English Dub Review: Hell’s Paradise “Dawn and Confusion”

Overview

Shugen and Jikka are sent to Shinsenkyo, while Gabimaru and his companions battle Aza Chobe and Toma.



Our Take

The second season of Hell’s Paradise wastes no time diving back into its brutal, high-stakes world. Picking up where the previous season left off, the story immediately thrusts the death row convicts, Asaemon, and Tensen into perilous encounters on Shinsenkyou Island, balancing intense action with brief flashes of character reflection, while also highlighting the ever-evolving power dynamics between human factions and the supernatural threats lurking in the island’s wilderness. And this is in combination with some newly introduced adversaries that immediately raise the stakes.

In terms of visuals and atmosphere, the premiere impresses, with MAPPA’s animation hitting a strong stride from the outset. Combat sequences, especially Gabimaru’s clashes with the Aza brothers, are rendered with dynamic precision, emphasizing both speed and weight. Character designs and updated outfits pop in the vibrant environments, from jagged mountaintops to the eerie, dreamlike lairs of the villains. And the OP, a collaboration between Tatsuya Kitani and BABYMETAL, brings high-energy visuals and a catchy track, while the ED offers a softer, more reflective tone, rounding out the episode’s aesthetic appeal. Even smaller touches, like expressive blinking and detailed fire effects, reinforce the studio’s attention to detail.

Overall, the Season 2 premiere succeeds in reigniting the tension and intrigue of the first season, blending strategic conflict, character development, and striking animation. While some plot elements like Gabimaru’s memory loss or rapid faction introductions may feel disorienting to newcomers, the episode establishes a clear trajectory for the season and maintains the series’ trademark intensity. For returning fans, it’s a strong, engaging start that promises both explosive action and deeper exploration of its characters in the episodes to come.