Alternative TitlesJapanese: デッドマンワンダーランド
Information
Type: TV
Episodes: 12
Status: Finished Airing
Aired: Apr 17, 2011 to Jul 3, 2011
Duration:
24 min. per episode Rating:
R - 17+ (violence & profanity)
L represents licensing company
StatisticsScore: 7.761 (scored by 35248 users)
Ranked: #7432
Popularity: #120
Members: 61,079
Favorites: 807 1 indicates a weighted score
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SynopsisGanta is the only survivor after a mysterious man in red slaughters a classroom full of teenagers. He's framed for the carnage, sentenced to die, and locked away in the most twisted prison ever built: Deadman Wonderland. And then it gets worse.
At Deadman Wonderland, convicts are forced into brutal deathmatches for the amusement of the masses, the cheers of the crowd drowning out the screams of the dismembered. Even when Ganta befriends Shiro, an unusual female inmate, his dark fate crushes all hope —until he discovers the strange ability to wield his spilled blood as a weapon. Ganta learns his new skill might be related to the murderous man in red and uncovers disturbing secrets that could expose those who stole his freedom. He's determined to see justice served —but first he'll have to fight for his life in a prison that holds a million ways to die.
(Source: FUNimation) |
Related AnimeAdaptation: Deadman Wonderland
Side story: Deadman Wonderland OVA
Characters & Voice Actors
Staff
Reviews
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Archaeon
192 of 338 people found this review helpful
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12 of 12 episodes seen
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| Overall |
6 |
| Story |
5 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
6 |
| Enjoyment |
6 |
Strange things can happen to a person when they're in prison so the general rules of thumb are to keep a low profile, stay out of the way of other people, and avoid dropping the soap in the shower. For the inmates of Japan's only privately owned prison (which for some reason is run as a theme park and is built on Ground Zero of the Great Tokyo Earthquake), the ablutive antics of their fellow "guests" are the least of their worries, especially when the warden takes the term "punishment game" to a whole new level. The stage is set. The "Running Man" style collars are on. The next event is a lethal variation of Takeshi's Castle.
Welcome to Deadman Wonderland.
Based on the manga by Kataoka Jinsei (story), and Kondou Kazuma (art), the story begins with middle school student Igarashi Ganta, a fairly normal teenager with a reasonably mundane life - going to school, hanging out with friends, etc. All of that changes when his entire class are slaughtered while still in school, and as the only survivor he is found guilty of mass murder and sentenced to death. He is sent to Deadman Wonderland to wait out the time before his execution, but the powers that be in the prison have their eyes on Ganta so he must now navigate a labyrinth of conspiracies, greed, betrayal, murder, revolution, gladiatorial combat, and enough blood to make a clan of vampires drool.
Which immediately brings up the first problem with this series.
At its heart Deadman Wonderland is nothing more than a bloodier version of the common or garden shounen tale, but bolted onto the framework concept is a plot that has been worked over far too many times, so much so that it's highly predictable and almost barren of any original thought. Far too much importance has been placed on making the content "cool" in an effort to appeal to viewers who just want violence, blood and explosions, and with the added yet pointless melodramatic scenes designed to elicit audience sympathy, the storyline never really picks up enough narrative pace to maintain the viewer's interest. There are also a few critical errors that anyone with a basic understanding of investigative techniques would immediately spot and question, but we'll get to that in a bit.
Now this may confuse some people because Deadman Wonderland does have a lot going on in each episode, so an explanation is probably in order. This anime uses an event driven plot rather than a character driven one, and because of that the protagonist and his fellow inmates are simply along for the ride. They become nothing more than reactionary elements in the storyline, and in an effort to compensate for that the author and his adaptation colleagues have thrown as many different ideas at the series as they could. In truth, the only thing holding the entire narrative together so that it could be considered a story instead of a collection of random events, is Ganta, which gives an idea of the scale of the problem.
