ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku,’ Volume 8

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku (Hell’s Paradise) has easily become one of my favorite titles currently running (in volumes). It’s filled with body horror, mythology, magic, violence, and ninjas that all come together for a story about criminals on death row trying to find the elixir of life in order to escape their punishment. Last volume, the remaining survivors came together with a plan to take down the remaining “gods” and to escape the island once and for all. In Hell’s Paradise Volume 8, things don’t go as planned.

Hell’s Paradise Volume 8 is localized in English by VIZ Manga and published through its VIZ Signature imprint. The volume is created, written, and illustrated by mangaka Yuji Kaku, translated by Caleb Cook, and features touch-up art and lettering from Mark McMurray. In this volume, the survivors continue their desperate raid on Horai, the center of Lord Tensen’s operations. What they thought was a plan to at least stand a chance has warped into a fight for their lives thanks to Chobe’s meddling. For starters, Gabimaru and Yuzurija battle against Ran putting them at a disadvantage with their Tao weaker against his element, forcing Ran into his monstrous kishikai form. While this is the main battle of hell’s Paradise Volume 8, we also see Gantetsusai and Fuchi begin their fight, with Chobe and Toma having a reunion.

Truthfully, I can’t even begin to express how striking Hell’s Paradise Volume 8 is. Kaku’s ability to illustrate violence that is dynamic, captivating, and unnerving is unmatched. This volume covers chapters 67 to 76 of the series and consists of fights against the Tensen, and while we know that the second landing party is getting closer to the Horai, the terrifyingly powerful Shugen isn’t in this volume. Instead, we get innovative fight sequences and learn more about how Tao can be transferred and how it can keep you immortal or drain your life. 

I’m stunned by Kaku’s ability to pack in exposition and also manage to pull of panels with enough space to showcase characters’ movements. But even more so, the strongest part of Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Volume 8 is how much Yuzurija has grown as a character. She’s turned from a loner ready to sell out everyone around her for her own survival to a team player willing to give her life for the win. Her ingenuity and power are felt in her panels, and it’s great to see her finally shown as more than just fan service.

Overall, Hell’s Paradise Volume 8 is still a must-buy. It’s a series that continues to impress with grotesquely gorgeous imagery and strong character moments. If you’re still on the fence, make the decision to pick the series now! Not only can you buy the individual volumes, but you can also read the series through the Shonen Jump app’s web browser.

Hell’s Paradise: Jigokuraku Volume 8 is available wherever books are sold on May 18, 2021.