Heavenly Delusion, also commonly referred to as Tengoku Daimakyo, is a recent anime that captivated its viewers with its intense and mysterious story and its breathtaking visuals. The science fiction series was even heralded as one of 2023’s best anime. In the production panel at Anime Central, the director of Heavenly Delusion revealed a surprising source of inspiration: the world-famous video game series, The Last of Us. This revelation has brought Heavenly Delusion back 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 on Heavenly Delusion can be seen through the anime’s art direction and character dynamics.
For fans of both anime and The Last of Us, Heavenly Delusion offers a unique blend of visuals and emotional storytelling that showcases the game’s impact.
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 between Heavenly Delusion and The Last of Us is 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 Us players must travel through collapsed cities overrun by nature, where every corner could lead to danger and infection. Heavenly Delusion mirrors this aesthetic with its destroyed landscapes, abandoned urban areas, and the eerie calmness of a world reclaimed by plants, animals, and unknown beasts.
The
Heavenly Delusion
anime is based on the Kodansha manga by Masakazu Ishiguro.
The director of Heavenly Delusion mentioned how The Last of Us influenced 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 that Heavenly Delusion is 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 Delusion and The Last of Us both have a strong focus on character development. The Last of Us is 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 Delusion has 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 that The Last of Us inspired Heavenly Delusion adds 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 that viewers will remember as one of the best anime in recent years. Heavenly Delusion is the perfect anime for fans of The Last of Us or people who are simply looking for a new and amazing show.