The 2026
winter season is shaping up to be historic. Great Titans like the third season
of Jujutsu Kaisen and the second of Sousou no Frieren they
monopolize the headlines and the fans' hype. However, among these giants lies a
gem that many are unfairly overlooking. We are talking about Hell's
Paradise: Jigokuraku- a series that, for many experts, deserves to sit at
the same table (or even at the head) as its most famous competitors.
The
forgotten member of the Dark Trio
Based on
the manga by Yuji Kaku, this work is part of the "Dark Trio"of
modern shonen next to Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man.
Also produced by the studio MAPPA, the anime stands out for a
unique power system based on it Taoism and a narrative that
mixes horror with action. The story continues Gabimaru, a murderer
sentenced to death, and a Sagiri, his clan executioner Asaemon,
on a suicide mission on the island of Shinsenkyo to find the
elixir of life.
What really
elevates this series is the relationship between Gabimaru and Sagiri.
Far from forced romantic clichés, they develop a deep platonic bond based on
respect and mutual growth, something refreshing in the genre.
Why do
people ignore it?
Despite its quality, its popularity was slowed because the manga ended in 2021, long before the anime came out, unlike its contemporaries who are still published in the Shonen Jump. Additionally, his animation style was more traditional compared to his experimental film direction Chainsaw Man. However, the second season promises to adapt the best arcs of the manga (Lord Tensen and Horai), where the action and drama reach levels that could silence any detractor.
