Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku, Vol. 7

地獄楽 [Jigokuraku] #7

by Yūji Kaku

Gabimaru is a ninja on death row with one chance to see his wife again—by finding the elixir of immortality on a supernatural island and delivering it to the shogun. Standing in his way are his fellow convicts and the fearsome beasts that roam the island, devouring or killing anyone they encounter. The Yamada Asaemon executioners and their criminal charges have forged an uneasy alliance, banding together to find a way off the island. Lurking in the shadows are the supernatural forces of Lord Tensen and a new enemy—another wave of samurai and ninja sent to the island by the shogun with orders to leave no one alive!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Horror, Action, Comics, Historical Fiction, Shonen

212 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2019

About the author

Yūji Kaku ( 賀来ゆうじ, Kaku Yūji) is a Japanese mangaka.

Reviews

[Martin Iguaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

El ritmo de la trama avanza con fuerza y ya comienza a perfilarse un final que será seguramente sangriento. En el ínterin, llegan los refuerzos a la isla, pero lo que debería ser una buena noticia pronto descubrimos no hace más que añadir problemas a los protagonistas... y no solo porque Gabimaru se encontrará con sus viejos colegas. Los primeros cuadros del volumen nos muestra que algunos de los Yamada recién llegados son más despiadados y peligrosos que los monstruos de la isla.

[Geoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Body horror, Taoist(ish) trappings, ultra violent action, and now a heist? The philosophy and morality of this book may be questionable, but the worldbuilding is amazing, the band of odd fellows is easy too root for, and the feeling hat our heroes are going to be squeezed by two sets of implacable enemies is growing. The tension is ratcheting up, and I'm loving it.

**Thanks to the artist, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[James DeSantis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half is great, showcasing a true Samurai at work.

The second half focuses on our group and it is mostly teaching you how Tao works while planning their next steps. It's a very oddly paced section and although interesting at times could have worked the explanation in a lot better. But the build up and what is to come seems exciting and I have a feeling volume 8 will be the balls to the walls action we've come to love in this series.

[Rereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty dense volume filled with a lot of exposition, but it was still relatively well-paced and had some brief moments of levity. I do love these characters a lot and for being a thrown together group of misfits, they banter well and have solid chemistry. I feel bad for my baby Chobe for all the terrible and frankly disturbing shit done to him, but it fits with his character so I can't complain. The artwork is stunning as usual and the fight scenes were well-choreographed and flowed well. I'm curious to see what's gonna happen when all three groups inevitably end up together, but I bet it's gonna be dope as fuck!

If there's one concern that I have, it sounds like the series has entered it's "final arc," which makes sense narratively but is concerning in terms of length. There are 12 volumes in the series and I'm worried that the final arc is going to be 5 volumes worth of fighting. I love fight scenes as much as the next guy, but I don't think I can handle that much fighting. I could be wrong and maybe it won't be like this, but I'm genuinely praying that I'm not going to be reading 5 volumes of non-stop fighting cuz that's gonna get old real fuckin' quick.

I don't have much else to say, mostly because I'm still processing everything I just read, but suffice to say this was a great volume. I'm curious to see what happens next.

[Michael Schmid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story nimmt richtig Fahrt auf und steuert denke ich auch dem Ende entgegen. Einfach nur geil!

[Ruthsic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warnings: body horror, graphic violence

With the reinforcements making landfall, Shion informs the others about the situation concerning Shugen, who he is presuming is leading the party. We are told a bit about Shugen’s past, and his abilities but more importantly his utter disregard for the lives of convicts. Also, considering it was already revealed that he had planned to kill all the convicts, elixir or no, when he arrived on the island, things won’t look good for Gabimaru, Yuzuriha and Nurugai if they come face to face with him. And furthermore, having seen the dead Yamada Asaemon warriors, he is already fired up to kill anyone in his way, be they monster or human.

