Jigokuraku (Hell’s Paradise) [Season 2 Episode 1]

Alright, so I just finished watching the first episode of Jigokuraku Season 2, and let me tell you, it’s like diving straight back into that chaotic, beautiful mess we all fell in love with last season. For those who might not remember, Jigokuraku (or Hell’s Paradise, if you prefer the English title) is this wild anime about Gabimaru the Hollow—a ninja who’s basically a walking weapon but has this soft spot for his wife. The first season ended with him and a bunch of other death row convicts stranded on this mysterious island that’s supposed to have the elixir of life, but it’s more like a death trap with weird monsters and even weirder immortals.

Season 2 Episode 1 picks up right where we left off, and honestly, it’s exactly what I needed. The episode starts with Gabimaru and Sagiri (his executioner partner) trying to figure out their next move after the whole mess with the Tensen. If you don’t know who the Tensen are, they’re these god-like beings on the island who are basically the main antagonists—super powerful, creepy, and they have this whole “immortality” thing going on. The first episode of Season 2 dives deeper into their backstory, which was a huge win for me because I’ve been dying to know more about them since Season 1.

One thing that really stood out to me was the animation. MAPPA is back at it again, and their work here is just chef’s kiss. The fight scenes are so fluid, and the way they animate the Tensen’s powers is both beautiful and terrifying. There’s this one scene where a Tensen uses their blood to create these giant, flower-like structures, and it’s so detailed you can almost feel the petals brushing against your skin. But don’t get me wrong, it’s not all pretty—there’s plenty of gore and violence, which is par for the course with Jigokuraku. If you’re squeamish, maybe skip some parts, but for the rest of us, it’s just another day in Hell’s Paradise.

Now, let’s talk about the characters. Gabimaru is still the stoic, badass ninja we know, but there’s this underlying vulnerability when he talks about his wife, Yui. You can tell he’s fighting not just for his life, but to get back to her, and that emotional core is what makes his character so relatable. Sagiri, on the other hand, is starting to come into her own. She’s no longer just the executioner assigned to Gabimaru; she’s his ally, and their dynamic is one of the best parts of the show. I love how they play off each other—Gabimaru’s quiet intensity vs. Sagiri’s more reserved but determined nature.

The new characters introduced in this episode are also really interesting. There’s this one Tensen named Rien who seems to be the leader, and she’s equal parts elegant and menacing. Her design is stunning—long white hair, golden eyes, and this ethereal aura that makes her look like a goddess, but her actions are anything but divine. I can already tell she’s going to be a formidable foe for Gabimaru and the others.

What I appreciated most about this episode is how it balances action with story development. We get some intense fight scenes, but we also get crucial information about the Tensen’s origins and their connection to the elixir of life. It’s not just mindless violence; every battle serves a purpose, whether it’s advancing the plot or revealing more about the characters.

Of course, no anime is perfect, and there were a few things that bugged me. For one, the pacing felt a bit slow at times, especially during the exposition-heavy scenes. But honestly, that’s a small complaint because the information they were giving was necessary. Also, some of the CGI felt a bit off—there’s a scene with a giant monster that looked a little too cartoonish compared to the rest of the animation. But again, it’s a minor issue, and it doesn’t take away from the overall experience.

Another thing I loved was the soundtrack. The opening theme is this upbeat, rock-inspired song that gets you pumped up, while the ending theme is a more melancholic ballad that tugs at your heartstrings. The background music during the fight scenes is also really well-done—it’s tense and dramatic, which adds to the overall atmosphere of the show.

Now, let’s get into what the fans are saying. From what I’ve seen online, most people are loving Season 2 so far. A lot of fans are praising the animation and the character development, especially when it comes to the Tensen. One user on MyAnimeList said, “The first episode of Season 2 was everything I hoped for and more. The animation is top-tier, the story is intriguing, and the characters are as compelling as ever. I can’t wait to see where this season goes!” Another fan on Reddit mentioned, “I was worried they’d rush the Tensen’s backstory, but they took their time with it, and it paid off. The emotional beats hit hard, and the fight scenes were epic. MAPPA really knows how to adapt a manga.”

However, there are some fans who are a bit disappointed with the pacing. One user said, “I get that they need to set up the story, but some parts felt a bit draggy. I hope the next episode picks up the pace.” But overall, the reception seems to be positive, with most fans excited for what’s to come.

If I had to give this episode a rating, I’d say it’s a solid 8.5/10. It’s not perfect, but it’s a strong start to Season 2. The animation is incredible, the characters are well-developed, and the story is engaging. If you’re a fan of the first season, you’re definitely going to love this. And if you’re new to Jigokuraku, I’d recommend starting with Season 1 first, but this episode does a good job of recapping the important parts so you won’t be too lost.

In conclusion, Jigokuraku Season 2 Episode 1 is a must-watch for any anime fan. It’s got everything you could want—action, drama, great characters, and stunning animation. MAPPA has once again proven why they’re one of the best animation studios in the business, and I can’t wait to see what they do with the rest of the season. So grab your popcorn, sit back, and get ready to dive into Hell’s Paradise once again—you won’t be disappointed.