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”

I have always been intrigued by media that explores the theme of justice, particularly the punishment of criminals. Back in 2011, I was captivated by the themes in Death Note and Code:Breaker. At that time, I was young and still developing my own set of values, so I was debating whether or not I supported the death penalty and harsh treatment of criminals (to be clear, I do not support them).  

When I first heard about Deadman Wonderland, its concept immediately caught my attention. The story revolves around a middle school student who is falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to death. He is sent to a prison called Deadman Wonderland, which also functions as a theme park. Essentially, the prisoners are tasked with working on this theme park and sometimes serve as performers themselves. One example from the start of the manga is a race with deadly obstacles where participants can be killed. The visitors watch as the prisoners are sliced up or electrocuted, with some whispering about human rights violations while others dismiss it, saying, "Whatever, they're criminals anyway." It sounded promising, right? However, there weren't many chapters available back then, so I put it on hold (and kind of forgot about it) until this year. (I had also forgotten how the anime turned out.)  

Since I still remembered my fascination with the series, I started reading it again with high expectations. After all, many reviews from 2013 to 2015 rated it an 8 or 9.  

Unfortunately, it seems we all had poor taste during those years. Deadman Wonderland (DW) was profoundly disappointing.  

The biggest issue I have with this series is that it centers the narrative on one main character—Ganta—but opts for a plot-driven storyline rather than a character-driven one. This choice highlights how linear and one-dimensional Ganta's characterization is. His "development" merely reacts to events, serving only to propel the plot forward. This becomes especially apparent in certain chapters where he is gloomy and depressed in the first half but suddenly makes a comeback by the end of the same chapter. While I've encountered similar chapters in other manga, it feels exhausting in DW because there are multiple instances of this pattern. It seems like the authors can't decide if Ganta has moved past his melancholy or not. As a result, his depressive episodes become annoying instead of something I empathize with.  

The supporting characters are equally one-dimensional. Though they are interesting (albeit stereotypical) and have intriguing backstories, these are only briefly explored through flashbacks during fights. There were attempts to develop their characters near the end, but by then, I was too disenchanted to feel excited. It's disappointing because, despite their clichéd nature, this cast could have entertained me if they had been better executed with proper character dynamics and earlier buildup. Perhaps my frustration stems from Ganta himself—at one point, he's portrayed as a "wimpy kid" who is looked down upon, but then he gains power, and the side characters exclaim, "Ganta's strong!" Later, when he hits another low, they call him a "baby in diapers," only for the story to introduce new developments again. The lack of consistent characterization in Ganta significantly impacts the side characters since, as mentioned, he is the anchor of the story. Consequently, their characterizations also suffer.  

To be fair, Shiro stands out as a well-thought-out character. From the beginning, she is presented as a "walking contradiction," compelling readers to anticipate a disturbing revelation. Her writing remains the most consistent among all the characters, and you can't help but sympathize with her situation and development.  

As for the plot, it feels haphazardly constructed due to various small mistakes. Most notably, the public "prison theme park" concept initially piqued my interest, but the writers seem to forget this premise as the story progresses. The setting shifts underground early on (right after the obstacle race mentioned earlier, meaning after just one event), rendering the theme park irrelevant to the story. Additionally, there is no proper buildup for key plot points—no believable motivations or developments—and irrelevant characters are introduced seemingly at random. The pacing is a disaster, and I struggled to finish the series because it was such a mess.  

The art is visually appealing, especially the colored volume covers, but the action sequences are difficult to follow. The battles themselves are lackluster, and the designs feel wasted.  

Sigh. I persevered with the series, hoping it might redeem itself, but the fundamental flaw in characterization ruined every development. Deadman Wonderland was ultimately a waste of time.

Okay, so after binge-reading the entire series (seriously, my eyes were burning by the afternoon), I finally finished Deadman Wonderland.  

