SYNOPSIS: The Great Tokyo Earthquake. Ten years ago, it destroyed lives as it tore buildings asunder. Among those who lived through the disaster was Ganta Igarashi, now a middle school student finally getting a footing in how own life…that is, until the day the “Red Man” appears at his school and turns his world upside down again. Ganta’s entire class is brutally murdered, and although innocent of the crime, Ganta is sentenced to death and sent to the bizarre prison known as “Deadman Wonderland.” There, a brutal game of survival begins, where Ganta must discover the truth behind his classmates’ murder.

Deadman Wonderland has a rather deceiving cover. In no way does it portray the blood and gore that lays within. But there is actually some substance to the story, along with a plethora of mindless killing. What exactly has happened to Ganta? Who is this “Red Man”? And what role is Shiro going to play in all of this? These questions are but the tip of the iceberg in volume one, and as with most first volumes, the reader is introduced to the characters and given a background on what has happened.

Having come across this series randomly at a local Waldenbooks (owned by Borders), I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the first volume. The characters are interesting, as is the concept; a privatized prison that pits prisoners against each other and obstacles for viewers’ pleasure. Sound great! I highly recommend people check out at least the first volume. The art is great and for anyone who likes a little blood and gore, this is definitely your cup of tea.

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