Unveiling the Dark Secrets Behind Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku's Fantasy Anime Predecessor

Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku has gained immense popularity this season as it brings together a captivating array of characters and immerses them in a treacherous jungle filled with unforeseen perils. This description may not do justice to the true essence of the show, but upon watching Jigokuraku, a sense of familiarity engulfed me, prompting a revisit of Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers.

Rokka no Yuusha, based on a light novel series of the same name, is a 2015 anime directed by Takeo Takahashi and animated by Passione (known for Higurashi Gou, Higurashi Sotsu, Interspecies Reviewers). Despite not achieving significant popularity during its initial airing, it has garnered recognition among those who appreciate its remarkably unique storytelling approach. The comparison between Rokka and Jigokuraku may seem tenuous if solely based on the premise of a group of diverse fighters trapped in a perilous jungle. However, both shows elevate this concept, making them far more captivating than meets the eye. That being said, Jigokuraku undeniably shines brighter between the two.

Just Another Fantasy Anime?

In the anime and light novels of Rokka no Yuusha, the characters' names are spelled differently. However, for the purpose of this article, we will refer to them as they are according to the fan wiki.

The initial episodes of Rokka no Yuusha may mislead viewers about its true depth. It begins by introducing the lore surrounding the reappearance of a Demon God and the selection of six heroes by the Goddess of Fate to combat them. Each chosen warrior is bestowed with a distinctive flower crest. Adlet Mayer, an adventurer who boldly claims to be the "strongest man in the world," interrupts a tournament and announces his determination to emerge victorious, earning the right to be one of the chosen warriors when the time arrives.

The premiere captivates viewers with its lead character's charisma and the mesmerizing score composed by Michiru Oshima (known for her work on Fullmetal Alchemist and Snow White with the Red Hair). Additionally, the anime's world stands out from other fantasy stories with its distinct Aztec/Mesopotamian aesthetic, which is not commonly portrayed.

However, despite these positive aspects, the premise of the show remains quite generic, and the potential for creative action is hindered by the limited budget and the use of CGI monsters. In a series that revolves around a war against demons, the clash between these demons and the other visual elements feels like a potential recipe for failure. The initial episodes primarily focus on the gathering of the "Braves," the main characters, at the entrance to the demon realm.

Only those selected by the Goddess of Fate have the privilege to enter the realm of the Demon God and vanquish them. Hence, the Braves must assemble and erect a protective barrier to impede the demons' advancement. However, an unforeseen event takes place, catching them off guard. The barrier is prematurely raised, ensnaring the Braves within the confines of the forest. Moreover, when there should only be a total of six Braves, an additional individual appears, resulting in a perplexing dilemma. Someone among them is not being truthful.

An Adventure, Interrupted

Rokka no Yuusha is a thrilling adventure series that takes an unexpected twist before the demonic evil can fully manifest. Just when the cast is united, a mystery plot unfolds, revealing that someone among them is not who they appear to be. The opening sequence even undergoes a dramatic change after just five episodes to reflect this shocking development.

The CGI monsters suddenly become less of a concern when they are revealed to not be the main focus. Throughout the buildup to this revelation, the story has already created tensions among the Braves. One person in particular, Fremy Speeddraw, who was once an enemy of the Braves but now claims to want to kill the Demon God, is the target of their anger. However, the audience is given reasons to suspect everyone, not just Fremy.

The extended introduction of the show has the advantage of allowing viewers to become invested in the characters and their underlying tensions. It also adds to the speculation, as there are many convenient circumstances. Characters who have close relationships with each other happen to become Braves at the same time. Is this simply a coincidence, or is the imposter using these relationships to their advantage?

Adlet is the sole character who undergoes a transformation into a Brave, while the remaining characters perceive him as an outlier. With great enthusiasm, he bursts onto the scene and boldly proclaims himself to be the strongest, determined to become a Brave. Surprisingly, his wish is granted, further accentuating his distinctiveness. Both his positive and negative attributes set him apart, making him an ideal suspect and a scapegoat.

The story takes a step back and fully immerses itself in a captivating mystery, exploring every possible angle and engaging in vigorous discussions among the ensemble. This is where the true strength of the series shines through: its characters. They clash and come together in perfect harmony, each with their own unique traits and complexities, never falling into the trap of being one-dimensional.

The show's animation may not be the most visually appealing, but its strength lies in its storytelling. It takes a familiar premise and incorporates elements from different genres to develop the characters and the world in an engaging manner. This unique approach compensates for any shortcomings and adds an original and creative twist to the narrative. However, it is unfortunate that all good things must eventually conclude.

A Clever Failure

Despite its initial setbacks, Rokka no Yuusha faced challenges due to its studio's mixed reputation and limited budget. Unfortunately, the first season did not perform well, leading to the unfortunate absence of any subsequent seasons. This is truly regrettable because the anime is captivating and enjoyable, particularly due to its intriguing mystery.

Considering these circumstances, it becomes difficult to wholeheartedly recommend the anime. However, I highly suggest exploring the light novels, as they are truly worth experiencing. Despite its incomplete nature and the disappointing cliffhanger ending, Rokka no Yuusha still deserves a recommendation, especially for those who will miss Jigokuraku once its first season concludes. Even without the prospect of future animated adaptations, the first season of Rokka no Yuusha is immensely satisfying as a standalone mystery. The ultimate payoff might just outweigh any frustrations experienced along the way.

Rokka no Yuusha, also known as Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers, may not reach the level of a masterpiece and could be overshadowed by other mystery anime. Nevertheless, its story's distinctive nature and the deliberate pacing of its execution could captivate individuals who are willing to overlook its imperfections. It offers a binge-worthy experience that is not commonly found in everyday viewing.