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With a new series underThe Walking Deadlabel now out, fans are getting their weekly dose of zombies back on TV. However, there are not as many zombie anime shows and movies compared to live-action horrors. Its just a matter of time, though, before anime catches up with the world of practical and digital effects. For more zombies on your screen, heres a list of the best zombie anime series up to date. Note this list isnt in a particular order just because each entry is so different from the other.

Highschool of the Dead is widely considered the best zombie anime to date. This is because it presents a familiar yet thrilling Western-style zombie apocalypse story. The series revolves around five high school students who must find safety amidst a zombie outbreak.

The sudden rise of the undead throws Japan into utter chaos. Now, Takashi Kimuro and Rei Miyamoto are trapped within their schools deadly confines. Escaping the horrors within, they find themselves in a society already consumed by the pandemic. Determined to reunite with their families, Takashi, Rei, and their fellow students embark through the undead world.

It is worth noting, however, that the story remains unfinished due to the untimely passing of the writer and the artists decision not to continue. Also, please be aware that Highschool of the Dead features excessive fan service.

School-Live! is hard to describe without spoiling the first episode (it being on this list is spoiler enough). This anime is really one of those that a viewer should go in blind. The synopsis for the show reads;

Yuki Takeya loves her school so much that she does not want to ever leave! Megurigaoka Private High School is a unique and lively place! Yuki enjoys her carefree life as a third-year high school student and member of the School Living Club. On top of meeting after classes, the members must live within school grounds, from sleeping over to eating meals!

Sunday Without God is an anime combining fantasy, mystery, and the supernatural elements. It occurs in a world where humans are no longer capable of procreation or death. The story revolves around God abandoning his creations and appointing grave keepers. Now, these supernatural beings are tasked with guiding the living dead to eternal rest.

Although the zombies depicted in this anime differ from traditional walkers, they follow similar rules. When individuals pass away in this realm, they continue to move without decaying. The story revolves around Ai, a young protagonist, who joins forces with an immortal gunslinger. Here, she must uncover the truth behind their world and ensure the peaceful repose of the living dead.

Is This A Zombie? is a comedic anime that cleverly blends elements of zombies and absurdity. The series revolves around Ayumu, a character whose life takes a tragic turn when he is killed by a serial killer. However, his fate takes an unexpected twist when he is resurrected by Eucliwood Hellscythe, a silent and adorable magical girl necromancer. Now, Ayumu must set out to find his killer and unravel the mystery.

But this time, Ayumus death doesnt spell the end for him. Thanks to Hellscythes magical abilities, his undead body is brought to life. The anime delves into a realm of ridiculous romance and danger through encounters with demons and murderers. Amidst all the wackadoodle themes and ideas, the series manages to weave a memorable and humorous story that goes beyond mere slapstick comedy.

Surprisingly, Is This A Zombie? offers more than just laughs, striking a balance between humor and character-driven storytelling, creating a highly entertaining and engaging anime.

Taking place during the Industrial Revolution, Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress is frequently referred to as the steampunk Attack on Titan. Instead of titans, this world is inhabited by resilient undead creatures known as Kabane.

The primary similarity between the two series lies in their shared concept of protecting humanity from these threats. In Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, this is achieved through fortified stations and colossal walls, mirroring the methods employed in Attack on Titan.

Fans of the South Korean zombie film Train to Busan will undoubtedly find joy in its animated prequel, Seoul Station. This zombie anime film has garnered a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Seoul Station centers around a young womans struggle for survival amidst the chaotic outbreak of alarmingly swift zombies in downtown Seoul. With a focus on three main characters, the movie offers a direct and fast-paced narrative, complemented by a mind-blowing twist that is sure to captivate any zombie enthusiast.

The 75-minute GYO: Tokyo Fish Attack OVA takes inspiration from the horror manga of the same name. Junji Ito is the author of the original title. In this peculiar tale, Tokyo faces an unusual menace as it becomes besieged by putrid undead fish, which pose an additional threat due to the infectious disease they carry.

