Devilman Crybaby

''Devilman Crybaby'' is a 2018 Japanese original net animation (ONA) series based on Go Nagai's manga series ''Devilman''. The web anime is directed by Masaaki Yuasa, produced by Aniplex and Dynamic Planning, animated by Science SARU, and released by Netflix. Yuasa was offered the opportunity to create a ''Devilman'' project by Aniplex, and envisioned ''Devilman Crybaby''. Announced in 2017 to mark Nagai's 50th anniversary as a creator, ''Crybaby'' was made available for worldwide streaming on January 5, 2018 as a Netflix original series.

The series updates the original 1970s setting to the 21st century but retains the basic premise of Nagai's manga, following Akira Fudo and his friend Ryo Asuka as they face an ancient race of demons that seek to destroy humanity. Believing the only way to defeat the demons is to obtain their powers, Ryo proposes that Akira unite with a demon; in doing so Akira transforms into the titular Devilman, gaining the powers of a demon but retaining the soul of a human. The anti-war themes of the original ''Devilman'' are re-interpreted as a metaphor for bigotry, in which manipulation and paranoia are discussed using the allegory of the demons as "the other". The anime's themes of puberty, sexuality, sex, love, and LGBT identity were explored in critics' analysis of the work, along with a debate over whether the series' perspective and ending are nihilistic.

Fans were divided in their response to Yuasa's take on Nagai's work, though the series' announcement and release were among the most widely discussed among anime series released in 2018; the series also spawned several memes. Its viewership numbers are unknown as Netflix does not disclose these figures, though many journalists described the series as a hit. Critics assessed ''Crybaby'' favorably, with some calling it a "masterpiece," the best Netflix anime, and one of the best anime of the year overall and the decade. Although the response to its graphic content and ending were divided, its animation, soundtrack, characterization, openly LGBT characters, and faithfulness to the original manga were praised.

Plot

High school student Akira Fudo lives with his only friend and longtime crush Miki Makimura, her brother Taro, and her parents Noel and Akiko. When Akira attempts to defend Miki from a gang led by rapper Wamu, he is rescued by his childhood friend Ryo Asuka. Ryo tells Akira that his recent expedition to the Amazon rainforest revealed the existence of demons, but that the world's governments are suppressing this information. Planning to expose the demons, Ryo takes Akira to an underground nightclub; he attacks its patrons with a broken bottle, causing demons to appear. Ryo films the demons massacring the humans but is attacked and pinned by a demon. Akira's will overpowers Amon, a powerful demon who tries to possess him, transforming him into Amon's demon form and allowing him to slaughter the demons.

Ryo and Akira fight several demons including Amon's lover Silene, her associate Kaim, and the sadistic Jinmen who is responsible for the deaths of Akira's parents. Akira and Ryo's friendship becomes strained over time due to Ryo's extreme actions to protect Akira's secret. Ryo eventually reveals on television that track star Moyuru Koda is a demon. The revelation of the existence of demons triggers a global panic, leading humanity to turn on itself while the demons begin possessing humans on a large scale. Disgusted by Ryo's apathy toward the chaos he has caused, Akira, alongside Koda and fellow devilman Miki "Miko" Kuroda, begin trying to find other Devilmen. As Tokyo descends into chaos, Miki's family fall victim to the police and are buried by Akira outside the city.

Confused by his own actions, Ryo returns to the Amazon rainforest. After returning, Ryo lies about the origin of demons during a worldwide broadcast and shows footage of Akira transforming into Devilman, and the world descends into mass violence and genocide. After talking to social media to defend Akira, Miki and her friends are violently murdered by a paranoid mob who believes them to be demons. Akira kills the mob in retribution after witnessing them maniacally parading around with the dismembered bodies of his friends on sticks. Akira soon confronts Ryo, who reveals he is the fallen angel Satan. Satan discovered the demons living on Earth after being cast out of Heaven, and though his body and the demons were destroyed by God, their souls endured their physical destruction. Having reincarnated as Ryo, Satan explains that he intends to exterminate humanity for defiling the world; he made Akira a Devilman to allow him to survive in the world to come, and to thank him for being by his side when he was human. Akira refuses to join Satan's cause and gathers the other Devilmen to fight Satan's army, but is defeated. With humanity, the demons, and the Devilmen obliterated and the Earth a devastated ruin, Satan reminisces with Akira until he realizes Akira has already died. Having killed the only person he ever loved, Satan becomes devastated and overwhelmed with grief. He tearfully cradles Akira's lifeless body as an army of angels descends, who destroy and reform the Earth.

