I'm not someone who reads a lot of manga, but I can genuinely say that this one was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. I've never come across such an engaging story that had me reading without stopping. It takes a lot to hold my attention, and usually, if something doesn't grab me in the first chapter or volume, I won't continue.
Dorohedoro boasts an insane and captivating plot, fantastic world-building, endearing characters, stunning artwork, and graphic scenes that I found fascinating. I truly loved every moment of it. This is now my favorite manga of all time. It was an unforgettable rollercoaster ride. I can't wait to dive into more of Q Hayashida's work.
Dorohedoro is a meticulously crafted, atmospheric manga with a distinctive style and sense of humor that permeates its narrative. Q Hayashida skillfully infuses her personality into the text by juxtaposing grim and depressing settings with deadpan delivery, sarcasm, goofiness, and silliness.
The characters in the manga are predominantly powerful magic users, each possessing a personalized superpower—sometimes arbitrary yet always unexpected, like turning people into meat pies—or they are weak and vulnerable victims in a violent world, such as the inhabitants of Hole or magic users with limited abilities. All characters exude personality and charm, which stands out as Dorohedoro's strongest aspect and where Q Hayashida truly shines. Kaiman, Nikaido, Shin, En, Noi, Ebisu, Fujita, Risu, the staff at the magic victims hospital—everyone is clever and unique.
However, when needed to explain the story's events, this is where the narrative falters. Unfortunately, Dorohedoro's logic is inconsistent at times, and the explanations for the effectiveness of the magic driving the plot can be convoluted and difficult to follow. This causes the manga to stumble through the plot somewhat awkwardly, leading to strange compromises (like Risu and Aikawa's relationship) or anticlimactic conclusions (such as En's arc). Perhaps due to rushing to conclude the series, after the halfway point, there's a noticeable shift toward wrapping up loose ends, which happens but not in a particularly satisfying manner.
Despite these issues, I thoroughly enjoyed the world the author created and found the reading experience engaging. I simply wished for more time to delve deeper into each character's depth, something that feels wasted on the main villain, who lacks both depth and personality.
My initial encounter with DRHDR happened on Twitter, where a close friend was discussing the characters. Intrigued, I decided to explore it further, and I'm glad I did because I discovered one of my all-time favorite mangas—possibly even my most beloved!
At first glance, the premise seems straightforward—an amnesiac man with a lizard face attempts to regain his memories by biting sorcerers so they can reveal what the person inside him said, then eliminating them afterward, all while being aided by his partner, Nikaido. However, things become more complex as the story progresses. The mystery surrounding Kaiman's true identity is genuinely captivating. Looking back, the early volumes offer excellent re-reading material, allowing you to piece together clues that were subtly introduced from the start. It’s an unconventional tale filled with twists, but it remains thoroughly engaging throughout.
One of my favorite aspects of this manga is its world-building and, especially, its diverse cast of characters. Each character feels distinct, with unique quirks, personalities, and designs that make them instantly recognizable. It's a dark, chaotic universe populated by equally eccentric individuals, yet it strikes a perfect balance between intense violence and moments of lightheartedness or dark humor.
The artwork may appear rough initially, but it perfectly complements the gritty atmosphere of the protagonists' environment—a shadowy world split into two primary locations central to the narrative. Later chapters showcase refined art and stunning colored pages that retain the series' original essence while elevating its visual appeal.
And let's not forget—we get a lizard-headed guy who has a deep love for gyozas! :p
This is without a doubt one of the most original, mind-bending, unsettling, and imaginative stories I've ever come across.
The world-building is exceptional. It's mainly split into two realms: the Hole, inhabited by humans, and the Magic Users' world, populated by beings that look human but possess bizarre and extraordinary abilities. These powers range from conventional healing to devastating mushroom-based attacks, with countless strange variations in between. Naturally, there's mutual distrust between humans and magic users.
As for the plot, it's incredibly challenging to summarize. Saying, "It's about an amnesiac man with a lizard head named Kaiman who wants his real face back, so he's biting people's faces in hopes the person inside his mouth can help identify who did this to him," doesn't even scratch the surface. There's far more to it than that, but the full picture only begins to emerge around volume 7, when the story takes a darker turn and Kaiman's memories and identity start falling into place.
That said, the series remains highly entertaining throughout, thanks to its intense violence and dark humor. The lengthy setup is necessary to acclimate readers to this unique world and its wildly eccentric characters. That's not to imply the early volumes lack plot progression—clues are scattered everywhere, though they may not be immediately apparent. Revisiting the story after grasping the larger narrative adds immense value, making it well worth re-reading.
Where else will you encounter a line like, "The Boss is no longer a pie!!" XD
Summary:
Dorohedoro stands out as a uniquely captivating work of art, blending gore, absurdly entertaining fight scenes, mind-bending mysteries, and complex characters. It boasts an intriguing art style and humorously recurring jokes that keep readers engaged. The narrative follows Kaimen, the protagonist, on his journey through a post-apocalyptic, magical realm to find the sorcerer who transformed his face into that of a lizard. Along the way, he grapples with amnesia while piecing together fragmented memories, encountering a colorful array of unconventional allies, antagonists, and morally ambiguous figures. This tale skillfully blurs the boundaries between good and evil. I highly recommend this manga for those who appreciate humor, heartfelt camaraderie, darker themes, and aren't deterred by graphic violence.
Story: 9/10
Dorohedoro's storyline is incredibly intricate. Initially straightforward, it evolves in ways that foster character development. The unraveling mystery maintains a perfect balance—offering just enough clarity to sustain interest without spoiling upcoming twists. This is a story that embraces eccentricity, leaving readers craving more.
Art: 10/10
The artwork is exceptional. Q Hiyashida's talent shines through her distinctive, dark aesthetic. Her illustrations enhance world-building and deepen the appeal of the characters. Some depictions are intentionally exaggerated, amplifying the comedic elements within the narrative.
Characters: 9/10
Compelling narratives rely heavily on fascinating, relatable, and emotionally resonant characters—and Dorohedoro delivers all three. Each character experiences significant growth, both personally and within their relationships. Their designs, influenced by post-apocalyptic punk fashion, ensure they remain distinct and memorable even in black-and-white format. Moreover, the writing effectively conveys their internal struggles, which are often overlooked in stories dominated by intense plots. Decisions made by these characters stem from their interpersonal connections rather than mere plot convenience, creating a truly authentic experience.
Enjoyment: 9/10
This was my first completed manga, despite having started several others. The engaging plot, well-developed characters, striking art, and clever humor kept me hooked throughout. I enthusiastically shared volumes with coworkers, sparking lively discussions about its imaginative premise. Comparing early sections to the anime adaptation (which mirrors the source material closely) added another layer of enjoyment. While some later volumes occasionally drag, overall pacing remains strong. Despite minor inconsistencies, every volume of Dorohedoro left a lasting impression, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of this artistic genre.
My initial reaction to Dorohedoro was "What the f*ck, a woman wrote this?" It has to be one of the strangest, most creative, unique, and awesome mangas I've read in my life. It blends the gloominess typical of a seinen manga with traditional elements like blood and gore, violence, and sexual explicitness.
To be honest, I disliked the artwork at first. It seemed so strange and creepy. But as you delve further into the story, you get absorbed into Hayashida's fictional world, and soon enough, you'll find yourself craving more.
The storyline is well-crafted, featuring an engaging plot that evolves continuously without losing the reader's interest. It skillfully combines elements of mystery, action, comedy, and tragedy into a powerful, cohesive package.
The character development is also remarkable, as these are far from ordinary characters. Each has their own compelling backstory and feels almost lifelike. Even the unattractive ones possess a certain beauty in their own way, adding depth to the story and contributing personally to each event.
The artwork is exceptionally distinctive, and if you appreciate gloomy and Satanic aesthetics, you'll definitely love it. It enhances the emotions of each scene, making the world feel almost tangible.
The enjoyment factor is at its peak, with a good dose of comedy mixed in for added enjoyment. The level of gore is quite high, while the sexual explicitness is moderate, aligning it with a standard seinen manga. It’s primarily suited for mature readers.
In short, Dorohedoro captures that fantastic and violent seinen manga vibe and is truly an excellent read. 9/10.
The world of Dorohedoro is one of the rarest and most original I've encountered in manga. It's violent, dark, and visceral, yet it avoids the typical clichés of such narratives.
To me, this is its standout feature: Dorohedoro incorporates elements like magic, satanism with demons, or steampunk aesthetics, but reinvents them in a way that feels fresh and unique.
In short, Q Hayashida has a talent for turning the grotesque and bloody into something captivating, entertaining, and thought-provoking. This is why Dorohedoro is an excellent story that I would readily recommend to anyone who appreciates this genre.
Loved how the author maintained the mystery of Caiman until the very end, keeping it consistent throughout. The root cause of the events turned out to be unexpectedly normal yet fitting. An ancient problem can indeed bring disaster in the future; that's where all the mystery lies. This manga also proves that comedy can seamlessly blend with a dark-themed thriller plotline. Whether it's the story or the art, it's outstanding. And about the characters, you won't find a clear positive or negative side; their actions are justified enough to make them all likable. Plus one point for the bonus chapters at the end of each volume. World-building is somewhat limited in the story, but it's okay because the plot revolves around a few key characters (who are top-tier in their respective worlds) and specific locations. Very precise!