To be honest, I haven't read many horror mangas, but I'd say this one would easily make it into my top 10. However, this manga is definitely not for the faint of heart, especially if you can't handle blood and gore. You're hit with it pretty early on—within the first couple of chapters.  

LIKES...  
# The artwork is stunningly detailed and beautifully executed. That said, don't go in expecting something completely unique or the "best" you've ever seen—it's subjective, after all.  
# Unlike most horror art that tends to overload on gore, this manga stood out to me because it had a solid plot with unexpected twists. The comedic relief wasn't just there to fill space; it helped balance the action and horror, giving the story a nice rhythm.  
# Character development and backstories. What surprised me was how much I cared about the characters beyond Ganta. Their growth was bittersweet—they overcame their tragic pasts and became better people despite everything they'd been through. Fanta, in particular, evolved significantly throughout the series, becoming someone entirely different from who he was at the start.  

DISLIKES...  
# Revealing the identity of the Red Man. It wasn't the reveal itself that bothered me, but I think it should have come later in the series. Knowing too soon took away from the impact of Ganta's eventual discovery. I would have preferred finding out alongside him.  
# The ending... I felt cheated. It was okay, but it seemed rushed. The last few chapters felt disjointed, almost like they were out of order. When it ended, I couldn't believe it was over—it just didn't feel satisfying.

Deadman Wonderland is quite an incredible series, reflecting the classic theme of a young couple thrown into chaos with hidden secrets scattered throughout, much like Mirai Nikki and Guilty Crown. The diversity in characters is truly commendable, evoking a range of emotions such as sadness, shock, and happiness through their backgrounds. There are numerous plot twists, many of which are revealed only in the final chapters, but the narrative is exceptionally well-crafted as the main characters encounter increasing challenges while uncovering the secrets of Deadman Wonderland.  

The art style is distinctly shounen but surprisingly complements the gore and violence effectively. The action sequences are not unnecessarily prolonged across multiple chapters; instead, they are logically concluded, providing excellent character development, particularly for the supporting characters, with each battle.  

Overall, this manga series was fantastic and surpasses the anime by introducing additional characters early on. It's a relentless manga with a superb story, intense action scenes, and diverse character personalities.

Teenaged angst in full form. Deadman Wonderland is a manga that thrives on its unapologetic edge and absurd premise. Personally, I appreciate its concepts, but its flaws significantly contribute to it being just an average series overall.

Story:
The core plot is the most intriguing aspect of Deadman Wonderland. It revolves around Ganta, a 14-year-old boy, who gets sent to a chillingly grim prison/theme park where prisoners must compete in sadistic games and combat to survive. Along the journey, Ganta befriends others, acquires a superpower, uncovers the prison's secrets, and plans revenge against the enigmatic "Red Man" responsible for his imprisonment. Essentially, it's a battle shonen with a psychotic vibe.

My main issues with the story stem from the inconsistent level of wackiness throughout. The early volumes tantalize with how unhinged its setting can be, featuring a grand carnival-themed death race, explosions, inmates in mascot costumes, antidote "candies," and more—it was exhilarating! However, the setting shifts to underground hallways, leaving this fantastical prison behind for relatively generic battles in narrow corridors and plain arenas. While the conflicts and mysteries are engaging enough to carry these parts with plot, I felt we transitioned from whimsically grim to simply grim and dour.

My second issue is the pacing becomes erratic. It starts feeling rushed past a certain point, with protagonists and villains clashing every other scene. Additionally, some character backstories occur far too late for me to care about them. I had to skim one character's backstory in particular because it felt more like a distraction than anything else.

Lastly, as many others have pointed out, the story often leans into shonen clichés. There are some unexpected twists, but they ultimately lead to predictable outcomes. This shouldn't be a dealbreaker if you're a fan of the genre, though.

Art:
The art is appealing as long as it's not during action scenes. It's sometimes difficult to discern how characters are moving (or even what their powers do) outside of finishing blows, which is problematic for an action series. Despite this, expressions and crucial panels are well-drawn. Character designs are fairly distinct, making them stand out in the panels they appear in.