That said, Ganta isn't really terrible, but the nature of the plot ensures that his characterisation remains linear and one dimensional, and while it may appear to some that he matures as an individual, this is actually a forced measure that serves only one purpose - to make his win against the next big bad opponent a bit more believable. Unfortunately, Deadman Wonderland isn't really about developing the characters in any meaningful way, and this is borne out by the fact that the supporting cast only get a few paltry flashbacks even though some of them have a lasting effect on the storyline. The oddity is that probably the most intriguing character is Ganta's childhood friend Shiro, a resident of Deadman Wonderland who isn't a prisoner. She is an anomaly who appears to have a childlike personality, but her very presence in the storyline, together with her looks, is enough to set alarm bells ringing for anyone who knows the trope about mysterious white haired characters.
Given that this is an adaptation of a manga there's automatically a severe limitation placed on design, but Manglobe have done their best with what has been given to them, and the results are actually pretty good. The animation is smooth and there are some nice visual effects scattered throughout the series, the character movements are fluid and have a natural feel, and the action set pieces have a visceral edge to them that the manga lacks. There are a few issues though, but these lie in the smaller details as there are some design influences from other works (Ganta's likeness to Renton Thurston from Eureka 7, which is also a work by the Kataoka and Kondou). In addition to this, there's a tendency to fall back on certain stereotypes (the rather obvious musclebound oaf who likes nothing more than fighting strong opponents), which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it can get tedious to see certain character archetypes all the time. Thankfully these niggles aren't really enough to prevent viewers from enjoying the series, especially if one is able to move past the rather slapdash storyline.
Seriously, would it kill anyone to use some real world stereotypes, maybe something like the bad tempered little guy who doesn't know how to fight properly but makes up for it in sheer ferocity?
Deadman Wonderland has a rather eclectic variety of background music on offer that ranges from dramatic heavy metal blended with techno, to a few simple notes played on a piano. The quality of the audio, both the music and the effects, is surprisingly good, and the choreography shows that some thought has gone into the implementation and timing of each track. The opening theme is a heavy metal piece called One Reason by DWB (featuring Fade), that has been set to a well designed sequence that utilises a three colour base, in this case red, white and black. The end credits feature a slow moving ferris wheel accompanied by images of many of the characters from their lives before they became inmates of Deadman Wonderland, all set to the tune of Shiny Shiny by NIRGILIS.
To be perfectly honest, this anime doesn't really test the abilities of Paku Romi (Ganta), Hanazawa Kana (Shiro), or any of the other cast members to any great degree, but part of that is due to a relatively lackadaisical script. The dialogue lacks a degree of intuitiveness that can make conversations seem forced, and while the cast are capable seiyuu in their own right, they seem to struggle with several scenes in an effort to get the emotion across to the viewer. It's never a good thing when an actor or actress tries too hard, and this fact is borne out during a number of conversations in the series.
But then, that's pretty much the story of Deadman Wonderland - it tries too hard.
On the surface this appears to be a rather slick production with some high quality audio and visuals, but no amount of beautification can hide a plot that is more focused on currying favour with audiences than it is with actually telling a story. The narrative can often seem like a train wreck (i.e. bits flying off everywhere, people screaming and running for cover, etc), as many of the plot elements have simply been attached without any real thought given to integrating them into the story proper, and this is why many events can feel like they're nothing more than fillers. In addition to this, the idea of weaponizing blood isn't actually new as Wei Zhijun from Darker Than Black can blow things up using his blood, while Saya from Blood + must use hers to kill Chiropterans.
That said, one has to remember that the story itself is incomplete as this is only an adaptation of the manga up to a point, and this is one of the reasons why there are inherent issues that have yet to be resolved. Unfortunately that excuse cannot cover certain flaws that really do stand out, the chief among them being Ganta's conviction. The series makes a point of showing a confession by him and this is given as proof of his guilt, but what happened to all the witness statements? What about the forensic evidence like the direction in which the windows exploded, or the angle of the attacks on the classroom? While the viewer clearly knows that Ganta is innocent, the apparent ease of his conviction is dependent on his confession, but nothing is mentioned about the physical evidence from the scene of the crime.