Gabimaru and co, however, still have to get off the island with the elixir, which means it is heist time baby! No, really - this is the heist arc - they separate into two teams, one to lead the exit through the secret channel from Horai, and the other to steal the elixir and take. Being ninja, Gabimaru and Yuzuriha are ideal for the second, despite the protestations of the latter. Along with them are Sagiri and Mei, and they plan to go direct for the main lab, while the others bypass the other zones of the Tensen. Also, we get more info in this book about the Tensen, and their affinities, and their ‘speciailizations’. Chobe is also in the palace, and he is pretending to be a good little test subject for Rien, but his eye is on the prize - saving himself and his brother. As for the heist, well, which plan ever goes smoothly in fiction? Can’t wait for the next volume!

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review from Viz Media LLC, via Edelweiss.

[Blake the Book Eater · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s crazy because it feels like this series is coming to its climax, but it’s still got like halfway to go?! I’m here for the crazy ride.

[Made by Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapters 57-66
Such amazing fight scenes they draw!
I loved the part where they were teaching what each one of them knew of Tan to each other.

+There are so many Chinese mythology references in this manga for most I didn't even know at first . I should get back into reading mythology again.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the slightly slower pace of V6 we are back to full speed as the group resumes their efforts to find the Elixir and get off the island.

This series is kind of wild and more than a little unsettling, and honestly I love it. Between the overall design aesthetic of the scenery and the characters, it’s like a gorgeous nightmare. The fight scenes remain incredibly well done and dynamic. With the addition of more reinforcements landing on the island and the group getting ever closer to making it to their goal, the plot is really ramping up and taking some unexpected turns.

A few volumes ago I would told you I had general ideas of where the plot could go, but now I just don’t know. With the big face offs happening, some flexible loyalties, added aggressors, and mysteries still left to uncover I am honestly not sure what volume 8 will hold. I am excited to find out though.

I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review from Viz Media and Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

[Han · Rating 4 out of 5]

SHUGEN SUPREMACY! Is Shugen probably the wrong and problematic choice?
Yes, but when has that stopped me before? Lol.
He just has flawed ideals, but he is a sensitive guy and a feminist and I stan!
“You are bound to be a glorious blade someday.“

The anxiety is really starting to hit on this one!

-Jikka: you are whole mood. Curious to know why you refuse to fight. I know a background story is upon the horizon.
-the side story: 🥺 “I never want to rob her of her smile”
-poor Chobe, but also what are you doing??????
-Gabi and Mei: such a cute moment
-Heist! Heist! Heist!

I’m so worried about everyone. To say I’m not attached to them all is a straight lie. I know not everyone is going to make it and so I’m already preparing the tissue box.

[library ghost (farheen) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[vera · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
Pecó de exposición excesiva y pasó poco hasta los últimos caps. Incluso en los momentos clave de las ñapis se iba constantemente a una conversación expositiva y eso me cansó muchísimo y se me hizo algo tedioso de leer. Ni en pedo me acuerdo de toda la data que tiraron sobre el tao, se fueron un toque a la mierda.
Igual el final la deja re picando y eso me puso un toque manija.

[Jessica ❀ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 for this volume. Do not get me wrong. I am still loving the world building, the characters, the magic system (tao). I just felt like this one was reading a lot like an instruction manual on tao again. So I was a tad bit bored during a few chapters. I am still loving the manga as a whole though and I just know all these battle scenes are about to be epic.

[omar ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read up to volume;
#7; with an average rating of: ★★★★☆ 4.1/5


this is really weird but really cool
i just think the sex stuff is really ove the top
but i love how we now have this 3 different groups

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another solid volume. A new party joins the island, and there's something not quite right about them under the surface. We get a training arc, and the beginning of a push for the goal. Next volume is going to ramp up so fast

[MargReadsManga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will say, the comedy bits in this series are top notch! 😂

[Alejandro Casanova vázquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brutal.

