Dorohedoro, created by Q Hayashida takes place in a post-apocalyptic world. Where we have Caiman is a man with a lizard head. For Caiman, he is basically cursed with this and needs to find out who cursed him. Which leads him to hunting down all the sorcerers, as the curse would be the work of one of them. Alongside him is his companion Nikaidou, who is helping him on his quest.
One of the biggest themes in Dorohedoro is identity and finding out who he is. It is no surprise that Caiman has a large amount of hatred for sorcerers because one of them caused this. As this leads him to have a hatred of sorcerers. Along the way he learns that he potentially could be a sorcerer, but also Nikaidou is one too. The manga does an outstanding job at exploring this because is he supposed to hate Nikaidou if she is a sorcerer? Was he a sorcerer? The manga does an outstanding job at tackling this for the manga’s ending because at the end we have Caiman still with his lizard head with Nikaidou as she manages the Hungry Bug. While on the outside it looks like nothing might be changed for Caiman, he put his past behind him, rather focusing on who he is now. His accepting Nikadiou as his friend and whether she is a sorcerer are irrelevant.
For Nikaidou, she is an example of how the past can be a burden for you. She possesses time magic, which is considered one of the strongest types of magic. But for her it isn’t a power but a burden, as it is because of those powers that she lost Yakumo. This is a core element in the story because she needs to overcome this trauma. An important example of why it is important for us to face our fears rather than run away from them.
The world-building is a major element done well in this manga. We have 3 types of beings in this series. Humans, Sorcerers, and Devils. Humans are akin to what humans are in today’s world. Devils can be thought of as gods in a way who possess power to an extreme amount. While sorcerers are a subset or weaker version of devils. There is a clear structure in the story where we have Devils > Sorcerers > Humans. For the sorcerer and human hierarchy, we see how one side is just feared by the other. But how resentment can build over time. What is most interesting is that sorcerers powers can vary because you could have En, who is on top of the sorcerer world, and even devils have respect for him. While you have Fujita who is seen as one of the least powerful sorcerers in the story. The various interactions each sorcerer has regarding humans and devils are well done.
To add the Devils in this story is an example of that having power; you can feel empty. As Chidaruma who is the original Devil, is constantly trying to keep himself entertained. The point of being on top can be a lonely feeling. We have a focus on Haru, whose husband is a human by the name Kasukabe. It’s funny how she mentions being a devil is the most important thing and how awesome it is. But in reality your actions show you that Kasukabe himself is the thing she cherishes most. Basically her human husband, which is not something you have to be a devil to have because she would always have that.
Also a big theme alongside friendship we see with Caiman and Nikadidou is loyalty. Both En’s family and the CrossEyes group have this. En in particular is not designed to be a likable character, as his family and taking down the CrossEyes are his main goals. He even forces Nikaidou into a contract to be his partner, which really makes him unlikable early on. We can see how he is as loyal to his family as they are to him. When they lose En, they do everything to bring him back because those guys had a home thanks to En. En pays back that kindness when he comes back in the story.
At the same token, you have the Crosseyes. Despite the relationship between humans and sorcerers. The levels between sorcerers can vary. If you aren’t powerful as a sorcerer, you might not have a place. The CrossEyes were founded to help those who lack magic, as they produce black powder, which allows those to use magic if they lack the ability. No doubt En would not like this. Still, much like with En’s Family, the CrossEyes’s boss gives his men a place to belong. The story does an outstanding job at empathizing with them. What should they do regarding their boss because they meant the world to them? Unlike with En’s family, the CrossEyes’s fate isn’t as fortunate, so it makes a sad parallel compared to En’s family.
The mysteries surrounding the world of Dorohedoro are well written. It gives you a clue, but as it gives you that clue, more questions pop up. Despite each layer getting added, it ends in a proper conclusion that feels very satisfying.
The art in this manga is top-notch by Q Hayashida. The gritty art style really adds to the setting of how the world is quite cruel. Even to add to that, the detail in the art is top-notch. Making it a must-read even just for the art. Paneling and composition are well done, as the series makes good use of the manga medium.
To sum it up, Dorohedoro is an outstanding series. Great art style, art, action, plot, and world-building. If you are a big manga reader, this one is a must-read.