High School of the Dead: Drifters of the Dead

About High School of the Dead: Drifters of the Dead

Here is what High School of the Dead: Drifters of the Dead (学園黙示録HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD ドリフターズ・オブ・ザ・デッド) is about, retold in plain terms: a comedy, ecchi and supernatural anime by MADHOUSE (2011). At its core: When an unplanned stop on a deserted island gives Takashi, Saeko and the rest of the ragged band of survivors a chance to expose themselves to something other than zombie bites for a change. Discovering the remnants of an old beach store, the entire group strips to swimsuits and sets out to make the uninhabited island inhabitable.

Further in, because sometimes the recently deceased aren't the only problems that can lie buried in the sand, and as the swimwear comes off and the inhibitions come down. You won't believe what comes out next, but suffice it to say that the deserted island may not be so deserted after all! (Source: Sentai Filmworks) Note: An unaired episode bundled with the seventh volume of the manga.

In a comedy series like this, timing, character chemistry and running gags decide whether it lands. Voice work is led by Miyuki Sawashiro as Saeko Busujima and Marina Inoue as Rei Miyamoto. If you count yourself among viewers who want something light between heavier series, put it on your list. At 1 episodes in total, it is easy to plan a viewing schedule.

Production & Appeal

MADHOUSE is the studio behind High School of the Dead: Drifters of the Dead, and its direction shapes everything from character design to motion. Within the comedy category, timing, character chemistry and running gags decide whether it lands. Its 6.2/10 score suggests opinions are split, so it suits viewers who already like the genre. On the casting side, Miyuki Sawashiro voicing Saeko Busujima gives the lead role a recognizable voice. Released in 2011, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.