At its base, Deadman Wonderland is an action story, a dramatic mystery, a tale of love and betrayal; at its core however, it is a critique of reformation in the justice system and the horrors of capitalism. As a result, the series not only satisfies those seeking an immersive battle seinen experience but also provides ample material for profound media analysis and interpretation.
We've all seen this before, Squid Game utilized the same premise in an effective and entertaining way. Kinji Fukasaku's Battle Royale introduced viewers to the corruption of people and their disregard to human life in a survival game setting for the first time, even inspiring The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. The premise is anything but new to viewers whether they are fans of TV series, films or anime. What makes Deadman Wonderland different from all the rest? What does it provide that other forms of media lack?
To begin with, the insurgent hope in the anime is near unparalleled compared to other stories. Despite being in utter despair at the beginning of the show, Ganta's unwavering hope to prove his innocence and seek justice becomes a driving force for his actions and his will to survive. His future, past and even his closest friends are enigmas to him. He has been convicted of a first degree felony and is consequently put on death row. However, it is Ganta's unyielding determination to prove his innocence and attain justice that propels his every action and fuels his unwavering will to survive. Despite the seemingly insurmountable odds stacked against him, Ganta's indefatigable hope shines through as a beacon of resilience, guiding him through the darkest depths of Deadman Wonderland.
The Red Jewel: My interpretation of the red jewel in the manga is that of a barrier that paradoxically connects the two. The red jewel i.e. the anti-wretched egg jewel is both a literal and allegorical barrier between him and Shiro. On a literal level, the red jewel is the wretched egg's one weakness, found in the depths of her greatest friend. It binds Ganta to Shiro and gives him the power to overcome her, yet it also connects them by merging a part of Shiro's being into Ganta's own body. Allegorically, the red jewel represents the depth of their childhood connection and friendship, one that still lives on in Ganta's heart despite Shiro's transformation into the wretched egg. Though she has become his enemy, the memory of the innocent Shiro, embodied in the red jewel, gives Ganta the power and will to save her. The red jewel is thus a paradox, separating them as physical beings but uniting them at a deeper emotional and spiritual level. It creates an unbreakable bond between them that proves stronger than the wretched egg's evil and leads to her ultimate redemption.
> ❝It may be crazy to you, but that’s only because reality is absurd.❞The Battle Against Absurdity: From the first episode of the anime, this theme is perpetually touched down upon. The comparison between absurdism and existentialism is rampant throughout the anime, in other terms, it is the rejection of hope vs the pursuit of hope into fruition. Ganta is told time and time again that just to find meaning in this world is absurd because there's no leaving the prison once you've entered. Through trial and error, Ganta struggles and rebels against the absurd. He seeks to forge meaningful connections and values.
Similarly, the hope that Ganta has in saving Shiro seems just as absurd, after all, he's barely able to control his newfound powers yet Shiro has lived her whole life with hers. Despite that, Ganta refuses to yield. Other characters like Yo and Makina; the former's sacrificial love for Minatsuki and the latter's moral stand against the injustices of the prison system, all represent a refusal to accept meaninglessness and despair. In the end, their struggle suggests that one can find meaning and hope even in the darkest of places, if only one has the courage to rebel against absurdity and fight for purpose and value. Hope is possible where there seems to be none, if we but choose to embrace it.
Deadman Wonderland is now one of my favorite manga of all time and the hate towards it is undeserved. For anybody who has yet to give this a chance, you will most likely enjoy it :)~~~~~~