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The manga Gokurakugai by Yuto Sano was first published as a one-shot under the title Gokurakugai Sanban-doori no Ken. This chapter was released on January 27, 2020, in Shueisha's shonen manga magazine Jump SQ Rise. The ongoing series began serialization on July 4, 2022, in Jump Square, also published by Shueisha. The series ranked ninth in the Print Manga category at the 2023 Next Manga Award.
As of July 2024, three volumes of the series have been released in Japan. The license for the US market is held by VIZ Media.
How was it?
Gokurakugai follows Alma and Tao, two partners who embark on unique missions. They specialize in what they call "problem-solving cases." Behind this mysterious term lies a much more complex task: fighting Magas, monstrous creatures created from the fusion of human and animal corpses. These monsters pose a constant threat to the population, and Tao and Alma have made it their mission to exterminate them.
Alma stands out from the beginning due to his unusual origin. Born from the union of a Maga and a human, his extraordinary abilities make him a feared fighter. His superhuman strength and unique powers are crucial in the battle against the Maga. Tao is an important ally, using special bullets made from Alma's blood to maximize the effectiveness of their weapons. She, too, can fight the Magas and doesn't hesitate to take them on!
The titular city, Gokurakugai, is marked by numerous missing persons cases. In the first volume, we experience a sort of "monster of the week" format. The chapters in this volume aren't particularly connected, except through the appearance of the Magas. The stories include a boy searching for his Beastman friend, a teenager still mourning his grandfather's murder, and mysterious killings where victims are hung like Christmas decorations around the city. This volume hints at a broader storyline and a larger antagonist for Alma, keeping the suspense high for the next volume. The structure of Gokurakugai isn't entirely new, and some readers might find the episodic "monster of the week" format repetitive. Although the individual chapters offer exciting and well-told stories, they sometimes lack a continuous thread. Additionally, some side characters could benefit from more development and background to make the universe of Gokurakugai even more compelling.
The series thrives on the immersive atmosphere created by Yuto Sano, whose precise and detailed artwork is one of the manga's strengths. Every page is a work of art, and the fast pace keeps readers on edge with intense battles that follow in quick succession. The chemistry between Alma and Tao adds extra depth to the story and ensures that readers are emotionally invested in their adventures.
The VIZ release is in the standard paperback format. The US edition does not include any color pages.
Is it worth reading?
Thanks to dynamic design, breathtaking battles, and a stylish setting, the first volume of Gokurakugai heralds a series that also focuses on the duo of main characters, who share good chemistry. Despite some minor weaknesses, the manga offers a visually impressive read that will likely captivate fans of dark fantasy stories and intense action scenes.
Gokurakugai GN Vol 01
€8,99
€11,99
For the right price, these professional troubleshooters can solve any problem, whether they’re taking out the scum of the earth or destroying human-eating monsters! The troubleshooters of Gokurakugai are open for business! In a run-down town without law and order,… read more
