Hell’s Paradise fans consider it an underrated series, but it’s perfect for fans of mature stories with elements of action, mystery, and horror.
Kodoani.com – Hell’s Paradise by Yuji Kaku is a series that fans feel are underrated. On YouTube, searching for this title brings up videos about “the best manga you’ve never read” and “the best upcoming anime you’ve never heard of”. However, that could change in the near future. On December 18, anime studio MAPPA released the first trailer for the anime adaptation of Kaku’s work. Fans of the series are thrilled at the news, but with so much anime expected to premiere next year, the anime is in danger of being overshadowed.
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This happened despite the manga’s pedigree. Originally published in Shonen Jump + and serialized concurrently with series such as Chainsaw Man and Spy x Family. So, what can those new to Hell’s Paradise expect from the anime? Here are some highlights.
Hell’s Paradise tells the story of the ninja Gabimaru the Hollow, who was captured and sentenced to death. The guy’s only chance to escape his fate is a journey. The shogun learned of an uncharted island that was said to contain a substance that could make a person immortal: Elixir of Life. Every military ship sent to this island never returns or the men return home as corpses. If Gabimaru or any of the other convicts sent out on the next voyage, return with Elixir, they will receive a formal pardon from the shogun for their crimes.
Soon, the series presented some intriguing mysteries. What happened to all the soldiers? Does this island really hold the key to immortality? If so, at what cost? As Gabimaru and the rest of the cast venture into the unknown world, the world Kaku has created only becomes alien in the chapter. The island they landed on looked unnatural despite its original beauty, teeming with flowers that couldn’t be found together anywhere else. The bugs found there can be described in the same way: it looks fine at first glance, but it’s annoying on closer inspection.
The appeal of the unknown aside, anime fans looking for something more mature than the average person will find what they’re looking for in Hell’s Paradise. The manga is graphic, so much so that the English edition has a clear content warning on each volume. Right from the premise, the concepts of life and death were disseminated. The characters reflect on their own mortality, whether taking a life is a burden, and what exactly is worth fighting for. During that time, no one was truly safe. It’s bloody and brutal, frequently using elements of horror, especially bodily horror, to make each chapter gripping. It also doesn’t shy away from nudity, using it as a metaphor in some cases and sensuality in others.
For those interested in action, the anime is sure to please. Gabimaru and the other characters all have to fight each other on their journey. Whether it’s against the island-dwellers or each other, there are rarely more than a few chapters. In the hands of MAPPA, the studio responsible for making action anime like The God of High School and Jujutsu Kaisen, adapting the battles in the manga would be a breeze.
It is also a panacea for history buffs. The series is set in Japan’s Edo period, so Hell’s Paradise provides a glimpse into some of the interesting groups and occupations that existed during this time. From shinobi ninjas and samurai executioners to an Ainu figure arrested for political reasons, it has plenty of historical references despite taking place on a bogus island. It also spends time studying different religions and is particularly interested in Chinese beliefs.
With a year as many hit anime as 2022 just around the corner, it’s hard to keep track of everything worth watching. That said, Hell’s Paradise should definitely be added to the list. It won’t be to everyone’s taste, but it’s a treasure trove for those who want to see an adult mystery unraveled.
Via: Kodoani.com