Anime Has Gradually Killed Dark Shonen Even With ‘Chainsaw Man’ and ‘Hell’s Paradise’ as Strong Contenders
The Shonen anime genre has some of the most diverse shows that can cater to the taste of almost everyone. It can offer action-packed but lighter-themed shows like Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, or some heavy-themed anime like Hell’s Paradise.
However, Chainsaw Man or Hell’s Paradise does not properly define the dark Shonen subgenre, which once presented even grittier shows. While these are great at what they are doing, some earlier Shonen anime defined how Shonen can have elements of Seinen and still be popular amongst its target audience.
Gabimaru from Hell’s Paradise [Credit: Mappa]
2010 to 2020 was the time when we saw the emergence of some great shows that handled dark elements exceptionally. However, now that aspect has mellowed down significantly, and we definitely need a revival of it.
The glorious era of dark Shonen shows
There have always been legendary gore anime like Berserk, Higurashi: When They Cry, and Elfin Lied before 2010. Then,...
However, Chainsaw Man or Hell’s Paradise does not properly define the dark Shonen subgenre, which once presented even grittier shows. While these are great at what they are doing, some earlier Shonen anime defined how Shonen can have elements of Seinen and still be popular amongst its target audience.
Gabimaru from Hell’s Paradise [Credit: Mappa]
2010 to 2020 was the time when we saw the emergence of some great shows that handled dark elements exceptionally. However, now that aspect has mellowed down significantly, and we definitely need a revival of it.
The glorious era of dark Shonen shows
There have always been legendary gore anime like Berserk, Higurashi: When They Cry, and Elfin Lied before 2010. Then,...
- 4/14/2025
- by Arpita Samaddar
- FandomWire
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