Hell Is Dark with No Flowers: Vol. 1 Review
REVIEW
✦
REVIEW ✦
If you're a fan of dark, immersive tales that blend horror, mystery, and the supernatural, then Hell Is Dark with No Flowers is probably already on your radar. So, let's delve into the first volume and see if its execution lives up to its somber title.
Plot
The story begins with Seiji Tohno, an ordinary young man, who finds himself drawn to a mysterious European mansion one fateful evening. Inside, he meets Shiroshi Saijou, a boy who reveals that he operates a peculiar proxy service.
Shiroshi's real mission? To seek out sinners who have committed unthinkable crimes and ensure they are sent to Hell. The first volume sets up this intriguing premise, offering readers glimpses of the dark and eerie world that lies ahead.
Characters
Seiji Tohno is portrayed as a relatable, yet somewhat weaker protagonist thrust into a brutal setting that shakes him to his core. Is he a natural fit for a horror story? Probably not—which, is fair when you think about how visceral things can get. And, in his defense, his tendency to flee from danger may also resonate with readers who regularly face their own fears!
Shiroshi Saijou, on the other hand, is enigmatic and captivating, with a mysterious aura that piques curiosity. The dynamic between these two characters is a key element of the story, becoming a thoughtful presentation of two personalities who contain the potential to bond over their differences.
Art
Ruka Todo's artwork offers readers a few instances that lean into comedic timing—but more importantly, its best examples come from the supernatural detailed illustrations that effectively convey the hauntingly gothic atmosphere of the mansion and its surroundings. More specifically, its dense foliage and depiction of architecture. On the other hand, the character designs are intricately crafted, with Shiroshi's dangerous yet alluring demeanor contrasting sharply with his generally welcoming actions toward Seiji.
Themes and Symbolism
The first volume (and presumably, the volumes that follow) delves into themes of guilt, sin, and redemption. Shiroshi's role as a seeker of sinners raises questions about justice and morality, inviting readers to ponder the nature of sin and punishment. And in some capacity, how these qualities have shaped Shiroshi into the character he’s become. Additionally, the interplay between light and darkness throughout the volume underscores the ongoing battle between good and evil and whether it’s possible to remain neutral to both.
Verdict
Hell Is Dark with No Flowers Volume 1 sets the stage for an eerie story with its own brand of humor along the way. This first volume successfully establishes the story's foundation, leaving readers eager to uncover more about Seiji's journey and role in the grand scheme of things.
