Why High School of the Dead may never get a season 2, explored

Modified Nov 26, 2024 09:30 GMT

Why High School of the Dead may never get a season 2 (Image via Studio Madhouse)

High School of the Dead is one of the earliest zombie horror anime adaptations by studio Madhouse, which came out in 2010. Since its debut, it has gained a cult-like following while simultaneously being one of the unfortunate anime to have not received a season 2.

Although the anime's first season was very popular, complications related to its source material, the manga, and its current status nearly confirm that there will be no season 2. The source material, written by Daisuke Sato and illustrated by Shoji Sato, concluded its run in 2013 and currently has seven volumes released.

Disclaimer- This article contains spoilers for the High School of the Dead series.

High School of the Dead season 2 may never be possible

Takeshi and Rei as shown in the High School of the Dead anime (Image via Studio Madhouse)

High School of the Dead made its debut in 2006 in a monthly format. The story primarily centered around Takashi Komuro, who finds himself in the middle of a zombie outbreak while stranded in high school. Although the story initially starts as a post-apocalyptic zombie survival tale, it soon introduces several notable characters and adopts a more character-driven dramatic approach to the narrative.

The manga followed a monthly release schedule for most of its serialization but entered a two-year-long hiatus from 2008 to 2010, followed by the release of a single chapter in 2013.

The main cast of High School DxD as shown in the anime (Image via Studio Madhouse)

The hiatus was primarily due to Daisuke Sato's compromised health, which was ultimately followed by his death in 2017. The manga concluded with 30 chapters, 29 of which were compiled within seven volumes.

High School of the Dead season 1 adapted 17 chapters of the manga, leaving a total of 13 chapters that could potentially be adapted into a single anime season. Although there is sufficient material for a relatively short continuation, it may not be possible due to the absence of a narrative conclusion following the author’s death and the manga being seemingly abandoned afterward.

The animation was handled by studio Madhouse, and season 1 remains a marvel of animation with its well-choreographed fights.

Final Thoughts

Issei and the main cast of High School DxD as shown in the anime (Image via TNK)

High School of the Dead currently has a single season with 12 episodes and a single OVA episode released. Although the anime is only brought up in discussions for its heavy use of fanservice, similar to High School DxD, it remains one of the only few series that adapted a zombie apocalypse and the conflict following it competently while simultaneously being a harem anime with heavy fanservice.