Devilman: Crybaby

Devils cannot take form without a living host. However, if the will of an individual is strong enough, they can overcome the demon and make its power their own, becoming a Devilman.

Weak and unassuming, Akira Fudou has always had a bleeding heart. So when his childhood friend Ryou Asuka asks for his help in uncovering devils, Akira accepts without hesitation. However, to Akira's surprise, the place they go to is Sabbath: an immoral party of debauchery and degeneracy. Amidst bloodshed and death, demons possess the partiers, turning their bodies into grotesque monsters, and begin wreaking havoc. In a reckless attempt to save his best friend, Akira unwittingly merges with the devil Amon and becomes a Devilman, gaining the power to defeat the remaining demons.

Though it grants him great power, this new partnership awakens an insatiable and primeval part of Akira. Having the body of a devil but the same crybaby heart, Akira works alongside Ryou, destroying those that harm humanity and his loved ones.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

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Background

Devilman: Crybaby adapts the entire original manga while modernizing the setting.

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Related Anime

Adaptation:	Devilman
Alternative version:	Devilman, Devilman: Tanjou-hen
Summary:	Devilman: Crybaby - Digest Eizou

More characters

Characters & Voice Actors

Asuka, Ryou

Main

Murase, Ayumu
Japanese

Fudou, Akira

Main

Uchiyama, Kouki
Japanese

Devilman

Main

Uchiyama, Kouki
Japanese

Makimura, Miki

Main

Han, Megumi
Japanese

Satan

Supporting

Murase, Ayumu
Japanese

Kuroda, Miki

Supporting

Koshimizu, Ami
Japanese

Kukun

Supporting

Young Dais
Japanese

Wamu

Supporting

KEN THE 390
Japanese

Silene

Supporting

Tanaka, Atsuko
Japanese

Amon

Supporting

More staff

Staff

Choi, Eun-Young

Producer

Yuasa, Masaaki

Director, Episode Director, Storyboard, Key Animation

Kimura, Eriko

Sound Director

Oshiyama, Kiyotaka

Episode Director, Storyboard, Key Animation, Animation Director, Character Design

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Opening Theme

"MAN HUMAN (DEVILMAN crybaby Ver.)" by Denki Groove

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Ending Theme

"Konya dake (今夜だけ)" by Takkyuu to Tabibito (卓球と旅人) (eps 9)

Reviews

Mar 18, 2024

JJ_Wip7

Recommended

[SPOILER WARNING, SPOILERS AHEAD]

"Devilman Crybaby" is a psychedelic exploration of human nature, love, and the age-old philosophical debate surrounding morality and the ambiguous nature of good and evil. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, the series brings to life the iconic characters from Go Nagai's original work in the 70s, while also adding its own unique twists and interpretations.

The characters of Akira and Ryo serve as powerful symbols, each embodying contrasting worldviews that propel the narrative of the series. Akira Fudo, the protagonist, starts as a compassionate and gentle soul. His empathy and kindness are evident in his relationships and interactions with others. However, his transformation into ... Devilman brings forth a spiraling internal conflict. The merging with a demon granted him both power and exposure to the brutal realities of the world. Akira's struggle to retain his humanity while embracing his newfound abilities forms the emotional core of the story. On the other hand, Ryo Asuka’s nihilistic beliefs and cynicism drive him to challenge conventional notions of morality. His character embodies a dark, manipulative force that seeks to tip over societal norms and expose the underlying darkness within humanity. Throughout the series, Ryo's actions blur the lines between right and wrong, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature. The dynamic between Akira and Ryo serves as a narrative climax, highlighting the complexities of moral decision-making. As Akira grapples with the consequences of his actions as Devilman, Ryo's influence constantly tests his convictions and beliefs. This tension leads to countless moments of introspection and self-discovery for both characters. Moreover, DMCB masterfully uses its dark, visceral imagery and intense storytelling to depict the harsh realities of a world besieged by demons and human malice. Themes of prejudice, violence, and existential dread permeate the narrative, mirroring contemporary societal issues and adding layers of social commentary to the overarching philosophical discourse.

