Deadman Wonderland is really something special, no I mean it really is something out of the ordinary, no sarcasm intended. There's an edgy flare that I just can't help but be entranced by. However perfect the premise, and opening might be, we get a show that just ends up going nowhere by the end.
Deadman Wonderland takes place in what is "the future", the main character Ganta is convicted with murder after being framed for killing all of his classmates. However, rather than go to prison he is sent to the place known as Deadman Wonderland in which the prisoners are sent through various games to entertain the masses. While not obviously apparent to the adoring crowds, people's lives are on the line as they struggle to survive a Battle Royale-like survival game for the sake of entertainment. Deadman Wonderland is a good idea that breathes tension into a world that's hopelessly against its cast. I would've liked to see more of the story developed over the course of the show. For some reason the creators decided to wrap up Deadman Wonderland fairly quickly, sweeping everything under the rug for an ending that feels rushed. There is so much more I'm curious about and I can't exactly say watch this without reading the manga, which will most likely be a requirement.
Deadman Wonderland has a very interesting selection of characters because most of them consist of convicted criminals or insane authority figures. Ganta is nothing really all that special, he is just there surviving and overcoming some obstacles. Shiro, the girl with the white hair, might be somewhat annoying but can be useful at some parts in progressing the story. This is my main problem, so much of the characters rely on the story and vice versa so it is very very hard to delve into analyzing both properly. Again the problem is that there just isn't enough room for you to see more about them, which weakens the overall plot and back story.
I had a good time watching Deadman Wonderland, it's a very different show from the usual. There was a point in the show where I wanted to watch more but was cut off by the last episode, and that's just it...the show just ends because they never bothered to animate more of the manga. My enjoyment could have been pushed a little further if I had at least seen a little more of both the world and of the characters. It could have been something more but as soon as it picks up it ends. There isn't much I can say because it's not the show's fault for ending it at that point, sure I'm gonna read the manga but it would've been nice to get some closure considering they're never going to make more of this ever.
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