My Daughter Is Trying to Change the Law So That She Can Marry Me, Her Daddy, but She Doesn’t Know That She Is a “Stepdaughter”

This manga, for the most part, felt rather directionless. It introduces a variety of intriguing mechanics, like the necessity to consume candy to avoid death or arena battles where the loser forfeits an organ. Yet, it doesn't fully utilize most of these ideas, rushing through numerous concepts without giving any of them the depth they deserve. Despite this—or perhaps because of its fast-paced nature—the manga remains engaging throughout, even if it largely lacked clear direction. However, there were consistent elements woven throughout. One is the action; at times, it seemed poised to evolve into a full-fledged battle manga, but it never quite got there, with powers and fights staying relatively simple overall. Still, the powers were visually appealing, and their depiction was impressive, keeping things interesting. The most crucial element, though, is the characters. Ganta undergoes significant character development, becoming far more mature, dependable, and heroic by the end compared to his starting point. Shiro's character also shines brightly, and her relationship with Ganta captivates readers deeply. Many side characters are also well-developed, adding layers to the story. This development becomes pivotal as the narrative approaches its conclusion, especially from the moment Shiro awakens, making the unraveling of overarching mysteries and backstory revelations heart-wrenchingly emotional. Through all this, the author crafts an ending that ties everything together, showcasing Ganta's growth effectively in a powerful scene, culminating in a genuinely beautiful resolution. The epilogue delivers a strong message of hope, emphasizing the importance of moving forward despite absurdity and immense tragedy. However, I feel Shiro, central to much of the despair, deserved a more robust portrayal of hope in her storyline. The artwork is commendable, fitting the atmosphere well and enhancing key scenes with striking visuals.

tl;dr: A manga somewhat lacking in focus but boasts solid action and exceptional character development.  
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First off, I want to mention that this isn't the most informed review since it's been a few months since I read this manga. That said, I really didn't enjoy it much. To begin with, the character development is practically non-existent for at least three characters who are clearly supposed to be important. It seems like this happened because the manga just couldn't manage its pacing properly. The pacing starts going haywire when the main plot kicks in, which happens about a volume into the manga. Before this point, each main character had their own little story arc and something to connect the reader to them. Unfortunately, they suddenly introduce about seven main characters in the same chapter and then kill them off in the same volume. *Not a spoiler: people die a lot in this.* Around this point, the plot begins moving too fast, and they don't give the reader anything to hold onto.  

If you can overlook the lack of depth, it's a decent manga to casually read while you're in a bookstore. 5/10<p>

Deadman Wonderland, which I've mentioned to all my friends, ranks as one of my favorite mangas of all time. I even paid full price for my beloved Volume #2, brand new and not used, just because of a specific scene featuring Shiro, my favorite character in this darkly comedic tale.

Anyway, let's cut to the chase: this manga made me cry my eyes out, tugged at every heartstring I have, and stirred emotions within me that I'd almost forgotten existed. And yet, it remains undeniably badass throughout.

Side Notes:
The inclusiveness is great; there seems to be a character for everyone to connect with.
There's an anime adaptation, which is solid but doesn't quite measure up to the manga. It omits one of the most crucial side characters and only covers half of the series. I'd love to see the anime completed as well.

This is my first review, so let me know if this inspires you to dive into the manga or check out the show?

I seriously consider getting tattoos inspired by this story.

10 years after a massive, truly colossal earthquake in Japan (and this story was conceived before the actual earthquake there), the country has been rebuilt. Among the measures taken during reconstruction is the construction of a prison: Deadman Wonderland.

Deadman Wonderland isn't just any manga; it was created by Jinsei Kataoka and Kazuma Kondou, who also wrote the manga Eureka Seven. It tells the story of Ganta Igarashi, a young man who witnesses all his friends being killed by a man dressed in red flying out the window. Ganta is wrongfully convicted of murder and ends up in Deadman Wonderland prison.

Deadman Wonderland is not merely a prison; it was designed to resemble a macabre amusement park where prisoners serve as the main attraction. Every day, events such as races, wrestling matches, and others are held to satisfy the bloodlust of viewers, who perceive it all as a show. As its name suggests, the prison houses only prisoners sentenced to death, and to maintain order inside, there are certain rules:

- At least every three days, an inmate must consume something called "Sweet," a small antidote to a poison injected via mechanical collars. Failure to do so results in death.
- Winning or even surviving these events earns you credits, which function almost like currency within the prison. With these credits, you can buy almost anything, including, theoretically, your freedom for an exorbitant price.

Life in this prison is far from easy. Add to that the discovery that Ganta possesses a strange power—he can control his own blood, specifically shooting blood bullets—and he becomes an aberration, leading to mistreatment. This is where the manga begins, leading us to the secret section of the prison where the Carnival Corpse (I prefer not to shorten the translation to "Bodies Carnival") takes place. This is the real battle of the Deadman, individuals infected with Sin Branch (which I agree should be translated as "Branch of Sin"), granting them the ability to control their blood, though it manifests differently in each person.

