Hole—a dark, decrepit, and disorderly district where the strong prey on the weak and death is an ordinary occurrence—is all but befitting of the name given to it. A realm separated from law and ethics, it is a testing ground to the magic users who dominate it. As a race occupying the highest rungs of their society, the magic users think of the denizens of Hole as no more than insects. Murdered, mutilated, and made experiments without a second thought, the powerless Hole dwellers litter the halls of Hole's hospital on a daily basis.
Possessing free access to and from the cesspool, and with little challenge to their authority, the magic users appear indomitable to most—aside for a few. Kaiman, more reptile than man, is one such individual. He hunts them on a heedless quest for answers with only a trusted pair of bayonets and his immunity to magic. Cursed by his appearance and tormented by nightmares, magic users are his only clue to restoring his life to normal. With his biggest obstacle being his stomach, his female companion Nikaidou, who runs the restaurant Hungry Bug, is his greatest ally.
Set in a gritty world of hellish design, Dorohedoro manages a healthy blend of comedy and lightheartedness with death and carnage. Taking plenty of twists and turns while following the lives of Hole's residents, it weaves a unique world of unearthly origin and dreary appearance not for the squeamish or easily disturbed.
ANIME CRITIC REVIEW: DOROHEDORO
What’s up, anime enthusiasts? Welcome back! Today, we’re diving into the eccentric and thrilling world of ‘Dorohedoro’, an unconventional mix of dystopia and dark humor that’s genuinely a breath of fresh air in the anime world. Strap in, because we’re about to explore the Hole, a decayed city ruled by sorcerers who use the city’s inhabitants as unwitting test subjects for their spells.
Imagine waking up one day with no memories of your previous life, a large lizard head instead of a human one, and a ludicrously strong sense of purpose to find out who you used to be, and you have the protagonist of our story, Caiman. Alongside his best friend, Nikaido, who happens to be a kick-ass restaurateur, they set on a mission against sorcerers to reclaim Caiman’s true identity. A strange man inside Caiman’s mouth poses an existential question to anyone he bites, sparking a complex web of stories filled with compelling characters, twisted fascination, and a mystery that will keep you glued ’til the end.
THE REVIEW
First thing that strikes you with ‘Dorohedoro’ is its distinctly grungy and hyper-stylized artwork that sets it apart from most anime you might come across. The visual aesthetics drawn from Q Hayashida’s original manga packs a punchy, industrial vibe to it that feels just right in the grimy city setting – Kudos to MAPPA Studio for doing justice to the original art.
The characterization is a real highpoint in the series. Our humanoid lizard, Caiman, is instantly likeable with his mixed bag of ferocity, kindness, and an undying love for gyoza. Nikaido, the female lead, is a total badass – she fights and cooks with vim and vigor. Even the supposed ‘antagonists’, the sorcerers, are not shallow villains, but deeply flawed individuals that you can’t help but empathize with.
Now, the plot isn’t for the faint-hearted – there’s plenty of dark comedy, gore, and magic entangled in a macabre dance. The narrative is steeped in mysteries within mysteries that will keep the viewer hooked, but at times, it can feel a touch convoluted. However, the fast-paced nature of the story seldom gives you time to dwell on it.
Visually, the CGI is controversial – it’s not the most polished you’ll ever see, but it adds to the slightly off-kilter tone of the series perfectly. The theme song by (K)NoW_NAME sticks to your skull, and it is a worthy addition to your anime music playlist.
THE VERDICT
In conclusion, ‘Dorohedoro’ is an excellent anime experience with its stylized visuals, compelling characters, and thought-provoking plot. It’s a wild ride that breaks the mold, and for all its surreal gore and gritty aesthetics, it is a genre-bending masterpiece in its own right.
If you’re open to experiencing a darker, grittier side of anime that keeps you guessing every step of the way, ‘Dorohedoro’ warrants a must-watch. To rent, buy, or to stream it, well that’s entirely up to the viewer’s preference, but this critic assures you, it’s bound to be a rewarding watch that would leave you hungry for more.
Stay tuned for more anime reviews and remember, there’s a whole world of anime out there waiting to be discovered. Until next time, this is ‘The Anime Critic’, signing off. Keep it classy, Anime lovers!
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