Cast and characters

Production and release

Development and staff

''Devilman Crybaby'' is based on Go Nagai's manga ''Devilman''. It was produced as a Netflix original series by Aniplex and Nagai's Dynamic Planning, and animated by Masaaki Yuasa's studio Science SARU. Yuasa directed the anime, Ichirō Ōkouchi wrote the script and Eunyoung Choi served as the animation producer. Ayumi Kurashima was the character designer, while Kiyotaka Oshiyama was responsible specifically for the demon's design. Although Yuasa was a fan of the original ''Devilman'', it was a project he never imagined he would work on. It was Aniplex with whom he collaborated on '' Ping Pong the Animation'' (2014), that suggested a ''Devilman'' adaptation. Yuasa did ''Crybaby'' aware that Nagai was probably restrained in the depiction of its sexual and violent content by having ''Devilman'' published in a '' shōnen'' (young males) magazine. The director commented that Nagai's later works were "even more extreme" and so he created ''Crybaby'' with the mindset of "If Nagai-sensei could have done as he pleased, he'd have gone this far". Yuasa also expressed his desire in creating a sequel to ''Crybaby'', saying that if he did, he could explore the "different settings and ways of telling the story".

Setting

''Crybaby'' updates the 1970s scenario of Nagai's manga on which it is based to a 21st-century setting. While the manga featured delinquents who bullied Akira, the anime uses rappers as substitutes for them. Because of that, some episodes feature extended rap sequences performed by professional rappers. These rap performances function as a type of narrator throughout the series. The director said he made this change because he believes "rappers are the people who speak what's on their minds today". It features commentaries done through rapid text messages and social media to explore humans' reaction to demons. Yuasa commented that the technologies and social media's popularity made the 21st-century situation very close to the ''Devilman'' manga's violent scenario, as "people are a lot more connected, for good and bad". On the bad side, he cited people getting shot over a video game, police brutality towards African-Americans, the rise of nationalism in politics, and problems being blamed on foreigners. On the good side, he mentioned people coming out as LGBT through social media and a greater "acceptance of different opinions and lifestyles". The series takes place in a universe in which the 1970s ''Devilman'' TV series exists, its theme song appears as a child's ringtone, and the bedroom of one of the children is filled with ''Devilman'' anime objects.

Release and merchandise

The series was first announced in March 2017 to celebrate Nagai's 50th anniversary as a creator. In August, its first trailer was released on Netflix Japan's YouTube channel and it was revealed that the anime would have ten episodes. All episodes were released exclusively on Netflix on January 5, 2018, in 90 countries or territories. The series was made available in 23 subtitled languages and seven spoken languages; the dubbed languages include English, French, German, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, standard Spanish, and Castilian Spanish. On May 30, 2018, Aniplex Japan released the complete series on Blu-ray Disc as part of a "complete box". An exhibit of the series called ''Sabbath Shibuya'' was held at Japanese music store chain Tower Records between May and June 2018. Japanese clothing brand Beams produced ''Devilman Crybaby''-inspired street fashion, while Aniplex released polystone statues based on the anime.

Music

Kensuke Ushio composed ''Devilman Crybaby'' music. The anime features "Man Human" by Denki Groove as its opening theme, while Takkyū to Tabibito performs a special ending theme song "Konya Dake" (lit. "Tonight Only") only for episode nine. ''Crybaby'' also features a remix of the theme song for the 1970s anime, "Devilman no Uta", in a version performed by Queen Bee's Avu-chan as an insert song. The rapper Ken the 390, who also dubbed the character Wamu in the Japanese version, was the supervisor of the rap sequences in the series. Its two-disc, 48-track original soundtrack was released on January 10, 2018, by Aniplex. The complete box also included a ''Devilman Crybaby Freestyle Rap All Tracks'' CD.

