Dorohedoro is not your average anime. It’s a smorgasbord of chaos, violence, dark humour, and endearing camaraderie, all wrapped in an intricate world where magic and mystery collide.
At the heart of this peculiar yet captivating story are Caiman and Nikaido, two unlikely friends navigating a cityscape soaked in danger and the macabre.
I was drawn into watching this anime after my colleague, Wardi, had raved about it last year.
The anime, as most people would probably know by now, was adapted from Q Hayashida’s manga, pulls viewers into its dystopian world with a unique animation style, a breakneck pace, and an unconventional yet gripping narrative.
But, like the world of the Hole itself, Dorohedoro is not without its rough edges.
THE HEART OF THE MADNESS
Caiman, a man with a reptilian head and an insatiable appetite for gyoza, is on a mission, which is basically to uncover the sorcerer responsible for his transformation and reclaim his true identity.
Despite his intimidating appearance, Caiman is far from a typical brooding protagonist.
He’s brash, cheerful and oddly wholesome, making him an instant favourite.
By his side is Nikaido, his fiercely loyal best friend and gyoza chef extraordinaire. Strong-willed and enigmatic, she hides her own secrets while helping Caiman in his quest. Their friendship is the emotional anchor of the series, balancing out the brutality with genuine warmth and camaraderie.
Unlike many other action-heavy anime, their bond isn’t just a plot device. It’s the very soul of the story, making their struggles all the more compelling.
A VISUAL FEAST
First aired not too long ago in 2020, one of Dorohedoro’s most striking aspects is its animation.
Produced by MAPPA, the anime employs a blend of traditional 2D animation and CGI, a choice that often sparks controversy in the anime community.
While CGI can sometimes feel clunky or out of place, here it enhances the gritty, industrial setting of the Hole and the eerie opulence of the sorcerers’ world.
The character designs stay true to Hayashida’s original art – gritty, expressive and brimming with personality.
The backgrounds are richly detailed, with the Hole appearing like a chaotic labyrinth of crumbling buildings, grimy alleyways, and neon-lit hideouts.
Meanwhile, the sorcerers’ world is a stark contrast – lush, extravagant, and almost sickeningly perfect. These visual juxtapositions deepen the divide between the two societies and amplify the show’s themes of power and survival.
FAST-PACED MAYHEM, NARRATIVE COMPLEXITY
Dorohedoro doesn’t waste time. From the first episode, viewers are thrust into a whirlwind of action, bizarre humour, and gory confrontations.
There’s an exhilarating unpredictability to the storytelling – one moment, Caiman is interrogating a sorcerer with his mouth (literally), and the next, he’s wolfing down gyoza with Nikaido. The show balances absurdity with genuine intrigue, crafting a mystery that unravels in tantalising pieces.
However, this fast pace can be both a blessing and a curse. The anime juggles multiple storylines, introducing a vast ensemble of characters, each with their own quirks and motivations.
While this makes for a lively and immersive world, it can also be overwhelming, especially for those unfamiliar with the manga like myself.
Some story threads feel rushed, leaving viewers craving deeper exploration of certain arcs and character backstories.
Additionally, with such a large cast of unique personalities, it can sometimes be challenging to determine who to root for, who the real antagonist is, and where allegiances truly lie.
A BIT TOO MUCH CHAOS?
As much as Dorohedoro excels in world-building and character dynamics, it’s not without its flaws. The rapid-fire pacing, while exhilarating, can sometimes make it difficult to absorb the intricacies of the plot.
Certain narrative threads feel abruptly cut off, and some elements, like the magic system, remain somewhat nebulous.
Another divisive aspect is the CGI animation. While many fans appreciate the seamless blend with traditional animation, others find it jarring in fast-paced fight sequences. Some movements lack the fluidity of hand-drawn action, occasionally pulling viewers out of the experience.
Additionally, Dorohedoro’s eccentricity might not be for everyone.
The series thrives on absurd humour, grotesque imagery, and moral ambiguity – qualities that some viewers may find off-putting. It doesn’t conform to typical anime conventions, making it a love-it-or-hate-it experience.
A CULT CLASSIC IN THE MAKING
Despite its few shortcomings, Dorohedoro is an exhilarating ride – a celebration of chaos, friendship and the wonderfully bizarre. It stands out in the anime landscape as a bold, unapologetic work of art that refuses to fit neatly into any genre box.
Whether it’s the charm of Caiman and Nikaido’s unwavering friendship, the jaw-dropping animation, or the endlessly fascinating world-building, there’s something uniquely magnetic about this series.
For those seeking an anime that dares to be different, Dorohedoro is a must-watch.
It may not be perfect, but in its glorious imperfection lies its greatest strength – an unforgettable, madcap adventure through a world where the rules are ever-changing, and the only certainty is that nothing is ever as it seems, and I get why my colleague loves this show so much.
And the madness isn’t over yet. With the recent confirmation that Dorohedoro will return for a second season in 2025, once again helmed by studio MAPPA, fans can anticipate another dive into the eccentric and chaotic world of the Hole.
Brace yourselves – Caiman’s hunt for answers is far from finished, and the ride is bound to be just as unpredictable as ever. – Izah Azahari