Historically speaking, Chidaroma, the infamous devil, is known to everyone, but his past remains a mystery to magic users. Chidaroma was believed to be an ancient creature who managed hell (though it wasn't mentioned from where or for whom). When he got bored, he created human-like creatures called magic users and ruled over them. On the other hand, Chidaroma kept exploring the world to find new creatures; that's when he discovered humans, who were unlike the magic users he had created. He got along with them, played with them, and quite enjoyed his time in both worlds. However, trouble arose when magic users started coming through portals and disturbed the lives of normal humans by bullying them or using them as subjects for their magic experiments. Magic users showed no bounds to their insanity, killing large numbers of humans, forming mountains of dead bodies. As the bodies were disposed of, they created a deep black hole in the land. From this incident, Chidaroma called this place "The Hole" while the place of magic users was named "The Magic World."
Most people are unaware of the history of The Hole and The Magic World, yet the modern world still suffers from the same problem: people of The Hole are being victimized by magic users. Mostly amateur magic users come to The Hole to practice their magic by applying their magic smoke on humans. The main character, Caiman, is also a victim of magic users as he believes (because he doesn't have memory of his past) his head has been turned into a lizard head by a magic user. He is on a hunt for magic users who come to The Hole for practice, in order to revive his old face and memories. He is supported by his female friend Nikaido, who owns a Gyoza restaurant in The Hole. Caiman's troubles begin when he encounters En's family members. En is the most powerful magic user (producing mushroom smoke) in the magic world, with a large number of henchmen under him; they are on the hunt for the Cross-Eye Gang (a group from The Magic World consisting of magic users who can't produce magic smoke but, through medical studies, learned how to hunt magic users. They smuggle magic powder after capturing or killing elite magic users).
Now, the story progresses between unraveling Caiman's mystery and En's past regrets, involving the Cross-Eye Gang and Caiman's fellow Hole mates. If you want to know more, kindly read it. Absolutely terrific.
Dorohedoro is essentially what you'd get if a demonic cult decided to rewrite The Bible and then turned it into a manga, because holy cow, I've never encountered such concentrated blasphemy packed into 190 chapters. And I absolutely adore it!
The plot revolves around an amnesiac guy with a crocodile face who's on a mission to find the black magic practitioner responsible for his current appearance so he can regain his memories. Every single character is phenomenal and oozes impeccable style; each one plays a crucial role in advancing the story. The battles are grotesque and brutal, leaving both floors and walls drenched in blood. The worldbuilding in Dorohedoro is captivating and unique; having spent 13 years watching anime and reading manga, I've never come across anything quite like Dorohedoro's magical realm, its twisted religion, or its controversial festivals.
In summary, if all of the above sounds appealing to you, don't waste another second—give Dorohedoro a chance!
Dorohedoro is an exceptional fantasy manga crafted by Hayashida Q, who notably served as a studio assistant to Tsutomu Nihei before venturing into the adaptation of Maken X. The narrative commences in a dimension known as the Hole, essentially a dilapidated and perilous world akin to what San Francisco might resemble post-nuclear devastation. Kaiman and Nikaido, the central protagonists, are seen attacking two individuals identified as magic users, capable of emitting black smoke from their hands to induce certain effects, each unique to the user. After subduing one, it becomes evident that Kaiman is immune to magic, and upon removing his gas mask, he reveals a colossal lizard head. Kaiman then places the magic user's head in his mouth, where he encounters a phantasmagoric entity that comments, "This magic user is not the one." Kaiman subsequently pulls the user out and inquires, "What did the man in my mouth say?" Upon receiving this information, Kaiman retrieves a pair of knives and dismembers the magic user into four parts. It is later revealed that Kaiman has no recollection prior to meeting Nikaido and is residing at Nikaido's house until he unravels the mystery of the ghost in his mouth, his past, and why he possesses a reptilian head. The second magic user escapes Kaiman and Nikaido, returning to the Magic User World, where Fujita informs En, a powerful magic user controlling a global mushroom conglomerate, about the encounter. Intrigued, En dispatches his cleaners, Shin and Noi, two formidable magic users and personal hitmen, to investigate. Thus begins the intricate, absurd, and fantastical tale of Dorohedoro.
