Review of Devilman: Crybaby

Devilman Crybaby, Netflix's first great anime ... but it's not for everyone When Netflix announced that they would be directly producing several anime this 2018, I could not help but worry. After all, their first "attempt" was Neo Yokio. But if Devilman Crybaby is the sign of the times to come, we can breathe in ease Based on the manga of Go Nagai, Devilman Crybaby has a story that will be familiar to older anime lovers. Not for nothing the original work is from 1972, with multiple adaptations to the anime in a series and several OVAS. This review is late. I had several weeks thinking aboutwhat to write for this review, because basically the whole community has already spoken and the verdict can not be more positive.

For some, even though January was not finished when it premiered, it is the anime of the year. A daring and perhaps premature affirmation, but one that has a certain credibility. Directed by Masaaki Yuasa, known for his work in works such as the acclaimed Mind Game (2004) and more recently by Tatami Galaxy (2010), Ping Pong (2014) and Space Dandy (2014), Devilman Crybaby is a statement of intent.

The demon has arrived

Using a more mainstream version of his peculiar style of art and animation, Yuasa takes us on an apocalyptic journey in which no one is safe from demons, both real and figurative. Devilman Crybaby is a series that attacks us from all directions and confronts us with the worst of human nature. But he also shows us its positive side in characters like Akira Fudo or Miki Makimura, Akira's romantic interest and his reason for preserving sanity. However, before the deep darkness that nests in the hearts of humans and demons, it is impossible to leave unharmed of this trip full of violence and sex of 10 episodes.

For those who are not familiar with the original work of Go Nagai, in Devilman humanity is under threat because of the appearance of a race of demons. Beings dominated by their lower instincts that take over human bodies and then devote themselves to killing and devouring others. Ryo Asuka, Akira's best friend, believes that the way to exterminate them is to expose them and that is why he convinces our protagonist to accompany him to a party in which he attacks many of those present, seeking to attract the demons. In the face of danger, Akira is possessed by the powerful demon Amon. But by keeping his goodness and humanity, he dominates and uses his powers to eliminate the rest. This is how Devilman was born, who swears to defeat monsters to protect humanity.

A very changed Akira, more attractive, more voracious and savage, emerges from the transformation. However, his sensitive nature and love for humanity remain intact. So much so that he is still very prone to tears when he sees someone suffer. He remains a compassionate soul and therefore dominates the inner demon. An allegory of what happens with many real-life demons, unable to control their worst impulses.

In that sense, the original work of Go Nagai, although disturbing and with a downright depressing ending, is at bottom an instructive experience.

Devilman Crybaby is not for weak stomachs

But as much as that is the message behind this original Netflix anime, the truth is that it is not a series for anyone. In a sense, it is a work that belongs to another era of anime. In the late 70's and during the 80's there was much more anime like this. Bloody, terrifying, with provocative ideas and a singular appetite for destruction. Those were the times of Akira, Guyver, Violence Jack. As a medium, the anime was much more daring, both in their films, as their OVA's and even on television. Even harmless series like Dragon Ball were allowed to be much more gore.

It is not that today these elements are not preserved, but in general they are seen in products issued late in the morning in Japan. In general, the anime is now much more measured when it comes to violence and sex ... In quotes, of course. He who seeks finds, if those are his tastes. But in the case of Devilman's manga, it's not just the graphic violence, but the ideas behind it.

In Crybaby the original story is modernized, adapting it to these times of social networks, rave parties and rappers. But this work, which is definitely not for the faint-hearted, does not use its disturbing images for free. There is a purpose and that is what makes it special. It is to look at the most unpleasant of mankind. It is to look into the abyss in a superficial way, without risk. That's why the series plays with our expectations, going from moments of exaggerated sexualization with breasts bouncing like basketballs to scenes in which human beings are devoured alive by demons.

This series insists almost recklessly in showing us how we are capable of persecuting and killing those we do not understand, the different ones. Be it humans or other devilman, who like Akira are not evil. It is a clear comparison with the intolerance and hatred that abounds in social networks, and in the streets in the light of the sun.

Although its origin is a work with more than 40 years of history, Devilman Crybaby feels modern and would say that it is new if it were not because it is not. With this series Netflix has shown audacity, taking full advantage of the fact that it is not a conventional television network. Devilman Crybaby is a series that for many will be better to ignore. There will be those who criticize it for its strange animation and for its unconventional history, but it is an irrefutable proof that anime is also for adults. It does so by subverting prejudices about masculinity or giving a total turn to the classic story of the hero.

In addition, for everything that manages to leave us speechless and amazed at how far it dares to arrive, it also manages to break the heart of the spectator from one moment to the other. I insist, it is not for everyone and you have to have the right mentality before you start to see it, but even if I do not dare to call it "the best of the year" so soon, without doubt it is a candidate.

What takes away the 10

But for all the good that I said about Devilman Crybaby, I can not close without being completely honest. The length of the series plays against and takes away points. Certainly this is a problem that also suffers from the original manga. With only 5 volumes it is difficult to establish a relationship with many characters, including Miki, who has a much lower weight in the original work.

The loss of many lives loses impact for this reason in the manga, and the anime suffers from the same evil. It is difficult to feel empathy for characters that you do not get to know at all. While the original anime, despite its 39 episodes, does not adapt the real end of the manga, this one does, but its rhythm is devilishly fast. So much, that it reaches its resolution abruptly.

Furthermore, in his praiseworthy attempt to make many secondary characters visible - without a doubt trying to counteract the aforementioned problem - it tells in a very superficial way the effect that the appearance of demons has on society. The mere revelation of its existence leads the humans of the series to a destructive spiral that is too abrupt, which, while it may seem realistic, does not follow a process. Although perhaps I turn on the same point: the series needed more episodes.

However, I recognize that although that would make it narratively more cohesive, it would reduce the impact to the viscerality of seeing it in one sitting. Anyway, I'm left with a solid 9 and my recommendation to see it, if you have the willingness to tolerate it.

Summary

Devilman Crybaby is a visceral experience that leads us to explore the darkest side of humanity and its demons. Suffers a bit for its brevity, but it is certainly a candidate for the best of the year ... although it is just beginning.