Hell's Paradise has been an absolute blast from the very 1st episode. It's been a while since I enjoyed an action shounen anime this much. Even with a season full of so many great animes, Hell's Paradise just stood out to me. I don't think it's like an absolute masterpiece that's going to be universally loved by everyone. But it's an anime that I immensely admired.
So why exactly? Why did I love it so much? I guess because it was a bit of everything. I think the title - "Hell's Paradise" is fitting for this story. Because it somehow manages to be dark yet gentle at the same time. It's sad yet wholesome at the same time. It's emotional yet full of thrills and action. It's disturbing, yet kind at the same time. When you can achieve that specific tone, then add so many different characters into the mix, each of them being likeable in their own way, each of them having their own past, their own motivations, with different bonds between all of them, you are bound to make a great story. And then, as icing to the cake, when you can make the story suspenseful, action-packed, filled with so many savage, cheer-worthy moments (mostly because of the likeability of these characters), well then I'd have no doubt in making this my favourite pick of the season.
I'm impressed by Studio Mappa's work too. The art during the action scenes is very appealing, the soundtrack is brilliant, the direction too is great. The animation isn't exactly perfect, but you know what, I'll take it. When everything else is so good, I'll take it. The voice acting is great for all of these characters. There are so many great characters to root for here that every one of them gets a moment to shine. Even the villains are actually pretty good. They might not have much motivation, but they're never dull. I liked that they gave a disturbing, suspenseful vibe, while being a bit quirky at the same time.
I really can't wait to see the 2nd season. I can't wait to see how all of these characters are concluded. I hope Studio Mappa does a great job once again.
