Hell's Paradise Season 2 Episode 1 dropped on January 11th, 2026, and it was all about Gabimaru losing his mind and going head-to-head with Aza Chobei in an all-out brawl. This series doesn't hold back for anyone new or anyone who has a hard time remembering things, so it jumped straight into "Dawn and Confusion," showing us what is happening with various groups on the island.Blood sprays, bones crack, and flames scorch across your screen as MAPPA has come back in a big way. So, after 3 years of waiting for Season 2 to come out, MAPPA is proving that waiting for that long was worth it with every kick, punch, and death that's shown on screen.A Powerful Return to ShinsenkyoEmergence of new Tensen in Hell's Paradise Season 2 Episode 1 (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)Hell's Paradise Season 2 Episode 1 gets straight into the action. The start of the season also introduces all these new characters, but still has the original cast scattered throughout the perilous island. Gabimaru is experiencing some serious issues due to overusing his Tao abilities from Season 1.The episode kicks off with Yamada Asaemon Jikka, who was one of the lucky ones to get off the island back on the first expedition. He came back to the mainland and filled in on everything scary about what happened during the mission. The Shogunate, being as impatient as ever, sends out another team, this one headed by Yamada Asaemon Shugen.Memory Loss Weakens the ProtagonistGabimaru becomes the hollow again (Image Source: Studio MAPPA)Hell's Paradise Season 2 Episode 1 has Gabimaru steadily dealing with memory loss. Gabimaru used up all his energy in Season 1 and can't seem to remember his wife. She was the source of his strength. The memory loss from her really impaired his ability to fight in Episode 1. Gabimaru went back to being just a shell of what he was, missing the connection that gave him emotional drive as a ninja.The separation between character groups continues. While Sagiri and her friends chill at the Tensen castle, Gabimaru and his squad are exploring the island on a whole new adventure. With both teams working through different obstacles at the same time, tension will be building between them.Explosive Combat Between Deadly Warriors in Hell's Paradise Season 2 Episode 1Chobei's new transformation at the end of the episode (Image Source: MAPPA Studio)Hell's Paradise Season 2 Episode 1 mainly showcases a vicious fight between Gabimaru and Aza Chobei. During this battle, Gabimaru and Aza Chobei tear into one another with pure primal rage, and the animation quality really shines through in these fight scenes with incredible fluidity and excellent fight choreography.With new regeneration powers, Chobei is basically unbeatable in the usual way you beat someone; he died once before and was exposed to the supernatural elements of his island. During battle, Chobei undergoes another huge evolution and becomes more powerful than ever, but can use plant-based powers now too.Toma, Chobei's bro, tries to take on Gantetsusai but quickly realizes he can't hold his own. Gantetsusai puts him out of the game with ease, showing how much better suited a pro is compared to a rookie who thinks they're badass.The Tensen beings also feature prominently throughout the episode, with an increased screen presence and an insight into their unique approach to training as well as philosophical conversation regarding Tao. The Tensen are an immortal enemy that will be an insurmountable obstacle for Gabimaru's team.Final ThoughtsHell's Paradise Season 2 Episode 1 successfully welcomes fans back into the dark fantasy realm, while mixing exposition and action, even if some viewers will need a quick recap of previous events.With Gabimaru in real danger after Chobei transforms and the suspenseful way the episode ends, viewers will have something exciting to look forward to next week. MAPPA continues to produce amazing quality animation and will continue to impress fans with their animation style.