The only explanation I can think of as to why everyone mentions twilight at the mention of this manga, especially more so now since an anime adaptation has been announced for spring 2018 (Whoo!), is because they judge the whole story from the key visuals because it gives them the "twilight vibe" which honestly I failed to make the connection with. Basically, they're just incredibly ignorant I gather. If having the common sense to actually go and read up on the plot on your own doesn't quite suffice then I hope you can LISTEN UP and get that hideous notion out of your mind that such a seriously intellectual work layered with a deep plot is anything like that overrated teen movie about having flings with random creatures. Just because all the world knows when it comes to "vampires" is twilight, doesn't mean you all have to mindlessly keep jumping on the same bandwagon and put the same label on other "vampire" related works. Don't embarrass yourself that much.
First of all, instead of "vampires", the mangaka literally uses the direct translation of "red eyes" or "devils" to explain the vampire-like entities in the manga. The only thing vampirish about them is that they lust for blood when they see it.
What's DIFFERENT is that they are biologically and physically otherwise exactly like humans when not "transformed". The transforming of the devils in the manga is provoked when they are sexually aroused or during the sight of blood. What's interesting is that unlike other vampire movies/mangas ...like vampire knight, where it's the vampires who intentionally go out chasing humans, in this case they are in fact a minority in the world with an intact intellectual ability and reasoning like that of humans; they try their best to blend in with the humans and live peaceful lives as it is the humans this time who constantly HUNT THEM down. They are bullied and constantly deprived of human rights when confronted with the public. To help protect their rights, there are unions, campaigns, and activist groups to set fair laws in motion and montior the facilitation of how the basic needs are being delivered to the devils. In particular there's a bionomics research facility lab which also has a built in orphanage for devils which is where our main character comes from. Then of course with the devils rights activist group there's also a secret organization made of people from the law enforcement/government who are relatively powerful and are looking to eliminate the devils and the devils themselves are stuck living between these two societal divisions while learning to cope with their own debilitating "disease" (as they like to refer to it) but life is always harder as nobody likes to give them jobs and they are mainly viewed as dangerous and disgusting by the public. There's all that and MUCH more going on a federal level in the manga in terms of the government and then there are many characters explored extensively in the manga and what their role is and how it helps to contribute to the plot of the story. This manga is sophisticated and its mature. It doesn't leave room for mindless comedy or high school crushes but at the same time also manages to relieve the reader with light hearted scenes that fit well in whatever the mood is. Each character is given a chance to be analyzed in some detail in terms of their ethical beliefs which is something I love-so this means some characters switch sides from bad to good, some are neutral, and some so mysterious it leaves you guessing the whole time until shocking revelations are portrayed.
The story is centered around a 22 year old half devil and half human boy named Anzai who works with a specialized unit in the police force which focuses on crimes committed by devils since he is a devil himself. He utilizes his strength and sharpened senses to help the police. His team is made up with both humans and devils who trust one another very much and get the bottom of things using their own style. One night he's dispatched to go and rescue an intelligent graduate student, Tsukasa, on her way home with her boyfriend she doesn't know is also a devil who Anzai thinks may hurt her. Upon meeting one another, they over time, start to develop an understanding as Anzai sees she's not afraid of him but rather tries to subdue his insecurities as she sees he's kind at heart. He tries to suppress his lust for her blood and decides to protect her as she starts to accompany him and his team with their cases (because for more than one reason she's getting caught up in them). And with that, their story starts and the both together go through many trials and hardships dealing with the public, the corrupt law force, and even devils in order to fight injustice and as Anzai tries to unfold his past and where he came from since he had been a part of the bionomics research lab while very young.
Its a rough manga to really understand because it's not giddy and an "easy going" story. It's very strategically developed and explores the prevalent issue of discrimination and racism and what it's like for those who are the suppressed ones, even if they're not human themselves. The devils are supposed to be the ones in power yet before they're provoked to transform to their true state by scheming humans who bully them, they are ironically always the ones who are overpowered by the weak yet deeply cunning and merciless humans.
One of the main aspects to the manga without a doubt, IS the relationship between Anzai and Tsukasa, which is what most people keep focusing in on I gather, and keep comparing it to "twilight". Although Anzai also meets her as he saves her in some way like the movie, NO, their encounters after that and build up to their feelings is NOTHING like twilight because their WHOLE CIRCUMSTANCES ARE DIFFERENT. THEY ARE DIFFERENT. Different in a much more refreshing and real way. Their relationship is commendable because they FEEL what each other's needs are and they work around in every way possible to protect each other's feelings. They're simply two people who have come to be very comfortable with each other. It's especially nice to see their interactions because they are just so light hearted and tension eased. They laugh at the most subtle things which increases the intimacy and Anzai has this cute tendency to always ask before touching her...he wants to respect her because he knows he's different from the normal guy and doesn't want to let that get in the way of how he wants to treat her. Furthermore, he tries to change his very devil nature to become someone capable of protecting her and she herself in her own way also wants to hone in on her knowledge about devils to support him and fulfil his needs whether emotional or physical.
The manga started out and as it developed, is STILL ongoing as a masterpiece. The plot is rich with amazing content which ALWAYS leaves you wanting more. About the Anime, I don't know how it's going to get executed and how much of the deep story they intend to encompass in the season. Depending on all that and who does the OST, it could turn out to be a just as worthy masterpiece as the manga or even exceed it being an anime. We'll just have to see. But for the manga and actual story, its hands down a breath of fresh air from the norm of vampire stories because it encapsulates so much more than just bloodlust; explores topics we see problematic even in the real world like suppression, corrupt government, undercover groups, and hardcore discrimination leading to protests. There are SOOO MANY interesting characters and they each bring their own intake into the plot developing it further.
That's why for anyone intending on reading this, I strongly advise you to free yourself from previous notions of vampire works you have watched or read and not lump this story with any of those pre-conceived ideas. This is a complete unique work and it should be treated as such in order to fully and thoroughly enjoy the endless exciting material it has to offer.
Devils Line is a gem, I would recommend it to readers who enjoy, fantasy, the unknown, thriller, exciting action, friendship bonds, political issues, mature themes and sweet romance.
