Tengoku Daimakyou [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 13]

“Heavenly Delusion” (Tengoku Daimakyou) – A Thrilling, Mysterious Ride That Leaves Us Begging for More

If you’re into post-apocalyptic worlds filled with monsters, deep mysteries, and characters you can’t help but root for, Heavenly Delusion (Tengoku Daimakyou) is a must-watch. Produced by the legendary Production I.G (yes, the same studio behind Attack on Titan and Ghost in the Shell), this anime aired from April to June 2023, delivering 13 episodes of pure, unadulterated suspense.

The story is split into two parallel narratives: one follows Maru and Kiruko, two survivors navigating a wasteland overrun by man-eating creatures, while the other focuses on a group of children raised in a secluded facility by robots, completely unaware of the horrors outside. The contrast between these two worlds is what makes the show so gripping—you’re constantly left wondering how they’ll eventually collide.

What Fans Loved (And What They Didn’t)

1. The Mystery Kept Us Hooked

From the very first episode, Heavenly Delusion throws you into a world where nothing is as it seems. Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit praised the show for its non-spoonfed storytelling. Unlike many anime that over-explain every detail, this one trusts its audience to piece things together.

One Reddit user put it perfectly:

“Every episode felt like 5 minutes and always ended on a cliffhanger. I was constantly theorizing about what would happen next.”

The finale (Episode 13) left some loose ends, but that’s part of the charm. The kids finally escape their facility, Maru and Kiruko’s journey continues, and Tokio’s bizarre transformation raises even more questions.

2. The Emotional Gut-Punches

This show doesn’t shy away from dark themes. Episode 8, in particular, broke fans with its heart-wrenching revelations about Shiro and Mimihime. The subtle use of music and visual storytelling made it one of the most talked-about moments.

A fan on MyAnimeList wrote:

“If you didn’t notice the music in Episode 8, you missed the whole point. That scene destroyed me.”

But the biggest emotional moment came in the finale when Maru finally finds Kiruko after she’s been assaulted by Robin. His rage-filled beatdown of Robin was cathartic for viewers, with many calling it “one of the most satisfying punches in anime history.”

3. The Controversial Handling of Trauma

Not everything landed perfectly. Some fans criticized how Kiruko’s trauma was handled. After such a horrific event, her quick recovery felt unrealistic to some.

One fan expressed frustration:

“It’s almost insulting to sexual abuse victims. No PTSD, no real aftermath—just ‘Oh well, life goes on.’ It cheapened the impact.”

Others argued that Kiruko’s stoicism might be a coping mechanism, and we could see deeper fallout in a potential Season 2.

4. The Animation & Soundtrack

Production I.G delivered on the visuals. The post-apocalyptic landscapes are stunning, and the monster designs are genuinely unsettling. The soundtrack by Kensuke Ushio (known for Chainsaw Man and Devilman Crybaby) added another layer of intensity.

A fan summed it up:

“The animation, music, and voice acting were all top-tier. This is how you adapt a manga.”

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

Absolutely. Heavenly Delusion is one of those rare anime that balances action, mystery, and emotion without ever feeling forced. It’s not perfect—some pacing issues and controversial moments hold it back—but it’s one of the best anime of 2023 so far.

Fans are desperate for a Season 2, especially after that cliffhanger ending. If you love shows like The Promised Neverland or Made in Abyss, this is right up your alley.

Final Rating: 9/10

• Pros: Gripping mystery, stunning animation, emotional depth.
• Cons: Some rushed resolutions, controversial handling of trauma.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be rewatching Episode 8 and crying in a corner.

What did you think of Heavenly Delusion? Did the finale leave you satisfied, or are you screaming for more? Drop your thoughts below!