If you do not know nor seen either of Devilman and Cyborg 009, then you should look up the source material since this crossover will only give you a short introduction.
Not to mention that this crossover is special as it both series are hardly owned by the same company or person. The few things they do share is their message of war and that their authors where buddies and some times assistans on different projects.
Story:
This story is straight forward, as both series tend to be. The cyborg team notice demons where spotted in Japan. They go investigate. Devilman does he usual brutal hunt for said demons. Cyborgs discover a plot to merge demons with cyborgs and they stumble across Devilman. They fight, retreat and both goes separately to the villains and team up at the last act. It feels like it's more focused on the Cyborg and they give them more of a chance. However, it's understandable since they not only cover most of the cast, but they drive the plot forward.
One thing I do give it credit for is that they do fight seriously against each other. This is not like other crossover with 'vs' in the title just so that they can have a friendly sparing. Furthermore, unlike other crossover, we have tie but with only a hair breeze.
The side plot is welcomed as this is 3 OVA episodes.
Art:
The Design for both cyborgs and demons are on point of each respected series. Cyborg team does look like the 2000 but with some redesigns. Devilman himself is the best of them all as he is now bigger and more intimidating than before. His design is a mix between the 70's and late 80's Devilman. The only problem is the humans where both Akira and Ryou looks too shounen, and the final villain or boss which is rather dull.
Sound:
Anything beside the opening and ending is not that noticeable. Some tracks do sound the same, but they are good samples for reviews.
The opening and the ending is a duality with the opening have the energetic of Cyborg 009 while ending is more rock/Devilman.
The new voice actors for each character in Japanese are fine, with the exception of 006 who originally voiced Ryou in the previous Devilman OVAs.
The dub is also okay, although expect names to be pronounced differently and Devilman to sound like a bear.
Character:
By far this is the best part of the crossover. Most character act as they did in the source material, probably even better. Unlike the rest of the Cyborg movies, where they sit on the bench most of the time, they act as a team even with their leader not around.
Devilman character are entertaining as always and do a good job with the time they are on screen.
Enjoyment:
You will be satisfied if you are either on team cyborg or on team Devilman. With Devilmans brutality, he will make guts and blood rain from an open fresh wound.
Cyborg team spirit, they will act with each other and do funny lines while they are at it.
This is not supposed to be deep or anything, just plain fun with a message of holding on to your humanity.
Overall:
This crossover was great, but mostly bittersweet when you consider the possibilities for expanding the series for newer generation. However, if this crossover does help other projects, crossovers or even Devilman related, then this crossover might see more important than what it is right now. But I doubt it since Production I.G are already making another cyborg movie and no further news after one year of its release.
Go watch it if you want to see cyborgs fighting demons, OR SEE DEVILMAN WRECK SOME SHIT!
And look forwards what’s coming up next.
