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

Overview: Gabimaru (Alejandro Saab) and Sagiri (Marisa Duran) reluctantly make a new partner in the kunoichi, Yuzuriha, (Jill Harris) as they learn more about the island hellscape they’re on. 

Our Take: Gabimaru’s killer instinct clashing with his decent heart is an engaging inner battle for him. Yui acts as his kind north star in how he tackles situations, like receiving someone’s help. One of note being his polite demeanor towards his newest companion in the kunoichi, Yuzuriha. 

Yuzuriha’s seductive tactics make her a delight in the cheeky flirt she is. There’s an innate simplicity in her focusing on self-preservation as her reasoning for teaming up. Of course, that comes with a selfishness serving as a ticking time bomb for when it’ll blow up in Gabimaru and Sagiri’s faces. The intel she and her Asaemon provide begin painting a picture about the ominous dangers of the island and the creatures that inhabit it. 

Sagiri faces her own struggle in the odd, unsettling threats of the island making her question her resolve. Hopefully, Gabimaru can be the voice of reason for her as she is for him. 

 Chōbei and Yamada’s dynamic makes you feel for them in being offset by a poor, unfortunate upbringing. Yamada’s admiration of Chobei’s strength and ever-evolving change in new circumstances is sweet. Chobei’s dedication to his brother helps cement their relationship. However, it also makes things more complicated for when they eventually face Gabimaru and the gang, especially as Sagiri’s weakness weighs on her.