[Carlos VR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ufff la sed de venganza de los personajes por las muertes de sus amigos, los tensen sama que parecen dioses y los planes que se están armando, me esta gustando el rumbo de esta historia

[Adrianna · Rating 3 out of 5]

co tu się wyprawia

[Rin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐

[R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

به به
عالی پیش میره
تغییر شکل رن برام تداعی گر دیمون اسلیره
بریم جلد بعدی

[Minnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man merkt, dass es ein Setup- und Infodumping Band ist für das, was in den nächsten Bänden folgen wird. Ich bin nicht böse drum, denn das Infodumping war trotzdem interessant und ich habe große Angst weiter zu lesen 🙈 Böse Vorahnungen...

[Nouran · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the beginning of the end; one party is trying to gather, understand and implement that ways of Tao and now the other party the new ones who are now on mainland are literally being served on a silver platter, really just damn it.

I can’t believe how far this manga has just went; I truly can’t believe that they went this far. The author with the characters and the events had achieved perfection, even though few points (to me) have like fallen a little from the thorough details but I’m still enjoying every bit of this.


I wish for my fav characters to live but I highly doubt it. Anyways; recommend this manga to your friends and enjoy your time.

[Sunread26 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chronique complète :
https://sunread26.wordpress.com/2025/...

Extrait :
Avec les événements du tome précédent, je mettais mise à penser que le groupe de Gabimaru aurait peut-être de nouveaux alliés, mais étant donné le caractère du chef, cela semble peine perdu. Il pourrait même avoir des actions encore plus extrêmes et son comportement laisse vraiment entrevoir une mentalité sans émotion, c’est-à-dire, celle d’un psychopathe. Et ce ne sont pas ses faux semblants envers son maître qui changeront quelque chose. Ce personnage est clairement pas net…

Chôbe s’en sort plutôt bien du côté des Tensen, même s’ils ne l’acceptent pas tous pour autant. Il apprend à mieux utiliser son Tao et comme je le pensais, il va continuer de faire bande à part, tant qu’il peut sauver son frère. Une réflexion bien minime pour un mec qui s’adapte aussi bien. Je ne saurais dire si les autres tiendront leur parole à ce sujet où s’ils s’en fichent totalement. Après tout, la seule raison pour laquelle ils ont collaborés avec lui, c’est pour finaliser le sérum d’immortalité. Une fois celui-ci abouti il ne servira plus à rien, je me demande même s’ils ne vont pas l’utiliser (comme ils souhaitent utiliser les autres). Il essaie d’assurer leurs survies à tous les deux, mais honnêtement, je ne pense pas que ce soit le bon mouvement. Surtout que le but final de ce groupe de pseudo immortel, c’est de tuer tous les humains, même pas de les transformer en immortels. Donc techniquement, lui et son frère en font partis et vu l’accueil des autres, je doute qu’ils les acceptent dans leur rang ou les laissent survivre. Je n’arrive pas à savoir comment un gars ayant été autant trahi puisse encore faire confiance, encore plus envers des inconnus. Je ne parle même pas du fait qu’il est vendu les autres sans aucun remords. Il est badass mais clairement pas très futé. Le prochain tome promet une bonne dose d’action, j’ignore si on continuera de suivre tous les combats en parallèles ou si certains seront résumés. Ça peut vite prendre plusieurs tomes si on les suit les uns après les autres (même en parallèle d’ailleurs). Surtout qu’il ne faut pas oublier l’autre groupe non plus, qui je pense, va avancer bien vite.

