Rest when you have a chance … it may be your last.
Creative Staff:
Story and Art By: Yuji Kaku
Translation: Caleb Cook
Retouch & Lettering: Mark McMurray
What They Say:
Gabimaru is a ninja one death row with one chance to see his wife again – by finding the elixir of immortality on a supernatural island and delivering it to the shogun. Standing in his way are his fellow convicts and the fearsome beasts that roam the island, devouring or killing anyone they encounter. In addition, Gabimaru must content with sinister beings who have lived on the island for several lifetimes, tinkering and experimenting on humans and the local fauna to further the goals of their dark sciences. Who are these otherworldly individuals that rule this beautiful and deadly place? And how can Gabimaru possibly stand against them?
Content (please note that content portions of a review may contain spoilers):
As Gabimaru and his group cautiously wandered through the densely populated forest, they come across what appeared to be an abandoned human village, which would seem impossible within this nightmare called Jigokuraku. However as they question the authenticity of this anomaly, the Hollow notices something even more improbable and immediately gives chase, easily apprehending the person spying on them – a human girl. While he wonders how it might be possible, the others catch up and witness a twisted tree creature defending the child, allowing the young girl a chance to escape, leaving Yuzuriha and her monitor to deal with the new enemy as he advances with Sagiri after their new quarry. Although she was able to swiftly move through the ample undergrowth and rocky terrain quite easily thanks to her small size and familiarity of the area, it did not take long before the ninja appears before her and supposedly ended the hunt. And yet as he reached out to restrain her, the diminutive child suddenly grabs Gabimaru and skillfully throws him out of the way, causing the man to question how she could achieve this feat with such a small frame. Even as Asa attempts to reason with the fleeing girl, this pause was only temporary until she retaliates with punch from her petite hand, which is unwisely intercepted by the shinobi and results in him being hurled backward from the massive impact. His temper now pushed to the limit, Gabimaru now knew what kind of foe he faced, and while Sagiri protested in what she thought would be unrestrained fury, the assassin surprisingly grabs some of the surrounding vines and begins binding the child within an inescapable net, thereby swiftly ending this frustrating chase.
Gabimaru demands the mysterious elixir from his elusive foe, but instead of answering his scary question, the small girl does the unexpected – she pitifully begins to cry, and as Sagiri attempts to comfort their former enemy, both return to their comrades to find the arboreal assailant now subdued, however when it sees the girl captured, all are surprised as he begins to speak, asking for the child to be released. While this guardian attempts to appease them with promises to tell about their prize, none are tempted by the further incentive of food, and only after Yuzuriha hears they have hot baths, do they acquiesce and follow the massive tree into the ruins of the village they saw earlier. Their host tells them he was born here and lived within the rubble for the past one thousand years, and as the women partake of a comforting bath and the men are given food, information concerning this island which the natives call Kotaku is revealed; and while he is evasive about facts, the one thing this arboreal host can confirm is that the panacea which they call Tan does exist … but it is located in the deepest and most dangerous area of the land, and unfortunately protected by unstoppable defenders named Lord Tensen.
In Summary:
Just when I thought his title could not get any ruthless in its narrative style or frightening illustrative perspectives, mangaka Kaku-sensei stunningly shocks readers with a new volume which could not be more surprising or pathologically traumatizing. While the opening sequence which introduces us to new characters Mei and Hoko is rewardingly rich and charming, especially when the young girl begins to become attached to Gabimaru, what gives this book so much repercussive ambiance is how the remaining criminals and the executioners are shown pitifully dealing with the supreme predators of Kotaku, the Lord Tensen. We were initially presented with the worst murderers who were so cold-blooded they were given this fleeting chance for freedom, only able to be guarded by the most talented of the Yamada clan, and yet with these people who are supposed to be the best at what they do, they now are shown how useless they can be against foes more powerful and merciless than themselves. Although it may be mildly laughable to witness killers who were presented as savage when compared to other humans now easily dominated, on the opposing side of the same fight, one cannot but feel sincere sympathy to watch heroic defenders attempt to protect their charges, even as they know they stand no chance of surviving. This chaotic duality of good and evil failing miserably against the same foes is humbling, and yet as we realize Gabimaru and his companions must face these same unstoppable juggernauts, it is jarring to wonder if anyone will survive to claim the ultimate prize.
Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku continues to shock and amaze readers due to the complex issues and dreadful reality which are so wondrously presented within this visual delight of horror and compassion. While we begin to understand the ominous truth behind the elusive elixir and its selfish guardians, one cannot but question if the shogun knew how impossible this task would be, allowing for a show of sacrifices to be allowed only for his ghoulish entertainment. With each page the horrors of Kotaku are revealed, presenting the audience with a glaring view of the indomitable contest for the Survival of the Fittest, and allowing us to question if anyone will live until the end, or will they wish to after they acknowledge the cost for their blood-soaked yet well-deserved reward.
Content Grade: A-
Art Grade: A-
Packaging Grade: A
Text/Translation Grade: A
Age Rating: Mature
Released By: Viz Media (Digital)
Release Date: July 21, 2020
MSRP: $8.99