Amidst the chaos, a young girl named Kaori embarks on a quest to locate her missing boyfriend. GYO: Tokyo Fish Attack is one of the most eccentric zombie anime. The inclusion of metallic legs for the fish zombies enhances their menace on land, creating a blend of silliness, disturbance, and surrealism all in one package.

In 2008, Sakura Minamoto, a high school student with dreams of becoming an idol, has her life tragically cut short when she is unexpectedly struck by a truck while on her way to submit her idol application. However, a decade later, Sakuras story takes an unexpected turn. Alongside six other girls, each hailing from different eras of Japans history, Sakura is resurrected as a zombie by a man named Kotaro Tatsumi.

Kotaro has a unique vision to breathe life back into Saga Prefecture by forming an idol group consisting entirely of zombies. This motley crew of undead girls, known as Franchouchou, embarks on a remarkable journey to revive their once-forgotten dreams of becoming idols. Together, they aim to captivate audiences and bring renewed vitality to Saga Prefecture through their performances.

The story of Sakura and her fellow zombie idols is a tale of second chances, unexpected alliances, and the power of pursuing ones passion against all odds. As Franchouchou navigates the challenges and obstacles that come their way, they strive to leave an unforgettable mark in the world of entertainment.

Ajin tells the story of Nagai Kei, a student who discovers he is an Ajin after a fatal traffic accident. In this world, a few humans known as Ajin possess immortality and extraordinary regenerative abilities that activate upon death.

Due to their abilities, the general public views Ajin as dangerous and non-human, leading governments to capture and exploit them. Consequently, Ajin, who manages to escape government custody, including the main antagonist Satou, seeks revenge against the government.

On the other hand, Kei desires no part in the emerging conflict between Ajin and humans. However, he strikes an agreement with Japanese governmental agents: in exchange for his freedom from government experimentation, he agrees to fight against Satou.

Hellsing Ultimate is an OVA that continues the original Hellsing anime series, closely following the storyline of the manga.

At the core of Hellsing Ultimate is the clandestine Hellsing Operation, dedicated to combating the onslaught of supernatural creatures that haunt England. Taking center stage is the iconic character Abraham Van Helsing, renowned as a vampire hunter with unwavering determination. His expertise extends beyond vampires, as he fearlessly confronts and eradicates any and all undead threats.

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The 10 Best Zombie Anime To Watch - The Nerd Stash

Sigur Rs, as cliche as it may be to say, make magic. Ever since their breakout album, gtis byrjun, the Icelandic project has redefined post-rockand music writ largeuncovering the cool, cathartic possibilities in orchestration. Jnsi Birgissons falsetto vocals, often in a self-made language, alongside the cello-bowed guitar give the music a transhuman quality, suggest something more ethereal, more fluid and more atmospheric than what humans naturally manifest. But where 90s post-rock often leaned cerebralbeautiful in many ways, but often difficult to embraceSigur Rs found a way to maximize the shine so much that listeners forget theyre listening to something novel. Their music is wide-eyed and billowing, careening through valleys and peaks of human pathos with supernatural breadth.

The band has titillated fans over the past year with trickles of news: the return of Kjarri, European and North American orchestral tours and the announcement of a new song entitled Blberg. It all leads here, to TTA, the bands eighth studio album and first in a decade. Blberg is less of a single and more of a snippet. While TTA is split into ten tracks, each song encroaches on the next, requiring a continuous listen back-to-front, as if listening to a symphony or an opera. Undergirding the whole experience is a 41-piece orchestra, and while the music is, as one might expect, beautiful, there are hints of torment and desolation that are hard to ignore, even if Birgissons singing evokes a certain Planet Earth-type of awe.

The gleeful opening movement, Gl, crescendos with terrifying ease, rising to the absolute top of expressive possibility before a sudden cliff dive, eventually leaving a stark hum from which Blberg will emerge. Over seven minutes, strings and winds fill the room with sonorous strokes, creating jagged bloodstone peaks that recall the nihilism that director Johan Renck depicted in his moving video for the track. Skel has an attractive denouement, reaching a crystalline climax in its middle as Birgisson lurches for the peak of his falsetto while the cello wails underneath.