Characters:
Probably the weakest part of this manga for me. Numerous characters are introduced but rarely given enough screen time for readers to genuinely care about them before their fights. I believe this manga would have benefited from more downtime and simple character moments. Sometimes it feels like action figures merely colliding due to how little attention some characters receive.

The villains are also rather one-dimensional, lacking the depth to make them compelling. Minor villains, in particular, are underdeveloped and quickly discarded.

Most disappointingly, Ganta is just too clichéd as a protagonist. There was potential to transform his crybaby personality into a more outgoing delinquent, and the plot hints at it, but the story sidelines it in favor of a more 'too pure for this world, serious protagonist.' It's the less interesting option. However, I do enjoy Ganta's introspective moments. I like hearing his thoughts because there's always conflict present. Unfortunately, the clichéd story somewhat undermines this since I always wanted these inner thoughts to lead somewhere new, but often they don't.

In contrast to Ganta, I really appreciate how the story portrays Shiro. Her fate is what kept me invested throughout the series because she's such an anomaly compared to everyone else. Playful, dangerous, with clearly hidden darkness, she embodies what I wished for more in this series.

Overall:
Yeah, it's a 5 for me. I think there's a lot of missed potential here, which is frustrating because I want to wholeheartedly recommend it. I enjoyed it, but I'd be lying if I said I was emotionally invested for most of it.

Definitely check out the first volume if you enjoy shonen, gore, and crazy people, but if the premise doesn't captivate you, this isn't a must-read.

Deadman Wonderland is an action-packed, sci-fi manga tailored exclusively for mature audiences.  

Deadman Wonderland centers around Ganta Igarashi, an unlucky protagonist. Ten years after a catastrophic event that devastated Tokyo, Ganta strives to lead a normal life. However, everything changes when a man in red suddenly appears and slaughters all of his classmates using a unique ability. To make matters worse, Ganta is wrongfully blamed for the massacre and sentenced to death row. He finds himself imprisoned in Deadman Wonderland, which is far from your typical penitentiary. After a series of bizarre events, Ganta discovers he also possesses a supernatural ability akin to the red man who killed his classmates. Nothing is as it seems.  

Deadman Wonderland shares a vague resemblance to Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events," but with far more misfortune and morbidity. Ganta faces numerous trials—sentenced to death, witnessing his friends brutally murdered right before his eyes, and confined in a prison filled with lunatics, including his two seemingly trustworthy inmate friends, Shiro and Yoh. Shiro, a peculiar girl with long white hair who speaks in the third person, and Yoh, who harbors hidden intentions for their friendship, add layers of complexity. It’s safe to say things will get worse before they get better, and so far, it just keeps spiraling downward.  

The Deadman Wonderland manga is above average but not outstanding enough to be memorable. The plot lacks promise from the start, and the unfolding events in each chapter fail to captivate the reader sufficiently. Key developments are missing, hopefully addressed in later chapters.  

I didn’t find myself invested in Ganta’s journey. He’s an unlikable character, oscillating between cowardice and rebellion, only to whimper again. This inconsistency irritates me. The other characters aren’t particularly convincing either, as they succumb to madness over trivial matters. The only exception is Shiro, whose intriguing personality and mysterious past make her worth following. I’m curious to see how she evolves throughout the manga—if at all.  

The art style is... unique. Characters’ faces often resemble Jack Nicholson’s during moments of insanity, which takes some time to adjust to. The action scenes, however, are decently executed, providing clarity without overwhelming the reader with excessive captions.  

In conclusion, Deadman Wonderland is a fully developed manga that incorporates familiar elements but twists them enough to remain somewhat unpredictable. Despite having only read a few chapters, I believe it holds significant potential. For those seeking mature content, this manga is essential reading.

