*this is a passion review, prepare for a lengthy thank-you letter to the manga*
I found Netflix's Dorohedoro anime adaptation about a year ago and was so intrigued watching it then. The cliffhanger of season 1 compelled me to check out the manga for the rest of the story. At that time I wasn't in my manga reading phase so the feeling fizzled and passed me...
..until recently, after about a week of binging it I have JUST finished reading through the entirety, and first thing to say is: I'm going to miss the crew and characters that made the story of Dorohedoro so very enjoyable to
...
read! Every individual and major person had so much depth and personality throughout the entire reading. I could read on and on about their daily lifestyle and further adventures. I will miss them terribly but I am glad to have read this and learned of them.
Story 9/10 - Dark, Chaotic, Violent, Ridiculous, Enthralling, always something to learn and be surprised by.
I personally love this genre of storytelling. From the gritty dark, post apocalytic urban ghetto setting, or the ridiculous nonsense that occurs constantly, to how deep the rabbit hole the story goes as we learn more of the plot. It kept me hooked to read more and more so I could unravel the mysteries of Dorohedoro. The first half of the manga was a breeze to read through, though I will say the latter half had a very prolonged arc (wont spoil) that I did enjoy but definitely felt constant additions to keep it going...
THE WORLD IS WELL MADE, you will be pleased to discover the layers upon layers the world and the story has in store for you. The story also has a good way to "show, not tell" what details it would like for us to learn. At the end, understandably, there will be a lot of exposition dialogue, and "history/context lessons".
Art 8/10 - Gritty, Beautifully Drawn, may seem to get busy or confusing visually.
Trigger Warning: Lots of death and gore. If you're checking this out, you'll see that instantly from the get go. But if you can stomach and get used to it, or that's your style, the art and illustration is superbly made. It is an older manga and may have the previous years visual manga aesthetic, but I love that personally.
I will have to say it does get very busy visually in the panels, with extra extra details, shading, linework, figures, and more. It can be great to admire as you read, but I can imagine it being confusing or a visual sense overload. You get used to it as you read.
Characters 10+/10 - I would rate it much higher out of 10 if I could.
Dorohedoro is a story with a cast that do a little bit of everything. They don't take themselves seriously, yet they also take themselves seriously. They are just as sweet and heart-warming as they are murdering psychopaths. If you want a cast of persons who do a little bit of it all (with a good sprinkle of chaos), you will fall in love. Each major character has a massive part to play, and the author does an amazing job as intertwining everyone in such a fun and exciting way! Following each character in what they will conjure up next is such a thrill. I will deeply miss their day to day events. They all have such good chemistry and the world, along with the story plot, all envelopes so nicely together.
Enjoyment 9/10 - Had a BLAST! Only 1 thing.
If you can't handle the confusing and chaotic nature of Dorohedoro, it will be a hard journey to keep through with it. It does well to have so much fun and craziness, but if it doesn't appeal, it's going to be difficult (which makes sense duh).
Fun fun fun, however! There are very small moments here and there, where the writing may seem too convenient or contrived for the progression of the story (especially in the 2nd half and approaching the ending). I know wrapping endings aren't easy for any story, but yes at times I read and ask myself, "Is this Dorohedoro style chaotic convenience? or is it hmmm a bit forced?" I don't know the answer, maybe this is just my personally unease.
OVERALL 10/10 - 10 Because it has way too much good to feel bad for.
I feel more bad that the story ended. But the plot was fulfilled (one way or another, no spoilies!) And I am glad with what I got, and there is not need for extra plot creation. I wouldn't mind more or a sequel, but it's mostly because I am closely attached with the cast. This dark and messy yet fun and enduring story in a grimy and crazy world is always so fun for me to read.
That and I have it fresh in my mind. If you decide to read it or are reading it currently, Cheers and eat lots and lots of gyoza!
side/note - I love this style and genre. This is more light-hearted but it personally gives me vibes alongside AKIRA, Blame!, Biomega, Knights of Sidonia, Elfen Lied, Future Diary, Berserk (from a visual aesthetic, genre, world, or story perspective)
May 14, 2022
Dorohedoro
(Manga)
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*this is a passion review, prepare for a lengthy thank-you letter to the manga*
I found Netflix's Dorohedoro anime adaptation about a year ago and was so intrigued watching it then. The cliffhanger of season 1 compelled me to check out the manga for the rest of the story. At that time I wasn't in my manga reading phase so the feeling fizzled and passed me... ..until recently, after about a week of binging it I have JUST finished reading through the entirety, and first thing to say is: I'm going to miss the crew and characters that made the story of Dorohedoro so very enjoyable to ... |