Where the vocals and dynamics are most breathtaking is on Andr, with Birgisson front and center over a sea of strings and swirling piano. Like an inhale and exhale, the dynamics creep up and down on Andr. Again, Birgisson is the star on Gold, uttering occluded but faintly intelligible lyrics in rare form. He works in extremes on Ylur, bellowing conversationally in a human voice before ascending his falsetto so high he transcends his own corporeal formdirecting his utterances and the orchestra toward the heavens. This stretch offers ample moments of reflection, but no respite; as charming as the music of Sigur Rs is, it asks much of its listenership.

The titles on TTA are simple, with respect to Sigur Rss conventions; many of their greatest hits present polysyllabic titles, occasionally necessitating sounds that English speakers cannot quite place. Many track titles on this album are one quick syllable, with names like Gold, Fall or Skel. The albums title itself is, simply, the Icelandic word for eight. The concluding track is also 8; it oscillates and grows into a formidable, punctuated meditationbefore closing with precise engineering and piano keystrokes that welcome a slow-burning, reverberant moment of tranquility. It is an ideal bookend to the album; something that embodies all the turns and trials that Sigur Rs present on the preceding tracks and repackages it into something coherent and memorable that shrinks into something miniscule. When 8 wraps up, it feels as if you can put the album in your pocket.

For three decades now, Sigur Rs have been one of the most recognizable bands in a grand discourse about what music can do outside of its popular form. How can a couple of bright-eyed musicians conjure the most incredible emotions out of rock fans without using most of the common tools of rock music? What possibilities arise without the use of conventional language or without the strictures of tempo? Sigur Rss expansive music demonstrates the breadth of potentialities, and their latest album contributes greatly to their discography. TTA is a welcome return to form and beyond for the band, ten years removed from their last studio release, and their partnership with a 41-piece orchestra is both logical and awe-striking. Its a significant milestone, a step towards musical immortality that Sigur Rs feel destined for after having blown the possibilities for post-rock wide open.

Devon Chodzin is a critic and urban planner with bylines at Slumber Mag, Merry-Go-Round and Post-Trash. He is currently a student in Philadelphia. He lives on Twitter @bigugly.

Originally posted here:

Sigur Rs Make a Grand Return on TTA - Paste Magazine

Modified May 20, 2023 03:19 GMT

Blade of the Immortal, created by Hiroaki Samura, is a critically acclaimed manga series that captivated readers with its dark and gritty storytelling, intricate character development, and stunning artwork. Spanning over 30 volumes, it is the story of Manji, a samurai who has been cursed with immortality and is on a quest for revenge. The series was published by Kodansha from June 1993 to December 2012.

The first anime adaptation of Blade of the Immortal, which was produced by Bee Train, was released in 2008. Along with the anime, a novel, titled Blade of the Immortal: Legend of the Sword Demon, was released by Kodansha in 2008. In 2017, a live action film adaptation of Blade of the Immortal was released in Japan, starring Takuya Kimura in the role of Manji. In North America, the manga has been published by Dark Horse Comics.

In this article, we will delve into the ending of Blade of the Immortal, shedding light on the key events and themes that shaped its bittersweet finale.

Disclaimer: This article will contain spoilers for the anime and character fates mentioned therein. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

After a long and storied journey, the manga Blade of the Immortal comes to an end with the ultimate confrontation between the main character, Manji, and his archenemy, Anotsu, also known as the man-eating demon. Manji and Anotsu engage in a sprawling, epic battle that stretches across several chapters and culminates in a devastating and intense showdown.

In the end, Manji emerges victorious, but he lets Anotsu go because, throughout the series, Manji has carried the weight of his past sins, seeking redemption and grappling with the toll that immortality has taken on him. As the battle reaches its climax, he confronts his own inner demons, ultimately realising the futility of the endless cycle of violence and death.

Anotsu attempts to flee on a getaway boat, but stops as he steps upon the plank. Anotsu is called out by Manji, and as he turns to gaze at Manji, the former is struck in the heart with a sword by Rin, falling into the water, and she finally exacts her vengeance. Maji and Rin part ways after the conflict and resume living their peaceful lives.

