A review by businesswife
Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, Vol. 1 by Yuji Kaku

adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I do have a tendency to rate manga 5 stars - not sorry. This one is so fun though. Gabimaru the hollow, known to be one of the most deadly ninjas and killers has been caught and taken in for his execution. Before his execution he is given the option to travel to 'paradise' and find the elixir of life for the Shogun. If he comes back with it alive he can go home to his wife and the charges will be dropped. 

World: The world building for this slaps. I also recommend the anime. They have managed to match the art so well so going back and forth so I can read ahead has been a no brainier. Paradise in this series is terrifying, full of giant terrifying beings, poisonous insects, and flowers that grow from the dead who have come before searching for the elixir. And, on top of the island being insane Gabimaru is not the only prisoner sent, so there are a bunch of insane prisoners competing for the chance at their freedom. 

Characters: I AM OBSESSED with Gabi and his executioner. They are both amazing and their dynamics is wild from the jump. The other prisoners are all terrifying as well and all have their own vibes. Also Gabi being a wife guy SO GOOD.

All and all I love this series and I'm reading it whenever I have an hour or 2 to spare.
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