Masaaki Yuasa Direction

Lore & Background

Yuasa's direction on Devilman Crybaby is rooted in his career-long approach to animation. He began his career as an in-between animator on Kiki's Delivery Service (1989), working for a subcontractor rather than directly for Studio Ghibli. He later worked as an animator on Chibi Maruko-chan (1990–1992) and Crayon Shin-chan (1992–present), where he developed a fast, intuitive, and rough drawing style. A key turning point came when he transitioned from in-between animation to key animation, allowing his rougher line style to be used for greater personal expression.

This approach was further shaped by his study of international animation techniques, including the works of Tex Avery, the British film Yellow Submarine (1968), and Glen Keane's animation work on the climactic fight sequence in The Fox and the Hound (1981). These influences shaped his approach to Devilman Crybaby, where the animation externalizes internal turmoil and turns panic into visual distortion.

Reader's Guide

Yuasa's direction transforms Go Nagai's raw manga into a fluid visual poem. Critics have noted how the show uses the demon invasion as a metaphor for societal panic, illustrating how fear can turn humanity against itself through mass hysteria and genocide. The plot follows Akira Fudo and his friend Ryo Asuka as they navigate a world descending into chaos, where the revelation of demons triggers riots that mirror real-world prejudices. This exploration of paranoia and the dehumanization of 'the other' sparked significant debate regarding the series' nihilistic ending. While some viewers found the conclusion bleak, others praised its unflinching look at how manipulation can destroy civilizations, making the work a complex commentary on the fragility of human morality.

Critical Reception and Cultural Impact

Upon its worldwide release in early 2018, Devilman Crybaby immediately became one of the most discussed anime series of the year, generating intense conversation despite Netflix's refusal to disclose specific viewership numbers. The critical response was largely favorable, with many journalists and reviewers hailing the project as a masterpiece and potentially the best anime produced for the streaming platform. Praise frequently focused on the show's distinctive animation style, its evocative soundtrack, and strong characterization, all of which were seen as faithful yet innovative interpretations of Go Nagai's work.

However, the series also faced division among fans regarding its graphic content and controversial ending. Despite these mixed reactions from specific segments of the audience, the consensus among critics placed it among the top anime productions not just of 2018, but of the entire decade. Its success demonstrated the viability of bold, mature storytelling in the global streaming market.

Narrative Arc and Tragic Conclusion

The story follows high schooler Akira Fudo, who transforms into Devilman after merging with the demon Amon to save his friend Ryo Asuka from a demonic attack at an underground club. As the series progresses, the friendship between Akira and Ryo fractures under the weight of Ryo's increasingly extreme methods to protect Akira's secret while exposing demons to the world. The narrative escalates into global panic as demons possess humans, leading to widespread violence and the tragic deaths of Akira's loved ones, including Miki Makimura.

In a shocking twist, Ryo reveals his true identity as Satan, the fallen angel who orchestrated the entire conflict to exterminate humanity and reclaim Earth for demons. The story culminates in a devastating finale where all life is obliterated. In the desolate aftermath, a grief-stricken Satan cradles Akira's dead body, realizing he destroyed the only person he loved, just as angels descend to reform the world into a new existence with two moons.