What would you do if almost all humans across the globe suddenly disappeared? You might be too terrified to go outside, or you might wish to live quietly in a safe place. However, there is a manga where curious boys and girls leap into an adventure set in such a dangerous world. That manga is “#Zombie Sagashitemasu” by Katsuwo-sensei. The title sounds rather ominous, but it is not a simple zombie-hunting story. Despite an environment hand in hand with fear, the fascinating part is that a somewhat cheerful and laugh-inducing atmosphere drifts throughout. Pay attention to this surprisingly lively youth story unfolding in a desperate world.

The stage of the story is a world where 13 years have passed since the “Red Day,” a great catastrophe in which 90% of humanity was infected and killed by a mysterious infectious disease. Cities that once bustled with many people turned into dangerous places, and survivors came to live in isolated villages. Imagine it. The streetscapes and convenient lifestyles we take for granted are lost, and zombies wander outside. Normally, you wouldn't want to step a single foot out of the village. However, for the children born and raised in this world, civilization before the catastrophe is an unknown entity they have never actually experienced. Even the outside world that adults fear is, to them, a place where yet-unseen discoveries lie dormant. This difference in perception between generations creates a unique charm distinctive to the work.

The protagonist, Aki, has a wish that must be fulfilled at all costs. That is to find the father who left the village previously. Aki therefore resolves to slip out of the village together with childhood friends Natsuki and Haru. Of course, the outside is full of dangers. Because it is a situation where they encounter zombies wherever they go, it is by no means a casual excursion. Even so, the scenery reflected in their eyes is filled with a charm that cannot be described by fear alone. Vast lands seen for the first time, unfamiliar landscapes, freedom that could not be tasted in the village. Places that adults look upon as a lost world are embraced by Aki and the others as new possibilities. While centering on the objective of searching for the father, the way they enjoy the unknown world itself transforms this story into a special adventure.

Meeting Yuu and Sakura along the journey, not only the range of Aki and the others' actions but also their interpersonal relationships gradually expand. The development where an adventure that initially began with three childhood friends changes through encounters with new companions is a pleasure unique to youth manga, isn't it? Furthermore, the world where they spend their days is far removed from peaceful everyday life. A safe life is not guaranteed, and there is no telling when they might be caught up in danger. Even so, if together with companions, they can find enjoyment even in living in a harsh environment. Such a positive air envelops the entire work. It holds a wondrous charm that makes one care more about what the boys and girls find and what experiences they accumulate, rather than the presence of zombies.

The one creating this work is manga artist Katsuwo-sensei, known for “Mitsuboshi Colors” and “Hitoribocchi no Marumaru Seikatsu.” Having charmingly depicted casual everyday occurrences and children's interactions, the author this time chose a post-civilization-collapse world as the setting, which piques one's interest. Hearing of zombie works, one tends to imagine bloody battles and survival competition under extreme conditions, but “#Zombie Sagashitemasu” is a work that does not stop at just that. A terrifying setting, and the lighthearted adventure of curious characters. Through that combination, a unique worldview emerges that differs from commonplace slice-of-life as well as orthodox survival stories. Serialized in “Comic Dengeki DaiohG” (KADOKAWA) from 2022 to 2023, it is a work rich in individuality.

The charm of “#Zombie Sagashitemasu” lies in the fact that it does not depict a near-perished world as a mere stage of despair. Precisely because danger exists, each and every discovery becomes special. Precisely because they know nothing, they can be genuinely amazed by the scenery before their eyes. And the journey to search for someone becomes the catalyst that broadens their new companions and their own world. It is a title to recommend not only to those who like zombie manga, but also to those who want to enjoy works depicting friendship and adventure. No matter how much the world has changed, children's curiosity cannot be stopped. Why not try savoring such a story full of unexpectedness?