The opening scene with the squad walking in slow motion is pure style over substance, but I am here for it! The contrast between their clean futuristic gear and the gritty zombie wasteland sets the tone perfectly. Watching them face the screen showing the burning city gives me major anxiety. Wow! Hello, My MONSTER Empire! really knows how to introduce a team with swagger before throwing them into hell.
The character design for the white-haired warrior is insane. The glowing cracks on his skin look like molten lava, and watching him burn zombies with a touch is so satisfying. But that moment where he sits exhausted against the rock while the horde approaches? My heart stopped. He looks so tired of fighting. The visual effects on his powers are top tier for a short drama.
I am screaming over the blue-haired girl getting tossed around by those zombies. The scene where she is lifted up like a sacrifice gave me actual chills. The red sky and lightning make everything feel so apocalyptic. Then the female soldier dives in to save her? Best action sequence ever. The desperation in their eyes tells a whole story without words.
Can we talk about the blonde guy laughing on the throne? He looks like he is having the time of his life while the world burns. The way he sits there with lightning striking behind him is iconic villain energy. He clearly thinks he has won everything. I hate him so much already, which means the writing is working perfectly. Can't wait to see him get taken down.
The imagery of the red-haired woman chained to the pole with zombies climbing over each other to reach her is nightmare fuel. It is so grotesque but visually stunning. The way their hands grab at her legs while she hangs there helpless is disturbing. The red lighting makes the whole scene look like a painting from hell. This show does not hold back on the horror elements at all.