Themes and analysis

''Devilman Crybaby'' is based on ''Devilman'', whose main objective, according to Nagai, was to be an anti-war story. As such, ''Crybaby'' is a depiction of how humans can be as violent and cruel as the so-called demons. Heather Alexandra of Kotaku wrote that demons are the ones doing violent actions at the start, but that humans replicate their behavior as the story progresses. Many critics said the persecution of demons in human disguise was a metaphor for bigotry; for example, Megan Farokmanseh of ''The Verge'' commented the series is an allegory "about the cost of persecuting those we don't understand" and attacking people perceived as different. Alexandra stated the panic people create about demons is analogous to the actions of homophobia, transphobia, racism, or other moments people "see therpeople as the ' other'". Mike Toole of ''Anime News Network'' commented the anime depicts how fast people will be able to other "suspicious or abnormal" people in order to protect their own groups. The '' Decider''s Eric Thurm said the mass violence reflects the anti-war narrative and that the series' "political message" is a reflection on "humanity's tendency toward paranoia and willingness to turn on others".

Brittany Vincent wrote for Syfy.com that the series leads to an "inevitable existential crisis", while Bloody Disgusting's Michael Pementel highlighted its "existential and emotional elements". Alexandra said the series endeavors to reflect on many philosophical questions, including on goodness, on debauchery, and on being human. GameSpot's Kallie Plagge described it as a meditation on the meaning of being human, while Lynzee Loveridge of ''Anime News Network'' wrote it questions whether or not there is a line that separates humanity from monstrosity. Rob Salkowitz of ''Forbes'' wrote it also explores religion and the frality of social institutions. Pementel also discussed the role of manipulation on starting the frenzy of violence among the population. Toole commented that ''Crybaby'' discusses the proliferation of urban legends and the difficulty people have to deal with "societal upheaval". ''Anime News Networks Rose Bridges highlighted the role of mass media and technology in the anime as they should supposedly unite but instead facilitate "judgmental impulses". She also commented it reflected on how this judgment may devastate people internally, which is symbolized by the demons' emergence from the inside of people's bodies.

''Devilman Crybaby'' was also interpreted as an allegory for puberty, especially male adolescence. Toole commented that the physical and mental changes Akira goes through after obtaining Devilman's powers represent metaphorically the anxiety during puberty. Vincent stated it was a story about "self-discovery, and coming to terms with yourself", while Allegra Frank of Polygon said the series shows "a real love for young people". Nick Creamer of ''Anime News Network'' called it a tale "about the chaos of puberty, about struggles with sexual identity and unrequited love". James Beckett, also commented for ''Anime News Network'', that it reflects on how young people deal with sex, love, and self-identity, and how it affects their "sense of worth". ''Anime News Networks Jacob Chapman said it features stories of people "learning to accept themselves and love each other". Bridges commented it has a positive message to LGBT watchers, as it depicts "the destructive nature of the closet", while also showing that self-acceptance can strengthen people who are suffering. ''The Japan Times'' writer Matt Schley stated that despite being an adaptation of Nagai's ''Devilman'', it felt more like a spiritual successor to ''Kemonozume'', since both handle the subjects of identity, prejudice, religion and star-crossed love.

''Crybaby'' featured the original apocalyptic ending of the manga, not featured in any other ''Devilman'' animated adaptations. Daryl Surat of ''Otaku USA'' called it nihilistic, while Remus Noronha of Collider commented that "a sense of tragic inevitability" is presented through the whole series. Alexandra said the anime shows the manga's nihilism although it seems to exhibit a lot of hope near the end. Kotaku's Chris Person wrote that, despite ending in a tragedy, he does not think it is appropriate to characterize ''Devilman Crybaby'' as nihilistic "because it has an emotional core and a thesis that it strongly believes in". Frank commented the devastated Satan's tears for Akira "makes such a nihilistic ending feel not so totally hopeless". Yuasa himself commented on this subject, saying ''Crybaby'' focused on Ryo's character. While Akira is resolute about his actions from beginning to end, Ryo faces doubts, "internal changes and struggles at least". They meet as a child and Akira is the only one who supports Ryo, who develops feelings for him but does not realize it. Akira's role is to teach Ryo something and the story's essential point "is about what Ryo learns in the end"; and "in the end, it's about love".

Episodes

All episodes were written by Ichirō Ōkouchi.