Deadman Wonderland looks and sounds great, and if all you're after is a series that has lots of violence, blood, weird characters and a storyline that requires you disengage your brain, then this may be for you. The series may have it's problems, but the concept is interesting even if the implementation leaves a lot to be desired, and it does retain a degree of entertainment value for its action set pieces.
In essence though, Deadman Wonderland is nothing more than a potato that has been painted by Michaelangelo - it looks stunning, but it's still just a potato. read more
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Meh_93
30 of 57 people found this review helpful
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12 of 12 episodes seen
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| Overall |
8 |
| Story |
8 |
| Animation |
8 |
| Sound |
8 |
| Character |
7 |
| Enjoyment |
9 |
I'm writing this review because a lot of the current reviews are complaining about the story being to short and some characters not getting enough screen time. Obviously, not everything is going to be resolved at the end of the anime because the manga has 45 chapters and the anime is only 12 episodes. That being said, I think the anime did a pretty good job in adapting the manga and you should read the manga after (or before) watching the anime.
Story - (8)
As you know, Deadman Wonderland is about Ganta, a boy who is framed for the murder of his friends and sent to a privately owned prison. Shortly after arriving in Deadman Wonderland, Ganta discovers he can use his blood as a weapon. He is then sent to G-Block (where all the other Deadmen are) and the story begins.
Since the anime is only 12 episodes, we only get to see the first arc, which is fine. In terms of plot, we don't get to see the start of the main storyline. The first half of the anime is getting introduced to Deadman Wonderland and the second half Ganta teams up with Owl. Most of the questions that are introduced such as the Mother Goose System, the Red Man, and Makina (lady in charge of the prison guard) trying to discover what's going on, while explored, aren't resolved. This leaves people with the sense that the plot was cheap and incomplete, but there are 45 manga chapters and the anime only got to chapter 20.
note: if you want to read the manga, don't start on chapter 20 because the anime left out a chunk of main characters and some events happen in a different order.
Characters - (7)
Character wise, Deadman Wonderland was just okay. 12 epiosdes wasn't enough time to introduce everyone, so they left out some pretty important characters. I don't really mind that because we are already introduced to a lot of characters and more would just give less screen time all around (and they were irrelevant to the Owl arc). Even though they left out some characters, the only two characters to receive a decent amount of screen time are Ganta and Shiro. If you want more info on Crow, Hummingbird, etc. read the manga, they get a lot more development. The other problem people have with the characters is that a lot of them are introduced, then die in an episode or two, which leaves no impact on the audience. While this is somewhat true, it shouldn't stop you from enjoying the main cast.
Ganta → after 12 episodes, he showed a little bit of growth. He starts off as shy and wimpy. He needs Shiro to protect him in the prison. He's just average intelligence, overall a pretty normal character. He does notice how weak he is and tries to get stronger, so he's not useless the entire time. He cares for Shiro and hates the Red Man.
Shiro → She's lived at Deadman Wonderland Prison her whole life and she's shrouded in mystery as to why. She is pretty dumb, but saves Ganta a lot. We get to know more about her past and why she's in DW and can basically do whatever she wants, but I'll let you watch that.
Art / Animation - (8)
It's pretty dark in the depths of the prison and the scenes that are mysterious. The prison itself is very bright and shiny, which fits the show because Deadman Wonderland Prison needs to give the appearance of being a nice prison. The character designs were faithful to the manga and looked good, with the exception of Crow, I thought Crow looked better in the manga, might just be me though. Animation wise, everything seemed pretty fluid, I didn't notice any poor animation.
Sound - (8)
The opening and ending were pretty good, but I don't really listen to them (sorry). Background music was also fitting. Acting wise, I thought Ganta and Shiro's voices were perfect and really fit them. Everyone else didn't really have a whole lot of lines, but they did a good job. The only voice I didn't like was Toto Sakigami's voice...he sounded kinda like a woman, but he's really only introduced so I don't really care.