When first going into this hashing of “Devilman” the thing that always pinned down my interest was the director's creative liberties. Yuasa AGAIN shines through with his interpretation of the classic story. With the addition of new characters like Miku and the incorporation of the Baton/track aspect, which significantly contributes to the interconnected themes of the series. These elements allow for the story to no longer come off as dated while continuing to bring fresh perspectives to the story's core themes of identity, belonging, and sacrifice. Miku's character serves as a pivotal addition to the narrative, offering a glimpse into the ordinary lives affected by the supernatural events unfolding in the series. Her presence humanizes the story, providing a relatable perspective for viewers and highlighting the impact of the supernatural on everyday individuals. Miku's relationship with her friends and her struggles with personal challenges add layers to the overarching theme of identity, as she grapples with her sense of self amidst chaotic circumstances. The Baton/track aspect introduces a metaphorical layer to the series, symbolizing the interconnectedness of the characters' fates and the cyclical nature of their struggles. The track becomes a symbol of the journey each character undertakes, with hurdles and obstacles mirroring their internal conflicts and external challenges. Thus adding depth to the storytelling and reinforcing the themes of perseverance, determination, and the quest for self-discovery. This modernized approach to “Devilman” enhanced the viewing experience in my opinion, allowing for a more accessible exploration of the themes and character dynamics while giving us a peek into the creative genius of Yuasa’s mind.

One of the most striking aspects of the show is the stark contrast between Ryo's distorted perception of love and Akira's genuine and altruistic love for others. Ryo's version of love is characterized by his insecurities and beliefs, which are heavily influenced by his hazy past and his transformation into Satan. His love is tainted by a sense of superiority and a desire for control, leading him to manipulate situations and people to achieve his goals. Ryo's love is possessive and destructive, driven by a warped sense of righteousness and a misguided belief that his actions are justified for the greater good. Contrary to Ryo, Akira's love is portrayed as pure, selfless, and empathetic. He cares deeply for his friends and is willing to sacrifice himself to protect them, embodying the essence of unconditional love. Akira's love transcends boundaries, breaking down barriers of fear and prejudice. His ability to love wholeheartedly is the main source of his strength.Additionally, DMCB doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of love, highlighting how it can be used as a weapon of manipulation and destruction. Ryo's twisted love ultimately leads to tragic consequences, highlighting the dangers of unchecked desires and misguided intentions.

The final moments of DMCB are one of my favorite moments in fiction, a communal pool of the series' themes, displayed for all by Akira's decision to sacrifice himself for the greater good showcased his resolve, empathy and compassion, highlighting his understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings and his willingness to take responsibility for their actions. Whereas Ryo, who experiences a moment of clarity and remorse, he realizes the extent of his actions and the pain he has caused. It is as Ryo witnesses Akira's selfless sacrifice and the devastation it brings, that he is confronted with the reality of his choices. The tears he sheds are tears of remorse and regret. It's a moment of profound vulnerability and self-awareness, as Ryo comes to terms with the pain he has caused and the lives he has shattered. It humanizes him in a way, representing a breaking down of his emotional barriers, allowing him to confront the depth of his own suffering and the suffering he has inflicted on others. It's a powerful visual representation of his internal struggle and his journey towards understanding the true meaning of love, empathy, and sacrifice. Ryo's tears also serve as a thematic conclusion to the series. They highlight the overarching message of the potential for change and redemption (even in the literal DEVIL), a reminder that no one is beyond redemption and that genuine remorse and a desire for atonement can pave the way for personal growth and transformation but will still not be accepted with open arms (as seen by God's retaliation). In Yuasa’s retelling of “Devilman,” he takes us on a visual rollercoaster of human nature, love, and morality, proving that even demons and devils can shed a tear or two...but don't expect divine forgiveness anytime soon!

