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”

*SPOILERS* Deadman Wonderland is, without a doubt, a highly original series. I first encountered it during Toonami's revival, and I was immediately captivated. Initially, I watched the anime before diving into the manga once I had finished all 12 episodes and the OVA. What draws me most to this series are its intense, disturbing moments, like when Shiro murders Ganta's class or the giant slot machine that decides which body part you'll lose. I also adore the concept of a prison that profits from its inmates—an idea I find unique (as far as I know)—and it was seamlessly integrated into the storyline. However, I do think the portion of the story where they're just fighting for survival instead of rebelling could have been expanded slightly. The battles were incredibly entertaining, with blood splattering everywhere and clever tactics being employed. My favorite character in this series is Shiro, with her charming demeanor contrasting sharply with her unsettling side. While Ganta was a rather unremarkable protagonist at the start of the series, he developed over time. Overall, this is an exceptional series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys copious amounts of blood and gore.  

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Please note: There will be no spoilers in this review! So please read on happily!

Deadman Wonderland was a series that caught my attention while browsing on "AnimeFreak.TV" out of sheer boredom, and since then, it has become one of my all-time favorite manga. Initially, I thought the story would follow the typical action/prison trope, but it turned out to be so much more.

Story = The basic synopsis is as follows: "The story revolves around Ganta Igarashi, who becomes the sole survivor when his class is brutally murdered by a mysterious floating 'Red Man.' Wrongfully accused of the massacre, Ganta is sentenced to 'Deadman Wonderland,' a unique theme park cum prison. Here, he encounters a mysterious girl with white hair named 'Shiro,' and the real survival game begins, where his life hangs in the balance."

The narrative features multiple arcs that intricately weave together, presenting various stages within the characters' lives at Deadman Wonderland. It's anything but boring. Keeping me on edge, I found myself eagerly anticipating the next chapter. The story masterfully blends hardship, thriller, action, and horror with some charming scenes and humorous moments. There are even romance elements between certain characters, which, despite not being a fan of romance, I thoroughly enjoyed. These scenes were seamlessly integrated into the storyline, evoking either joy or heartbreak.

Art = One aspect I truly appreciated was the art. It never overwhelmed me, unlike some manga where the artwork, though good, can be too cluttered on a page. This manga isn't suitable for children, and the violence/gore scenes are exceptionally well-executed. Some might advise those who are easily queasy to steer clear, yet despite my own sensitivity, I never felt compelled to look away. The story had already captivated me entirely!

Character = There wasn't a single main character I disliked. As the protagonist navigates the challenges of his new reality, all other characters possess strong, distinct personalities that remain consistent throughout the story. Deadman Wonderland boasts a diverse cast, likely giving readers several favorite characters to root for.

Overall, it was an immensely enjoyable read, and I'm currently in the process of purchasing the actual manga volumes as they're released, relishing every re-read! This manga contains powerful scenes that I doubt I'll ever forget. I've encountered people who have watched the anime and remained uncertain about their feelings towards it. To truly appreciate Deadman Wonderland, reading the manga is essential. Unfortunately, the anime omitted many characters and plotlines and was canceled after 12 episodes. The manga, without a doubt, offers a superior and far more satisfying experience!

I hope you enjoyed my review; it was my first!

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Deadman Wonderland is a bizarre yet oddly enjoyable seinen manga with a compelling story.  

The manga delivers a thrilling and fast-paced narrative with an intriguing concept. Although the series lacks in character development, it makes up for it with a well-constructed plot and clear explanations of unfolding events.  

One standout feature of Deadman Wonderland is its gripping storyline. Set in a dark and dystopian world, the series follows Ganta Igarashi, a young boy falsely accused of a horrific crime and sentenced to the nightmarish Deadman Wonderland prison. Inside, prisoners are forced into brutal death games, while Ganta discovers his unique ability called the Branches of Sin. The series keeps readers hooked with its suspense, action, and unexpected twists.  

However, a drawback of Deadman Wonderland is its character development. While the story features a varied cast, many characters lack depth and fail to evolve significantly throughout the series. Although Ganta's journey as the protagonist is engaging, other characters often remain shallow or underdeveloped, leaving readers craving deeper emotional connections.  

On the bright side, Deadman Wonderland excels at providing explanations for key events. As the story unfolds, important plot points and mysteries are gradually revealed, offering readers satisfaction and closure. The narrative answers questions raised early on, demonstrating a well-structured plot with a clear sense of purpose.  

Recommended.  

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If you can get past the gore, you should definitely give this manga a try; if not, then it's not for you.  

DW is set in a twisted post-apocalyptic world where many people revel in violence and chaos. Gore is unavoidable and even appears to be a major focus of the story. Through it, a select few individuals stand out as they struggle not to transform into destruction monsters. They can't do it alone, though, and must rely on others who all have hidden agendas and conflicting goals, sometimes undermining each other's objectives. And this is the essence of the world DW tries to portray: people struggling against their environment and themselves as they strive to make the most of life while holding onto their beliefs and determination.  

Art-wise, DW is exceptional. The world is intricately detailed, unlike a certain Bleach which "has no backgrounds." DW doesn't lack them. You won't find entire pages where characters talk over white backgrounds and seem disconnected from the world. Instead, they interact within the constraints of their surroundings, drawing readers into the story, which otherwise might struggle to engage.  

The warped reality is conveyed effectively, and the characters' expressions convey strong emotions—perhaps too strong at times. The horror or hatred shown on characters' faces is often exaggerated, and it seems that the author sometimes intends to depict a simple smirk of superiority but instead conveys a sadistic murderer's "I'm going to cut you into pieces" glare.  

Character development is meticulously done. Each character comes with a solid backstory, usually revealed through flashbacks. While this isn't the best way to present it, it allows for a deeper understanding of characters whose motives might otherwise remain unclear.  

The main issue with character construction lies in the concept of wholeness. Any character in DW can become entirely evil, good, submissive, etc., at any given moment and act accordingly for a period until they adopt a different "role." This change put me off and made the story unworthy of a 10 or a 9. In real life, people don't undergo such drastic changes without indications of past behavior or views. A character might shift drastically from one point to the next without any hint of continuity.  

Another problem with character development is that when a character fulfills their intended role in the story, they are often sidelined and become completely passive, unlike their previously established personalities.  

Overall, it seems like the author of DW is trying too hard. Reality isn't black and white, yet DW attempts to present the world as an evil and twisted place with a few bright shining stars. Nevertheless, I truly enjoy this manga. It's very solid and unique—qualities that aren't common in many works. Most of its flaws can be overlooked as the positive aspects far outweigh them.

very good read so far!!