tonally inconsistent.  One episode has the characters charging into battle showcasing awesome martial arts skills and being highly coordinated, the next has a dark and intense showdown in a gas station where one of the characters is held at knife-point and threatened with rape.  Each works on their own, but it can feel like it's all over the place.



Overall

It may not be the deepest or most thought provoking show, but it was entertaining.  It had strong, likable characters, decent action, and enough emotional fodder to keep you engaged.  I really could have done without all of the blatant fan service, but it is just something you have to get used to.  Truth be told, I wouldn't have minded seeing this get a longer run, but for 12 episodes, it is worth checking out.