For years, The Walking Dead set the standard for zombie television, with its slow-burning character arcs and exploration of morality in a post-apocalyptic world.
But in 2022, Netflix dropped All of Us Are Dead, a South Korean series that immediately distinguished itself by placing viewers at the very beginning of a zombie outbreak . Instead of starting in the aftermath, the show unfolds almost entirely within a high school as a mysterious virus spreads with terrifying speed.
The result is a story that feels raw, immediate, and unpredictable, qualities that have earned it a 97% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes and a passionate global fanbase.
What sets All of Us Are Dead apart is its choice to anchor the outbreak in the lives of ordinary students, teachers, and first responders who are forced to react without preparation or resources. The characters must rely on instinct as they navigate a situation that escalates from everyday to deadly in a matter of hours.
This approach creates a sense of urgency and emotional investment that many long-running zombie shows struggle to maintain as their storylines stretch over years. The show’s tight 12-episode structure ensures that every moment counts, and the chaos feels authentic rather than repetitive.
Why Starting at the Beginning Matters
Most zombie movies and shows skip the origin of the outbreak, opting instead to jump into the middle of the apocalypse. This choice allows creators to bypass exposition-heavy storytelling and immediately establish danger, but it often comes at the cost of losing pivotal moments that explain character motivations.
All of Us Are Dead flips this script by showing the outbreak from the ground up. Viewers witness the confusion, fear, and chaos as the virus spreads, making the emotional impact sharper and the stakes higher.
The show’s decision to start at the beginning also allows for a unique angle: exploring how ordinary people, especially teenagers, confront their mortality and make life-or-death decisions with little time to think.
By focusing on the initial outbreak, All of Us Are Dead taps into a sense of the unknown that is often overlooked in zombie narratives.
The series doesn’t just rely on gore or spectacle; it leans into the psychological and emotional toll of the outbreak, showing how quickly society can unravel and how friendships and rivalries are tested under extreme pressure.
All of Us Are Dead (Credit: Netflix)
This approach has resonated with audiences, who praise the show for its ability to blend horror with heartfelt character drama.
The Future of Zombie Storytelling
All of Us Are Dead’s success has sparked conversations about the future of the genre, with many fans and critics arguing that the show offers a more compelling and unique take than The Walking Dead.
While The Walking Dead excels at long-term character development and moral ambiguity, All of Us Are Dead proves that there’s still room to innovate within the zombie TV space.
The show’s disciplined approach, structuring its story across distinct phases and evolving naturally from outbreak to aftermath, demonstrates that zombie narratives can remain impactful without falling into the trap of repetition.
Season 2 of All of Us Are Dead is currently in production, with Netflix teasing a darker, more expansive story that will shift away from the high school setting and focus on the aftermath of the outbreak.
The return of key characters, including Nam-ra, and the introduction of new threats promise to keep the series fresh and unpredictable. Fans are eagerly awaiting the next chapter, and early concept trailers suggest that the show will continue to push the boundaries of what zombie storytelling can achieve.
All of Us Are Dead has redefined what a zombie series can be, offering a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is terrifying. By starting at the beginning of the outbreak and focusing on the lives of ordinary people, the show has set a new benchmark for the genre.
As the series moves into its next phase, it’s clear that the future of zombie storytelling is brighter and scarier than ever before.
Fans of giant monsters and high school romance have a major reason to celebrate this week. The long-awaited news has finally arrived: the beloved manga series Kaiju Girl Caramelise is officially being adapted into an anime television series.
This unique story, which blends the earth-shaking action of a Godzilla movie with the sweet, fluttering heart of a classic teenage romance, is scheduled to hit screens in 2026. For those who have followed the journey of the main character, Kuroe Akaishi, through the pages of the manga since it began in 2018, this announcement feels like a dream come true.
The story follows a young girl named Kuroe who lives with a very unusual and secret burden. She suffers from a mysterious condition that causes her body to transform whenever she feels intense emotions.
While many teenagers might just blush or get a little sweaty when they are nervous, Kuroe’s reactions are on a much larger scale. When her heart starts racing, she might sprout a scaly tail or sharp claws. If her emotions reach a boiling point, she undergoes a total transformation into a massive, city-sized kaiju, a giant monster.
This premise provides a fresh and funny take on the “coming of age” genre. It uses the metaphor of a giant monster to explore the awkwardness of puberty, the intensity of first love, and the struggle to fit in when you feel like a total freak. For Kuroe, her biggest challenge isn’t just surviving high school; it is trying to hide the fact that she could accidentally level a city block if her crush looks at her for too long.
Kaiju Girl Caramelise Franchise (Credits: Spica Aoki)
From Scales to Smiles: Hit Manga “Kaiju Girl Caramelise” Set for 2026 Anime Debut
The anime adaptation is being handled by Liden Films, a studio known for its ability to balance high-energy action with detailed character moments. The project is led by director Teruyuki Omine, who previously worked on major hits like Attack on Titan.
This choice of director suggests that the show will not shy away from the epic scale of the monster battles. Meanwhile, the scripts are being managed by Yuniko Ayana, a veteran writer who understands how to capture the delicate and often hilarious feelings of a young girl in love.
One of the most exciting aspects of the announcement is the voice cast. Hikari Senga will be taking on the role of the shy and relatable Kuroe. Opposite her, Daishi Kajita will voice Arata Minami, the popular and kind-hearted boy who unintentionally triggers Kuroe’s monster transformations.
The contrast between these two characters is the heart of the show. Arata is the “idol” of the class, seemingly perfect and well-liked by everyone, while Kuroe is a loner who avoids people at all costs to keep her secret safe. When Arata begins to show genuine interest in her, the resulting chaos is both heartwarming and destructive.
Monster-Sized Emotions: Liden Films to Adapt the Heartwarming Tale of Kuroe Akaishi
The visual style of the anime promises to be a treat for fans. Early teaser images and videos show a beautiful mix of soft, pretty character designs and powerful, detailed monster animation. The series manages a difficult balancing act by keeping the “shojo” or girls’ romance aesthetic while featuring a protagonist who looks like a legendary sea beast.
This mix is what made the original manga by Spica Aoki so popular. It appeals to people who love cute romance stories as much as it appeals to fans of classic Japanese monster films.
Beyond the romance and the giant monster fights, the story carries a deeper message about self-acceptance. Kuroe spends much of her life feeling ashamed of her body and terrified that no one could ever love the “real” her.
Kaiju Girl Caramelise Franchise (Credits: Spica Aoki)
Watching her learn to navigate these feelings with the help of her eccentric friends and her supportive mother is a journey many viewers will find deeply moving. It reminds us that everyone has parts of themselves they are afraid to show the world, even if those parts aren’t quite as big as a skyscraper.
As we look toward the 2026 release, the excitement continues to build. The announcement has already sparked massive interest across social media, with long-time readers and newcomers alike eager to see how the “Love-zilla” story translates to the screen.
Whether you are in it for the heart-pounding monster action or the sweet moments of a high school crush, Kaiju Girl Caramelise looks like it will be a standout series that offers something truly different from the typical anime lineup.
