🚨 Just in case it wasn't clear from the headline, there are spoilers ahead for Hell's Paradise, Episode 1. 🚨
"Why don't I just die? I have no attachment to life." This is the question that Gabimaru, a former shinobi (ninja) who is now a death row convict, repeatedly asks himself after being subjected to several different execution methods.
We see a guard fruitlessly attempt to behead Gabimaru, followed by bulls tiring at the exertion required to snap his legs. If you thought things couldn't get more barbaric, Gabimaru then emerges from flames — not once, but twice.
It's a horrific spectacle, made even more brutal by an anonymous narrator explaining the specifics of each execution method intended to kill Gabimaru.
But despite wishing for his death, Gabimaru resists every attempt to kill him. It becomes almost comical watching him brush off execution method after execution method through his superhuman body that was achieved as a result of studying assassination techniques as a child.
It's only when Gabimaru faces off against a master sword-tester and executioner that he realises his reason for evading death: It's his wife — his carefree, naive and sheltered wife, who saw beyond his hollowness and dared to dream of an ordinary life together, free from judgement and murder.
This is Hell's Paradise, a new anime that forms the third installment of Studio MAPPA's "dark shonen trio" — alongside Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. The series is adapted from the popular manga of the same name by Yuji Kaku, which became known for its seamless blending of gruesome horror elements, action-packed fight scenes and an emotional storyline.
Hell's Paradise is also one of the most anticipated anime releases of 2023. The trailers in the lead-up to the premiere have amassed over three million views.
Hell's Paradise is in good hands though. The adaptation is being produced by the aforementioned MAPPA, the powerhouse responsible for record-breaking series like Chainsaw Man, Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack On Titan: The Final Season — all of which have been universally praised for their animation and fight sequences.
Plus, the series is being directed by Kaori Makita (who has credits on Attack On Titan: The Final Season, Episode 60 and 69) and the action animation director is Satoshi Wataki (who has been involved in SpyxFamily, One Punch Man and Fullmetal Alchemist).
You can feel this wealth of experience, as well as the level and precision of the animation within the first episode of Hell's Paradise — especially when Gabimaru finally comes 'alive' and uses his ninjutsu to break free of the guards monitoring him.
Unfortunately, our shinobi's journey back to his wife won't be as easy. In return for an official pardon that will let him live the life he wants, Gabimaru is tasked with retrieving the Elixir Of Life from a location inside of the Underworld called Shinsenkyo, otherwise known as Paradise or Heaven, alongside other death row criminals.
Don't let the name fool you though. The shogunate has sent five expeditions into Paradise, each resulting in empty boats returning — except for the vibrant flowers concealing severed human body parts, of course.
As one of the characters states in the trailer, "This place isn't heaven. It's a hell for enacting divine retribution on criminals."
Based on the first episode, Hell's Paradise isn't for the weak-minded. It's violent and dark, but it's an anime that will get you thinking about all of life's tough questions, including one's desire to live. With stunning animation, compelling characters and an otherworldly soundtrack, this is one anime adaptation that's worth going to hell and back for.
