We absolutely love reading zombie manga series, and they stand out as some of our all-time favourites. There's a diverse range of stories, from thrilling and fun to scary and realistic. The variety within the genre is fantastic, and we especially enjoy zombie survival manga that puts a unique twist on the apocalypse, whether it's the zombie designs, the story setting, or the method of infection.
What's fascinating is how these series often blend with other genres like romance, sci-fi, comedy, and more. Out of all the zombie manga, some truly stand out from the horde. The genre holds a special place in our hearts, and many of these series have become some of our all-time favourite manga.
The Last Human (Amazing Works)
The Last Human, a zombie manhua, brings a fresh perspective to the genre. It starts with the main character, Zuo Tian Cheng, trapped in a zombie horde, seemingly at the end of his journey. Suddenly, he finds himself back in his high school classroom, 10 years ago, just hours before the zombie outbreak begins.
- Now, the question is, how will he approach things differently this time?
- What lessons did he learn from surviving among zombies for the past decade?
This unique setup sets it apart from other zombie series. One standout feature is that Tian Cheng, having already faced the outbreak, skips the usual denial phase with his best friend, Gao Fei, instead of preparing for the impending danger.
Another distinctive aspect is the rapid evolution of the zombies. Early on, characters encounter zombies immune to handguns, capable of communicating with and organizing others.
Additionally, uninfected humans develop special abilities, leading to intense action scenes and surprising plot twists. The only drawback is the need for an official English translation, resulting in poorly translated parts.
Magical Girl Apocalypse (Kentaro Sato)
"Magical Girl Apocalypse" earns its place as one of the best zombie mangadue to its wildly inventive premise and impeccable execution. The story follows Kii Kogami, a regular high school student thrust into a world where magical girls exist.
Still, they are anything but the cute and cuddly figures he might have expected. Instead, these magical girls are vicious and murder-hungry and aim to conquer Earth and turn their victims into zombies.
What sets this manga apart is its extreme gore and over-the-top violence, making it one of the goriest reads. Surprisingly, the violence doesn't overshadow the plot but rather enhances it. The art style is unique, contributing to the surreal experience. The juxtaposition of cute characters and a sweet art style with violent events adds an extra layer of intrigue.
As the story progresses, especially in later volumes, Kentaro Sato masterfully weaves twists and turns, drawing out scenes to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
"Magical Girl Apocalypse" offers a unique take on the zombie apocalypse, and its combination of elements ensures that you won't encounter another series quite like it.
I Am A Hero (Kengo Hanazawa)
"I Am A Hero" by Kengo Hanazawa presents a compelling story of an ordinary man thrust into heroism amidst a zombie apocalypse. As a zombie manga, it stands out with its engaging plot and a relatable main character facing extraordinary challenges.
This horror manga is a personal favourite, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to any zombie enthusiast. The protagonist, Hideo Suzuki, a 35-year-old manga assistant often on the receiving end of jokes, becomes an unlikely hero when confronted with a world overrun by zombies. Armed with his trusty shotgun, he must navigate through the hordes of the undead and contend with other survivors to survive.
The manga's plot distinguishes itself with a more realistic portrayal of a zombie apocalypse, a feature not commonly found in other series. While the ending garnered mixed reactions, the journey was an incredible experience.
The story balances humour and fun with intense gore and dark moments. Moreover, the psychological aspects delve deep into the protagonist's psyche, offering a unique exploration rarely seen in other zombie survival manga.
"I Am A Hero" efficiently dives into its core story, a characteristic shared with many zombie manga. It swiftly transitions from depicting the protagonist's mundane daily life to thrusting him into the chaos of a zombie apocalypse.
For these reasons, "I Am A Hero" is one of the top zombie manga recommendations. Readers can explore it through the 2-in-1 compilations released by Dark Horse.
Fort Of Apocalypse (Yuu Kuraishi & Kazu Inabe)
Fort of Apocalypse, created by Yu Kuraishi and Kazu Inabe (known for Starving Anonymous), is among my favourite zombie manga, ranking alongside I Am A Hero.
