These days, Netflix is a major player in the anime world. From high-profile originals to streaming classics, the platform has become a go-to destination for anime fans worldwide. But this reputation wasn’t built overnight. It all truly began withDevilman Crybaby. Released in 2018 and directed by Masaaki Yuasa,it was the first genuine Netflix Original Anime — the spark that ignited everything. With its boundary-pushing visuals, graphic violence, and intense emotion, it redefined expectations. It showed what anime could be without broadcast restrictions — and viewers couldn’t look away.
Devilman Crybabydidn’t just make noise; it madeNetflix a serious contender in anime. Since then, Netflix has kept investing in the medium. Originals likeCyberpunk: Edgerunners,Beastars, andDorohedorohave drawn devoted followings and even inspired sequels and spin-offs. Yet, oddly, the series that started it all has slipped quietly into the background.Crybabycame and went like a storm — unforgettable, but strangely untouched since.
When news broke about a newDevilmanproject, hopes soared, with many wondering if aCrybabysequel was finally on the way.The announcement turned out to be for a retro-style RPGtitledDevilman: Armageddon Prologue. While a fun nod to the past, it wasn’t the anime revival many had hoped for. As such, it’s worth asking why Netflix has seemingly walked away fromDevilman Crybaby.
The Origins Of Devilman And Go Nagai’s Bold Vision
Humanity, Horror, And Heroism
Devilmanwas originally created in 1972 by Go Nagai, one of the most influential manga artists in history. Nagai shaped the mecha genre with works likeMazinger ZandGetter Robo, butDevilmanwas different.Serialized inWeekly Shōnen Magazine, it stunned readers with its violence, nudity, and psychological depth. The story was dark and unflinching — a far cry from the magazine’s usual content for young boys.It wasn’t just edgy; it was groundbreaking.
The original manga follows Akira Fudo, a timid teen whose life changes when his friend Ryo Asuka reveals that ancient demons are awakening. To fight them, Akira must merge with a demon. During a brutal ritual, he fuses with Amon, a fearsome entity, and becomesDevilman. Though physically transformed, Akira retains his human heart. This dual nature drives the story, as he battles monstrous threats while struggling to stay human in a world spiraling into chaos.
The 1972 Anime: A Toned-Down Devil
Devilman’s Rise As A Cultural Icon
In the same year the manga debuted,Devilmanmade the jump to anime — but with major changes. Instead of Akira merging with Amon, the anime told a different story, where a demon possesses Akira and chooses to defend humanity. It was more of a dark superhero series than a true adaptation. The anime toned down the horror and focused on weekly battles, making it suitable for younger viewers. While it still bore Nagai’s name, it was a sanitized take on a much more brutal original.
Despite the softer tone, both the manga and anime helped solidifyDevilmanas a cultural icon. In Japan, the character became instantly recognizable. Overseas, he was proof that anime and manga could explore themes far darker than most Western media dared. With its existential weight and shocking twists,Devilmanshowed that comics and cartoons weren’t just for kids. They could be mature, disturbing, and philosophically rich — a sentiment that would resurface decades later inCrybaby.
Netflix Takes The Risk — And Nails It
The Streamer’s Devilman Crybaby Was Unfiltered, Unforgettable, And Uncompromising
When Netflix greenlitDevilman Crybaby, it may have seemed risky — but it was a smart bet. The name had decades of legacy behind it. Older fans remembered it, younger fans were curious, and everyone wanted to see what a modern take might look like. By pairing Go Nagai’s original story with Masaaki Yuasa’s wild visual style andScience SARU’s inventive animation, Netflix created something both nostalgic and new. It was a perfect storm of style, substance, and timing.
Crybabydidn’t pull punches. It was raw, surreal, and emotionally devastating — especially by the final episode.The series adapted Nagai’s original manga more faithfully than the 1972 anime ever did, while modernizing the characters and setting. It featured hyperkinetic action, deeply human drama, and an unforgettable soundtrack. With its TV-MA rating, it was loaded with nudity, gore, and psychological trauma — yet everything served the story. It was shocking, yes, but also profound. Fans and critics hailed it as a masterpiece.
No Devilman Sequel, But Plenty Of Potential
A Missed Opportunity Or A Strategic Retreat?
But despiteCrybaby’s success, Netflix never followed it up. And there may be a simple reason: the ending. Without diving into spoilers,Crybabyhas the kind of finale that leaves little room for sequels. Still, that hasn’t stopped Go Nagai from revisiting theDevilmanuniverse through spin-offs, prequels, and alternate timelines. Works likeAmon: Apocalypse of DevilmanandDevilman Ladyshow there’s plenty more story to explore.
Maybe Netflix decided that one daring, controversial anime was enough. Or maybe they didn’t see the same broad appeal as in shows likeBeastars, which lean into longer character arcs and more accessible themes. Still, it’s strange.Devilmanhelped put. It proved that there was an audience for intense, adult-oriented storytelling in animation. You’d think they’d want to capitalize on that momentum, rather than let it fade quietly into cult classic status.
Devilman Crybaby’s Rappers Explained (& Their Fates)
Devilman Crybaby is Netflix’s adaptation of the famous manga which includes a group of rappers in supporting roles. Here are their fates explained.
Now, withDevilman: Armageddon Prologue, the franchise returns — sort of. The new RPG is a homage to retro gaming, not a narrative continuation ofCrybaby. For many fans, it feels like a detour rather than the next chapter.But if history has shown anything, it’s thatDevilmandoesn’t stay dormant for long. He’s a character built on transformation and rebirth, and his stories often rise from the ashes — usually soaked in fire, blood, and heavy metal. Whether the next anime incarnation ofDevilmancomes from Netflix or another studio, one thing remains true: you may’t keep a good demon down.
Devilman Crybaby
Cast
Devilman Crybaby is an anime series directed by Masaaki Yuasa, based on the manga Devilman by Go Nagai. It follows Akira Fudo, who gains demonic powers to combat evil forces threatening humanity. As he transforms into Devilman, Akira faces moral dilemmas and devastating battles, exploring themes of identity and humanity. The series is known for its striking animation style and intense storytelling.
