Best Zombie Manga to Read by Japanese Otaku
The zombie genre, popular in movies and games, is surprisingly not as abundant in manga. However, there are still plenty of must-read titles. Here are some of our recommendations.
- I Am a Hero (アイアムアヒーロー, Ai Amu a Hīrō)
- Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (ゾン100 ～ゾンビになるまでにしたい100のこと～, Zon 100 ~Zonbi ni Naru Made ni Shitai 100 no Koto~)
- School-Live! (がっこうぐらし！, Gakkō Gurashi!)
- Jobless!! Zombie Hunter Girl (就職難!!ゾンビ取りガール, Shūshokunan!! Zonbi Tori Gāru)
- The 6 Survivors (生き残った6人によると, Ikinokotta 6-nin ni Yoru to)
- Deadmeat Paradox
I Am a Hero (アイアムアヒーロー, Ai Amu a Hīrō)
Serialized from 2009 to 2017, *I Am a Hero* is a completed zombie manga that gained popularity and was adapted into a live-action movie in 2016. Kengo Hanazawa’s distinct world-building and atmosphere make it one-of-a-kind. The story follows an unremarkable protagonist surviving in a world ravaged by zombies.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (ゾン100 ～ゾンビになるまでにしたい100のこと～, Zon 100 ~Zonbi ni Naru Made ni Shitai 100 no Koto~)
Currently serialized in *Sunday GX*, *Zom 100* blends classic zombie tropes with a unique premise: despite the chaos caused by zombies, the protagonist decides to pursue his bucket list. The lighter tone and beautifully drawn characters make this manga a refreshing take on the genre.
School-Live! (がっこうぐらし！, Gakkō Gurashi!)
With adorable visuals, *School-Live!* stands out as a “Kirara-style” manga with zombies. Serialized in *Manga Time Kirara Forward*, its cute aesthetic belies a more intricate plot. The anime adaptation in 2015 further heightened its popularity, with fans dissecting its changing opening sequences.
Jobless!! Zombie Hunter Girl (就職難!!ゾンビ取りガール, Shūshokunan!! Zonbi Tori Gāru)
This manga starts in a society where zombies roam the streets, yet society hasn’t entirely collapsed. The protagonist works for a company that collects zombies like trash, blending a quirky art style with detailed world-building. Despite its strong reception, the series was cut short at two volumes.
The 6 Survivors (生き残った6人によると, Ikinokotta 6-nin ni Yoru to)
*The 6 Survivors* blends zombie horror with a quirky romantic reality show-like vibe. Instead of focusing solely on survival, it explores relationships and group dynamics in a zombie-ridden world. The relaxed art style downplays the typical gruesome nature of the genre, making it approachable for readers who shy away from intense gore.
While the plot incorporates elements of horror and survival, the softer tone and character-driven narrative provide a refreshing twist on the zombie genre.
Deadmeat Paradox
*Deadmeat Paradox* offers a unique take on the zombie genre by focusing on societal integration rather than apocalyptic survival. The story centers on a lawyer who defends zombies in a world where the undead coexist with humans. The thought-provoking premise and intricate world-building make it a standout title. As a complete single-volume manga, it delivers a concise yet impactful narrative without unnecessary filler.
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If you love the zombie genre but want to explore different storytelling approaches, these manga provide exciting and varied perspectives. From classic survival horror to unconventional narratives, there’s something here for everyone.
