No, Gabimaru is not a villain. He is unequivocally the main protagonist of the 2018 manga series Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku and its 2023 anime adaptation.
Understanding Gabimaru's Role
Gabimaru, widely known by his infamous alias, Gabimaru the Hollow, is the central figure around whom the plot of Hell's Paradise revolves. Hailing from the village of Iwagakure, he is recognized as the most exceptional assassin from his community. As the protagonist, he drives the narrative forward, and the story explores his motivations, struggles, and journey rather than portraying him as an antagonist.
In storytelling, the protagonist is the leading character, often the hero or the character with whom the audience is meant to empathize, even if their background is morally complex. A villain, conversely, is the antagonist who opposes the protagonist and their goals. Gabimaru's role as the primary character aligns him firmly with the protagonist role.
Key Aspects of Gabimaru's Character
- Main Character: Gabimaru is the focal point of the series, with the story primarily following his perspective and experiences on the perilous island of Shinsenkyo.
- Alias: He is famously known as "Gabimaru the Hollow," a moniker reflecting his early perceived lack of emotion or purpose, which changes throughout the series.
- Skilled Assassin: Despite his past as a feared assassin from Iwagakure, his journey in Hell's Paradise often sees him fighting against true antagonists and striving for personal redemption or a reunion with his loved ones.
The table below clarifies the distinction between a protagonist and a villain, positioning Gabimaru within the narrative structure:
| Role | Primary Function in Narrative | Gabimaru's Alignment |
|---|---|---|
| Protagonist | The central character who drives the plot and faces conflict. Often the character the audience roots for. | Yes |
| Villain | The antagonist who opposes the protagonist and their goals, creating conflict. | No |
His complex past and profession as an assassin do not automatically categorize him as a villain within the context of the series, where his ultimate motivations and actions are explored through a protagonist's lens.
For more information on the series, you can refer to the Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku Wikipedia page.