Overall - (8)
It's does a good job of introducing us to the manga, even though some characters were ignored and events were re-ordered. The door is still open for a second season, which I hope it gets because the real story was just beginning. If you want a gory show with plenty of death, Deadman Wonderland is for you. After you finish the anime (or before if you want) you should also go read the manga. In my opinion, it's better, but the anime version is worth a try. read more
Recommendations
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Both series have a young protagonist who is given/discovers he has an unusual power and is required to fight similarly powered people to survive. Both have similar art styles and rather stylishly violent action on top of its inherent moral dilemmas and pervasive air of desperation.
As soon as I started watching Mirai Nikki, I noticed a big similarity to Deadman Wonderland. In both series there's a strange girl that will do anything to protect the boy, both have everyone playing a life or death "game" where you either kill or be killed, the characters are very similar, and in both the main girl is yandere.
There are many other little details that make them similar, but so far those have been the biggest similarities I've seen. I felt the same sort of feeling while watching both of them, aswell. Despite the fact that the art is quite different, they're very much alike.
There's a style of horror in them that I don't see in many animes, which makes one a must watch to anyone who liked the other!
same theme and similar characters but different setting.both have a main character with a weird girl in bizzare situations in a weird world and both have violence ...
Very, very similar to Deadman. If you like one you are almost guaranteed to like the other.
The atmospheres of both shows are extraordinarily similar, possessing a common darkness and near-constant suspense. Deadman Wonderland tends to be a bit flashier about the gore, but both are undeniably gory. Both have supernatural elements to them, and the protagonists of both appear eerily alike at certain times (Ganta and Yukiteru, and Shiro and Yuno, respectively). There is also a common theme of survival, and, sometimes, being forced to cruelty and murder in order to continue living, as well as deception. The main characters are never quite sure who to trust, and they suffer greatly if they put their trust in the wrong hands.
These shows are far from being copies of each other, but they both demonstrate multiple commonalities and similarities and divert greatly from most anime even in their own genres, making them rare finds for the fans of this type of anime. If you enjoy one of these two shows, you’ll most likely enjoy the other, as well.
Similar from the very first episode - main boys are the same, main girls too - sweet&deadly, both contains some kind of survival game and lots of murders
protagonist is a scared cat, some mentally deranged girls protects them but the guy also makes effort to be a hero, violence, released around same time.
Young, silent protagonistis drawn against his will into an unusual game for life and death. And strange girl follows him. And both titles are pretty bloooody.
In both, there's a strange girl that will do anything to protect the boy. It's also unknown why the girl wants to protect the main boy so much. Both have everyone participating in a survival game. Lots of kill or be killed situations. There's gore scenes in each. They both offer the same kind of suspense for the viewer.
A boy finds himself involved in a game in which participants need to fight each other, and a girl helps it survive
1. Both have the same setting of modern day Japan
2. Feature weak-willed boys who eventually become hardcore through various hardships but maintain their humanity
3. Lots of gore, plot twists, and other messed up stuff
4. Has a female character who constantly saves the boy and is hiding secrets from him
Overall amazing animes really worth watching
Very similiar vibe, main characters are pretty much the same. I feel that Mirai Nikki is a combination of Higashi no Eden's cell phone game and Deadman Wonderland's theme and atmosphere.
- They are both involved in a game in which they risk their life.
- The main boy and girl characters are VERY similar, with the girl being crazy about the boy.
- The main boy protagonist is a coward and got in the situation because someone set him up or he has to do it.
Beta MC.
Really similar yet different, you'll probably like DWL if you liked Mirai Nikki in the slightest.
it's both about survival...a whiny main character a crazy female chick and other characters that try to help him
Deadman Wonderland is a dark series where the protagonist is in very real danger and could die at any moment in a high-stakes 'game'. It's a lot more bloody than Mirai Nikki, though to me, they share similar themes and concepts.
A survival game, a mysterious girl helps him, both have very similar feelings.