The epilogue of Blade of the Immortal picks up 90 years after the events of the main story, and provides a glimpse into Manji's life long after the dust has settled. As Japan enters the Meiji period, Manji is still alive and looks as though he has hardly aged a day.

Over his long life, Manji has tried to forget the events of his past, but his memories are triggered when he meets a young girl who turns out to be Rin's great-great grandchild. She hands him a small knife, which is revealed to be the very same one that Rin was given by Doa all those years ago.

The hilt is carved with Manji's symbol and surrounded by Rin's flame, and Rin's family has passed the knife down through the generations, intending it to be given to the person who matches Manji's image. The young girl believes that Manji is the one that she was looking for, and he accepts the gift with gratitude, realizing that Rin's love for him will never fade.

The ending of the series is a bittersweet one, but one that reflects the theme of redemption and the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most challenging of circumstances.

Excerpt from:

Blade of the Immortal manga ending explained - Sportskeeda

True immortality may always exist beyond our reach, but research suggests that human biology can at least be optimized for greater longevity. And a growing number of biotech companies are investing in research that could prevent and reverse the aging process in humans, including UK-based company Five Alarm Bio.

The company says it is committed to boosting the bodys defenses against the damage of aging, and its research focuses on how the healthy life of cells can be extended. Though anti-aging research may seem like science fiction, it doesnt mean its impossible. To paraphrase J. B. S. Haldane: The future will not only be stranger than we imagine, it will be stranger than we *can* imagine.

We spoke to Five Alarm Bio CEO Janette Thomas about the companys work.

Five Alarm Bio was founded on William Bains vision to interconnect academic work on the fundamental chemistry of life with practical diseases of aging, and a drug molecule that could test the link between the two. Bains is our Chief Science Officer and has been involved in biology research for over 30 years.

Not exclusively; the two are linked. If people remain healthy and active in old age, the likelihood of a premature death diminishes drastically. However, if longer lifespans are plagued by chronic illness or disability, a lower quality of life in their extra years is to be expected. When approaching increasing human lifespans, there must be equal emphasis on improving the quality of life during those extra years. And that means investing in research and interventions that promote healthy aging that prevent or treat age-related diseases and conditions.

Age-related diseases, such as Alzheimers, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis are major drivers of disability and pose significant public health challenges among older adults. Therefore, investigations into immune-senescence, epigenetic changes, and senescent cells should be a core focus for future research as it impacts all age-related diseases.

Aging affects every system in the body, and current research points to it being a system failure not a failure of one pathway, molecule, or cell. The mechanisms of aging are complex and multifactorial, with several key processes contributing to aging, cellular dysfunction, and disease, including:

Our foundational science has shown that targeting the chemical damage of aging can modulate a range of fundamental aging processes. Using a model probe on primary human skin cells, our results suggest we can reduce cell senescence, the chemical damage that accumulates in aged cells, and the decline in an individual's ability to heal a wound in cell culture.

We have also collaborated with Magnitude Biosciences to test the effect of our probe on aging in the nematode worm C. elegans, which demonstrated that our probe extends the healthspan of C. elegans by ~40 percent.

These initial programs are in chronic wounds, sarcopenia, and an evaluation of whether this has the potential to be a treatment for Alzheimers Disease.

Our future programs will target this core technology to specific organ systems and their diseases.

Though anti-aging science has made significant progress in recent years, there are still limits to how far it can take us and how much we can predict. The average lifespan has risen consistently since the 1840s by approximately 2.5 years per decade. However, the maximum lifespan has not increased by the same degree, and the mortality of centenarians has remained constant in the UK for the last 40 years (even though the mortality for all ages below 90 years has declined hence the longer lifespan).

Increasing healthspan is a more interesting and beneficial possibility than continuously increasing lifespan. By improving overall health and reducing the burden of age-related diseases, anti-aging interventions may help people live well for their whole lives.