Je m’avance sans doute et peut-être même que je vais spoiler un peu en disant ça… mais j’ai l’impression que le grand maître, Xu Fu… bah, c’est aussi le chef du clan de Gabimaru. Je ne sais pas pourquoi, mais j’ai l’impression qu’ils ne sont qu’une seule et même personne. Dans un sens, ça me paraît tout aussi étrange, puisqu’il a renvoyé ses subordonnés pour tuer celui-ci sur l’île. Mais le fait que le visage de Xu Fu soit caché est vraiment étrange et cache sans doute quelque chose aussi. Peut-être que le Tensen lui parle, alors même qu’il est mort ou transformé en fleur, qui sait ? En tout cas, je trouve cette partie très étrange, tout comme le fait que Mei puisse changer d’âge suivant si elle utilise son Tao ou non (j’ai également l’impression qu’elle ressemble un peu à la femme de Gabimaru, mais ça ne peut pas être elle, puisqu’elle n’en parle pas). Je ne sais pas pourquoi, mais j’ai l’impression qu’une information importante et qui chamboule tout finira par être donnée. La série n’est pas encore à la fin de son histoire, je pense également que les Tensen ne sont peut-être pas l’ennemi final de la série, après mûre réflexion. C’est un peu comme si, à force de lire, j’enlevais une couche après l’autre pour découvrir quelque chose d’encore plus grandiose et effrayant à la fois. Comme dans chaque tome, il y a des planches plus travaillées que d’autres, les versions en négatif (pour montrer la vision via l’énergie du Tao) sont vraiment incroyables.

[...]

[Virgínia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

Se o volume anterior era marcado por um justo equilíbrio entre ação e exposição, o volume 7 é caracterizado sobretudo pela ação, sem um momento para respirar e pôr as ideias em ordem.

“O mal não nasce só do coração das pessoas, ele também é gerado pelo ambiente em que elas crescem”

Logo de caras, somos apresentados a uma nova personagem, Shugen. Na realidade, somos apresentados a várias logo de uma só vez, todavia é apenas Shugen que recebe um maior destaque. Quando Mei anuncia que um novo grupo desembarcou na ilha, os sobreviventes ficam de pé atrás, uma vez que não sabem se este novo grupo poderá ser aliado ou um inimigo. Naturalmente, que nós leitores possuímos informações privilegiadas e sabemos de antemão que são inimigos. No entanto, paira no ar a questão se os Yamada Asaemon que os acompanham poderão ou não unir-se com os seus colegas sobreviventes. É pela boca de Shion que o autor rechaça quaisquer que sejam as nossas esperanças e nos relembra que Hell's Paradise não é o mundo cor-de-rosa da maioria dos shounen, onde basta trocar duas frases e ficamos todos amigos. Shugen é uma personagem que desperta alguma ambiguidade. Se por um lado, ele é visto pelos seus companheiros Yamada Asaemon como gentil, prestável e amigável; por outro, podemos dizer que ele é um vilão, matando tudo e todos que estão no seu caminho, procurando agradar as chefias. As próprias atitudes desta personagem assim que chega à ilha e se depara com toda a carnificina roçam exatamente a vilania.

Apesar de todas as incógnitas, o grupo decide ater-se ao plano original: encontrar o elixir e sair da ilha. Para isso, tanto executores Yamada quanto criminosos decidem continuar a trabalhar em conjunto. É a partir deste momento que a loucura tem início. O autor aproveita para explicar e adicionar novas regras ao sistema de poder, influenciando os novos confrontos entre o nosso grupo de desfavorecidos e os Tensen. É de ressaltar que as explicações jamais chegam a ser densas, sendo apresentadas de forma dinâmica e mantendo ritmo alucinante deste volume em particular. Com essas novas noções, as nossas queridas personagens decidem então partir logo para a ação, invadindo o Horai.

Mais uma vez, Yuji Kaku liberta toda a sua criatividade, construindo cenários extremamente detalhados, procurando inspirações quer na tradição chinesa, quer na tradição japonesa. Mesmo quando é aplicado o filtro de visão noturna - simbolizando o Tao -, as ilustrações nunca chegam a perder a sua beleza. A coreografia das lutas continua a ser dinâmica e interessante, uma vez que, até ao momento, nenhuma luta é igual à anterior - todas assumindo novos contornos, à medida que as personagens (e, por conseguinte, nós leitores) se vão inteirando do funcionamento do Tao, e adaptando-se ao espaço onde estas são travadas.

