Experience the duality of life with Heavenly Delusion Episode 1: Heaven and Hell (Spoilers ahead)
First episode of Disney+’s anime adaptation ‘Heavenly Delusion’ premiered on April 01. With strong characters and an intriguing plot, it's a must-watch anime.
Fans of the post-apocalyptic genre will not be disappointed with Disney+’s latest anime adaptation, Heavenly Delusion, which premiered its first episode, ‘Heaven and Hell’, on April 01. Adapted from Masakazu Ishiguro’s manga, Heavenly Delusion is a thought-provoking anime that keeps its viewers guessing. With Production I.G’s exceptional animation and the slow-burning mystery and strong character work, the first episode tantalizes the audience and sets the tone for the rest of the series.
This article contains major spoilers for Heavenly Delusion Episode 1.
Heavenly Delusion episode 1 'Heaven and Hell': Introducing two different perspectives of the same world
The first episode, titled 'Heaven and Hell,' introduces two different perspectives of the same world. It first introduces us to Tokio and Mimihime, who lead a carefree life within the walls of their utopian school run by robots. However, Tokio stumbles upon a particular question during a quiz: "Do you want to go outside of the outside?" which prompts her to explore the world outside the school. This leads to a series of discoveries about the world outside the school, which has been ravaged by an unknown calamity referred to as 'The Collapse.'
The compelling journey of Kiruko and Maru beyond the school compound
The episode also follows the journey of two kids, Kiruko and Maru, as they trek through the ruins of post-apocalyptic Japan to hunt for 'treasure,' fighting thugs in search of a place called 'Heaven' - presumably the school behind the wall. The world outside is a hellscape, full of man-eating creatures called Hiruko that terrorize the wasteland. The contrast between the utopian school and the harsh outside world is stark, and the anime does a fantastic job of building intrigue on both sides. (Also Read: The kiss continues! Kaguya-sama: Love is War Movie now streaming on Crunchyroll)
The series raises several intriguing questions that leave viewers wondering about the plot. One of the central themes is the mystery surrounding the school and its true purpose. Another mystery is the state of the outside world, which has been destroyed by an unexplained disaster. Additionally, the show delves into the topic of supernatural powers and introduces a variety of creatures whose origins are unknown. (Also Read: Hell's Paradise Episode 1 is out & it's all about secrets behind Gabimaru's past)
But the biggest mystery of all is the uncanny resemblance between the two main characters, Tokio and Maru. Despite being separated by time, Maru looks like an older version of Tokio. This enigma adds an extra layer of complexity to the story, making viewers wonder if there is a connection between the two characters that has yet to be revealed.
Unique storytelling in 'Heavenly Delusion': Slow-burning mystery keeps viewers engaged
'Heavenly Delusion' stands out due to its unique way of storytelling. Instead of giving away all the details at once, the anime reveals small pieces of information through visual clues and dialogues between characters. This creates a slow-burning mystery that keeps the audience engaged and eager to solve the puzzle. The show's method of storytelling is refreshing and distinct from other shows that rely on exposition dumps, which can disrupt the flow of the story.
Although 'Heavenly Delusion' mostly depicts everyday life, the most captivating aspect of the anime is the journey of Kiruko and Maru. Their experiences beyond the school are more exciting than the occurrences within it. Nevertheless, the series is still in its early stages, and the tale of Tokio and Mimihime might become more engrossing in upcoming episodes.
Animation by Production I.G: Bringing Masakazu Ishiguro’s manga to life
The animation in the series is top-notch, thanks to Production I.G's exceptional work in adapting the manga. They have done an outstanding job of bringing the story to life through the visuals. The colour scheme used and the character design are both impressive and captivating. The animation of the anime has a lot of visual flairs, which complement the slow-paced mystery and well-crafted characters.
The first episode of Heavenly Delusion, titled 'Heaven and Hell', delivers on the promise of its name by presenting two contrasting worlds creating a dichotomy that builds intrigue. It's a perfect depiction of the duality of existence, where life can be both heavenly and hellish at the same time. As viewers, we are left wondering which of the two sides is the true Heavenly Delusion.
The second episode of the show is set to air on April 8, 2023, on Disney+ and we can't wait to see what it has in store for us. In the meantime, share your thoughts on the first episode with us on @htTweets.