Story - 10
Just looking at the synopsis, it seems like this show is rather generic and doesn't take risks. That could *not* be further from the truth. After just watching the first episode, it becomes apparent that you're in for a ride unlike any other. For better or for worse, this is unlike any other anime you've ever seen. This is the single most adult anime I've ever come across. It throws around nudity, sex, rape, drugs, and murder like it's free candy at Willy Wonka's Factory. Its levels of gore surpass that of Elfen Lied and Blood + by miles. If this anime picks up steam, it has the potential to westernize the media as a whole.
The metaphors range from subtle to blaring ambulance sirens, but each one of them carries immense implications and weight. Some are sublime and will only dawn on you during the final few episodes, if they do at all. There are multiple gut wrenching moments and depending on your nature, you might be brought to tears more than 3 times throughout this show. I don't want to get to into the story because it's best experienced as blind as possible. The one thing I will say is that you should not be disappointed by the ending like most are. It's a near perfect end to this anime, and I encourage you to look beyond the immediately apparent and digest the implications before passing quick judgment.
Art - 9
The art style is so unique that it would be criminal to rate this any lower. I wanted to give it a 10, but there are corners being cut for budget reasons and mistakes made here and there, so I can't justify it. Rest assured, when the show needs top quality animation it brings it forth in spades. The action is stellar and high octane, and the backdrops are gorgeous and haunting. The character designs are vastly improved over their originals, and wow, every single character is memorable just from their appearance alone. This isn't the best looking anime in terms of realism or advanced technology, but the style is absolutely amazing and gripping for every second of airtime.
Sound - 10
My God. I really don't have much to say here other than this is an immediate soundtrack of the year. There's a mix of high energy 70's beats and beautiful orchestral pieces that just perfectly complement the mood at every single point. The lack of a specific ED song allows the mood of the end of the episode to continue into the credits as the track that was playing at the end scene accompanies the scrolling text in the final moments. This is something I've never seen an anime do. They usually have the end followed by a jarring transition to the preanimated ending and predefined song that plays no matter what just happened. This is most certainly not a problem in Devilman Crybaby. If you want a sample of the soundtrack, look up Judgement on YouTube. But just take my word and dive into the anime without knowing what's about to assault your ears.
Characters - 8
This is honestly the worst part of the anime objectively, and I say that still loving almost every single character. The lack of direct development is something that turns a lot of people off. Personally, I love that almost all character development is done off-screen and the viewer is left learning how these characters evolve over time without even seeing most of the events that change them. The characters are by no means forgettable, and you'll find yourself loving even the characters you thought were random additions to the cast. There are multiple romance sub-plots, and despite minimal time given to them, you really feel connected to it. Overall, the characters just have this unique charm that drags you into them without the anime shoving them down your throat like a standard show will.
Enjoyment - 10
I hate this show. I also love this show. It's not afraid to gut punch you and rip your balls off. It's not afraid to make you pissed at it. And that's what I love about it. This is one of the best anime I've ever seen.
Overall - 10
It's not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. But the more I tried to give this show a 9, the more I realized that it's a masterpiece. I ask everyone here to look deeply into every event and every metaphor. Drag out every last piece of vague context you can find and piece everything together, and by the end, you too will realize this is a masterpiece of animation. The pacing is God awful at points, but you really can't expect a 10 episode series to nail everything. But when it needs to put the pedal to the metal, it does so tremendously. This show pulls out all the stops, and receives my third 10 rating. Watch this show. Worst case scenario, you lost 3 1/2 hours. Best case, you've just watched a masterpiece.
I'll end off this review with two warnings.
1. Take a break after watching episode 9. Whether it be a 10 minute break, or an overnight break. Do not go straight into episode 10.
2. Do not take the ending at face value. Look past what's presented to you and find the deeper meanings of the show. Otherwise, you'll be disappointed at a rushed, unexplained ending like the other low raters. It is most certainly not that.
