Deadman Wonderland - “You Can’t Escape from Life, and You Can’t Escape from Deadman Wonderland.”

When I first heard about this manga (thanks to you, Blissmo!), I was intrigued partly because of its interesting title, and also because I was looking for a decent distraction from reality as well. So, one day I just decided to go ahead and plunge into this deliciously exciting story, and what do you know, I loved it! Right from the get go, you’re thrown into a cesspool of carnal insanity with limbs being ripped apart as well as other ghastly and horrific phenomenon occurring (but you know you love it), and it compels you to keep reading to find out what’ll happen next. Aside from the great storyline, it doesn’t make you wait until the second or third chapter for the excitement to begin. You get to enjoy it right from the very first page, and it’s exactly the type of story that I enjoy reading with my morning coffee just before starting my day. If you’re looking for something interesting to read, I highly, highly recommend this title! You won’t be disappointed.

I’ve got more to say about it, so if you’re interested, Read on, dear Visitor. (Warning: Spoilers Galore)

No, this is not a replica of Elfen Lied…but I have to say that it was impossible NOT to pass up such a juicy story after seeing this scene. Talk about population control! I’m not a violent person by nature, but I couldn’t help feeling excited by the fact that I FINALLY found something worthy of reading! It was also helpful that it managed to take my mind off of things to distract me from homework, deadlines, and that annoying reality known as life. I don’t know about any of you, but this is what I envision when I’m having a horrible day and I just want everyone who’s ever hurt me to disappear - in this fashion, no less. Yes, I’m only exaggerating [slightly], but I’m a huge fan of blood and gore, and this has certainly managed to satisfy my requirements.

So, why are all these people hacked to pieces, you may be asking? And what about that boy? Why hasn’t HE been butchered to pieces like the rest of them? Why was he so….lucky? Well, if you think living is lucky…you’re in for a surprise. That’s what Ganta thought, too.

For those of you who are curious, here’s a good synopsis courtesy of its wonderful scanlators, Snoopycool:

“Ganta Igarashi has been convicted of a crime that he hasn’t committed, and sent to a new, privately owned and operated prison, where the inmates are the main attraction in a modern day twist to the gladiatorial coliseums of ancient times. Throw in a healthy dose of weird little girl, some new-found super powers, and a little conspiracy theory, and you have Deadman Wonderland.”

I’ll have to admit that the synopsis alone grasped my curiosity, but it also left me feeling a little skeptical since there was a chance that it could’ve been another rehash of Eureka Seven. However, I was clearly (and thankfully) mistaken - not that Eureka Seven is bad in any way - on the contrary, I still think it’s highly enjoyable - but this is NOTHING like E7. Ganta Igarashi, Renton’s lookalike, is wrongfully accused of a gruesome murder he didn’t commit and is sent to Deadman Wonderland to carry out his Death Penalty sentence, where he discovers upon arrival that his presence is welcome among the criminals who admire him as the "Nagano Butcher," famous for murdering his scholastic brethren.

Ganta HATES being stuck in this prison where people are wrongfully accused - guilty until proven guilty as the only acceptable truth. He just wants to die rather than being left to deal with these mentally deranged deviants of society who admire the demise of others. However, his one saving grace is someone he meets along the way - Shiro - a powerful girl who can see right past his facade. She’s a little off, but when you get down to it, aren’t we all? She knows that he doesn’t really want to die, but he’s scared - scared of what might happen if he continues to stay there. What if he dies a slow, painful death where he is left to die slowly in agony? What if he does something to piss off that sexy scary warden who appears to have a fetish for blood? What if he’ll NEVER get to leave? Is he going to be stuck there for the rest of his life? Well, here’s a clue of what’s to come for our young protagonist:

Poor Ganta and his unfortunate circumstances. It sucks for him, but good for the rest of us who depend on his will to survive for our entertainment requirements. Yes, it’s a little violent, but it’s just kind of story you want to read when life is stressful and you need something to make your day just a little better.

Thank you for taking the time to read! I will post more in the future when time allows me to.