Masaaki Yuasa's Devilman Crybaby, a bold reimagining of Go Nagai's seminal 1970s manga, has landed on Netflix with both English dub and subtitle options. The 10-episode original net animation (ONA) from Science SARU delivers a visceral, modern take on the classic tale of Akira Fudo, who merges with a demon named Amon to fight a demonic invasion.
Science SARU, known for its fluid animation and experimental style in titles like Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! and Devilman Crybaby's predecessor Devilman: The Birth and Devilman: The Demon Bird, fully embraces the source material's graphic nature. The series is a relentless onslaught of body horror, psychosexual themes, and brutal action, set against a backdrop of contemporary urban decay and hip-hop culture.
While the original Devilman manga was groundbreaking for its time, Devilman Crybaby updates the narrative for a new generation, amplifying its philosophical and mythological elements. It explores themes of love, loss, prejudice, and the corruptibility of humanity with an unflinching gaze, earning a 7.74 rating on MyAnimeList from over 763,000 voters.
The series offers a complete, self-contained narrative that pushes the boundaries of mainstream anime. Its unapologetic depiction of violence and mature themes makes it a challenging but rewarding watch for those seeking a dark, thought-provoking supernatural action series.