In terms of powers, one aspect I appreciate is that, despite not being Sci-Fi, the manga attempts to explain the phenomena and effects of these powers. For instance, Ganta's blood-shooting leaves him severely anemic due to blood loss, another character forms a hardened blood glove using carbon... and so on. Some explanations may seem fantastical, but they make sense within the context of the story.

The artwork is neither distracting nor messy, though I wouldn't call it genius either. There are better-drawn mangas out there (such as Blade of the Immortal). However, it doesn't detract from the experience. I've seen people say they wouldn't read it because they dislike the art style, similar to opinions expressed about One Piece and Berserk. It should be noted, though, that there are violent images, not heavy gore full of guts like Berserk, yet there are intense scenes.

The plot follows Ganta learning to use his power while experiencing a series of crises. Although I can't genuinely say I like the main character, he's very much into self-pity and dramatic moments, akin to someone who enjoys suffering. Sure, he's a teenager, but there are times when his unnecessary drama becomes annoying. However, after these crises, you uncover what truly lies behind Deadman Wonderland—the technical origins of the Branch of Sin, the identity of the Wretched Egg (though I'm unsure if it was called "Wretched Egg" in translation), and other great mysteries of this world, including the earthquake. Everyone infected with the Branch of Sin has a significant connection to the quake.

Regarding characters, although the protagonist leaves something to be desired, there is a range of much more compelling and enjoyable secondary characters. Starting with Shiro, a crazy girl who seemingly does no harm and is simply happy. Senji, the quintessential Cool Guy of the manga, fits his role perfectly, and even a character named Drag Masaru. The supporting characters are more worthwhile and surpass the main character, but their interactions with Ganta ultimately work well.

In conclusion, Deadman Wonderland is a manga with average artwork, a great story that surprises, good minor characters, and an excellent plot filled with mysteries and twists that don't disappoint. It's a manga with the courage to attempt epic storytelling and succeeds in reaping some rewards. For those who enjoy a darker story, it's worth checking out.

Story: 7  

What is DW about? It's about a Prison where convicts are forced to participate in shows, and when they win, they earn CastPoints. All prisoners have collars around their necks. These collars release poison into their bodies, which will eventually kill them unless they take an antidote in the form of a candy to neutralize the poison. I really liked the concept of prisoners having to compete in these games and shows, but unfortunately, the authors abandoned this idea after a few chapters. They could have explored it further in my opinion. The beginning was strong and captivating. However, after that promising start, the authors decided to turn it into a battle shounen series. It shifted from earning money through shows to Deadman vs Deadman, then Deadman vs Undertakers, and finally Deadman vs Surrogates. Additionally, the fights weren't particularly engaging, and the mystery surrounding the Red Man was somewhat predictable.  

Characters: 9  

I really appreciated Ganta as the main character. He begins as a weak individual and gradually becomes stronger as the story progresses. I could relate to him because there were situations in my life where I had no control, much like what happened to Ganta, and his circumstances are truly unfortunate. Every character gets a flashback, and almost everyone has a messed-up or tragic backstory, which explains why nearly everyone in the prison is insane—it's a crazy environment. There were some side characters I found annoying, like the girl who's with Makina. Also, the squad Makina sent to DW was bland and one-dimensional, and some members of the 1st unit of Surrogates were uninteresting. My favorites are Ganta, Shiro, Senjy, and Minatsuki.  

Art: 9  

The art is outstanding. There were some panels where I thought, "Is this Berserk?" It was that impressive. A few panels during fight scenes were a bit confusing, making it hard to follow what was happening.  

Enjoyment: 7  

It was easy to read. The characters were genuinely eccentric, which made them stand out. The fights were decent, as was the mystery. Overall, I enjoyed DW.  

Overall:  

8/10

Deadman's Wonderland stands as the sole manga series I've ever stopped reading, which surprisingly even shocked me. It wasn't an easy decision to make either. So, what exactly turned me off about it?

Interestingly, I did find myself enjoying it while I was reading. The premise involves a young man who is the lone survivor of a horrifying supernatural massacre in his school classroom, only to black out right at the moment it occurs. Naturally, he gets pinned with the blame for all the murders. Next thing you know, he's thrust into a prison arena reminiscent of "The Running Man," filled with other criminals who seem to possess mysterious abilities.

The art style is quite appealing, the story intriguing, and there's even a mysterious character aiding our wrongfully accused protagonist. From what I recall, it's a solid manga...

But why did I stop reading?

Having worked in a prison before, tales set within such environments—even a post-apocalyptic death trap theme park like this one—hold no allure for me. Perhaps someday I'll revisit this series or check out the anime, which I saw a few episodes of years ago and found pretty engaging. For now, though, I lack any personal interest in it.

I still recommend it and encourage you to see it through to the end.

I absolutely loved the Deadman Wonderland anime and found myself craving more after finishing its short season. I chose to dive into the manga, and if you're in a similar situation, I highly recommend starting from chapter 1. The anime omits quite a bit, including one of the most crucial details, and doesn't acquaint you with all the characters. This is definitely a case where I believe the manga surpasses the anime adaptation.  
   
