The Unbelievable Anime Gem That’s Secretly Taken the Year By Storm

Highlights

Heavenly Delusion is a masterpiece anime adaptation of Masakazu Ishiguro's manga, showcasing amazing world-building, lovable characters, and a narrative full of suspense.

The series skillfully merges two parallel narratives taking place in a post-apocalyptic society and a futuristic dome, cleverly juxtaposing them to unveil intriguing connections.

By delving into philosophical concepts like transhumanism, posthumanism, and the interplay between technology and identity, the show offers a comprehensive cyberpunk commentary.

Disney made a bold choice in adapting Masakazu Ishiguro's manga into an anime, and it paid off brilliantly. Heavenly Delusion, also known as Tengoku Daimakyo, is a Sci-Fi/cyberpunk seinen created by the esteemed Studio Production I.G, a favorite among cyberpunk enthusiasts. This new series only adds to their already impressive track record.

The first season of Heavenly Delusion aired on Disney+ from April to June. In its 13 captivating episodes, it skillfully built a rich world, introduced endearing characters, and crafted a narrative that immerses viewers in a constant state of suspense. The show cleverly tells two intertwining stories, leaving the audience yearning for answers. Despite being a standout in this year's line-up, it has remained underrated.

A Setting That Amazes, A Narrative That Hooks

First impressions are crucial, and Heavenly Delusion sets itself apart from other shows with its unique premise. In a post-apocalyptic world, the main characters embark on a search for something unknown. This alone would be enough to captivate viewers, but the series goes even further by introducing a parallel storyline. Inside a futuristic dome, a group of scientists observe children, adding another layer to the narrative. The show skillfully weaves these two narratives together, giving equal attention to both and showcasing stunning animation throughout.

The way it portrays the coexistence of two contrasting environments within the same world is a captivating early element that manages to win over fans

Great And Twisted Characters

. On one hand, there is a devastated and impoverished land constantly under the threat of powerful monsters. Each day becomes a battle for survival, where trust is scarce. On the other hand, there exists a group of carefree children living amidst cyberpunk-like comforts, enjoying education, shelter, food, clothing, and blissfully unaware of the outside realm. As if this dichotomy wasn't intriguing enough, the series goes on to unveil the intricate connections between these children, the people, and the events transpiring beyond their own confines.

Kids at Play – A Heavenly Illusion

An often overlooked aspect of the exceptionally underrated Heavenly Illusion is the remarkable quality of its characters, not just the main ones. Maru, Kiruko, Tokio, and others instantly captivate audiences, but the true treasure lies within the depth and complexity of its supporting cast. Only a handful of other series can produce characters who make a brief appearance, whether for an episode or even just half of one, and leave an indelible mark.

Having such an incredible ensemble certainly played a part, but the accolades primarily stem from the exceptional writing that fosters numerous captivating plotlines and avenues for exploration. From enigmatic physicians and secretive cults to a ruthless matriarchy, high-speed races, and a solitary hotelier navigating an abandoned, dilapidated city, the possibilities seem endless. This enthralling roster continues to surpass mere supporting character roles at every turn. Although this phenomenon originates from the main narrative, revealing too much would spoil the surprise for now.

Philosophical Theme

Although Heavenly Delusion sometimes adopts a shonen-like atmosphere, veering towards a more easygoing, amicable, or wholesome style, it should not overshadow the fact that fundamentally, it is just as much a cyberpunk endeavor from Production I.G as Ghost in the Shell or Psycho-Pass. While it may not possess the same grandiose production scale, it undeniably explores similar thematic elements.

The series delves into transhumanism and posthumanism as methods of survival, while also exploring the intersection between technology and identity. It also addresses the ethical implications of euthanasia within its context. The presence of an unknown artificial entity that poses a threat to life on Earth is consistently connected to the contrast between humanity and technology. Additionally, the narrative includes discussions on gender identities, as seen through characters like Kiruko and Tokio. Overall, it serves as a comprehensive and thought-provoking cyberpunk commentary.

Despite its captivating setting, compelling characters, engaging themes, and thrilling storyline, Heavenly Delusion did not receive the marketing campaign or exposure it deserved. It was overshadowed by other popular anime simulcasts like Bleach and Tokyo Revengers, being one of Disney's first ventures into the world of anime. As a result, it became underrated, despite its potential to be one of the most highly anticipated shows of the year.

Heavenly Delusion is currently streaming on Disney+.