Is Gachiakuta anime enough to make you read the manga?

Right from episode 1 of Gachiakuta, I found myself resisting the urge to start reading the manga. Since the trailer dropped, I have been fascinated by the concept and have been patiently waiting for the anime to release. And now, after watching episode 1 of the anime, all I can say is: this premiere might be the most effective “read the manga” advertisement I’ve ever seen.

The episode starts by showing us that the world of Gachiakuta is divided into two parts. One is where the rich live an incredibly privileged life, and constantly look down at the other half are the tribesfolk, and they need to make a living from barely any amenities.

We see that there is a clear distinction between the two classes in their world. Our protagonist was part of the tribesfolk, who were shunned by everyone because his father was a criminal. He liked to collect trash thrown by the rich and the privileged, as he thought they were perfectly usable items.

Rudo, the main character, was himself an abandoned child adopted by Regto. He was adopted by Regto after his father was thrown into the Pit. Unlike other people who kept on maintaining their distance from Rudo, he was more patient and kind.

Everyone seemed to be comfortable enough to make fun of Rudo in Gachiakuta, calling him the son of murderers and making jokes about the glove he was wearing. They were not aware that this glove was given to him by Regto to protect his hands, which were scarred because of his biological father.

One day, the main character dared to confidently confess his feelings to a girl who had always been kind to him. And unfortunately, on that day, he lost everything. Rudo was on his way home to inform Regto about his day, but he met a mysterious masked man killing his father.

During Regto’s last breath in Gachiakuta, he urges his son to run away and bring a change to his world. However, the Apostles walk into this scene and charge Rudo with murder, and plan to throw him into the Pit.

This kid was visibly broken, but had one hope that the girl who liked him would believe him. When he was being prepared to be thrown, he tried to reach out to her, only to see that even she agreed with others and called him a murderer. This was the last straw for Rudo, and he swore that he would be back.

A dangerous beginning: Why Rudo’s journey feels so personal

When it comes to shonen anime tropes, Gachiakuta has introduced a refreshing concept. He is not the chosen hero who wants to become a hero for all. Rather, everything he cared about was snatched from him, and from now on, his sole goal is to make sure he brings wrath upon everyone who never believed in him.

The moment that especially broke me was when Chiwa, the one person who believed in him, dropped the stuffed animal he gave her and called him a murderer’s son. That betrayal? That single second? That was enough to snap something inside both Rudo and me.

From there, the emotional stakes are no longer just personal; they’re universal. Gachiakuta becomes a story about every broken thing society throws away. And that’s why Rudo’s journey matters.

Is the anime enough to make you read the manga of Gachiakuta?

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Looking at the premise of the first episode, I can confidently say that taking up the manga would be a good choice. Although in my opinion, I would recommend waiting till the first season gets over and then continue the manga.

The creators of the show have done a great job of maintaining the mystery and setting a good foundation for the story to unravel. Even knowing that the anime will cover multiple manga chapters per episode (which can often mean rushed pacing), I still find myself itching to read ahead. The team behind the anime has sparked curiosity rather than satisfying it, and that’s exactly what a good adaptation should do.

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