Review of Devilman: Crybaby

Devilman: Crybaby had a lot of hype, and I could definitely see why. This anime goes over the top with its imagery, if you’ve seen the show you know exactly what I’m talking about. While I believe there is a lot of really good things that are a part of this show, there are some noticeable flaws. The premise is combined with its narrative, sound design, unique art style, and interesting characters. Creates both hooking a disturbing experience. The story of Devilman: Crybaby relies on its world-building, characters, and over-the-top imagery to create something that is hooking, memorable and disturbing. The story itself follows the relationshipbetween Ryo and Akira. Their rocky relationship and the journey they go through together are made in a way that is memorable and sticks to you. The world we are presented with is portrayed in a way that is really disturbing and horrific. Yet it is no different from ours in a way. The idea of devils possessing humans. Them being around before humans was a really interesting premise, it highlight in the story itself. However, there are flaws in Devilmans narrative. The main flaw being how rushed it is, the series within 10 episodes goes from vigilante devil fighting to a world war between devils and devilment on Earth which is now a wasteland due to war.

The soundtrack was great, it did an amazing job at making anyone feel any specific emotion. Whether that be hope, intensity, or dread. The voice acting was also a huge factor in the sound design. All the voice actors did great jobs at making their characters stand out. Although, the opening to me felt underwhelming and boring. I didn’t even realize it was an opening at first. Maybe if the opening music was more intense I’d be more forgiving but that is not the case. The sound effects were alright, though at times they felt like stock sounds.

The art style is without a doubt, not that complex. It’s overly simplistic and there are very few details in the character's shading or the environment. Although that’s what makes this anime stand out from the crowd. In an age where anime must be animated so that shading is perfect the body anatomy is spot on and the movement feels realistic. Every anime strives to have as complex animation as it can. Devilman: Crybaby goes against the tide and uses a simplistic art style that covers all the base factors of what makes animation good. The animation is not only unique but it emphasizes how disturbing some of the imagery is, emphasizing the dread viewers feel. More emotions being felt in an anime means that it is better.

The characters like the narrative of this show were good but rushed. Akira begins the story as an average student who is freeloading a track star student home. His friend Ryo despite being a teen is a rich professor. They go through really interesting journeys together. Akira’s trait of crying when someone else was sad was a clear highlight. It shows that despite being possessed by a devil, he is a very human character. The problem is that the characters are rushed. As mentioned before, Akira started the series as a simple student. He ends as a powerful Devilman that can keep up in a fight with Satan. Ryo is a professor at the beginning and ends with him revealing to be a reincarnation of Satan. All within the span of 10 episodes.

Despite many flaws, Devilman: Crybaby is a show that I can truly enjoy. It’s a rushed yet hooking story, great soundtrack, animation that stands out, and characters that have rushed stories but are still intriguing nonetheless.

Overall, I rank this 8/10.