Written by: Pranjal Adhikari - 25035, Grade XI
Posted on: 29 August, 2023
The story is set in the Hole, a gritty and chaotic city plagued by a curse that turns its residents into distorted creatures known as "Sorcerers." Amidst this grim environment, the central character is Kaimon, a man with the head of a lizard and no memory of his past. Determined to find the Sorcerer responsible for his transformation, Kaimon undertakes a violent quest for vengeance.
Dorohedoro is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Q. Hayashida. It was serialized in Shogakukan's manga magazines Monthly Ikki (November 2000 to September 2014), Hibana (March 2015 to August 2017), and Monthly Shōnen Sunday (November 2017 to September 2018); its chapters were collected in 23 tankōbon volumes. Dorohedoro tells the story of the amnesiac reptilian-headed Caiman, working together with his friend Nikaido to recover his memories and survive in a strange and violent world. (Wikipedia) In North America, the series has been licensed for English-language release by Viz Media in 2009. The twenty-three volumes were published from 2010 to 2019.
Kaimon is aided by his friend Nikaido, a tough and resourceful woman with a mysterious past. Together, they navigate the dangerous streets of the Hole while hunting down Sorcerers and unraveling the mysteries of Caiman's identity. The manga's unique premise and darkly humorous tone are enhanced by its exploration of the bizarre and often distorted world inhabited by both humans and Sorcerers. Each character plays an irreplaceable role in unraveling the mysteries surrounding Kaimon's origins. Although they seem to be close, they don't share feeling other than a devotion and strong will towards each other.
As Kaimon and Nikaido delve deeper into the world of Sorcerers, they become entangled with a group of powerful magic users, each with their own agendas. The manga introduces a large cast of characters, each with complex backstories and motivations. From enigmatic leaders to peculiar and erratic side characters, "Dorohedoro" excels in portraying the multifaceted nature of its cast.
As the story progresses to the plot they eventually end up where they started but with a satisfied and a calm heart after finding out the truth by going through many hardships. This in itself is astounding as the writer has given the story the same starting and the ending but with a different perspective.
Although such a fantasy story won't reflect on real life, I strongly believe that the Manga “Dorohedoro” has defied such beliefs as the story clearly shows Psychological exploration, hidden desires and repression, blurred realities, societal community, personal transformation and many more.
One of "Dorohedoro's" strengths lies in its well-developed character who undergo significant growth throughout the series Kaimon evolves from an enigmatic protagonist seeking answers to someone striving for justice while grappling with his own violent tendencies. Nikaido complements Kaimon with her tough exterior hiding deep vulnerabilities that are gradually unveiled over time.
In conclusion, "Dorohedoro" is a genre-defying manga that captivates readers with its gritty world, memorable characters, and unique blend of fantasy, horror, and comedy. With its unpredictable plot twists and thematic exploration, "Dorohedoro" stands as a testament to the power of creativity and imagination in the realm of manga.