The story of Dorohedoro is undeniably enjoyable. If I were to encapsulate it in one word, it would be adventure. Here, action serves as a tool to narrate the story, with the storyline constituting the bulk of the manga. In contrast, Feng Shen Ji uses its story merely to structure action sequences, categorizing it strictly as an action manga. Beyond this, Dorohedoro's narrative is inherently adventurous, with Kaiman and Nikaido, alongside the En Family, traversing various locales. Initially, Kaiman's quest to reclaim his original head and memories drives the plot, though numerous events unfold in between. This is typical of an adventure story, yet what sets it apart, much like many great manga, is its execution. Not all manga achieve the goals set forth from the beginning or, if they do, the objective undergoes significant transformation due to unfolding events. Some, like 7 Seed and Bastard!!, abandon original objectives for continuation, often indicative of poor writing. Others, such as Berserk, maintain the overarching quest without alteration, using events as buffers for character development or filler. Dorohedoro, however, skillfully converges various plotlines seamlessly, without compromising other aspects of the manga. Additionally, the plot is propelled by compelling characters. Dorohedoro boasts an array of remarkable characters, free from generic archetypes and predictable interactions. Each character is quirky, complex, and uniquely individual. Even the manga's alien nature mirrors Western comics, though it remains distinctly different from mainstream works like Spider-Man. Kaiman is jovial, simple-minded, happy, and crazy, while Nikaido provides contrast through level-headedness. The En Family stands out among the memorable characters. En, despite his immense magical prowess, is cranky and idiosyncratic. Shin, a hitman with an intriguing backstory, appears cheerful yet merciless towards his targets. Noi, a towering muscular woman, is boisterous and infatuated with Shin. Ebisu, another member of En's family, becomes braindead following an incident with Kaiman, behaving absurdly throughout the story, with Fujita perpetually trailing her. Other notable characters include Professor Kusakabe and his assistant Johnson the Giant Cockroach, members of the Cross Eyed Gang, the enigmatic Outsider Risu, and the Devils. The vast and absurd cast is unparalleled in any other manga. While the characters are fun, there are additional elements worth mentioning. Character development, as seen in more realistic manga, doesn't quite fit Dorohedoro. A character's personality change isn't necessarily warranted here, and I dislike it being a standard for good characters. However, some personalities do evolve, like Kaiman's, but not due to conventional reasons typically labeled as character development. Dorohedoro does exhibit development, specifically in terms of cast development. New characters are frequently introduced, creating pockets of plot and side stories while never diverging from the main storyline, rather weaving them intricately into the narrative. Moreover, Dorohedoro incorporates comedy without undermining the story's seriousness. Dramatic scenes are never compromised by comedic elements, thanks to the ridiculous world and quirky cast of Dorohedoro. To summarize, Dorohedoro's narrative is mysterious and bizarre, driven by exceptional characters, though readers should be prepared to let go of standards set by works like Pun Pun to fully appreciate it.
Next, I want to discuss the art and design of Dorohedoro. Earlier, I mentioned Hayashida Q's background as an assistant to cult sci-fi mangaka Tsutomu Nihei, renowned for Blame! and his peculiar art style and tone. Simply put, Hayashida Q and Dorohedoro inherited this style. The art of Dorohedoro shares similarities with works like Blame!, featuring a sketchy style, crazy enemy designs, and detailed backgrounds. However, it would be incorrect to label this style a "rip off." Both share an overall sketchy style, crazy enemy designs, and detailed backgrounds. One distinction is that Q's art style for humanoid characters is generally more realistic and visually appealing compared to Nihei's, which is primarily suited for inhuman designs. Dorohedoro's character design is particularly impressive. Nearly every character or environment design is notably original or cool in some way, an understatement considering its significance. The worlds of the Hole and Magic Users boast bizarre landmarks, uniquely conceptualized. The people within the manga also feature distinctive designs, with standout examples including Shin and Noi. Shin is a tall man wearing a rugged, distorted black suit, a backward heart mask on his face, sneakers, stitched fingers, and wielding a sledgehammer. Noi is an extremely tall and muscular woman, donning a strange blue mask adorned with vines and a similar suit. En sports bright red hair, a mask covering only his mouth, and attire that aligns with his current fashion mood. Most magic users adhere to a particular style and mask for identification, although exceptions exist, adding intrigue. Additional cool designs include Johnson, Kaiman himself, and the Devils, mysterious beings interacting whimsically with humans and magic users alike. There are also less humanoid designs, such as hulking monsters and Kirukage, a cat-like creature wearing a leather wrestling mask and wooden stumps for limbs, capable of resurrecting people with minimal restriction. Overall, it showcases a fantastic art style that improves both technically and stylistically.
In conclusion, Dorohedoro undoubtedly ranks among the best manga. Its bizarre biopunk/fantasy style offers unparalleled originality, complemented by a great story and quirky characters. It is terrifying, unique, extensive, interesting, and hilarious, and you should certainly give it a try.
In the realm of manga, Dorohedoro stands out like no other.
Caiman isn't the first tough guy with a lizard head to win hearts, and Nikaido isn't the first strong female character with curves.
But they form an incredible duo.
Caiman's passion for gyoza knows no bounds, and Nikaido happens to cook gyoza like a pro.
Whether in the midst of a street brawl or relaxing and sharing laughter with each other or friends, these two are perfectly at ease.
