Humans tend to think they’re the center of the universe 🌌, considering themselves as important beings. That’s why most creative works revolve around human stories. They fall in love 💖, they fight, they defeat aliens, and conquer galaxies. And despite their relatively short presence on Earth, they weave origin tales, complete with stories of being born from eggs or birthed by gods. It’s undeniable that humans see themselves as the rulers of Earth, and most content is built on this premise. So, when a story comes along that challenges this origin, it feels like a hammer hitting your head 🔨.
Personally, I’ve always been a fan of the anime Evangelion. Initially, I thought it was just another giant robot series 🤖, but as I delved deeper into its philosophy and world-building, I was hooked. Behind its dialogues and script lies a wealth of information, with a dedicated fandom eager to explore it. While I saved time by watching YouTube summaries others compiled, the depth of the series is undeniable.
This anime suggests that before humans, divine beings and their creations ruled Earth, but due to some issue, flawed humans replaced them. It’s not just that humans aren’t the masters of Earth; they aren’t even rightful beings. Humans stumbled into being Earth’s rulers by chance, but their flaws threaten the planet’s peace. Interestingly, during my research, the frequent opinion I came across was that Evangelion was heavily influenced by Devilman.
Devilman, created by Go Nagai, is a series that debuted a whopping 50 years ago. It’s been adapted into anime, comics, and movies, and is still celebrated as his masterpiece and a comic industry gem. Though both the TV animation and comics were released around the same time, the comic featuring the protagonist Asuka Ryo is often praised for its superior storyline.
Many view Devilman as the origin for subculture content featuring demons 😈. Initially, it presents a dark hero battling demons threatening Earth’s peace, but it flips the script, revealing that the true rulers are Satan and the demons. (A concept that’s more common nowadays, but was groundbreaking back then.)
The Netflix Original, celebrating Go Nagai’s 50th anniversary, ‘Devilman Crybaby’, was directed by Masaaki Yuasa. This collaboration with Netflix also led to the creation of Japan Sinks 2020. ‘Devilman Crybaby’ can be considered the complete edition of the Devilman comic’s story, capturing the original’s ending for the first time in animation. Despite being a 2018 release, it modernizes settings like social media while staying true to the original tale.
With so many related works, if you want to dive into Devilman, often hailed as a masterpiece, I’d recommend starting with this Netflix rendition 📺. However, be warned: it faithfully recreates shocking scenes—whether explicit or violent—so it might not be for everyone. But then again, the original was like that too.
Besides sticking closely to the original storyline, the animation boasts stylish visuals, a gripping soundtrack 🎶, and sophisticated direction, making it high-quality content. I was so captivated by the art style that I binge-watched all 10 episodes in one go!
As you watch, you’ll find that these demons, initially thought to be mindless monsters, aren’t much different from humans. Conversely, humans reveal their beastly instincts amidst chaos, creating a stark contrast that confuses viewers. The revelation at the story’s end is beyond imagination, and its massive scale delivers an even bigger shock.
What really defines a human? 🤔 Watching this anime makes you ponder whether the Gaia hypothesis, a fantasy or imaginative concept, might be the most logical explanation for humanity today. What kind of life should we lead to avoid becoming ‘flawed and meaningless beings’ that need to be eradicated for the survival of Earth or the universe?
Even if such philosophical questions seem excessive, missing out on this anime’s stunning visuals, speedy pacing, and profound world is a bit of a shame. It’s surprisingly quick to watch, so if you’re wondering, ‘What should I do with the rest of my weekend?’ why not give it a try? 📅
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