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rorikae's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
'Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku' by Yuji Kaku is a fast paced, thrilling manga about a criminal set for execution who is given the opportunity to gain a pardon.
Gabimaru is an assassin who has been given a death sentence. But he doesn't wish to die yet and so accepts an offer that could result in a pardon. A number of criminals have been asked to visit a distant island and find the elixir of life. The catch is that none of the adventurers who have made this trek before have ever come back alive and some even return with their bodies growing gruesome plants.
Gruesome but in a fascinating way, Kaku's artwork is both beautiful and disturbing when they draw the violence and body horror that are prevalent throughout this volume. They do an excellent job of making you root for Gabimaru by centering his wish for a pardon on his relationship with his wife. There is a spark of hope within him still and we get to see that flicker and grow with the possibilities of this mission. There is also a strong mystery element as we are not sure quite what the island has in store for the characters. I cannot wait to pick up the next volume.
Gabimaru is an assassin who has been given a death sentence. But he doesn't wish to die yet and so accepts an offer that could result in a pardon. A number of criminals have been asked to visit a distant island and find the elixir of life. The catch is that none of the adventurers who have made this trek before have ever come back alive and some even return with their bodies growing gruesome plants.
Gruesome but in a fascinating way, Kaku's artwork is both beautiful and disturbing when they draw the violence and body horror that are prevalent throughout this volume. They do an excellent job of making you root for Gabimaru by centering his wish for a pardon on his relationship with his wife. There is a spark of hope within him still and we get to see that flicker and grow with the possibilities of this mission. There is also a strong mystery element as we are not sure quite what the island has in store for the characters. I cannot wait to pick up the next volume.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Murder
afi_whatafireads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Is it me or am I already hooked with the series :')
I didn't know what I expected but it far exceeded my expectations. I was already crying in Chapter 1 and just going 🥺 over Gabimaru.
Short Summary
Gabimaru is known as an assassin with no feelings, hence its nickname, Gabimaru The Hollow. When a coup on him ended him on him on the list of death row criminals, he was offered a chance to find The Elixir of Life on an island that is called "Paradise on Earth" but the men returned from there were all dead. Its a dangerous place hence the title of the series, Hell's Paradise. There, he'll pair up with a swordsman partner and the rest of the criminals in a race to find the elixir.
Personal Thoughts
I would say that these series was very gore and very graphic but its very character driven. I liked that its straight to the point, has little filler scenes and just straight up introduced the character and his drive to be a "person". I already liked Gabimaru. He's a bit funny and quirky but he's super powerful despite his small size. The setting is during the time where ninjas and samurais are, and it made the story extra fun. For now, I would say I'm actually invested in the series. Honestly can't wait for the rest of the volumes but definitely can't binge read this, cause its a tad heavy.
And also, CANT WAIT FOR THE SERIES TO ACTUALLY BE ANIMATED! I hope they don't eff it up cause honestly, there are some scenes that I felt like... Okay.... can they actually.. animate this? hahah.
I didn't know what I expected but it far exceeded my expectations. I was already crying in Chapter 1 and just going 🥺 over Gabimaru.
Short Summary
Gabimaru is known as an assassin with no feelings, hence its nickname, Gabimaru The Hollow. When a coup on him ended him on him on the list of death row criminals, he was offered a chance to find The Elixir of Life on an island that is called "Paradise on Earth" but the men returned from there were all dead. Its a dangerous place hence the title of the series, Hell's Paradise. There, he'll pair up with a swordsman partner and the rest of the criminals in a race to find the elixir.
Personal Thoughts
I would say that these series was very gore and very graphic but its very character driven. I liked that its straight to the point, has little filler scenes and just straight up introduced the character and his drive to be a "person". I already liked Gabimaru. He's a bit funny and quirky but he's super powerful despite his small size. The setting is during the time where ninjas and samurais are, and it made the story extra fun. For now, I would say I'm actually invested in the series. Honestly can't wait for the rest of the volumes but definitely can't binge read this, cause its a tad heavy.
And also, CANT WAIT FOR THE SERIES TO ACTUALLY BE ANIMATED! I hope they don't eff it up cause honestly, there are some scenes that I felt like... Okay.... can they actually.. animate this? hahah.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Cannibalism