The first episode of Hell’s Paradise has finally arrived on Crunchyroll, and I couldn’t be more excited! This series, part of the legendary “Dark Trio of Shonen Jump” alongside Chainsaw Man and Jujutsu Kaisen, has been the talk of the town since Mappa announced the anime adaptation.
Let me tell you, the premiere episode is an absolute tour de force, seizing my attention from the very opening scene. Here, we witness the seemingly invincible Gabimaru (our main character) being sentenced to beheading, only for the sword to shatter against his neck. When this execution method fails, his captors resort to tying Gabimaru’s legs to two bulls running in opposite directions, intending to tear him apart. But, as you might have guessed, this method also proves futile. He is then thrown into boiling oil, yet only his clothes burn. These intense opening scenes clearly demonstrate that Mappa won’t be holding back when it comes to the anime’s graphic content, setting the stage for a raw and unfiltered viewing experience.
What’s the Story About?
“Hell’s Paradise,” tells the story of a skilled ninja named Gabimaru who is sentenced to death for his crimes but given a chance to redeem himself by going on a dangerous mission to find the elixir of immortality on a mysterious island. Along with other death row inmates, they navigate the island’s dangers and confront their pasts, desires, and fears while seeking the elixir. The story is full of action, suspense, and complex characters.
Main Character
Gabimaru, our unyielding protagonist, is a highly-trained super ninja with an uncanny ability to avoid death. But what truly steals my heart is his unwavering motivation to stay alive and return to his beautiful wife. Their husband-wife relationship is beautifully portrayed, with Gabimaru’s tough-guy façade crumbling in the presence of his wife’s tender love. This captivating dynamic gives depth to his character, making it impossible not to root for him.
Setting and Atmosphere
Hell’s Paradise pulls no punches, thrusting us into Gabimaru’s harrowing predicament on death row after being betrayed by his own village. The numerous execution methods are nothing short of jaw-dropping, showcasing the sheer intensity of Gabimaru’s immortality. The high-stakes mission to find the elixir of immortality in exchange for his freedom sets the stage for an exhilarating and perilous adventure. The atmosphere is flawlessly executed, making us feel like we’re right there in the story with Gabimaru.
Animation and Gore
MAPPA’s Magic Touch Takes Hell’s Paradise to New Heights. Studio Mappa’s involvement in Hell’s Paradise adds an electric sense of anticipation and excitement for fans because of the excellent track record of the studio.
The animation is absolutely stunning, and I can’t help but hold my breath, hoping that the studio won’t shy away from the manga’s visceral gore that I have been hearing is present in the manga. I’m eager to see how the darker elements will be adapted in the coming episodes, and have no doubt that Mappa will blow my mind yet again.
I watched the first episode having expectations for the series, and I can confidently say, the premiere episode has delivered. Hell’s Paradise is the series that will hook you right from the very first scene which is about the beheading of the main character, however, he is so strong that the sword breaks instead of cutting through his neck.
Is Hell’s Paradise Worth Watching?
Hell’s Paradise has burst onto the Spring anime season scene with a resounding impact. If you’re a fan of Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen, or just love a good gory tale, this series is sure to keep you thoroughly entertained. What’s more, with a compact run of only 12 episodes, the series will reach its thrilling conclusion in no time at all.
The Spring anime season is brimming with the return of numerous beloved series, and Hell’s Paradise has confidently taken its place among them, setting the stage for an exhilarating new season that we simply can’t wait to explore.