There are several realistic possibilities for the future of anti-aging science. As we learn more about the biological mechanisms of aging, it may be possible to develop targeted interventions for specific age-related diseases, or even interventions tailored to an individuals genetics, microbiome, and other factors. These interventions may include small molecules, gene therapies, or other approaches that can slow or reverse the underlying disease processes. Biomarkers of aging may also be a useful tool for identifying people who are at risk of age-related diseases and for monitoring the effectiveness of anti-aging interventions.

Its challenging to predict the future many factors, such as technological advances, social trends, and policy changes, can influence these areas. I would like to see more personalized medicines, tailored to an individual's unique genetics, lifestyle, and other factors, which could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects.

Additionally, the diagnostics available today could be hugely valuable if used routinely. Testing panels done every six months could pick up early signs of all sorts of diseases, in time for simple lifestyle modifications to reverse them before needing medication. I think people would make those lifestyle changes because they would see the measurable impact of their choices. The use of AI and machine learning algorithms could also be used to analyze large amounts of data from electronic health records, wearables, and other sources to identify patterns and predict health outcomes. Such big data could enable automated earlier diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases.

Your question may be alluding to the area of science fiction. Taking a step away from our aim at Five Alarm Bio, try The Long Habit of Living by Joe Haldeman as perhaps a plausible anti-aging medicine story albeit only for the rich and powerful! In reality, the future will be like nothing we imagine now.

As a writer and cultural enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the power of words to shape our understanding of the world. While I initially pursued a career in the music industry, starting as a classical pianist and later an electronic music producer for record labels worldwide, my true passion has always been with writing.

Now, as an associate editor, I write for the diverse audience of the pharma industry, covering everything from exciting new research coming out of academia, to new facility announcements, and more. I'm particularly interested in cell and gene therapeutics, as well as the societal impact of medicinal drug development.

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The Fountain of Youth: Safe and Effective Anti-Aging Treatments for ... - The Medicine Maker

SALEM On the 10th day of June, at 10 a.m., a gathering downtown will honor the point when, 331 years earlier, the hanging of a single survivor of domestic violence would establish a new, permanent identity for the City of Peace.

Historians, performers, and others interested in Salems witchcraft history will meet at the Witch Trials Memorial off of Liberty and Charter streets Saturday, June 10, to remember Bridget Bishop, the first of 19 accused witches executed during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 and 1693.

Bishop represents the first of dozens to be indicted, tried and convicted of witchcraft, with others executed in groups later on. She was moved through a deeply flawed court process on June 2, 1692, and executed by hanging at Proctors Ledge, near Gallows Hill, eight days later on June 10.

It was at that point, Jennifer Emerson with The Petticoat Pages says, that Salem passed the point of no return and the local witchcraft hysteria was given immortality.

Previously accused in 1680, Bishop was the only victim not executed in a group.

Remembering her as a fellow human being is crucial to understanding the madness that ensued.

A half-hour remembrance, scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., will include 17th century music, floral tributes, and information about her life. More programming follows, running from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Old Town Hall, including a special performance of Cry Innocent.

Flowers donated by Voices Against Injustice will be available for the public to place tributes on the memorial stones of their choice. The rain location will be the Old Town Hall. The remembrance will be replayed later via Instagram, at the account @creativecollectivema.

Following the remembrance, History Alive, Inc. will offer the following programming in tribute to Bridgets memory at Old Town Hall:

In lieu of purchasing a ticket to the June 10 performance of Cry Innocent, the public may donate to HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change) in any amount. Those who show a donation receipt upon arrival will receive free entry.

Turners Seafood (the former site of Bishops home) will participate by donating one dollar to HAWC for every Bridgets Punch ordered (including the non-alcoholic version) on June 10.

These events are presented by The Petticoat Pages in partnership with History Alive, Inc. to promote awareness against domestic and sexual abuse to inspire action to create lasting change.

Contact Dustin Luca at 978-338-2523 or DLuca@salemnews.com. Follow him at facebook.com/dustinluca or on Twitter @DustinLucaSN.

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Ceremony to honor Bishop, survivor of abuse, victim of Witch Trials ... - The Salem News