What sets Fort of Apocalypse apart is its unique setting within a prison, featuring some of the most unsettling and distinct zombie designs I've ever encountered—indeed, the stuff of nightmares. Beyond the horror, the manga excels in character development, a rare feat in the zombie genre.
The narrative revolves around Yoshiaki Maeda, wrongly imprisoned at Shouran Institute, a juvenile correctional facility notorious for its brutality. Yoshiaki, an ordinary guy, finds himself in an extraordinarily terrifying situation. As if being in prison weren't enough, he gets entangled in a conflict among his cellmates—Iwakura, Yamanoi, and Yoshioka.
When things seem bleak, a van crash introduces a new horror: inhuman creatures emerging from the wreckage. Initially expecting the challenges of prison life, Yoshiaki now must navigate a zombie apocalypse as well. Despite its cancellation at volume 10, cutting the story short, Fort of Apocalypse remains one of the best zombie manga I've encountered.
Sweet Home (Carnby Kim And Youngchan Hwang)
Sweet Home, created by Carnby Kim and Youngchan Hwang, stands out in horror comics. Unlike typical zombie stories, it offers a unique blend of eerie vibes and intense character transformations, making it a must-read for zombie and apocalyptic comics fans.
Sweet Home's mix of creepy atmosphere, fast-paced action, scary monsters, and a deep dive into human emotions makes it unique. The detailed illustrations of monsters in Sweet Home are consistently terrifying.
The comic goes beyond scares; it explores how people cope with existential threats and the emotions of resilience or despair that arise in difficult situations. This aspect adds depth, turning Sweet Home into a great horror comic and a captivating exploration of humanity in the face of catastrophe.
School-Live! By Norimitsu Kaihou & Sadoru Chiba
"School-Live!" is a unique series on this list, seamlessly blending the zombie and slice-of-life genres. This combination worried me initially but was masterfully executed by Norimitsu Kaihou and Sadoru Chiba. The manga follows the girls' everyday lives in the School-Life Club as they try to continue their routines despite a world crumbling around them due to a zombie outbreak.
At its core, "School-Live!" is a tale of escapism. The characters, faced with a zombie apocalypse, act as if nothing has changed, starkly contrasting the crushing weight of their reality. Most zombie manga often depict characters who become dehumanized, but "School-Live!"
centres around girls who remain human at heart, still believing in the goodness left in the world. This unique perspective creates a deep connection, making readers fear for the characters' safety as if they personally knew them. This, above all, sets "School-Live!" apart from other zombie survival manga.
If you're seeking a zombie-slaying adventure, this series may not fully satisfy that craving. However, if you're in the mood for an entertaining story that's sweet, lighthearted, and filled with charming characters, "School-Live!" is sure to be an enjoyable read.
Zom 100 Bucket List Of The Dead (Haro Aso & Kotaro Takata)
"Zom 100 Bucket List of the Dead," illustrated by Kotaro Takata (creator of Hallelujah Overdrive!) and written by Haro Aso (renowned for the death game manga Alice in Borderland), brings a refreshing twist to the zombie manga genre.
Unlike typical zombie stories, the uniqueness of Zom 100 doesn't initially lie in the zombies themselves, who start off as your standard undead but later take unexpected forms like zombie sharks. Instead, it stands out through the main character's response to the apocalypse.
In a departure from the usual survival-focused narrative, the protagonist, Akira, isn't primarily concerned with mere survival but is determined to live life to the fullest.
Akira, a 24-year-old overworked office employee turned zombie, finds liberation from the mundane routine of his job in a world now overrun by zombies. The series explores his journey of self-discovery and seizing the opportunity to do what he wants.
Zom 100 Bucket List of the Dead boasts compelling characters and an intriguing premise. While the world faces chaos, the protagonist uses this upheaval to make up for lost time—a perspective rarely explored in the genre. The manga perfectly balances comedy and horror, offering a well-rounded experience. It doesn't solely rely on gore but adds depth to the story.
The sheer entertainment value of Zom 100 Bucket List of the Dead makes it a must-read. It breaks away from the conventional zombie narrative, showcasing significant potential. With a promising start, the series holds the anticipation of how its characters and story will develop in future volumes.