Review of Devilman: Crybaby

Before starting this review, Devilman Crybaby is not for everyone. This is a show about flaws, corruption, innocence, and fear. All of these themes leave a euphoric yet painful bittersweet ending to this show. Story: 8 This story is has generally more complex philosophical themes detailing Metaphysics. Although it has the occasional plot holes with certain demons/devils. This rendition has better pacing and a more modernized feel compared to previous renditions of Devilman. I felt the connection between Akira and Ryo felt pretty natural as it slowly deteriorated and how the mob society eventually took those who were still deemed innocent really struck me for how easilymanipulated this world is.

Art: 7
Initially coming in blind, I thought this art style was really stupid and downright weird looking. But as I continued on the art style grew on me and the more I put thought into it the more it made sense considering the gruesome nature of the series. I'm still not completely in love with it I found its place within the series and the characterizations are still better than previous renditions.

Sound: 9
First off this soundtrack is absolutely amazing. After listening to it by itself I fell in love with the music and how it can show the emotions/caricatures of the characters depending on the themes. The only thing really keeping the sound design from being perfect is the simplistic sound effects for the fighting. It seems almost stereotypical for the unoriginal gore sound effects.

Character: 7
Despite from the main characters, I found it hard to gain a real feeling for the side characters. They aren't bad by any means but I don't feel as if they were fleshed out enough especially the rappers, and more importantly Miko and Akira's parents. With these short comings, Akira, Miki, and Ryo are in my opinion really well written. Akira and Miki really show how innocence is the voice of the unheard and Ryo being the deuteragonist as he deeply cares for Akira but only him and is willing to go to great lengths for him. What's nice about this modernized rendition is that the characters get more life in this version than pervious versions. Especially Miki Makimura.

Enjoyment: 8
I really enjoyed this show and I experienced a plethora of feelings during the show. There were times where I was laughing and having a good time to almost screaming in sadness and anger. Also after having the bittersweet ending it really made me think on how we are all in some ways evil. There is good in the world, but the pure hearted are always overshadowed by the pain in this world.

Overall: 8/10