Mirai Nikki has a similar feeling to Deadman Wonderland. Both involve a 14 year old boy in a survival game fighting for his life. Also, the main girl in both animes appear to be crazily in love with the boy and is constantly looking out to protect him from danger. Both shows are violent (DW is more violent).
similiar story
if you love watch deadman wonderland , may be you love this anime to
Both revolve around death. Both have similar protagonists, and even the partners of the protaginists. Both carry similar concepts about survival.
I haven't watched the other recommendation yet, but it does resemble Deadman Wonderland A lot.
Both are a nightmare survival game, filled with blood and gore.
Both have the main character as a shy boy.
Both main characters have a girl that has strong emotions for the boy.
Both the girls are extremely strong and take anyone and anything that targets their crush, no exemptions or thoughts about right and wrong, if you touch their crush you'll be torn to pieces.
Your average wimpy teenage boy, thrown into a game of life and death. Turning his life upside down. Accompanied by a psychotic girl that only cares for him. Yandere for short. With all this to stand by, both anime are precisely the same.
The two animes are a litte heavy and with a bit of gore action. (Spoil Alert) One of the main characters in either one of them is a girl with a disturbed split/bipolar personality. Another similarity is the fact that in either one of the plots, the characters have to forcely kill or fight each other.
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blood, music, special powers, a hidden past.
both are very similar.
Bloodshed, gore, can shock an average viewer, and both of them pretend to be something they are not - EL does it way better though, since many people think it's actually deep, while DW's stupidity is obvious to most.
Both depict cruelty extremely well. Both have lovely characters which have a dark, violent and cruel side.
Both animes are very bloody and stories are similar with a sense of saving in both animes.
Also they both can become very emotional. I recommend Deadman Wonderlan to any one who likes Elfen Lied.
This series do have differences but once you take a deeper look, you just can't ignore the similarities...
1) Flying, bloody body parts everywhere
2) A girl with split personality
3) Main characters who lost his family/friends by the hands of someone he knows
4) They even both have eye violation scene!
These animes are both emotionally deep. Both animes involve a powerful female character with split personalities (Shiro/Wretched Egg and Lucy), who are attached to the male lead.Both are fastpaced and 12 episodes long.
If you can handle the gore of Elfen Lied, you can handle Deadman Wonderland a bit easier.
Blood and cut limbs galore.
Both have the same feeling and both are very gory. Many plot twists that will make you scared for what's to come
both have lots of graphic violence and yandere characters
Equally bad for the same reasons, if you liked one you'll probably like the other.
A lot of blood, flashbacks, supernatural skills, similar female protagonists
Elfen Lied is the most violent show I've seen in anime. Deadman Wonderland, while not nearly as graphic, is still pretty gory. Other than gore, these 2 shows also share another similar trait. Both girls in the 2 animes have another dark personality.
They're both awful, trying to be deep with gore and nudity, and a complete waste of time.
Both have gore and a girl with a split personality.
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Opening Theme"One Reason" by Fade
Ending Theme"SHINY SHINY" by NIRGILIS
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Related ClubsDeadman Wonderland, Deadman Wonderland to become a October 2010 anime, One-eyed characters, Hikikomori, Scary Girls Club, Daisuke Ono Fan Club!, OtakuCy, Branch Of Sins Deadman Wonderland's Playground, The Fukuyama Jun Fanclub, The Always Hungry Characters Club, fade, hardcore violence and gore, Kingdom of Insanity, Split Personality Fan Club, Shiro Fanclub., AnimeServ Club, Yuuki Kaji Fans., Minatsuki Takami, GANTA MUST DIE!, Yandere & YangireHanazawa Kana's Fans!, ★Pictorial Culture Miscellany★, ~Familia Anima~, Anime Girl Lover, Shiro-Alucard, Secret Paku Romi Fan ClubXD, Otaku Dreams, Polski FC Deadman Wonderland, Senji Kiyomasa FanClub, DARK AND BRUTAL ANIME CLUB, Role Players Unite! see all
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