Highschool of the Dead isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about owning the apocalypse, and these five badass characters do it with style. From the deadly, katana-wielding Saeko Busujima to the gun-obsessed, weapon-wielding Kouta Hirano, these survivors aren’t just surviving—they’re making the undead run for cover. Get ready to meet the heroes (and anti-heroes) who don’t just fight—they dominate every bloody battle with sheer skill, swagger, and undeniable badassery! With that being said, here are the 5 most badass Highschool of the Dead characters!
5. Rika Minami: The Ultimate Sharpshooter
She may not get a ton of screen time, but let’s be real—Rika Minami doesn’t need it to prove she’s an absolute badass. In the short moments we do get to see her, she makes an unforgettable impression.
First encounter? There she is, lying flat on her stomach at an airport, sniping zombies with pinpoint accuracy like it’s a casual Wednesday. Not a single wasted shot, not a hint of hesitation—just pure, effortless skill. It’s the perfect introduction to Shizuka Marikawa’s best friend, and a glimpse into why she’s so damn cool.
Now, let’s talk about her setup—a house filled to the brim with weapons, an armored truck parked out front, and enough firepower to make a warlord jealous. Even Kouta Hirano, the gun fanatic himself, had to admit that some of her gear was straight-up illegal. While that’s definitely over the top, it only makes her cooler—you know, the kind of person who has more guns than sense, and still manages to pull it off like a pro.
But honestly? It’s not just the weapons or the armored truck that make Rika a standout. It’s the vibe. Every time she’s on screen, she exudes this effortless cool that makes you want to know more about her. She’s calm, collected, and unbothered by the chaos around her, which makes her seem like she’s not just another survivor—she’s a one-woman army who makes it all look so easy. If there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that Rika Minami definitely deserved more time in the spotlight.
4. Rei Miyamoto: The Spear-Wielding, Mop-Swinging Powerhouse
Rei Miyamoto is an absolute badass—when she decides to be. One moment, she’s graceful and composed, the next, she’s turning a simple mop handle into a zombie-slaying weapon like it’s second nature. But let’s be real—when you’re a member of the Sojutsu Club, trading out a spear for a mop is just another day at the office.
She moves like a ballerina, weaving between the undead with speed, precision, and a poise that’s almost hypnotic. There’s an elegance to her combat style, but don’t let that fool you—Rei hits hard, fights smart, and refuses to back down from a challenge.
Speaking of which, one of her most unforgettable moments has nothing to do with zombies and everything to do with standing her ground against Shido. She didn’t flinch, didn’t budge, and made it clear that she wasn’t taking any of his nonsense. That kind of unwavering strength? Absolutely badass.
And let’s not forget—Rei is stubborn to the core. If she believes she’s right, she’ll argue it into the ground, no matter what. Love it or hate it, that kind of headstrong attitude is what keeps people alive in a world gone mad. She’s not just another survivor—she’s a warrior, a fighter, and a force to be reckoned with.
3. Kouta Hirano: The Gun-Toting, Trigger-Happy Otaku
Sure, Kouta Hirano might come off as just a gun-obsessed otaku with some… questionable tendencies, but let’s not overlook the fact that when it’s time to throw down, he’s an absolute menace. This guy doesn’t just like guns—he lives for them, and in a world overrun by zombies, that makes him one of the most valuable assets on the team.
From the moment he picks up a nail gun and starts turning the undead into pincushions, it’s clear—Kouta may not be built for close combat, but if he’s got a firearm in his hands, he’s unstoppable. Give him a sniper, a shotgun, or literally anything that fires a projectile, and he’ll make sure the zombies never even get close.
He’s not your typical action hero—he’s the nerdy, trigger-happy wildcard who proves that sometimes, the guy with the most “serious issues” is also the one you want covering your back. So while he might not be leading the charge, one thing’s for sure—if Kouta’s got you in his sights, you’re either very lucky… or very, VERY dead.
2. Takashi Komuro: The Relentless Hero of the Apocalypse
Let’s be honest—when it comes to Highschool of the Dead, the girls steal most of the spotlight, and I get it. But let’s give credit where credit is due: Takashi Komuro is an absolute beast. He’s not just some random high schooler trying to survive—he’s the guy throwing himself into chaos with zero hesitation and a whole lot of guts.
From the very first episode, Takashi proves he’s built different. Smashing in his own best friend’s head? Cold. Brutal. Necessary. Flying down the road on a motorcycle, weaving through a sea of zombies to save a little girl? Certified action hero moment. And best of all, he does it all with a great uplifting spirit. The one that will make you want to run into battle with him, and be willing to die for him. That’s the kind of person Takashi Komuro is – a leader. And of course, a total badass. Duhhh!
But what makes Takashi stand out isn’t just his ability to wreck the undead—it’s his instinct to protect. He doesn’t wait around for someone else to step up; he becomes the leader his crew needs, facing danger head-on while looking effortlessly cool. He’s the kind of protagonist who reminds us that survival isn’t just about making it out alive—it’s about making sure the people you love do, too.
So, while the fan-favorite ladies of HOTD may steal the show, Takashi is out here giving off major “anime John Wick” vibes—minus the suit, plus a whole lot of guts.
1. Saeko Busujima: The Undisputed Queen of Badassery
If anyone defines what it means to be a total badass, it’s Saeko Busujima. She’s not just skilled—she’s a living force of nature. A warrior with reflexes so sharp they practically make her a blur on the battlefield. Her movements are a deadly dance, slicing through zombies with a grace that turns combat into pure art.
And let’s not forget one of the most legendary parts of her badassery—her almost supernatural ability to dodge danger, including the bullet-defying physics of anime. Yes, somehow, the laws of physics just bend around her curves. It’s like the universe itself acknowledges her untouchable aura and says, “Not today, bullets.”
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it—Saeko’s more than just a sword-wielding warrior. The girl has a dark side that adds a whole new layer to her character. She gets off on killing and hurting zombies. Yeah, you heard that right. She gets freaky, in a way only she can. And let’s be real—if it weren’t for Saeko, Takashi’s crew wouldn’t have survived for long. Her strength, skill, and unpredictable nature are the keys to their survival.
But it’s not just her sword skills or near-mythical agility that make Saeko stand out—it’s her presence. When she walks into a room, you can’t help but feel it. She carries herself with a commanding elegance and confidence that makes it impossible for anyone to forget her. She’s not just a fighter—she’s a queen. A woman with unshakable resolve, poise, and an aura of power that makes her one of the best characters in Highschool of the Dead.
Saeko Busujima may have placed 5th for her hip size, but when it comes to badassery, she’s undeniably number one!
