Tengoku Daimakyou [Season 1 Episode 1 to 13]

Tengoku Daimakyou (Heavenly Delusion) – A Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Ride

When Tengoku Daimakyou (or Heavenly Delusion) first dropped in April 2023, it didn’t just arrive—it exploded onto the scene with a gripping premise, stunning animation, and a mystery so thick you could cut it with a knife. Produced by Production I.G (the legends behind Attack on Titan and Haikyuu!!), this anime quickly became a standout in the crowded post-apocalyptic genre. Over 13 episodes, it delivered a wild mix of heart-pounding action, emotional gut-punches, and mind-bending twists that left fans begging for more.

The Premise: A World in Ruins

Fifteen years after a cataclysmic disaster, Japan is a wasteland crawling with grotesque, man-eating monsters. Amid the chaos, we follow two parallel stories:

1. Kiruko and Maru’s Journey – Kiruko, a tough-as-nails odd-job girl, takes on a dying woman’s request to escort a boy named Maru to a place called “Heaven.” Maru, meanwhile, is convinced he’ll find his doppelgänger there. Their dynamic is a highlight—Kiruko’s hardened exterior clashes with Maru’s cheerful optimism, but their bond grows deeper with every near-death encounter.

2. The Children of the Facility – Inside a heavily guarded compound, a group of kids live in eerie isolation, raised by scientists who may not have their best interests at heart. As the walls of their “Heaven” begin to crack, they’re forced to confront the terrifying truth of the outside world.

What Fans Loved

1. The Mystery Unfolds (But Not Too Fast)
   One of the biggest praises from fans is how the show doesn’t spoon-feed answers. Instead, it drops breadcrumbs—like the eerie parallels between Maru and the facility kids, or the true nature of the monsters. Reddit user u/MarxistGamer put it best: “Every episode felt like five minutes because you’re constantly trying to piece things together.”

2. Kiruko and Maru’s Dynamic
   Kiruko’s backstory is a slow-burn tragedy, and Maru’s unwavering loyalty to her had fans emotionally invested. The finale’s brutal confrontation with Robin (a character fans universally despise) was chef’s kiss—Maru’s silent, relentless beatdown was the most satisfying revenge scene of the season, according to MyAnimeList discussions.

3. The Facility’s Dark Secrets
   The kids’ storyline is just as compelling, especially Tokio’s transformation and Shiro’s heartbreaking fate. Fans on MyAnimeList are still reeling from Episode 8’s gut-wrenching twist, with one user writing: “If you didn’t cry during Shiro and Mimihime’s scene, you’re not human.”

4. Production I.G’s Stellar Animation
   The studio went all out—whether it’s the grotesque monster designs or the quiet, emotional moments, every frame oozes quality. The soundtrack by Kensuke Ushio (Devilman Crybaby, Chainsaw Man) is another standout, blending haunting melodies with pulse-pounding intensity.

Controversies and Criticisms

Not everything was perfect, though. The show’s handling of sexual violence (specifically Kiruko’s assault) sparked heated debates. Some fans felt it was gratuitous, while others argued it was crucial to her character’s trauma. Reddit user u/gawed criticized: “The way it was brushed off in 10 minutes was insulting to real survivors.”

Others were frustrated by the open-ended finale, with Twitter user @AnimeFanatic42 joking: “They really blue-balled us with that boat scene.” Still, most agree the setup for Season 2 is too tantalizing to ignore.

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch

Tengoku Daimakyou isn’t just another dystopian anime—it’s a masterclass in storytelling, blending action, mystery, and raw emotion into a package that’s impossible to put down. Whether you’re here for the jaw-dropping twists, the complex characters, or just Maru beating the crap out of bad guys, this show delivers.

Rating: 9/10 – One of the best anime of 2023, and if Season 2 gets greenlit, it could become an all-time great.

Now, excuse me while I go read the manga because I can’t wait. 🚀