A sensação com que fiquei ao ler este sétimo volume é que não só se dá uma mudança de arco, como também a própria narrativa está a entrar na sua fase final. Com ainda cinco volumes por ler - os quais contêm um total de 61 capítulos -, eu realmente me pergunto o que estará para acontecer.

[Yob Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Como siempre Hell’s no defrauda y siempre sorprende… aquí conocemos a Shugen, un Yamada Asaemon que viene con una nueva tripulación y la misión de matar a Gabimaru. Al llegar a la isla este hombre muestra unas habilidades por arriba del promedio y tanto Shion como Fuchi y Sagiri hablan de lo peligroso que es… y después de conocerlo puedo confórmalo! Conozco a los de su tipo! Idealistas religiosos… y está claro que este hombre traerá un gran cambio para el crew formado :(
Además de esto Chobee cumple un papel muy importante en cómo las cosas comienzan a desarrollarse. Siendo mi personaje favorito no puedo criticarlo, solo puedo ver como todo lo que ha hecho a llevado a un comienzo del fin lleno de acción, incertidumbre y locura y eso me encanta.
Y no puedo creer que esto es el comienzo del final!!!
Creo que es el primer tomo donde nos encontramos con todos estos “héroes/personajes queridos” juntos y todo esto da la sensación de haber encontrado una familia (sobre todo después de que Shion les diera la oportunidad de irse, nadie lo hizo) así que mi corazón ya está involucrado con todos ellos! No puedo aceptar el hecho de que se dividieran para el plan (porque eso asegura que varios morirán) y que Ríen sea tan benditamente omnipotente como para llevarlos al límite desde el principio… conclusión: no la tenemos a nuestro favor!

[Philip McCarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another strong entry in this ultimate in battle manga. What begins as a heist turns into an all out battle against the various forms of tao. This volume deals with introducing the wild new Asaemon and ninjas, before diving into a failed stealth mission that turns into a battle of wits and strength. I like the nee character and how his story is revealed through various characters talking about him while he does really awesome attacks and prayers. It’s a rad way to bring someone into the fold. The fight against Mei’s brother begins and boy is it a doozy. His physical abilities are through the roof, but when Gabimaru and Yuzuriha use the skills they’ve honed in their various battles and training the pay off feels well earned…until the man turns into his ultimate monster form. The designs on these monstrous flower people are some of the most unique, twisted, and gripping things I’ve ever seen in a manga.

[Mpia · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first we saw the newcomers at the island and I must say, they are strong! And what Shugen did to that clan in the flashback was brutal, he killed them all because he thought that they would follow the steps of the man he was supposed to kill! And there were even infants and old people! Jikka is more aloof and so far we haven't seen him fight but I have a feeling he's way too strong than what he seems.

This collaboration of Chobe with Tensen is something I didn't expect. And I never liked experimenting on others, it's like torture! So when I saw what one of the 7 forms of Tensen did to Chobe, I was disgusted and angry. And Chobe teamed up with him, gave information about the others but made a deal to not get his brother hurt or worse killed.

Now, the fight scenes with the forms of Tensen are epic! The different elemental affiliations of tao all are amazing and I liked how their usage was explained in battle and what affiliation could win against an another and the opposite.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The remnants of the first landing party (sans Chobe, of course) enter the Horai palace... only for the Tensen to predictably anticipate them, making for something like a classic Gold Saints Arc scramble against a bunch of villains.

Gabimaru and Yuzuriha are up against Ran, whose Tao attribute is Water, a hard counter to Gabimaru's Fire. But Gabimaru's genius at battle allows him to come up with a plan to use the elemental disadvantage to his benefit, turning Ran's own Tao against him! Tricking Ran into weakening his own Tao to defend against Gabimaru, Yuzuriha is free to inflict massive damage due to her advantageous elemental matchup! But Ran transforms into his Kishikai state!

It's actually taking forever for the second landing party to do anything....

****

Yuzuriha boobs when she tells the story about Shugen...!

Yuzuriha with glasses...!!!