I’m currently rewatching one of my favorite anime shows of all time, “Death Note,” partially out of boredom but also because I found out that each year Americans celebrate the unofficial holiday of National Anime Day, which so happens to be today. For those who don’t know, Anime refers to a style of Japanese animation that is usually based off a Manga, which is kind of similar to a comic book. I actually got into manga a little while after I first got into anime, all the way back in middle school, but by now I’ve read quite a few. I would have loved to give a review on “Death Note” to celebrate the holiday, but we don’t have many mangas that I have personally read, except one.
About the Manga/Anime:
“The Promised Neverland” by Kaiu Shirai is an absolutely insane book and show. This is where I am immediately placing a spoiler and trigger warning because this is not the story you expect it to be. “The Promised Neverland” follows a group of children who live seemingly idyllic lives at Grace Field House, an orphanage surrounded by forests and run by a kind caretaker they call Mom. The story centers on three of the smartest kids, Emma, Norman, and Ray, who begin to question the orphanage’s rules after a shocking discovery; it turns out that the children at Grace Field House aren’t being adopted out to loving families, they’re being raised as livestock for demons’ consumption. As they uncover this dark truth behind their home and their purpose there, the children begin to hatch a plan to escape, despite the tight surveillance, the high stakes, and the terrifying forces at play outside the walls.
There are 20 volumes that make up this story. Released by Kaiu Shirai from 2016 until 2020 and made into an anime of two seasons in 2019 and 2021, the story became a hit in many anime-adoring communities. The manga was praised for its suspenseful storytelling, clever plot twists, and emotional depth that blends psychological thriller, horror, dystopia, and dark fantasy, leading to its eventual success in as an anime as well.
Review of the Manga/Anime:
Now I won’t lie, I watched the first season of the show before reading the manga but finished the manga before the airing of the second season. I am focusing specifically on the Manga here because that is what we have in the library, but in both forms, this is an excellent story. Kaiu Shirai’s storytelling is masterfully layered with psychological depth, strategic cat-and-mouse tension, and world-shattering twists. The narrative strikes a delicate balance between despair and determination, with high-stakes decisions that make you genuinely root for the characters, especially the core trio, and Posuka Demizu’s artwork elevates the entire experience. The contrast between her soft, whimsical character designs and the haunting, dystopian landscapes is breathtaking. Her ability to capture emotion, whether it’s fear, hope, or quiet resolve, is unmatched. Every panel is packed with detail and atmosphere.
“The Promised Neverland” explores themes of survival, sacrifice, and what it means to grow up in a world built on cruelty. It’s a story that makes the reader ask how far they would go to protect the people they love. If you’re a fan of mind games, intricate plots, and beautifully drawn, emotionally resonant stories, this manga is a must-read. It’s chilling, clever, and unexpectedly hopeful, a standout in the world of dark fantasy. And if you enjoy that, the anime is also available on Netflix and Crunchyroll for you to watch to celebrate National Anime Day!
You must be logged in to post a comment.