Reception

Audience response

''Devilman Crybaby'' announcement created anticipation among anime fans. It was the Netflix original anime that attracted the "biggest buzz", according to James Hadfield of ''The Japan Times''. It turned out to be "the first big talking point of the year in the anime community", according to Syfy.com's Christopher Inoa. It was described as "one of 2018's most talked-about anime" by ''The Japan Times'' Roland Kelts, and "one of the most talked-about anime releases for many years" by Dan Auty of GameSpot. The Devilmen running-style attracted some attention among anime fans, including YouTuber PewDiePie, and was dubbed "the best animated running since ''Naruto''". The series' remix of "Devilman no Uta" also became a popular meme. Nevertheless, it was "one of the most divisive anime of the Winter 2018 season", according to Nick Valdez of ComicBook.com, because of Yuasa's "stylized take" on Nagai's original work. The anime was a regular topic on Twitter in January 2018; ComicBook.com's Megan Peters reported on it, declaring "to say it has been controversial is an understatement". Peters commented the main source of disagreement was about its "over-the-top imagery" that "enthralled" some and "revolted" others.

Although Netflix does not disclose viewership numbers, Auty, Valdez, Kelts, and ''Forbes'' Lauren Orsini have described the series as a "hit". Its viewership consisted most of non-Japanese audience; 90% of it were from outside Japan. Nevertheless, Japanese Blu-ray release was the 11th best-selling product on its medium and in its release week sold at least 2,637 copies. Inoa wrote that the "immediate reaction" to it indicated it was probably Yuasa's most popular work. Writing for ''Otaku USA'', Vincent commented it is one of Yuasa's "most instantly recognizable works". Because of ''Devilman Crybaby''s popularity, GKIDS showed interest in releasing Science SARU's previous works ''Night Is Short, Walk On Girl'' and ''Lu over the Wall''. Likewise, Sam Reach of Anime News Network commented, "Go Nagai fever is running red-hot nowadays, thanks in no small part to ''Devilman Crybaby''". Nagai himself, the 1970s ''Devilman'' anime screenwriter Masaki Tsuji, and filmmaker Sion Sono praised ''Crybaby''.

Critical reception

Based on nine reviews collected by review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, ''Devilman Crybaby'' has received mostly positive critical reviews, with an overall approval rating of 89% from 9 critics and an average score of 6 out of 10. The anime has been considered one of the best anime available on Netflix, as well as one of the best or the best anime of 2018, while it was awarded "Anime of the Year" at the 3rd Crunchyroll Anime Awards, along with Yuasa being awarded Best Director. The anime was among the 14 Japanese works listed in the Jury Selections in the Animation Division of the 22nd Japan Media Arts Festival Awards by Japanese government's Agency for Cultural Affairs. ''Crybaby'' was also chosen among the best anime of the 2010s by the staffs of Crunchyroll, IGN and Polygon, while Film School Rejects selected it as one of the best animated series of the decade. '' Paste'' magazine's staff elected it the 35th best anime of all time, with critic Toussaint Egan writing the anime is "not only as one of the best series in recent memory, but one that will stand the test of time". Frank of Polygon, Vincent, Cecilia D'Anastasio of Kotaku, and Beckett of ''Anime News Network'' called the series a "masterpiece". Peters wrote it exhibits all the a attributes of "an artistic cult classic", while Bridges of ''Anime News Network'' deemed it "just top-to-bottom perfect".

The series has been noted for its graphic violence and sexual content; the latter has been compared to pornography. Its gore content has been highlighted, and because of its "ultra-violence" it has usually been described as "not for the faint of heart" or "weak of heart". Auty of GameSpot stated it "has pushed back the boundaries" of what type of content can be shown in a streaming service, and wrote an entire article dedicated to why the series has "some of the most extreme content ever to hit Netflix". Toole stated it is "the most ludicrously violent, sexed-up anime TV series ever aired", while Joyce Slaton wrote for Common Sense Media that its mature content exceed what is expected to be featured in adult-aimed anime. Emily Gaudette of ''Newsweek'' called it "the bloodiest, most profane animated series of the year", and Thurm of ''Decider'' described it as the "grossest show on TV". ''The Japan Times'' Schley commented that ''Crybaby'' differs from other ''Devilman'' adaptations because of its "level of on-screen sex and violence" and that it was more suitable for the public of the 1980s with its "ultra-violent films" like '' Akira'', ''Demon City Shinjuku'' or '' Violence Jack''. On the other hand, Chapman of ''Anime News Network'' felt it was not difficult to bear the violence because of "Yuasa's super-cartoony style".