They also stand as the sole barrier between powerful magic wielders, ordinary humans, and the intriguing mystery of why Caiman has a reptilian head.
Caiman and Nikaido are accompanied by a cast of equally unforgettable characters—friends, foes, and those who blur the lines: devils, humans, sorcerers, and ancient threats.
It's a dark and peculiar world crafted with a style distinctly Q Hayashida's own.
And as with any great horror comedy, its standout feature is its originality. The narrative is entertaining and thrilling, yet it's the characters and their world that leave a lasting impression.
However, much like most exceptional horror comedies, those who prefer their horror grim and serious, or dislike tales with gore or frightening elements, might want to steer clear.
From the very first page, "Dorohedoro" draws you into its dark, somber, almost post-apocalyptic environment. The combination of this grim setting and a highly skilled, distinctive art style allows Dorohedoro to vividly portray its world, creating an experience that is truly unique. Dorohedoro excels in crafting a universe filled with remarkable characters who are impressive individually but truly shine due to their interactions with one another. Alongside its commendable humor and a moderate level of gore and violence, Dorohedoro appeals to a wide audience.
However, Dorohedoro is not without its flaws, particularly in terms of storytelling. At times, it can be difficult to follow, largely because of its habit of unnecessarily prolonging conflicts and mysteries. This makes it challenging to keep track of events within the world, sometimes even requiring readers to revisit earlier chapters. Additionally, the absence of a well-structured power system can make Dorohedoro a tough series to complete.
In short, Dorohedoro is a commendable manga with exceptional world-building and a cast of characters whose chemistry stands out, but it becomes increasingly demanding to continue and even more arduous to finish due to the story's poor pacing. Nevertheless, Dorohedoro is certainly worth reading, though completing it is no simple feat.
Popular Reviews
I'm not someone who reads a lot of manga, but I can genuinely say that this one was ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE. I've never come across such an engaging story that had me reading without stopping. It takes a lot to hold my attention, and usually, if something doesn't grab me in the first chapter or volume, I won't continue.
Dorohedoro boasts an insane and captivating plot, fantastic world-building, endearing characters, stunning artwork, and graphic scenes that I found fascinating. I truly loved every moment of it. This is now my favorite manga of all time. It was an unforgettable rollercoaster ride. I can't wait to dive into more of Q Hayashida's work.
The characters in the manga are predominantly powerful magic users, each possessing a personalized superpower—sometimes arbitrary yet always unexpected, like turning people into meat pies—or they are weak and vulnerable victims in a violent world, such as the inhabitants of Hole or magic users with limited abilities. All characters exude personality and charm, which stands out as Dorohedoro's strongest aspect and where Q Hayashida truly shines. Kaiman, Nikaido, Shin, En, Noi, Ebisu, Fujita, Risu, the staff at the magic victims hospital—everyone is clever and unique.
However, when needed to explain the story's events, this is where the narrative falters. Unfortunately, Dorohedoro's logic is inconsistent at times, and the explanations for the effectiveness of the magic driving the plot can be convoluted and difficult to follow. This causes the manga to stumble through the plot somewhat awkwardly, leading to strange compromises (like Risu and Aikawa's relationship) or anticlimactic conclusions (such as En's arc). Perhaps due to rushing to conclude the series, after the halfway point, there's a noticeable shift toward wrapping up loose ends, which happens but not in a particularly satisfying manner.
Despite these issues, I thoroughly enjoyed the world the author created and found the reading experience engaging. I simply wished for more time to delve deeper into each character's depth, something that feels wasted on the main villain, who lacks both depth and personality.
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At first glance, the premise seems straightforward—an amnesiac man with a lizard face attempts to regain his memories by biting sorcerers so they can reveal what the person inside him said, then eliminating them afterward, all while being aided by his partner, Nikaido. However, things become more complex as the story progresses. The mystery surrounding Kaiman's true identity is genuinely captivating. Looking back, the early volumes offer excellent re-reading material, allowing you to piece together clues that were subtly introduced from the start. It’s an unconventional tale filled with twists, but it remains thoroughly engaging throughout.
One of my favorite aspects of this manga is its world-building and, especially, its diverse cast of characters. Each character feels distinct, with unique quirks, personalities, and designs that make them instantly recognizable. It's a dark, chaotic universe populated by equally eccentric individuals, yet it strikes a perfect balance between intense violence and moments of lightheartedness or dark humor.
The artwork may appear rough initially, but it perfectly complements the gritty atmosphere of the protagonists' environment—a shadowy world split into two primary locations central to the narrative. Later chapters showcase refined art and stunning colored pages that retain the series' original essence while elevating its visual appeal.
