Fruit of the Underworld 1 balances a promising mix of action, drama, and laughs as it gets right to the issue while tying in mythological beings into its framework.
Fruit of the Underworld 1 does not hold back with the shocking surprises. Moving as though Jujutsu Kaisen and Deadman Wonderland had a child that no one knows, the pace in the first volume is almost frantic. The first volume introduces many characters that the main character, Seiji, encounters as his life goes from bad to worse. As a shonen, it has potential that will depend on the story and what kind of power structure this world creates. Fruit of the Underworld 1 balances a promising mix of action, drama, and laughs as it gets right to the issue while tying in mythological beings into its framework.
Created by Aya Kanno (Otomen, Requiem of the Rose King), translated by Kevin Steinbach with lettering by Carolina Hernández Mendoza, the story follows Seiji, who, after discovering a pomegranate in a well rumored to lead to the underworld ten years prior, struggles to stay alive through a never-ending series of deadly accidents. When someone tries to explain, he attempts to get rid of the fruit, but opens up a rising threat set to rock both worlds. Thanks to its pacing, there is a level of tension that keeps readers’ interest. But the bond that’s established early on is what makes you care.
Fruit of the Underworld 1 Has A Warm Bromance
Truthfully, it’s hard not to ship them because of how close they are and the clear affection between them. Seiji and Haru are childhood friends and were together when Seiji fell into the well to retrieve his friend’s ball. In fact, Seiji might’ve wound up stuck in the underworld if Haru hadn’t helped pull him out. Even more adorable and a clear demonstration of their friendship, Seiji’s main motivation for ending his cursed luck is to ensure he does not endanger Haru. Additionally, Seiji’s sojourn to the underworld is also guided by rescuing Haru. He wants to save everyone, but his focus is on Haru. Thanks to how Fruit of the Underworld 1 shows their besties’ behavior, it’s easy to care about Seiji and hope for his success.
Mythological Ties to Power, But Still Fresh and Unknown
As it’s the first volume, there are not enough explanations of the different characters’ abilities. Nor is it clear how the underworld works. But the exploration of Seiji’s abilities, or rather, like Itadori or Naruto, what hides within him now, does get some attention. However, it seems to head in a different direction. The most famous relationship tied to the underworld pomegranate is Persephone and Hades, where Hades traps Persephone by tricking her into consuming pomegranate seeds from the underworld.
But it does look as though that applies to Seiji. But there are additional aspects tied to Greek mythology, such as the three-headed beast, Cerberus. In Greek mythology, he stands as the guard to the entrance of the underworld. However, it seem she could not come out until Seiji entered the underworld. So, while Fruit of the Underworld 1 does incorporate real stories from mythology, it seems to weave them in within the already existing framework of the story.
Fruit of the Underworld 1 is a fun ride, with action, some gross moments as worm-like creatures spew out of mouths, a famous three-headed dog, and more. The story has an amazing potential to be a captivating new shonen series. Furthermore, I adore stories—be it books, shows, or films- that combine something historical with their fictional tale. It helps create an interest and opens up the desire to learn more. After all, there is a lot of mythology both inside and outside the underworld. It will be interesting to see how far the series plans to go. Fruit of the Underworld 1 is a beast of a beginning for a promising new manga.