The manga is divided into three arcs. The anime only covers the first one. I enjoyed all three arcs just as much as I initially enjoyed watching the anime. It's incredibly thrilling, has great pacing, and offers a very engaging, albeit somewhat melancholic, experience!

I began reading Deadman Wonderland out of curiosity. Years ago, I watched the anime adaptation, which ended on a cliffhanger. Recently, I've been diving more into manga, and thought this series would be worth exploring.  

I vaguely recall parts of the anime, but I approached the manga with an open mind. So far, I've enjoyed it. The main group of characters is appealing. While some can feel a bit bland at times, overall they experience solid character development. The world of Deadman Wonderland and Carnival Corpse blends brutal, blood-soaked battles with unexpected emotional connections between characters. If excessive gore isn't your thing, this might not suit you. However, if that doesn't bother you, prepare for exciting, ability-driven fights.  

The protagonist, Ganta, isn't my favorite just yet. He comes across as somewhat predictable and unremarkable. Perhaps it's due to my extensive exposure to anime, but he lacks the intrigue I believe he could have had. My interest lies more with the side characters. Both allies and adversaries Ganta encounters often deliver surprises. It doesn't always follow the typical "villain has a change of heart and becomes a hero" trope seen in shounen series. There are moments where you realize people may not change as much as you'd expect.  

The artwork is impressive so far. Characters have distinct designs, making them easily distinguishable. Action sequences are well-executed, and the dialogue strikes a good balance between being concise and informative. I managed to read through 8 volumes in roughly 4 hours, so it’s a quick yet satisfying read.  

I've thoroughly enjoyed this series and highly recommend it if you're looking for something engaging without committing to a lengthy saga.

I don't know, it feels incomplete in a way, but that certainly doesn't make it a bad read. It has a solid background and storyline, with some repetitive flashbacks. However, the overall narrative, the battles, and the characters are all engaging, and the story itself feels refreshing. As I mentioned earlier, though, the ending seems like it's setting up for a continuation, but there isn't one. You're left with a sense of satisfaction but also a slight void. I would absolutely recommend reading this, multiple times if you wish.

Now, short manga reviews are often too brief to be satisfying, so here's more. OMG, these reviews just keep saying it's too short, but what really defines the appropriate length? (3)  
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Deadman Wonderland is quite a memorable manga series. It can be extremely graphic at times and maintains a very dark theme throughout its run. A story centered on a prison with a secret superpowered inmate fighting ring isn't exactly going to win the "happiest story of the year" award. The superpowered combat comes at a significant cost, and honestly, there's not much in this narrative that doesn't come with some kind of price. I found myself empathizing with the main characters, including the antagonists.

Overall, I was impressed by the artwork in this series. The emotional states of the characters were consistently well-depicted, and the mood always seemed to leap off the page. This contributed to a highly engaging story, and I was thoroughly satisfied with the overall experience.

As for how graphic it is, if you're sensitive to deranged behavior, bloody scenes, and violent tendencies, you might want to steer clear of this series. That said, it's not the most violent, graphic, or insane story I've encountered. It's dark, but it does offer occasional light and has its heartwarming moments.

I truly enjoyed this series and highly recommend it to others. I'm just sorry that it came to an end. This is a must-read.  

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This is my first review, and I chose to write it about this story because I loved it so much.  

What can I say about Deadman Wonderland?  

Possibly the best story I’ve ever read. In its 13 volumes, it managed to make me feel sad, happy, nauseous, disgusted, irritated (with certain characters), serene, encouraged, hopeful, and filled with a sincere and latent sense of love in my heart. Without even knowing exactly what it was about and having no expectations for how it would end, I started reading this incredible manga. Right from the beginning, it hits you with twists, one after another, leaving you confused and wondering, "What the hell is going on?" And just before you reach the halfway point (where you might be considering giving up on it), you realize you're completely immersed in its content, craving answers to all the questions it raises.  

However, by the second half, your heart will be shattered by all the blows it’s taken since the start, leaving you with conflicting and divided opinions. Only at the very end do you truly realize that you never understood the meaning of the phrase "Love and hate walk side by side." And that there is peace and hope when you find a light and a reason to live (and that there are many kinds of life). By the time you finish, everything around you will either make more sense or seem meaningless.  

And so, the question: Did the woodpecker find happiness?  

But here’s a warning:  
- If you have a weak stomach or get easily nauseated, I don’t recommend reading this manga.  

Sorry for the length! Y.Y

My first manga ever and my favorite so far.  

The reason I decided to read this manga was because of the unfinished ending of the anime (which is also one of my favorites). I couldn't bear not knowing how this captivating story concluded.  

For me, Deadman Wonderland is one of the most complete mangas (if not the most) I have ever read. It features an original and addictive storyline that surprised me on numerous occasions. It boasts a fantastic cast of characters with well-defined personalities. The last thing I must mention is the gore. This is not a "90% gore and 10% plot" manga; it's not filled with unnecessary bloody scenes. Yes, it's a violent story, but it's not excessive—drama is just as important as the bloodshed.  

In general terms, for me, it's a masterpiece that should not be forgotten.  

P.D.: If you've read it, you'll notice that my profile name is inspired by Deadman Wonderland.