And let's not forget—we get a lizard-headed guy who has a deep love for gyozas! :p
The world-building is exceptional. It's mainly split into two realms: the Hole, inhabited by humans, and the Magic Users' world, populated by beings that look human but possess bizarre and extraordinary abilities. These powers range from conventional healing to devastating mushroom-based attacks, with countless strange variations in between. Naturally, there's mutual distrust between humans and magic users.
As for the plot, it's incredibly challenging to summarize. Saying, "It's about an amnesiac man with a lizard head named Kaiman who wants his real face back, so he's biting people's faces in hopes the person inside his mouth can help identify who did this to him," doesn't even scratch the surface. There's far more to it than that, but the full picture only begins to emerge around volume 7, when the story takes a darker turn and Kaiman's memories and identity start falling into place.
That said, the series remains highly entertaining throughout, thanks to its intense violence and dark humor. The lengthy setup is necessary to acclimate readers to this unique world and its wildly eccentric characters. That's not to imply the early volumes lack plot progression—clues are scattered everywhere, though they may not be immediately apparent. Revisiting the story after grasping the larger narrative adds immense value, making it well worth re-reading.
Where else will you encounter a line like, "The Boss is no longer a pie!!" XD
Dorohedoro stands out as a uniquely captivating work of art, blending gore, absurdly entertaining fight scenes, mind-bending mysteries, and complex characters. It boasts an intriguing art style and humorously recurring jokes that keep readers engaged. The narrative follows Kaimen, the protagonist, on his journey through a post-apocalyptic, magical realm to find the sorcerer who transformed his face into that of a lizard. Along the way, he grapples with amnesia while piecing together fragmented memories, encountering a colorful array of unconventional allies, antagonists, and morally ambiguous figures. This tale skillfully blurs the boundaries between good and evil. I highly recommend this manga for those who appreciate humor, heartfelt camaraderie, darker themes, and aren't deterred by graphic violence.
Story: 9/10
Dorohedoro's storyline is incredibly intricate. Initially straightforward, it evolves in ways that foster character development. The unraveling mystery maintains a perfect balance—offering just enough clarity to sustain interest without spoiling upcoming twists. This is a story that embraces eccentricity, leaving readers craving more.
Art: 10/10
The artwork is exceptional. Q Hiyashida's talent shines through her distinctive, dark aesthetic. Her illustrations enhance world-building and deepen the appeal of the characters. Some depictions are intentionally exaggerated, amplifying the comedic elements within the narrative.
Characters: 9/10
Compelling narratives rely heavily on fascinating, relatable, and emotionally resonant characters—and Dorohedoro delivers all three. Each character experiences significant growth, both personally and within their relationships. Their designs, influenced by post-apocalyptic punk fashion, ensure they remain distinct and memorable even in black-and-white format. Moreover, the writing effectively conveys their internal struggles, which are often overlooked in stories dominated by intense plots. Decisions made by these characters stem from their interpersonal connections rather than mere plot convenience, creating a truly authentic experience.
Enjoyment: 9/10
This was my first completed manga, despite having started several others. The engaging plot, well-developed characters, striking art, and clever humor kept me hooked throughout. I enthusiastically shared volumes with coworkers, sparking lively discussions about its imaginative premise. Comparing early sections to the anime adaptation (which mirrors the source material closely) added another layer of enjoyment. While some later volumes occasionally drag, overall pacing remains strong. Despite minor inconsistencies, every volume of Dorohedoro left a lasting impression, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to fans of this artistic genre.
Overall: 9.25/10
To be honest, I disliked the artwork at first. It seemed so strange and creepy. But as you delve further into the story, you get absorbed into Hayashida's fictional world, and soon enough, you'll find yourself craving more.
The storyline is well-crafted, featuring an engaging plot that evolves continuously without losing the reader's interest. It skillfully combines elements of mystery, action, comedy, and tragedy into a powerful, cohesive package.
The character development is also remarkable, as these are far from ordinary characters. Each has their own compelling backstory and feels almost lifelike. Even the unattractive ones possess a certain beauty in their own way, adding depth to the story and contributing personally to each event.
The artwork is exceptionally distinctive, and if you appreciate gloomy and Satanic aesthetics, you'll definitely love it. It enhances the emotions of each scene, making the world feel almost tangible.
The enjoyment factor is at its peak, with a good dose of comedy mixed in for added enjoyment. The level of gore is quite high, while the sexual explicitness is moderate, aligning it with a standard seinen manga. It’s primarily suited for mature readers.
In short, Dorohedoro captures that fantastic and violent seinen manga vibe and is truly an excellent read. 9/10.
To me, this is its standout feature: Dorohedoro incorporates elements like magic, satanism with demons, or steampunk aesthetics, but reinvents them in a way that feels fresh and unique.
