Is Hell’s Paradise manga finished? Is the manga series worth reading? This article will answer all your queries regarding whether you should start reading Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku manga, and whether it is worth your time or not!
Have you ever imagined a world where the line between heaven and hell is blurred? Well, look no further than the manga series Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku. Set in Japan’s Edo period, this historical shonen manga follows the story of Gabimaru the Hollow, a young and ruthless ninja of legendary skill.
After finding himself on death row, Gabimaru is offered a pardon in exchange for a dangerous mission to an uninhabited island. But this island is no ordinary paradise; it is a place where the dead are half-alive and monstrous creatures lurk around every corner. Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku is a must-read for fans of action-packed adventures and intriguing storylines.
Created by Yuji Kaku, the series ran from January 2018 to January 2021, with a total of 13 volumes. And to make a long story short, Hell’s Paradise definitely worth your time. It’s got an incredible story, beautiful art, and just enough dark twists to keep you guessing.
Is Hell’s Paradise Manga Finished?
Yes, the Hell’s Paradise manga concluded on January 25, 2021. If you’re still contemplating if this manga will be worth your time, let me give you a quick rundown of what the manga is about.
At the heart of the story is Gabimaru, a ninja assassin who longs to return to his wife and needs a pardon to do so. The island he finds himself on is full of monsters and mystery, making the journey to obtain the elixir of life a perilous one.
Along the way, he is accompanied by Sagiri Yamada Asaemon, a samurai swordswoman with whom he develops a tactical and exciting relationship as they try to survive the island together.
This story is quite a dark read. It doesn’t shy away from violence or sexual themes, though I wouldn’t say it’s explicit. It’s much darker than your average shonen, but it won’t make you feel squeamish.
Hell’s Paradise mixes dark fantasy, psychological thriller, and action genres. It’s based on the Edo period, which is real, but it borrows a lot from Japanese mythology and fantastical elements. This is very obvious in the designs of the enemies and the characters’ superhuman abilities.
How Many Hell’s Paradise Volumes Are There?
Hell’s Paradise spans a total of 13 volumes. It was released on the Shonen Jump+ website and app on January 22, 2018. The series was also released in the Tankobon format, with the first volume being released on April 4, 2018.
Apart from the 13 volumes being published, there were also special chapters being released in Weekly Shonen Jump’s 27th/28th issue, which was released on August 6, 2018. The special chapters also appear in the 28th issue, which was released on June 10, 2019.
It’s interesting to know that storyboards for the first three chapters of Hell’s Paradise were delivered to the Shonen Jump+ editing team in 2017. Hideaki Sakakibara loved Yuji Kaku’s artwork so much that he decided to take on the series. He quickly became its second editor, reviewing the production of chapters two and three.
The manga series got its fair share of recognition, and it’s also gotten an anime adaptation, with the first season currently airing at the time of writing this. So, before you watch Hell’s Paradise anime, you should also consider reading the manga series!
Is Hell’s Paradise Worth Reading?
The story seems simple enough. It hooks you in with a group of criminals sent to an island to find the elixir of life. Only one of them can earn a full pardon if they succeed.
However, the story quickly develops into something much deeper and more complex. The power concept is fascinating, with new powers evolving as the characters fight and struggle against the obstacles on the island. The struggle is real and exciting, making for a thrilling read.
As the story progresses, readers learn more about the island, the characters, and their motivations. The action is outstanding, and every corner holds the potential for sudden and unexpected developments, especially as they explore the strange and hauntingly beautiful island.
One of the series’s strengths is how it makes readers question their morals. Are the criminals evil, or is it the shogunate and executioners who are truly bad? What makes someone irredeemably evil, or does everyone have valid reasons for acting the way they do? Is being weak actually a strength, and is the meaning of life really to die?
The manga’s balance of contrasts is its core, making readers think about and question their beliefs. After all, everyone is the main character of their own story. It wouldn’t be nearly as interesting if the characters weren’t so morally grey or even straight-up evil.
One thing that sets Hell’s Paradise apart from other manga is its artwork. Kaku’s style is unique and stunning, with an imagination that brings the world of Jigokuraku to life in vivid detail. Each character is beautifully designed, with emotions that are conveyed through subtle facial expressions and body language. One minor issue with the art is that some of the backgrounds feel empty, but this is a minor flaw in an otherwise excellent series.
Since we’re talking about the art, it’s worth mentioning that the character designs of the antagonists are super creative. They’re clearly inspired by Japanese mythological creatures, but there are also some unique elements. The action scenes and environments are breathtaking, especially when you’re taking in the horrifying beauty of the island.
While the characters are well-developed, there is a sense that some of the backstory and development are repetitive, with each character having a similar arc. However, the protagonist, Gabimaru, stands out as a well-written character whose struggles represent the manga’s core theme.
But it’s not just the characters that make this manga so engaging. The island itself is a character full of secrets and unanswered questions that will keep you guessing and wanting more. Yuji Kaku has created a world that is richly strange and full of danger, populated with fascinating characters that are fully realized from the very beginning.
While there is some fanservice in the manga, Kaku still manages to write compelling and well-rounded female characters, with Sagiri being a standout example. The fashion shows at the end of each chapter are a fun and educational touch, giving readers a closer look at the clothing and equipment worn by the characters in the Edo period.
Conclusion
Hell’s Paradise is a dark and gripping manga that explores themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the nature of humanity. Yuji Kaku’s masterful storytelling and incredible artwork make this series a must-read for fans of the genre.
Although the manga has concluded, its impact on the medium will surely be felt for years to come. With an anime adaptation now available, fans can experience the thrilling world of Hell’s Paradise in a new way. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering the series for the first time, Hell’s Paradise is a journey worth taking.
The anime adaptation of Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku is doing the manga justice. But since the manga is already finished, you wouldn’t be blamed for wanting to read ahead. So, what are you waiting for if you haven’t checked it out yet? Dive into the world of Jigokuraku and discover for yourself why this manga is a must-read!
