hell heaven episode 3 proves that the series is one of the most original shounen anime series ever, making it a must-see anime in Crunchyroll’s spring 2023 lineup. After establishing a compelling premise in the first two episodes, Hell’s Paradise flips it around in episode 3, suggesting that the series will be unpredictable.
Episode #3 of Hell’s Paradise sees the two main characters, the ninja Gabimaru and his executioner and guardian, Sagiri of the Asaemon clan, set foot on the mysterious island of Shinsekyo, where Gabimaru must find out. The legendary elixir of life in exchange for his freedom. More death row inmates have been sent to the island, each guarded by an Asaemon, but this episode shows that the clear balance of this deadly treasure hunt has been upset. Some prisoners killed their guards, others attacked each other, and some entered into precarious alliances before slaughtering each other. After everything calms down, only five prisoners are left alive, and that’s when the attacks from Shinsekyo’s twisted mutants begin.
Hell’s Heaven shook its premise, and it was a great move
There are several factors that make Hell’s Paradise stand out in the overcrowded shounen battlefield. The Battle Royal-like setup is definitely one of them, but the series adds even more to that inspiration. For example, episode 3 reveals that criminals must always have their hands tied. While some Asaemon ignored the role, Sagiri was strict and forced Gabimaru to fight his first opponent, the criminal Twisted Keiun, with his hands tied. This proves no problem, and Gabimaru kills his opponent with ease, another unexpected turn in an episode full of surprises. Letting Asaemon just stand by and not interfere while their convicts fight to the death is also an odd element to a shounen battle, which adds to the level of uncertainty because of the perpetrators. decisions also have their own agenda in Shinsekyo.
The biggest lesson learned from episode #3 of Hell’s Paradise is to expect the unexpected, just like how the setting laid out in the first two episodes was almost completely scrapped in the third. For example, the deadly fauna of Shinsekyo forced Sagiri to let Gabimaru fight at full strength without using his hands. The surviving Asaemon may soon also take a more active role in the struggle, and true alliances can be built between the convicts. Finally, there’s the looming threat from Gabimaru’s Idol shinobi, who could soon join the war unfolding on the island.
Hell’s paradise is unpredictable, which is rare for this genre
Overall, Hell’s Paradise has shown very well how sensitive the situation in Shinsekyo is, with the constantly shifting balance of power keeping fans on their toes. Battles also have a strong unique element, because the characters and the threats they face are so different. Considering how popular and crowded the fighting shounen genre is, the fact is hell heaven standing out like the original while retaining the elements that make this kind of story so enjoyable is proof of the quality of the show, making it a must-see in Crunchyroll’s spring 2023.
hell heaven airs every saturday in simulcast on Crunchyroll.
