Heavenly Delusion, also commonly referred to asTengoku Daimakyo, is a recent anime that captivated its viewers with its intense and mysterious story and its breathtaking visuals. The science fiction series was evenheralded as one of 2023’s best anime. In the production panel at Anime Central,the director ofHeavenly Delusionrevealed a surprising source of inspiration: the world-famous video game series,The Last of Us.This revelation has broughtHeavenly Delusionback into conversation, offering a new lens through which to appreciate the artistry of the series.
The announcement was made during the Production I.G panel at Anime Central, where director Hirotaka Mori dived into the creative process behind the anime.The Last of Us,known for its post-apocalyptic setting, compelling characters, and tear-jerking moments, has left a significant influence on modern pop culture. Its influence onHeavenly Delusioncan be seen through the anime’s art direction and character dynamics.
For fans of both anime andThe Last of Us,Heavenly Delusionoffers a unique blend of visuals and emotional storytelling that showcases the game’s impact.
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Despite the number of cool and intriguing anime that have debuted this year, Heavenly Delusion easily separates itself from the rest of the pack.
The Aesthetic Parallels Between The Two Different Worlds
How The Last Of Us And Heavenly Delusion Are Crafted In A Post-Apocalyptic World
One of the most noticeable similarities betweenHeavenly DelusionandThe Last of Usis the meticulous attention to detail their creators put into making a post-apocalyptic world. Both works take place in environments that are simultaneously beautiful and horrifying.The Last of Usplayers must travel through collapsed cities overrun by nature, where every corner could lead to danger and infection.Heavenly Delusionmirrors this aesthetic with its destroyed landscapes, abandoned urban areas, and the eerie calmnessof a world reclaimed by plants, animals, and unknown beasts.
TheHeavenly Delusionanime is based on the Kodansha manga by Masakazu Ishiguro.
The director ofHeavenly Delusionmentioned howThe Last of Usinfluenced the anime’s visual style. Throughout the series, the use of lighting, color palettes, and locations is reminiscent of the game’s visuals. This use of similar post-apocalyptic visuals enhances the viewers' sense of loneliness, bringing them closer to the story and the world the characters live in. The end result is thatHeavenly Delusionis one of the best post-apocalyptic anime ever.
The Character Dynamics Between The Two Different Worlds
How The Last Of Us And Heavenly Delusion Have Characters Full Of Emotional Depth And Complexity
Beyond the visual similarities,Heavenly DelusionandThe Last of Usboth have a strong focus on character development.The Last of Usis well known for its complex character relationship, particularly the one between Joel and Ellie. Their journey is full of moments of intense emotion, making them some of the most memorable characters in gaming history.Heavenly Delusionhas a similar level of depth to its characters. The anime’s main characters, Kiruko and Maru live and journey through a world filled with danger, forging a relationship that is full of both strength and vulnerability.
The revelation thatThe Last of UsinspiredHeavenly Delusionadds an interesting layer to the anime’s backstory. By drawing from the game’s memorable visuals and emotional storytelling methods, Hirotaka Mori has crafted a story thatviewers will remember as one of the best anime in recent years.Heavenly Delusionis the perfect anime for fans ofThe Last of Usor people who are simply looking for a new and amazing show.
