Best Zombie Manga to Read by Japanese Otaku

Movies and games often feature zombies. Surprisingly, there aren’t as many manga titles that focus on zombies, but there are still plenty of must-read works in the genre. Here are some recommended picks:

• I Am a Hero
• Zom100: Bucket List of the Dead
• School-Live! (Gakkou Gurashi!)
• Job-Hunting Difficulties! Zombie Collector Girl
• As Told by the 6 Survivors
• Deadmeat Paradox

I Am a Hero

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A zombie-themed work serialized from 2009 to 2017, now concluded. This popular series was adapted into a movie in 2016. The unique world and atmosphere depicted by Kengo Hanazawa are unparalleled. It tells the story of a bland protagonist trying to survive in a world devastated by zombies.

Zom100: Bucket List of the Dead (Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto)

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A zombie-themed work serialized in Sunday GX, reminding some of past works like “Poor Sisters Story” and “Jormungand”. While it covers the typical elements of a zombie story, from fleeing from zombie-infested towns to conflicts with other groups, the content is relatively laid-back. The narrative offers a fresh approach: “The world is collapsing due to zombies, but I’ll do what I want in life.” The author’s drawing skill is notable, especially in the way the female characters are cutely portrayed.

School-Live! (Gakkou Gurashi!)

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A zombie manga with a cute art style. Serialized in “Manga Time Kirara Forward”, it’s in the so-called “Kirara style”. It’s probably the first time a zombie-themed work has such a cute style. The content is quite detailed, and its anime adaptation in 2015 became a topic of discussion. I remember videos analyzing the changing opening animations of the anime episodes being quite popular at the time. Although the art is cute, the story isn’t just about cuteness. It’s a recommended read unless you dislike cute illustrations.

Job-Hunting Difficulties! Zombie Collector Girl (Shuushokunan!! Zombie Tori Girl)

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A unique zombie story where zombies wander the streets, but society hasn’t completely collapsed. Zombies roam the streets like stray dogs, and the protagonist works as a zombie collector, picking them up like oversized trash. The distinctive art and detailed world-building have earned high praise from readers. There was an issue where a TV drama with a strikingly similar concept was aired without the author’s permission, leading to the series being terminated at its second volume.

What Six Survivors Told…(Ikinokotta 6-nin ni Yoru to)

A story that unfolds like a romantic reality show in a zombie-infested world. It’s not the usual romance narrative where you feel excited about who will end up with whom. Instead, it’s innovative in portraying characters engaging in matchmaking events while battling zombies. With its soft art style, the cruelty and tragedy of zombies are toned down. However, it remains engaging as a zombie story and is a fun read.

Deadmeat Paradox

Set in a world where zombies coexist, it tells the story of a lawyer defending zombies. While it’s a zombie manga, the story centers around court trials, excluding the usual panic and survival elements. The unique world-building is intriguing, and it’s a highly enjoyable read. Being a single volume, it’s a concise, non-dragging, wonderful manga.