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Similar to Castlevania, Devilman Crybaby is brilliantly violent but unlike the former, this has a story which sells you episode 1.

Network
Netflix

The Introduction

Akira is but a simple young man. The kind of guy who is sort of soft-spoken, a tad emotional, but very sweet. So as for how he ended up and stayed friends with Ryo? Well, it is because even sometimes emotionless people like Ryo, with a few screws loose, desire friendship and companionship. The only problem is, Ryo, an American professor who was doing research in the Amazon, is now obsessed with demons and drags Akira along. Thus leading to, in a sex club party knows as Sabbath, him turning his innocent young friend into a demon.

Other Noteworthy Facts & Moments

It’s the summertime in the show.

Highlights

Compelling From The Get Go

I should note, gratuitous violence and sex only gives but an initial pop, and then usually you get accustomed to it. So whether the sex dungeon scenes and people being ripped apart is what got my attention, or the characters and story, well that’s up for debate. However, I must admit I kind of dig this nutcase Ryo portrays himself to be. Especially since we see he is a bit of a complicated psycho. He isn’t much for empathy or compassion, yet Akira’s kindness toward him has made him an exception – to a certain degree.

He cares enough about him to want to know where he is and be around him, yet he brings him to a sex club, this naive and innocent teenager, where he could become possessed by a demon. It’s a very weird dynamic but one you definitely want to see explored. Especially because, on the other end of the friendship, we have Akira. Him being this crybaby, who is so sweet you just want to pat his head, put him in a headlock, and ruffle his hair, brings this ying/yang aspect to the show.

One which gets amplified by the fact that it isn’t just these two’s personalities, but their lives which are complete opposites. Akira is a normal high school teenager, trying to be a worthy member of the Track and Field team, even though he is barely fast enough to qualify. Then, as noted, Ryo, who somehow is an American professor at his age (the same that Akira is), is a world traveler who saw someone commit suicide so that a demon didn’t take them over.

So, needless to say, a lot goes on in episode 1 and really makes the fact this is a Netflix show so calming. If only because you don’t have to wait a week for another episode.

First Impression: Mixed [Stick Around]

It may seem weird that with no “On The Fence” or “Low Point/ Criticism” section this is mixed. However, I’ve learned that when it comes to shows which are heavy on the gore and sexual content, you got to realize that is but a hook. The kind which is good for an episode or two, but it can wear off quickly. And while I like the characters and their polar opposite lives and personalities, I do worry the high from the violence and sex is compensating for two characters who might not be all that interesting as we get accustomed to them too.

So while I like this show, will certainly watch recap, and review (with spoilers of course) more episodes, I am very cautious.

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Listed Under Categories: Anime

Devilman Crybaby: Season 1/ Episode 1 “I Need You” [Series Premiere] – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)