Unveiling the Fiery Depths: The Ultimate Jigokuraku Season 1 Review

Following the spectacular conclusion of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, fans were thrilled to learn that a second season is currently in the works. As we enter the height of the Summer season, it's a perfect opportunity to reflect on the standout moments and shortcomings of this particular season. Undoubtedly, Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku has proven to be a standout addition to the esteemed lineup of anime adaptations brought to life by studio MAPPA. Moreover, the thrilling conclusion of the first season sets the stage for an eagerly anticipated continuation.

Visuals and Animation

Gabimaru Shortly After Killing Several People – Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku Episode 2

MAPPA's Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku truly showcased their exceptional talent in visual design. The series featured stunning visuals and breathtaking moments, although the animation was somewhat inconsistent. Particularly, the first and last episodes were visually outstanding, with the final battle against antagonist Mu Dan being an absolute highlight. The combination of beautifully composed shots and dynamic action from every character involved made it a memorable climax. However, compared to their previous works like JUJUTSU KAISEN, MAPPA's high standard proved challenging to maintain consistently, resulting in some fights being off-screened or skipping critical moments, similar to the original manga.

The anime's faithfulness to the original work by Yūji Kaku deserves praise, breathing life into the vibrant and colorful universe of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku. Yet, there were missed opportunities to expand certain fights and moments, as seen in Pierrot's adaptation of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War. The first episode, in particular, stands out for its impactful portrayal of Gabimaru's Ninpo, which was enhanced in the anime. The vibrant colors of Gabimaru's Ascetic Blaze's flames remained consistent throughout the series, emphasizing his signature ability. Additionally, Kotaku, with its terrifying beauty, was faithfully brought to life, and the attention to detail given to the portrayal of flowers added another layer to the overall experience of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku.

Adaptation Difference

Pacing

Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku stands out from its dark trio counterparts, JUJUTSU KAISEN and CHAINSAW MAN, by presenting more graphic content. However, unlike these two titles, Hell's Paradise approaches nudity differently. Instead of explicitly showing nipples, it uses various techniques to convey the impact of certain moments, prioritizing creative visual effects over fluid animation. While the series still maintains its violent nature, the rules of television adaptation require certain adjustments. Many manga or light novels are even more explicit than their anime counterparts. In the case of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, these changes, although mostly cosmetic, have limited influence on the combat and overall content, despite its R-17+ rating.

In Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 13, viewers may experience whiplash as they realize that the events on the island have unfolded in just three days. This condensed timeframe intensifies the bonds formed between the characters, resembling the strong connections forged amidst unimaginable hardships. By the end of the fourth episode, half of the Vanguard Party has perished, leaving behind Gabimaru and Sagiri, Nurugai and Shion, and Yuzuriha. Unfortunately, Senta has passed away. Despite the original manga comprising only 128 chapters, this first season of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku feels like an introduction to the series' main storyline. The downfall of one Tensen serves to highlight the remarkable survival and luck of the remaining characters.

Older fans of shōnen have unpleasant memories of long-running shōnen titles being stretched with filler episodes just to fill broadcasting slots. However, the trend has now shifted towards producing smaller chunks of content and spreading them out over multiple cours. This approach works perfectly for Jigokuraku, as it introduces significant arcs early on and swiftly eliminates several characters before reaching the halfway point. Moreover, the series is able to maintain an air of mystery surrounding Gabimaru's wife, creating anticipation for the next season. The post-credits reveal of a new Yamada Asaemon being sent to Kotaku adds further excitement to the series' pacing, which is far from its conclusion despite Sagiri and her companions' arrival in Hōrai. In summary, the decision to divide Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku into multiple cours demonstrates the level of care taken in its production, especially when considering MAPPA's packed schedule. It also ensures a faithful adaptation of the original manga, as seen in season 1.

Verdict

Hell's Paradise Jigokuraku Episode 12: Senta's Wish

The anime adaptation of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku exceeded expectations in its first season, dispelling any doubts about the series' quality that had lingered prior to its April premiere. Each character brought their own intriguing elements to the story, and the emotional moments were skillfully executed, evoking deep sentiments within viewers. The stunning visuals perfectly captured Yūji Kaku's art style from the original manga, though some might argue that they lacked the intricate detailing found in other notable MAPPA productions. Nevertheless, it's important not to compare, as Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku faithfully followed the original work's sequence of events and showcased mesmerizing visuals and exceptional voice acting, establishing itself as one of the standout titles of the Spring season. Rating: 4/5 stars.