In short, Q Hayashida has a talent for turning the grotesque and bloody into something captivating, entertaining, and thought-provoking. This is why Dorohedoro is an excellent story that I would readily recommend to anyone who appreciates this genre.
P.S. I'm craving Gyozas!!!
Historically speaking, Chidaroma, the infamous devil, is known to everyone, but his past remains a mystery to magic users. Chidaroma was believed to be an ancient creature who managed hell (though it wasn't mentioned from where or for whom). When he got bored, he created human-like creatures called magic users and ruled over them. On the other hand, Chidaroma kept exploring the world to find new creatures; that's when he discovered humans, who were unlike the magic users he had created. He got along with them, played with them, and quite enjoyed his time in both worlds. However, trouble arose when magic users started coming through portals and disturbed the lives of normal humans by bullying them or using them as subjects for their magic experiments. Magic users showed no bounds to their insanity, killing large numbers of humans, forming mountains of dead bodies. As the bodies were disposed of, they created a deep black hole in the land. From this incident, Chidaroma called this place "The Hole" while the place of magic users was named "The Magic World."
Most people are unaware of the history of The Hole and The Magic World, yet the modern world still suffers from the same problem: people of The Hole are being victimized by magic users. Mostly amateur magic users come to The Hole to practice their magic by applying their magic smoke on humans. The main character, Caiman, is also a victim of magic users as he believes (because he doesn't have memory of his past) his head has been turned into a lizard head by a magic user. He is on a hunt for magic users who come to The Hole for practice, in order to revive his old face and memories. He is supported by his female friend Nikaido, who owns a Gyoza restaurant in The Hole. Caiman's troubles begin when he encounters En's family members. En is the most powerful magic user (producing mushroom smoke) in the magic world, with a large number of henchmen under him; they are on the hunt for the Cross-Eye Gang (a group from The Magic World consisting of magic users who can't produce magic smoke but, through medical studies, learned how to hunt magic users. They smuggle magic powder after capturing or killing elite magic users).
Now, the story progresses between unraveling Caiman's mystery and En's past regrets, involving the Cross-Eye Gang and Caiman's fellow Hole mates. If you want to know more, kindly read it. Absolutely terrific.
Dorohedoro is essentially what you'd get if a demonic cult decided to rewrite The Bible and then turned it into a manga, because holy cow, I've never encountered such concentrated blasphemy packed into 190 chapters. And I absolutely adore it!
The plot revolves around an amnesiac guy with a crocodile face who's on a mission to find the black magic practitioner responsible for his current appearance so he can regain his memories. Every single character is phenomenal and oozes impeccable style; each one plays a crucial role in advancing the story. The battles are grotesque and brutal, leaving both floors and walls drenched in blood. The worldbuilding in Dorohedoro is captivating and unique; having spent 13 years watching anime and reading manga, I've never come across anything quite like Dorohedoro's magical realm, its twisted religion, or its controversial festivals.
In summary, if all of the above sounds appealing to you, don't waste another second—give Dorohedoro a chance!
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The story of Dorohedoro is undeniably enjoyable. If I were to encapsulate it in one word, it would be adventure. Here, action serves as a tool to narrate the story, with the storyline constituting the bulk of the manga. In contrast, Feng Shen Ji uses its story merely to structure action sequences, categorizing it strictly as an action manga. Beyond this, Dorohedoro's narrative is inherently adventurous, with Kaiman and Nikaido, alongside the En Family, traversing various locales. Initially, Kaiman's quest to reclaim his original head and memories drives the plot, though numerous events unfold in between. This is typical of an adventure story, yet what sets it apart, much like many great manga, is its execution. Not all manga achieve the goals set forth from the beginning or, if they do, the objective undergoes significant transformation due to unfolding events. Some, like 7 Seed and Bastard!!, abandon original objectives for continuation, often indicative of poor writing. Others, such as Berserk, maintain the overarching quest without alteration, using events as buffers for character development or filler. Dorohedoro, however, skillfully converges various plotlines seamlessly, without compromising other aspects of the manga. Additionally, the plot is propelled by compelling characters. Dorohedoro boasts an array of remarkable characters, free from generic archetypes and predictable interactions. Each character is quirky, complex, and uniquely individual. Even the manga's alien nature mirrors Western comics, though it remains distinctly different from mainstream works like Spider-Man. Kaiman is jovial, simple-minded, happy, and crazy, while Nikaido provides contrast through level-headedness. The En Family stands out among the memorable characters. En, despite his immense magical prowess, is cranky and idiosyncratic. Shin, a hitman with an intriguing backstory, appears cheerful yet merciless towards his targets. Noi, a towering muscular woman, is boisterous and infatuated with Shin. Ebisu, another member of En's family, becomes braindead following an incident with Kaiman, behaving absurdly throughout the story, with Fujita perpetually trailing her. Other notable characters include Professor Kusakabe and his assistant Johnson the Giant Cockroach, members of the Cross Eyed Gang, the enigmatic Outsider Risu, and the Devils. The vast and absurd cast is unparalleled in any other manga. While the characters are fun, there are additional elements worth mentioning. Character development, as seen in more realistic manga, doesn't quite fit Dorohedoro. A character's personality change isn't necessarily warranted here, and I dislike it being a standard for good characters. However, some personalities do evolve, like Kaiman's, but not due to conventional reasons typically labeled as character development. Dorohedoro does exhibit development, specifically in terms of cast development. New characters are frequently introduced, creating pockets of plot and side stories while never diverging from the main storyline, rather weaving them intricately into the narrative. Moreover, Dorohedoro incorporates comedy without undermining the story's seriousness. Dramatic scenes are never compromised by comedic elements, thanks to the ridiculous world and quirky cast of Dorohedoro. To summarize, Dorohedoro's narrative is mysterious and bizarre, driven by exceptional characters, though readers should be prepared to let go of standards set by works like Pun Pun to fully appreciate it.
