The first episode of Heavenly Delusion is streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
Heavenly Delusion, also known as Tengoku Daimakyo, is one of the first anime releases of Spring 2023 lineup. It’s an adaptation of Masakazu Ishiguro’s manga series, which began in 2018. Produced by Production I.G, the anime is a visual spectacle that sets a high bar for TV anime.
The anime starts with a sombre tone, as we see children happily playing around in a facility with many children living in it. They attend classes with robot teachers and take tests on tablets with styluses, instead of the traditional pen and paper. Although things seem ordinary, there is a sense of mystery lurking behind the scenes.
It is eventually revealed that these children are living in a closed-off environment, shielded from the outside world by this massive facility. The caretakers of these children are determined to keep them ignorant of the world beyond the walls.
However, there are also people living outside the walls, exposed to the dangers of the desolated world. It becomes clear that the facility is a haven for the surviving children, shielded from the harsh reality of the outside world. The anime slowly unravels the events that led to the “Collapse,” an apocalyptic event that destroyed humanity as we know it, leaving behind a world of dilapidated buildings and scarce resources. Heavenly Delusion effectively portrays the grim setting, which creates a constant sense of tension and unease.
The first episode features multiple characters, two of whom are inside the facility and two outside. Although Tokio and Mimihime are students attending classes, they receive limited screentime. Instead, Kiruko and Maru’s quest to find “Heaven” is the primary focus of the episode. They are labeled as part of the “lawless generation,” traveling with minimal resources and an unwavering desire to reach their destination. Without giving away too much, there is a clear link between these two and the facility’s Tokio and Mimihime.
While the animation may not be entirely smooth, the stunning visuals and cinematography more than make up for it.
The feeling of unease in Heavenly Delusion is effectively conveyed by the high-quality background art throughout the episode. The desolate and empty world is presented in a way that adds to the lonely atmosphere. Additionally, the anime features some impressive lighting that looks as good as any anime film. While the animation may not be entirely smooth, the stunning visuals and cinematography more than make up for it. The action sequences are engaging and well-crafted, utilising dynamic angles.
Based on what we’ve seen far, it seems like we are in for a wild ride. Other than the interesting world setting, the chemistry between main characters Kiruko and Maru is also one of the best parts of the show. Pair that with stunning visuals, and we are off to a great start for Spring 2023.
Heavenly Delusion presents a mysterious story with intriguing characters whose journey has only just begun. There is much to discover about the world that we have been thrust into, and the anime keeps it engaging enough to leave us wanting more. Production I.G has clearly invested considerable effort into Heavenly Delusion, with the stunning art and lighting making it a treat for the eyes.