Here's what I have to say about Deadman Wonderland. It's an incredible series with a fantastic plot and storyline. The artwork is stunning, and there's no way I could draw like that even if I tried. As for the characters, they're decent but tend to be overly angsty, which irritates me a bit. What bothers me the most about this series is the excessive gore. We're not just talking about a little blood like in most manga series; here, there's a massive amount of blood, and I've encountered plenty of guts along the way, making me feel nauseous. Even in the first few pages, there's a decapitated head shown. I'm not kidding, I'm completely serious. Overall, if you can overlook all the blood and gore, the manga is truly great, and I genuinely love it.

Deadman Wonderland is one of those mangas that you either fully love or completely hate.  

Story:  
The narrative is highly engaging and thrilling. There aren't many manga with a prison setting that are as captivating and exhilarating. Every plot twist will leave you craving more...  

Art:  
The artwork is exceptional. It can get dark at times, but only when the story demands it. Each character's expressions alone can convey a story. It's easily one of the best-drawn mangas I've encountered. The action sequences are also superbly illustrated.  

Characters:  
Deadman Wonderland is a character-driven manga. It features some of the most badass and cool characters I've ever come across. Every character is unique in their own right and never fails to entertain.  

Overall:  
As I've mentioned, you'll either love it or hate it. Give it a try, and I'm confident you won't be disappointed.  

<p>

First Manga I ever read, and now I'm starting to read manga because Deadman Wonderland's anime was very incomplete, even though I loved the concept. So, I had to read the manga to get the answers I needed. And you should do the same.

So, a unique prison in Japan called Deadman Wonderland was built after an incident involving an earthquake. In this establishment, prisoners on death row are slowly poisoned for three days until they die. However, they can participate in circus-like events that entertain an ignorant public from the outside world, who think these are just pretend deaths. Igarashi Ganta, accused of mass murder of his classmates, ends up there and meets Shiro and other characters who may help him get stronger, escape from the prison, claim his innocence, get revenge on the "Red Man" (the one who killed his classmates), and later, with a group of characters, reveal to the public what is really going on. Some of the prisoners have special powers called "Branches of Sin." Those who have these powers are called Deadmen.

The story is quite good. I really enjoyed the slow progression through the chapters and the explanations of what could happen inside DW. As I discovered more and unraveled more mysteries, the story became even more interesting, and I ended up reading a lot until I reached the final chapter. When a story surprises you and makes your reaction something like "Wooooooow!", it's probably a good story.

I don't have deep arguments when it comes to manga art since this is the first manga I've seriously read, but I quite like it, and in my opinion, it is well done. I easily understood what was going on in action scenes. I also loved the circus-like design of the prison, the bloody moments, and the characters, which are well made. Speaking of which, Crow makes me remember Bleach's Zaraki (xD).

Anyhow, about the characters, Shiro ends up being more interesting than Ganta, in my opinion, because Ganta is that typical protagonist guy who wants to get stronger for a reason, and in reality, he is a weak guy. He just gets very lucky because his "Branch of Sin" has something different. That's all, because he has no battle experience. It's somehow understandable that he tries to save and protect everyone (a typical attitude of a protagonist too) and sometimes he ends up making decisions that bring bad consequences, but sometimes it gets a little tiring. Shiro becomes more interesting because, despite her sweet girl personality, quite early in the manga, you quickly understand she has "another mask," and finding out what's going on with her is just amazing. As for the other characters, they are quite unique within the manga, and you end up learning about their pasts and the reasons they ended up in jail and how they somehow deal with their past thoughts. You gotta love each one's personality and traits. As I went further into the story, their importance grew higher, and I ended up loving them even more.

To sum it up, if you are one of those DW fans who got frustrated with the anime version, then read this manga; it is way better. If you are one of those guys who love action, blood, and some mystery, read it too. The anime is asking for a second season, but since the answer is right here in the manga chapters, I don't consider it necessary anymore. As you can see, most people made positive reviews about this manga, so it's probably worth it for you.

Deadman Wonderland is a manga that presents some decent ideas. While they're not groundbreaking, they are still commendable. Unfortunately, despite the potential of these concepts, the storytelling and character development are so poorly executed that all promise is effectively squandered.  