While Peters of ComicBook.com and Rebecca Silverman of ''Anime News Network'' said most of the content was "gratuitous", Farokhmanesh of ''The Verge'' disagreed, saying it is "a tool used to demonstrate the overindulgent, sometimes disgusting nature of being human". Likewise, Sanchez of IGN deemed it to be "one of the rare graphic action anime that has an incredible story to back up". Peters said it "is as harrowing as it is thought-provoking", while Pementel of Bloody Disgusting commented "its violence cuts on an intimate level" because of the themes it evokes. Beckett concluded the series features a "poetical vision" and that its focus on personal experiences makes it intimate, despite the violence. Alexandra of Kotaku was divided on the topic; while understanding the story's focus on humans' vileness and indulgency, she described it as "occasionally distracting" and said the amount of violence makes it lose its impact fast. Kotaku's Person commented that the sexual depictions were "deeply silly" and fit the plot, since the first part is about sex's ludicrosity and absurdity, especially to young people. However, Alexandra also highlighted how the camera frames several woman "in the most lustful way possible", while Loveridge of ''Anime News Network'' stated it demonizes female sexuality as all demons in the Sabbath are female and their demon traits are based on their sex organs which then devour the men.

Many critics commented about "the remarkable animation style", as reported Pementel. It was considered one of the most "visually striking" anime of all time by Loveridge, while it has been described as "visually enthralling" by Thurm, and "visually stunning" by Matt Kamen for GamesRadar+ and by Frank. Theron Martin of ''Anime News Network'' commented, "you won't see a more ..outlandish visual spectacle in anime this season". Loveridge called it a "visual trip unlike any other", while Salkowitz of ''Forbes'' stated that the series "breaks out the most eye-melting psychedelia seen on the small screen" since MTV's ''Liquid Television''. Writing for ''Otaku USA'', Vincent said, "Yuasa's signature fluid animation ..transform what could have ultimately been an unattractive gorefest into an attractive ballet of human and demonic interaction". Daniel Kurland of Den of Geek said that "there's nothing too special about ''Devilman'' at its surface level", but that Yuasa's injection of his "eye-popping animation and art direction" turns the story into "something special".

Another aspect of ''Devilman Crybaby'' that was commended includes its "pumping" and "pulsing" soundtrack, which Inoa qualified as "so good it is an outright tragedy that it isn't available on Spotify". Musically, the rap sequences were praised both by fans and specialized media like ''Hypebeast''. Others, including Creamer of ''Anime News Network'', praised the "rich characterization". Surat of ''Otaku USA'' commented, "The key is characterization", which he praised for not being limited to just Akira and Ryo. Toole enjoyed how Miki was no more a mere plot device that she was in the manga and the punks' reconceptualization as rappers. The way it dealt with sexuality and its openly LGBT characters also received praise; Surat said "many strongly resonate with ''Crybaby'' for its emphasis on explicitly gay and lesbian characters in a dramatic presentation". Person liked the fact that there were "empathetic depictions" from both genders of the difficulty of being oneself and its "explicit and metaphorical queer presence". Farokhmanesh also found "its unwavering acceptance of storylines like queer romance" to be "refreshing" and praised its subversion of toxic masculinity. The ending was divisive; PewDiePie considered it "flat" and a "fatal flaw" in the series, while Frank deemed its "beautiful, devastating finale" to be "perfection".

''Crybaby'' has generally been considered to be faithful to the original manga, maintaining its sexual and violent content. Surat declared it to be "perhaps the most faithful animated adaptation of it". Egan of ''Paste'' stated it "is as orgiastically violent and unflinchingly risqué as Nagai's original manga". Toole said that at first ''Devilman Crybaby'' appears to be "a straight take on Nagai's classic story", and also compared the first episodes to the 1987 original video animation of ''Devilman''. Vincent considered it to be "the best iteration of ''Devilman'' to have ever existed" because of Yuasa's animation. Zac Bertschy of ''Anime News Network'' concluded that "it elevates the material into something else entirely, a spectacularly gay firestorm, a screaming, crying apocalypse that takes hold of you the moment it starts and never lets go".

Controversy

On August 5, 2022, the city hall of Botucatu, Brazil removed a painting from the ''It happened in 2022'' exhibition. The painting was based on the anime's poster. The prefecture justified the act by saying that the anime was based on a work suitable for mature audiences, while the painting was free for all ages, as well being way too traumatizing for children to look at. One day after, teachers and students protested, calling the act censorship. The art can now be seen in the Botucatu Board of Education building.

Notes

References

External links

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''Devilman Crybaby''
on Netflix
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