When a Series’ Redemption Depends on a Side Story

The English manga adaptation of Haro Aso’s epilogue, Alice in Borderland: Retry, has been touted as a way to redeem the Netflix series’ disappointing final season. As someone who was thoroughly underwhelmed by the show’s conclusion, I’m inclined to agree that this side story does indeed make up for some of the missteps.

The original series stood out with its intricate rules and philosophical undertones, setting it apart from other death game narratives like Gantz and Kaiji. Its manga adaptation had been well-received even before Netflix picked it up, and fans were eager to see more storylines explored. However, the show’s final season devolved into a lazy imitation of Squid Game’s third season, rehashing tired tropes and asking unnecessary questions.

The epilogue takes a different approach, introducing a new cast of characters who find themselves in the Borderlands 10 years after the original conclusion. A chance encounter with a billboard sets Arisu and five others tumbling into the unknown, driven by refreshingly simple motivations unlike the contrived plot twists of the Netflix series.

This more subtle approach allows Aso to explore deeper themes about what it means to live and give meaning to our lives. Through the game’s deceptively simple rules, he examines the human condition in a way that is both intense and thought-provoking. It’s a testament to his skill as a storyteller that he can still conjure up an engaging narrative even after all these years.

Aso’s decision to revisit Borderland raises questions about the value of revisiting a narrative that has already reached its conclusion. In the epilogue, Aso expresses similar doubts about the Netflix series’ final season, highlighting the complexities of storytelling and the challenges faced by creators when trying to recapture the magic of their earlier works.

Aso’s introspection about why he chose to revisit Borderland is particularly telling. He wanted to answer fundamental questions about human existence at a different stage in his life, acknowledging the difficulties of creating something new while revisiting familiar themes.

The success of Alice in Borderland: Retry raises an interesting point about the nature of sequels and side stories. Can they truly redeem a narrative that has faltered, or are they simply a convenient way for creators to revisit familiar themes without putting in the effort required to create something genuinely new? The answer lies not in the quality of the story itself but in how it resonates with readers and audiences.

In this case, Aso’s retry is indeed a redemption of sorts – one that offers a nuanced exploration of human existence and the importance of meaning. However, it also serves as a reminder that even skilled creators can struggle to recapture the essence of their earlier works.

Ultimately, Alice in Borderland: Retry is more than just a side story – it’s a testament to Aso’s skill as a storyteller and his willingness to explore the human condition with depth and nuance. It may not be enough to completely redeem the Netflix series’ final season, but it certainly offers a compelling narrative that warrants attention from fans of death game narratives and manga enthusiasts alike.