The cast of characters has to be one of the most uninspired I've encountered in any manga: almost entirely composed of overused, shallow, edgy anime stereotypes that have been done countless times before. These characters often undergo abrupt personality changes or experience significant developments in an implausibly short period, solely to fit the author's shifting narrative direction. The story consistently moves at an excessive pace, prioritizing cheap shock value and contrived plot twists over a more deliberate and thoughtful progression. The narrative is cluttered with frequent flashbacks, seemingly intended to divert attention from the lack of engaging developments in the present storyline.  

The only factors saving Deadman Wonderland from an even lower rating are the previously mentioned decent ideas and the fact that, much like a good bad movie shared with friends, the writing frequently becomes so absurdly poor that it becomes highly entertaining and enjoyable to laugh at.  

<p>

Having watched the anime first and greatly enjoying it, I approached the manga with high expectations, which were not only fulfilled but also came with the added surprise of a significantly different ending. I wholeheartedly recommend the manga, particularly the later volumes, to any anime fan, as it enriches the storyline by delving deeper into the characters' backgrounds. These are not just expanded but given greater significance compared to the abrupt conclusion of the anime.<br />Beginning as a sci-fi and action story, Deadman Wonderland evolves into multiple genres as the series progresses. You can almost sense the authors shaping their narrative into something exceptional, each volume enhancing the Deadman Wonderland universe and sparking curiosity at the end of every chapter.<br />The artwork is stunning; the dynamic action sequences are visually captivating, even when portraying unsettling scenes.<br />Many characters, despite their dark and twisted nature, remain likable and intriguing in their villainous roles.<br />Infused with psychological suspense, horror, action, sci-fi, and even romance, Deadman Wonderland is a manga I always enthusiastically recommend to anyone seeking a new realm to immerse themselves in.<p>

The best Manga I have read so far  
When I started reading this back in 2008, I immediately knew it wouldn't be like other mangas.  
I trusted Kazuma and Jinsei to deliver something brilliant and they didn't stop at just being awesome.  
In the case of Deadman Wonderland, every single aspect of the concept is brilliant.  
The way the characters fight, how they talk—everything is incredible.  
I also really appreciate how Ganta isn't like most main characters in other stories who find a master and suddenly become the strongest in the world. I love that he's scared and often has to rise up to face challenges head-on.  
In one word:  
BRILLIANT!  
I absolutely love this manga and hope many others will feel the same way.  
Can't wait for the anime! :3

An ironic fact about 'Deadman Wonderland' when I was reading the manga, was that simultaneously I was also reading the manga of 'Elfen Lied'. I find this ironic because certain elements in these two series bear striking similarities:

- The level of gore (perhaps slightly more intense in 'Elfen Lied').
- Both feature a protagonist who encounters a girl with a split personality.
- There's a power within each story, and its users are perceived as monsters.
- Additionally, the male protagonists were childhood friends with the female protagonists but later appear to have forgotten them.

Moving on to the 'Story'.
I believe the narrative is highly original. It kept me hooked right up until the ending. The 'second' phase of the manga, where the situation shifts concerning the villain, didn't detract from my enjoyment one bit.

Regarding the 'Art' of the story, it's dark and intricately detailed, which is essential for a manga that incorporates gore. The use of black and tones in the panels effectively amplifies the darker aspects of the story.

The 'Characters' in the series are all uniquely crafted. Particularly the Deadmen and other supporting characters receive their own backstories. It's fascinating to see how the characters evolve or change throughout the series. Every character, be they protagonist or antagonist, possesses distinct personalities.

Another aspect I appreciated was the incorporation of symbolism and references to other well-known stories. Moreover, the ability utilized by individuals in this story is essentially the same but manifests in diverse ways.

In my opinion, the manga concludes with a sort of open ending, yet at the same time, it doesn't feel unresolved. Nonetheless, the ending was satisfying for me.