Rating: 8/10

Synopsis: Gabimaru the Hollow is a ruthless assassin from the ninja village of Iwagakure. Betrayed and sentenced to death, his only chance for freedom lies in finding an elixir on a hidden island that grants immortality to the shogun. Failure is not an option, as the island is a treacherous place where heaven and hell are just a breath away.

“Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku” is the third manga in the dark shonen trio, along with “Chainsaw Man” and “Jujutsu Kaisen.” While it may not have gained as much popularity as its counterparts, it certainly lives up to its title as an underdog. The author, Yuuji Kaku, a former assistant to Tatsuki Fujimoto (author of “Chainsaw Man”), had raised my expectations. To be honest, it didn’t fully meet those expectations.

Compared to “Chainsaw Man,” I expected “Hell’s Paradise” to be action-packed and gory. However, it took a different approach. The manga delves into horror and presents disturbing monsters that add to the overall atmosphere of the story. Despite some disappointments, there are many positives that I will discuss later.

Story & Art

Starting with the story, “Hell’s Paradise” hooks readers from the very first chapter with its extraordinary journey spanning 120 chapters. Initially, the story seems simple, focusing on finding the elixir of life for Gabimaru’s return home. However, as the story progresses, the mystery surrounding the elixir and the island unfolds.

The flow of the story is enhanced by the captivating feeling it creates. The island’s mysteries, along with the horrifying and creepy art, make reading the manga a thrilling experience. Yuuji Kaku’s excessive body horror is a visual delight, even for those who aren’t fans of horror. It adds depth and an unconventional appeal to the storytelling.

Although I lost interest midway through the series due to the complexity of the plot and the introduction of numerous concepts and characters, I’m glad I stuck with it. Around the 90th chapter, the story takes a thrilling turn with intense fights and new evolved monsters. The final few chapters are a blast to read, enriched by the solid and detailed artwork.

The Horrifying Worldbuilding of Kotaku

Kotaku, the island where the elixir of life resides, serves as the primary setting for the manga. The island’s monsters are truly terrifying, with human-faced centipedes and Wadatsumi, an eel-like creature with tentacles featuring deformed faces and sharp claws. These monsters prevent anything from leaving Kotaku unless it has come through Hōrai’s floodgates. The island is also inhabited by the Tensens, seven synthetic humans with incredible regenerative abilities and powerful transformations.

Yuuji Kaku has achieved something amazing with his worldbuilding. He has created a setting that can horrify even the bravest of individuals, not through the presence of ghosts, but through the existence of petrifying monsters.

A Look at Yuuji Kaku’s Absolutely Horrifying Art

One of the highlights of “Hell’s Paradise” is the artwork, which perfectly complements the dark and eerie atmosphere of the story. The intricate and detailed illustrations capture the grotesque nature of the monsters and the intense action sequences. It is a visual treat for manga enthusiasts, showcasing the mastery of Yuuji Kaku’s art.

Characters

The characters play a vital role in this manga. From shinobis to Asaemons to Tensens, the cast is diverse and multi-dimensional. However, this is also where the manga fell short for me.

Gabimaru

Gabimaru, the main character, is an elite shinobi assassin who displays calmness and rarely shows emotions. Unlike typical protagonists, Gabimaru doesn’t act as the destined hero to defeat the villains. He undergoes character development, which adds complexity and depth to his personality.

Sagiri

Sagiri, an Asaemon monitor assigned to Gabimaru, initially establishes a strong partnership with Gabimaru. However, as more characters are introduced, her role becomes confusing and her presence seems unnecessary. Despite this, Sagiri’s character individually demonstrates growth and determination.

Yuzuriha

Yuzuriha, a kunoichi and criminal recruited to acquire the Elixir of Life, is a cheerful and carefree character. However, her character development takes an unexpected turn, which somewhat diminishes her impact. Her revival from death undermines the emotional weight of her sacrifice.

Chobe Aza and Toma

Aza Chobe, a well-known bandit leader, and Toma, a member of the Yamada clan, have a compelling relationship as brothers. Their characters are well-developed and showcase growth and determination. However, certain plot twists involving their deaths and subsequent revivals felt excessive and unnecessary.

Gantetsusai Tamiya

Tamiya Gantetsusai, a renowned master swordsman known as the Blade Dragon and Eight Provinces Unparalleled, embodies the thrill of battle. His character stands out as one of the best in the manga, with his love for fighting and his unwavering determination.

Shugen

Shugen, an Asaemon and Assistant Instructor, initially seemed intriguing but ultimately became an annoying and unlikable character. His constant crying and lack of coolness undermined the story.

Ending

The ending of “Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku” took an unexpected turn, deviating from the anticipated action-packed fight scenes. It instead delivered a sentimental resolution, with the villain turning good. While it may have been dissatisfying for some readers, it provided a sense of closure and allowed every character to have a happy ending.

In conclusion, “Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku” is a manga with immense potential. While it may not surpass “Chainsaw Man” or “Jujutsu Kaisen,” it is a must-read for shonen lovers. Despite its flaws, the manga managed to captivate readers with its unique story, captivating art, and epic conclusion.

Now that I’ve finished sharing my thoughts, I’m looking forward to future mangas by Yuuji Kaku, and I’m especially excited about the upcoming anime adaptation. For more insights and analysis of “Hell’s Paradise,” check out this interview by Tatsuki Fujimoto.

Thank you for reading, and please leave your thoughts on “Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku” in the comments below.

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