Jigokuraku

The storyline seems pretty simple at first. The MC is a killer with superhuman abilities and lacks remorse or empathy until he is forced to marry his chief's daughter and falls for her. The first 6 episodes or so are just okay. The fighting and animation is still really good so they're entertaining. However, the last half of the show the storyline really picks up and it gets more and more interesting every episode. The power system is really cool, the way the characters interact and build off each other is very natural and their relationship dynamics feel real. Some of the side characters' stories are REALLY good and in my opinion even better than the MC's story. I found myself very invested in them and wanting to learn more about their lives. Any character can die at any moment so the show keeps you on edge. The world building is amazing. I love the aesthetics of the island and the soundtrack is incredible. This show has so much potential and I think it can become bigger than demon slayer if people give it the attention it deserves. I came in not expecting much and now I can't wait for season 2.

Hells paradise is the third of the dark shonen trio that includes jujutsu kaisen and chainsaw man. The darker and more adult themes have been all the rage lately and with good reason. Anime used to be almost exclusively directed to a younger audience but now the shonen genre (shonen literally translating to teen boy) is consumed by people of all ages leaving room for manga and anime that directly targets those demographics. Which personally as fan of shonen anime no longer in my early teens it's extremely refreshing to get away from the constant themes of friendship and perseverance for your 'dream'. With that said of the dark shonen trio hells paradise is easily my favourite which in my opinion couldn't be greater praise considering just how good the other two are.

Hells paradise follows Gabimaru "the hollow" a ninja and convict from the Iwagakure clan as he ventures to a mystic island in pursuit of the elixir of life. A simple premise but one that's enhanced so brilliantly by the general atmosphere of the show. The music, animation and themes of death, divine justice, redemption and spirituality create an entrancing experience that will grip you from the first episode only to blow your mind by the 3rd.

The music is fantastically absorbing never falling into j-rock cliches that take you away from the uniqueness of the setting (aside from the OP which I'll excuse for just how catchy that is). The animation is similar to both JJK and Chainsaw man with soft pastel colours, rich backgrounds brimming with detail and the occasional 3D model. If your familiar with studio MAPPA's work you'll immediately see the resemblance. Where the animation is truely able to rise above the competition is bringing to life the setting itself, bursting with colour the island is loaded with rich floristry and wildlife both of which are not of this world.

The story without giving away to many details is also brilliant. The characters all pop with a similar vibrancy to the setting in both personality and design. Gabimaru, the protagonist, being the obvious standout with his soft and aloof demeanour contrasting to his near otherworldly power. He'll almost immediately endear you to his cause and have you suckered in with his astounding coolness.

The core plot of the show basically works as a mystery, what is the elixir of life, what is the island and what resides on it? As you immediately grow attached to Gabimaru and the crew you'll be drawn in and desperate to get these answers and the show won't disappoint as it lays out more and more otherworldly concepts and creatures for the crew to encounter.

With all that said the strongest feature of this show is the directing and the pacing. Unlike other anime this will grip you immediately and not waste a moment of your time. The direction of the episodes will cross between the characters in almost a poetic way not fearing that what could be a whole episodes worth of content is shown in mere seconds. This along with the music and art style being so entrancing you'll enjoy every second of it. Genuinely one of the best anime I've seen in years and the only thing holding it back from a 10 is that this is only just the beginning.

Although I've only watched 9 episodes, I can easily say this is one of my favorite anime. The characters all have personalities that the voice actors do VERY well at. The intense action scenes are very entertaining. The animation is good. The art style is good. The story seems basic on the outside but is actually quite an interesting concept. Its like there isn't anything to hate on this anime. If you are a fan of anime, I'll say that this anime is one you should not skip. Besides that, the anime does have quite a bit of blood/gore so if that kind of stuff makes you uncomfortable, you might want to watch with caution.

Hell's Paradis is not suitable for this generation. This is one of the most balanced anime without any doubt.

(Skip the part if you know what the anime is about) So Hell's Paradise starts with a badass criminal protagonist and a shinobi named Gabimaru of the Hollow, who is sentenced to death. But the executioner can't behead him and other execution methods don't work on him. In the end, an executioner from the Yamada clan, Yamada Asaemon Sagiri, went to decapitate him. Before then Gabimaru said he wanna die but this time he resisted. Then Yamada offered him an official pardon. He has to bring the Elixir of Life from an island named Shinsenkyo. No one has returned from this island, so they're sending criminals with monitors from the Yamada Asaemon clan. From here Gabimaru's journey begins.

Let's talk about the plot - an island, maybe where immortal creatures live, you can find an elixir to be immortal. Is it even possible? This fantasy is quite good. The power system is well-balanced and it's a masterpiece. Anyone can be a superhuman by mastering their "Tao". It's not like something which is decided the moment you are born.

The episodes were continuously becoming more & more exciting. Each episode ended with a bang and the ending was paradoxical. I'm waiting to see what happens next.

Although this anime has a problem. It has unnecessary profanity. This kinda anime shouldn't have a fan service like that. This isn't for simp after all.

I'm telling you again it's not for everyone. Especially for this generation of anime fans. This is the darkest anime of the dark trio and also the best. If you are an average Shounen anime fan who loves to see just fierce fighting but don't give a thing about the story then it's not for you. There are also other types of average fans rn. It's not for you guys either. Skip the anime if you don't have a neutral perspective.

I ll make it clear from the start, Berserk fans are gonna love this one ! Well done, I was hooked from the start, great pacing, loveable "heroes", little bit clunky animation but overall, pure enjoyment.

Action is kinda interupted by flashbacks, but not in the measure to ruin the vibe of the show. I mentioned Berserk, in few instances, I felt that Berserk taste in certain scenes, especially with monsters design. It has those "hopeless moments" where you know trouble is inevitable and the end is near. Its been a while where the show reminded me that much of Kentaro Miura's masterpiece so I am maybe little biased but nevertheless, a warm recommendation to all anime lovers!