[ANIME REVIEW] Devilman Crybaby

IMG: http://devilman.wikia.com/wiki/Devilman_Crybaby

Devilman Crybaby is a 10 episode anime series adapted by Netflix from the 1970s manga 'Devilman' by Go Nagai.

Given Netflix's history with producing some...less-than-stellar anime adaptations in the past, I think many anime fans were surprised to hear others dubbing this series 'the best anime of 2018'. Bearing in mind that it was released on the streaming service on January 5th, this is a huge statement to make!

Is it true though? Here's my review:

The series follows the soft-hearted and sensitive highschool student Akira Fudo, who is so overwhelmingly empathetic and kind that he often cries about the hardships faced by others. His life is changed forever when his childhood friend Ryo Asuka comes back into his life and takes him on a mysterious mission.

Ryo informs Akira that ancient demons are rising up with the intention of taking Earth back from the Human race. Akira sweetly agrees to help Ryo with whatever he needs, but things get a little out of hand when Ryo entices the strong demon Amon to consume Akira in the midst of a bloody fight in a nightclub...

As a result of this, Akira is transformed into Devilman - a creature possessing the power of Amon and the heart of Akira. What ensues is a battle within Devilman himself as Amon and Akira vie for dominance and between the demon and human race as a whole.

***

IMPORTANT NOTE:
This series is not for the faint of heart! It is full to the brim with sex and
violence. It is likely not one you can sit down with your parents
to enjoy! But in context, this can be said to fit in well with the overall
theme of good and evil.

***

STRENGTHS

• The messages of this series are powerful ones. The exploration of good and evil, what creatures will do in the name of survival, our basic human instincts and urges, the importance of kindness, empathy and compassion. All of this stuck with me long after I had finished the series and made me think. It reinforced within me what I believe to be right and true. That may sound like an overstatement, but if an anime can do that for anyone, it's certainly done a great job.


• The soundtrack of the entire series is great. The opening itself perfectly encapsulates the feel of the series without being cheesy or over the top. It has probably become one of my favourite opening themes to an anime (though I do like a lot of them, admittedly). If you like some funky electro beats, you will surely like Devilman Crybaby's OST.


• The animation style is very simple and stylish. This contrasts a lot of other animes' styles and is, consequently, really refreshing to see. There are bold sploshes of vibrant colours, with more of a flat 2-D look. This is probably something you will either love or hate. If you are used to the rich detail of Studio Ghibli for example, you might find it a little jarring. If you like the animation style of Masaaki Yuasa (who also worked on this), you will certainly like it.


• There is an ACTUAL ENDING! I'm sure you can relate, one of the most frustrating and annoying things about series is when it leaves you with unanswered questions, unfinished narratives and a general "is that the end?" sort of feeling. I am not saying you are going to like this ending necessarily, but blimey, it certainly has one!


• The 10 episode length means it does not needlessly extend out the plot or fill in gaps with nothingness. The action starts quite quickly and the pace is fairly consistent throughout with only a couple of dips.


• There are a group of male characters that rap about their lives and surroundings. This is an unusual tool that works really well in giving exposition. They also function as an important lesson in judging others based of appearances and stereotypes.

WEAKNESSES

• Some of the characters are slightly lacking in terms of development. This leaves you questioning why they are there in the first place. There is a story of athletics, jealousy and school friends that plays alongside the main narrative, which does help to push the story forward every now and again, but otherwise seems a bit surplus.


• The ending is a slightly rushed and and jumps along rather quickly. The pacing is fairly all over the place towards the end of the series generally. It is a difficult task to get this right though, which is important to consider. However, it's good to be aware of this as you watch as it might be slightly off-putting for some.

OVERALL

Unfortunately, I cannot comment on how this adaptation of the series stacks up against the original manga or the many other iterations of the story because I have not read/watched them. Having said this though, I recommend this series to anyone who likes something that makes them think and feel about the fundamentals of humanity and life.

Devilman Crybaby is not an anime without it's flaws, but if this review has piqued your interest and you don't mind things on the more sexual and gory side, I encourage you to give it a go!

As for whether it's the best anime series of 2018...I think you are speaking far too soon. Wait until 2019 for that discussion!

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While you are here, check out the opening, it's so cool!: