Production I.G. has a long-standing reputation for producing mind-blowing science fiction TV shows and movies, like Ghost in the Shell and Psycho-Pass. Recently, they haven’t really surprised their fans with anything new but Heavenly Delusion is here to change that.

This post-apocalyptic series, directed by Hirotaka Mori and based on Masakazu Ishiguro’s manga, is a unique blend of mystery and adventure. The story is told from two different perspectives: one from a youth’s viewpoint, similar to The Promised Neverland, and the other from a boy and girl on a cross-country quest to find “heaven”.

The Outside

The first part of Heavenly Delusion’s story is about the kids who grow up in a futuristic nursery, which is isolated from the outside world, but still surrounded by a forest-like environment. Tokio, a curious boy, gets a strange message that leads him to wonder what lies beyond the outside world. His friend Mimihime is equally curious and seems to know more than she lets on.

Searching for Heaven

Unlike other post-apocalyptic stories, Heavenly Delusion doesn’t spend too much time building up the world only to tear it down. Instead, the audience is quickly given the answer to the main question. The second part of the story follows Kiruko and Maru, two protagonists who roam around a dilapidated Japan. They raid abandoned houses for supplies and face off against scavengers.

What sets Heavenly Delusion apart is the chemistry between the two protagonists and the overall tone of the series. Despite the dark imagery, it’s less bleak than other stories of its kind. The youthful perspective changes the way we see the world, even if there are still some horrifying moments.

Kiruko is hired as Maru’s bodyguard as he searches for “Heaven.” The duo has a great dynamic, and they bicker and celebrate the small things they find on their journey. They face threats along the way, but they can handle themselves. Kiruko has a gun but compensates for its low capacity with her sharp wit, and Maru is a skilled hand-to-hand fighter.

Return to Glory

Production I.G. has a long-standing reputation for creating exceptional science fiction works, and their latest series, Heavenly Delusion, doesn’t disappoint. Directed by Hirotaka Mori and based on the manga series by Masakazu Ishiguro, this post-apocalyptic series tells two unique stories. The first follows the curious Tokio, who becomes intrigued by the question of what lies beyond the walls of his secluded nursery, and his clever friend Mimihime. The second story follows the adventurous Kiruko and Maru as they journey through a run-down Japan in search of a place called “Heaven.”

What sets this series apart is the chemistry between the protagonists, which adds a sense of warmth and cosiness to the show despite the dark imagery. The animation is top-notch and the attention to detail is impressive. The premiere episode is surprisingly cheerful, with immediately likeable characters and a compelling mystery that hooks the viewer. Although the second story somewhat overshadows the first, it sets up a promising future for the series.

As someone who is up to date with the manga, I am extremely pleased with the way Episode 1 has been adapted. It somehow managed to surpass my expectations and elevate every aspect of what made the manga so good. Overall, Heavenly Delusion is a must-watch for fans of science fiction and post-apocalyptic adventure. The premiere episode is available for streaming on Disney+, Hulu in America, and Star+ in Latin America.