Rating: 8.5/10

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Nov 29, 2023

whiteflame55

Mixed Feelings

I like the animation. It's a simple art style that allows for a lot of easy and expressive movement, particularly in the last episode. Fight scenes are full of blood and viscera, often coming in literal fountains, and I love it for that. It's not always perfect, since scenes that are still don't benefit from that expressiveness and everything is so damn dark at times that it's hard to make anything out, but for the most part, the animation is a big win.

As for the sex and nudity, I thought it was gratuitous. There's a sense throughout, and this is true of the violence (at ... least for the last several episodes) that the goal is just to show that humanity is too far gone. I wouldn't say I have an optimistic view of humanity myself, but this just seemed like too much. I get that this is a world infested with demons and that they affect behavior, but regular humans were among the worst participants and there was just a sense that nearly everyone is awful. As a take-home message, it's pretty basic.

The characters are interesting in places. I grew to like Miko as one of the more interesting characters. Miki is a shining beacon throughout the series. Having a minor character like Kukun and Gabi be so endearing is a substantial feat as well. I found myself appreciating Akira and Ryo as a study of contrasts rather than as individuals, though Akira certainly had his moments and Ryo at least had one.

Most of the other characters, particularly the demons or those in the Miki's or Akira's family, just didn't get enough depth to really work. There are some exceptional scenes for them, particularly one with Miki's father that was just heartrending, but most of these characters lack enough time or just general character exploration to be all that interesting.

As for the story, I may have given it away with my thoughts on Ryo since he drives much of the plot, but since we were following Akira through much of the plot, it just felt... reactive. He didn't direct much until the last couple of episodes, largely just responding to what came his way. There are some exceptional moments where he bucks that trend, but the series as a whole can feel a bit defeatist. I think there's some nice stuff that happens along the way, enough to elevate the series a bit, but it's hard to enjoy a series that has a take-away this dark. And, to be clear, I like tragedy. When a story really makes me feel for its characters, their loss or harm becomes a really great focal point for me. But so many of the characters die in this that the series just makes me numb to their outcomes with only a couple of exceptions. When there's a real clash between Akira's and Ryo's worldviews, this series soars. When it's more of an examination of the world and the people in it, not so much.

Overall, it's not a negative experience by any means, but not quite the one I was hoping for, either. If the gratuitous nature of this show's sex and violence don't get to you and you're good with the dark themes and mass character deaths, this may be more for you than it was for me.

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Apr 2, 2024

mathisadv

Not Recommended

“Devilman: Crybaby” is an anime that will not leave you indifferent. With a rating of 6/10, I find myself torn between its positive aspects and its obvious flaws.

The story of “Devilman: Crybaby” promises a dark and complex journey into a world where humanity is plagued by demonic forces. Unfortunately, the animation often left me wanting, lacking the visual impact I expected. Several times I found myself fighting sleep in front of the screen, which definitely affected my enjoyment of the anime.

Still, “Devilman: Crybaby” is not without its strong moments. Some passages managed to capture my attention and generate fleeting interest, but these moments were unfortunately ...

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Have a small doubt! Jai_akash - Apr 18	5 replies	by catfelix »» Apr 18, 6:01 PM
Poll: Devilman: Crybaby Episode 10 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 5 ... Last Page ) lordzeru - Jan 5, 2018	517 replies	by KitanoKen66 »» Mar 12, 1:33 PM
Poll: Devilman: Crybaby Episode 7 Discussion ( 1 2 ) lordzeru - Jan 5, 2018	92 replies	by Fortress_Maximus »» Mar 6, 2:54 PM
Poll: Devilman: Crybaby Episode 1 Discussion ( 1 2 3 4 ) lordzeru - Jan 5, 2018	159 replies	by Isca_Riot »» Mar 5, 8:20 AM
Why do people love it so much ( 1 2 ) Bardocen - Sep 18, 2021	53 replies	by xONLYINHUMANx »» Feb 18, 6:31 AM

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Devilman: Crybaby

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