Next, I want to discuss the art and design of Dorohedoro. Earlier, I mentioned Hayashida Q's background as an assistant to cult sci-fi mangaka Tsutomu Nihei, renowned for Blame! and his peculiar art style and tone. Simply put, Hayashida Q and Dorohedoro inherited this style. The art of Dorohedoro shares similarities with works like Blame!, featuring a sketchy style, crazy enemy designs, and detailed backgrounds. However, it would be incorrect to label this style a "rip off." Both share an overall sketchy style, crazy enemy designs, and detailed backgrounds. One distinction is that Q's art style for humanoid characters is generally more realistic and visually appealing compared to Nihei's, which is primarily suited for inhuman designs. Dorohedoro's character design is particularly impressive. Nearly every character or environment design is notably original or cool in some way, an understatement considering its significance. The worlds of the Hole and Magic Users boast bizarre landmarks, uniquely conceptualized. The people within the manga also feature distinctive designs, with standout examples including Shin and Noi. Shin is a tall man wearing a rugged, distorted black suit, a backward heart mask on his face, sneakers, stitched fingers, and wielding a sledgehammer. Noi is an extremely tall and muscular woman, donning a strange blue mask adorned with vines and a similar suit. En sports bright red hair, a mask covering only his mouth, and attire that aligns with his current fashion mood. Most magic users adhere to a particular style and mask for identification, although exceptions exist, adding intrigue. Additional cool designs include Johnson, Kaiman himself, and the Devils, mysterious beings interacting whimsically with humans and magic users alike. There are also less humanoid designs, such as hulking monsters and Kirukage, a cat-like creature wearing a leather wrestling mask and wooden stumps for limbs, capable of resurrecting people with minimal restriction. Overall, it showcases a fantastic art style that improves both technically and stylistically.
In conclusion, Dorohedoro undoubtedly ranks among the best manga. Its bizarre biopunk/fantasy style offers unparalleled originality, complemented by a great story and quirky characters. It is terrifying, unique, extensive, interesting, and hilarious, and you should certainly give it a try.
Caiman isn't the first tough guy with a lizard head to win hearts, and Nikaido isn't the first strong female character with curves.
But they form an incredible duo.
Caiman's passion for gyoza knows no bounds, and Nikaido happens to cook gyoza like a pro.
Whether in the midst of a street brawl or relaxing and sharing laughter with each other or friends, these two are perfectly at ease.
They also stand as the sole barrier between powerful magic wielders, ordinary humans, and the intriguing mystery of why Caiman has a reptilian head.
Caiman and Nikaido are accompanied by a cast of equally unforgettable characters—friends, foes, and those who blur the lines: devils, humans, sorcerers, and ancient threats.
It's a dark and peculiar world crafted with a style distinctly Q Hayashida's own.
And as with any great horror comedy, its standout feature is its originality. The narrative is entertaining and thrilling, yet it's the characters and their world that leave a lasting impression.
However, much like most exceptional horror comedies, those who prefer their horror grim and serious, or dislike tales with gore or frightening elements, might want to steer clear.
10/10
However, Dorohedoro is not without its flaws, particularly in terms of storytelling. At times, it can be difficult to follow, largely because of its habit of unnecessarily prolonging conflicts and mysteries. This makes it challenging to keep track of events within the world, sometimes even requiring readers to revisit earlier chapters. Additionally, the absence of a well-structured power system can make Dorohedoro a tough series to complete.
In short, Dorohedoro is a commendable manga with exceptional world-building and a cast of characters whose chemistry stands out, but it becomes increasingly demanding to continue and even more arduous to finish due to the story's poor pacing. Nevertheless, Dorohedoro is certainly worth reading, though completing it is no simple feat.
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