Review of Devilman: Crybaby

Devilman: Crybaby is like a more theological, and in a way, small-scale version of Neon Genesis Evangelion, with a similar proportion of controversy it seems. The visuals by the end are similar and it has this apocalyptical conflict and rebirth with Christian beliefs and symbolism. I looked up the Wikipedia summary and what it gives basically covers the first episode and the last three where humanity has reached a destructive level of paranoia over the presence of demons and have turned on each other for scapegoats and clannish, ritualistic deaths for "their own safety," eventually reaching nuclear fallout as the Devilmen fight Satan and hisdemons for control of the Earth. So it really builds quite a bit over three episodes, but that was where the show was starting to lose it for me. A more Christian focused story is basically novel and interesting these days, and sowing mistrust that leads to a group's own downfall always interest me, but something wasn't clicking for me. I don't mind the ending, but never felt in touch with the bigger moments of emotion that Akira was feeling, so it feel flat by the end.

In the middle of the show, Akira and Ryo are still figuring out the extent of demons on Earth and Akira is dealing with the effects of becoming a devilman, as other characters begin to change as well. It's not the most unique thing on the planet but that kind of push and pull was what drew me into the characters and seeing their interactions. It's the least plot heavy if the Wikipedia summary basically didn't already suggest it, but it's what I enjoyed the most in a plot way.

Yuasa is as good as ever with his kind of simplistic yet energetic animation style that seems easy to learn, hard to master with great backgrounds and designs for the characters and monsters. The bassy, electronic music works great as well when it can amp up for the fight scenes and this show is definitely rated R for gore and sex. In both cases I'd say it never gets into a exploitation, pornographic view, and it gets some leeway because it's animated, and it fits the devilish moments that happen.