‘Hell’s Paradise’ Season 1 Review- Not For The Faint Of Heart

This anime aired in 2024

Hell’s Paradise is a dark fantasy horror from the Japanese animation studio MAPPA. It was released in 2023, and the first season had thirteen episodes. The show is based on the Shonen Jump manga Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku by creator Yuji Kaku. There are minor spoilers.

Gabimaru the Hollow (Alejandro Saab) is a ninja betrayed by his clan and sentenced to death. However, he never seems to die, using his shinobi powers to protect himself from execution, desiring to see his wife Yui (Skyler McIntosh). He is approached by swordswoman Sagiri (Marisa Duran), who offers him a chance for a pardon. The Shogun is sending death row prisoners to Shinsenkyo, a deadly island that has the “elixir of life.” Whoever returns with it will receive a pardon. Each prisoner travels with a guard, and Gabimaru is partnered with Sagiri. Still, they soon learn that the island’s residents, known as the Yang Tensen (Ian Sinclair) and Yin Tensen (Michelle Rojas), have nefarious plans for the visitors.

I should preface this review by saying this show is not for the faint of heart. It is a terrifying exploration of the duality of man, and as such, it is brutal. There is excessive violence, terrifying sequences, and disturbing themes that will send a shiver down your spine. For instance, we discover Mei, a child voiced by Macy Anne Johnson, was used as a plaything for some of the island’s residents. The protagonists express disgust at this, and Gabimaru delivers brutal justice.

With this in mind, it is an amazing show. The story of Gabimaru is one of a conditioned soulless monster who discovers his humanity thanks to the love of a woman. Now he will stop at nothing to get back to her. He is a compelling character, and you are hooked on his journey as he navigates the monsters of the island as well as betrayals. On the flip side, Sagiri is a human who desires to be monstrous in some way, as she works as the only female executioner in Japan. She has something to prove, and her tale is equally intriguing.

I also enjoyed the banter with the side characters. As the dangers of the island are revealed, the swordsmen and the prisoners start to develop a camaraderie based on a survival instinct. That does not always work out, but the ones that do are very intriguing to watch. The female ninja Yuzuriha, voiced by Jill Harris, is seductive, skilled, and charismatic. Her guard Senta, performed by Jordan Dash Cruz, is quiet, meticulous, and artistic. Again, polar opposites and their relationship are one of the most intriguing.

The animation is superb here. The designs for the prisoners and the swordsmen were all very unique. That is also true of the island and the monsters there. MAPPA does not have a good reputation with its animators, but their talent is not in question. They do an amazing job here and I applaud their efforts.

I am pulled into this plot, and I honestly cannot wait for season two. The show makes nothing sacred, so I am preparing for what will come. Despite its graphic content, it is an intriguing tale of how humans have conflicting and contradicting natures and how we can overcome them. If you are intrigued by a mix of fantasy, horror, and historical fiction, you will find it excellent.

Check out the trailer below:

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Bloody and gory violence, Strong foul language, Sexual content including nudity, Terrifying images

This review is based on the dub from Crunchyroll.

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