Under Execution Under Jailbreak
General Info
| ISBN | 978-4-08-782097-7 |
|---|---|
| Author | Hirohiko Araki |
| Genres | Science Fiction, Adventure, Mystery |
| Book Name | Under Execution, Under Jailbreak |
| Languages | Japanese, English |
| Publisher | Shueisha |
| Release Date | 1999-01-01 |
| Number of Pages | 208 |
| Original Title | Shikei Shikkōchū Datsugoku Shinkōchū |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Publisher Website URL | https://www.shueisha.co.jp/ |
Overview
The book opens with the title story, in which a man imprisoned in a prison cell for a crime he didn't commit discovers a peculiar ability that pushes the line between freedom and imprisonment. This harrowing story shows the psychological horror and tension that Arakis expertly weaves.
In the second story, Dolce and His Master, Arakis takes us on a terrifying journey where a game of survival between a lost man and his cat takes place on a floating yacht. It is a terrifying exploration of humanity's animal instincts on the brink of survival, steeped in surreal horror.
"Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: Episode 16 During the Confession" brings the beloved character Rohan Kishibe back to life. Rohan's curiosity leads him to a confession, which culminates in a supernatural, unusual encounter.
Finally, Dead Man's Questions follows the journey of a ghost as he tries to unravel the mysteries of his past life. This story suggests a philosophical nature of existence and life after death. Each of the stories in "Enforcement After Prison" is filled with suspense, supernatural elements, psychological thriller aspects and the unique artistic flair that characterizes Araki's work. This book is a must have for fans of the JoJo's Bizarre Universe.
Plot
The first story, Execution After Prison, focuses on a man who finds himself in a strange prison with no doors or windows, where the only way out lies in the depths of an endless mysterious labyrinth. The deeper he sinks into the abyss, the more he faces the fears and traumas that got him there.
Other stories include Dolce and His Master, a chilling maritime tale of a rich man and his cat stranded on a yacht in mid-ocean and slowly drifting into madness; Deadman's Questions, which follows a wandering ghost as he searches for purpose and place in the afterlife; and Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan, which follows famed manga artist Rohan Kishibe as he investigates a series of phenomena that lead to supernatural encounters. Araki's unique storytelling style and detailed graphics make After Execution a highly engaging read, once again proving his ability to make the mundane truly strange. The fascinating exploration of the human psyche, the merging of the real and the supernatural, and the unexpected twists and turns of these stories make this book a worthy addition to Hirohiko Araki's collection.
Development
Playing with oddities and circumstances as strange as ordinary, the book strikes an intriguing balance between the strange and the familiar, weaving together extraordinary visions of the ordinary. Araki once pointed out that his approach to development involved applying a never-before-seen angle to ordinary situations. In doing so, he plays a fascinating cast of characters, each intriguingly layered and subtly crafted. The development of the book navigates through the transitions of each character, further adding to the tapestry of extraordinary circumstances. Enthralled readers are drawn into the labyrinth of their twisted lives and thoughts, creating an immersive storytelling experience.
Apart from the weirdness, the book also has elements of suspense and horror. These strategically placed elements further fuel his development and lead to a series of strange adventures that unfold dramatically for the reader. Bending the famous stand-up concept and gory aesthetic, the expansion blends old and new, adding a complex dimension to the JoJo universe. Overall, the development of Under Execution Under Jailbreak manages to retain and enhance the quirky charm of JoJo's wacky adventures. The ground-breaking anthology takes readers into uncharted territory and introduces a new narrative pace to the strange universe of Arakis.
Publication
There are also three more stories in the set. In Dolce and His Master, a cat and his master struggle to survive on a private yacht after a devastating shipwreck. The much-loved So Spoke Kishibe Rohan stars beloved mangaka Rohan Kishibe, another JoJo's Bizarre Adventure character, who reveals disturbing events from his past. The final short, Dead Man's Questions, offers a unique perspective on life after death through the experience of a disembodied spirit performing odd jobs for a mysterious employer.
Araki's imagination runs wild and offers a variety of stories, each imbued with its own charm. This collection is a unique blend of horror, fantasy and Araki's signature quirky style. The incredibly detailed artwork promises to draw readers in, and the captivating stories will captivate them. The book maintains its unique focus on the themes of fate, courage, and the human spirit that Araki's fans have come to love. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this anthology is a must-read, both as a standalone experience and as an addition to the larger universe of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.
Release
The novella, characterized by a creative narrative and an attractive setting, quickly gained recognition and appreciation from fans and critics. The quirky approach to exploring themes of guilt, sin and redemption has been praised by many as an intriguing departure from the usual narrative seen in graphic novels and manga. Under Execution Under Jailbreak was later published as part of the deluxe edition Lives of Eccentrics, illustrating the book's enduring popularity. This collection captured Araki's love of creating adventure stories with fascinating characters that reach an even wider audience.
Despite being published two decades ago, the novel continues to captivate readers around the world, a testament to Araki's unforgettable storytelling and the fascinating universe of JoJo's bizarre adventure series. Whether readers are series veterans or new explorers to the world of JoJo, Under Execution Under Jailbreak is a definite must-read. Dive into the captivating pages and discover another facet of Araki's extraordinary creative genius.
Reception
Although the stories deviate from the usual JoJo route, readers have appreciated this difference, which shows the individualistic value and appeal of each story. The artwork has received critical acclaim and Araki has created images that are completely immersive and aesthetic. His detailed intricacy brought these stories to life and added an extra layer of enjoyment that only added to his long tales.
The title story, "Execution After Prison," featured a complex theme and an unexpected twist. It made readers think about the concept of freedom and the touching side of human nature. Meanwhile, Dead Man's Questions delighted JoJo fans with its wandering ghost storyline, a story that managed to be both weird and heart-wrenching at the same time, a balance that's difficult to achieve, but Araki pulls off admirably.
The short story collection may be a departure from the traditional format of JoJo's Bizarre Adventures, but the stories themselves were twisted, weird and provocative. "Under Execution Under Jailbreak" expands the reach of the JoJo universe and showcases Araki's immense versatility and storytelling talent.
Cultural impact
This collection of one-shots was particularly influential in the world of comics. Artists and writers often paid tribute to the details and intricacies of the plot in their works. Unprecedented exploration of themes such as fate, justice, survival and redemption gave creators a new lens through which to express their ideas. When it comes to popular culture, Under Execution Under Jailbreak has proven to be very useful. He has spawned numerous internet memes and fan art, demonstrating his widespread popularity and recognition. The characters, especially the cunning and enduring protagonist, are immortalized in figures and artefacts that bridge the gap between works of fiction and tangible objects.
More importantly, the themes and moral dilemmas it raises continue to drive intellectual discourse and create connections between literature, philosophy, and sociology. The series presents a modern approach to morality and forces readers to question and reevaluate their beliefs. This layered approach to storytelling has made Under Execution Under Jailbreak a key player in shaping a cultural system.
Richard Harland has stated that "the measure of a book's success is not its sales figures, but its effect on the minds of its readers and the society from which it originates." By this measure, Under Execution Under Jailbreak, with its widespread popularity and profound cultural implications, can indeed be considered a literary success. Her influence continues to resonate and cement her position as a cultural powerhouse.