Review of Devilman: Crybaby

After years and years of avoiding Devilman, I finally gave in. I spent my summer watching the three OVA's, read the manga, along with Devilman Lady, and, wanting more, pursued the Devil Lady series. It wasn't enough. The two episode OVA from the 80s left me hungry and unsatisfied. I wanted more. I scoured the internet in search of some ray of light that would guide me to a beacon of hope with promises that a new series was on the way. Nothing. Ah, but how the weather changes. When I had given up and moved on, I caughtwind of Devilman Crybaby and almost cried tears of joy. Finally! It was finally going to happen! I was so anxious, I didn't know what to expect, how much would be changed, and I did my best to prepare for this moment by keeping an open mind about his new adaptation.

Honestly, after the first two episodes, I was disappointed. I loved the animation, the score, the character designs and the modern twist, but I just couldn't get with the twerking butts and the flopping tits, just to name a few. I wasn't prepared for the massive close up of a butt jiggling all over my screen. I just wasn't ready for that. I debated whether or not to continue, feeling that the over abundance of raunchiness was too much, but I ventured on. After the first episodes the nudity and sexuality does tone down a bit before it hits you again once or twice a few episodes later. Sometimes I felt like certain scenes were unnecessary, while others did add to the story and show Akira's growth as a character, and explained some relationships between other characters. The pacing was a little odd at first, sometimes cuts felt a little awkward, like it just stopped too suddenly, but I quickly adjusted once I figured out what was going on.

Beyond that, I was satisfied with this anime as a whole. Visually, it's gorgeous, if you like stylized anime, the modern setting made it easy to relate to. Even though some parts were left out, or barely mentioned, they were replaced with other side stories that didn't take away from the story and helped smooth any uncertain kinks or confusions the original manga had left me with.

I knew how the story ended, yet the series did a good job of keeping me in anticipation of seeing how things would unfold and who would be victorious. I was pleased with the outcome and felt a bittersweet feeling afterwards, satisfied and no longer hungry.

Now...I'm ready for a remake/reboot of Devilman Lady....please.