Netflix’s Devil May Cry Anime: A Bloody Good Time with Dante

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Adi Shankar has previously achieved great success with Netflix, particularly in the realm of anime adaptations, such as the Castlevania series and Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix. These productions are noteworthy because they not only transform beloved video game franchises into animated form but also reimagine the original narratives for a fresh perspective. Given Shankar’s creative direction in these projects, there was significant interest when it was disclosed that he would be handling the Capcom series, Devil May Cry, with an upcoming anime production.

The action-packed video game series Devil May Cry, developed by Capcom, has seen numerous adaptations and fresh perspectives. Some were hits, like an earlier anime adaptation attempt, while others, such as the DMC reboot, veered away from the original games and didn’t fare as well. This new anime adaptation of Devil May Cry stirred anticipation because it was marketed with energetic Nu-Metal music and seemed distinct from Shankar’s usual work. Luckily, these differences result in a thrilling series to watch that perfectly captures the spirit of Devil May Cry.

Instead of continuing the narrative through video games, this new series for “Devil May Cry” presents its own unique storyline while retaining the familiar characters of demons and creatures. It selectively references significant events from various installments in the franchise, weaving together a fresh tale. To illustrate, the story initiates with an enigmatic White Rabbit attacking a troop of soldiers in pursuit of a mystical sword. This turns out to be the Sword of Sparda, which, when fully activated, could shatter the barriers between Earth and Hell. The only ones capable of preventing this catastrophe are Dante (Johnny Yong Bosch), who wears half of an enchanted amulet for the task around his neck, and Mary (Scout Taylor-Compton), a soldier with a vendetta against demons, determined to eliminate them at any cost.

The story could be taking inspiration from various moments across the original game’s chronology, while also incorporating fresh elements to keep things interesting. For instance, the White Rabbit, originally from a manga version of Devil May Cry 3, has a unique backstory. This level of detail creates an exciting new gaming experience, yet it might alienate hardcore fans who are familiar with the games. Characters and adversaries that players may recognize can be found throughout the series, but they play roles unlike anything we’ve seen before. Despite these changes, Devil May Cry maintains a fun-loving atmosphere throughout.

In various media, it can be challenging to grasp Dante’s true emotions towards specific situations because he often appears nonchalant or bored. However, we encounter a Dante who has previously abandoned demon hunting missions due to monotony, but he still handles dangerous adversaries with an air of casual confidence and style. Fortunately, when the stakes are high, Dante becomes more focused. While he maintains a light-hearted demeanor, it’s evident that critical moments affect him deeply. It’s during these instances that the anime truly stands out.

The visual and auditory aspects of Devil May Cry are commendable, offering a seamless sense of movement. Throughout the battles, it’s evident that Dante enjoys what he’s doing, even when high-stakes are involved, and his witty comments never fail to amuse. Interestingly, Hideaki Bosch’s portrayal of Dante is a compelling act of balance, as through other actors, Dante might come off as more grating. Yet, Bosch manages to infuse Dante with a human element, even in his most humorous lines, making him genuinely cool, rather than having characters explicitly state his coolness (although this does occur on multiple occasions).

Despite Dante’s tough exterior and flamboyant antics in the Devil May Cry anime, there lies a deep emotional heart within him. Amidst the grandiose action scenes, like those where Dante wields a motorcycle as an axe to the rhythm of Papa Roach’s “Last Resort,” it is the quiet moments that truly captivate. It seems Dante engages in all this high-octane combat to fill a void within himself, a void left by the loss of his family. This emptiness has left him feeling isolated, and he strives to bridge this gap by battling not just the world around him, but also his own inner turmoil. To cope with such an arduous burden, Dante often employs humor as a shield.

Compare Mary’s narrative (often referred to as “Lady” by Dante) to that of Devil May Cry. This series provides a vivid portrayal of the struggle between humanity and demons, a battle that is brutal and tangible. Despite Mary’s expertise and technology, she doesn’t fully understand the entirety of the situation she’s in. She is further manipulated by the enigmatic Vice President Baines (the late Kevin Conroy), and it becomes evident that there are deeper layers to the story. Dante isn’t alone in his lack of understanding about his role in both worlds, and this mystery unfolds throughout the season.

Devil May Cry offers the expected over-the-top action and enjoyment you’d anticipate from an anime show, yet it exceeds expectations by presenting substantial depth. An episode deep within the season stands out as almost entirely dialogue-free, making it one of the most emotional episodes in the series. This episode serves to fulfill some hints dropped in the early episodes and even features a unique change in art style to emphasize its impact. It’s just one example of the numerous innovative ways this show demonstrates its capabilities.

The Devil May Cry anime may not strictly follow the storyline from the games, but it doesn’t abandon it entirely either. Instead, it carefully selects key elements from the narrative to create a unique viewing experience that emphasizes what makes Devil May Cry stand out. The balance between Dante’s carefree behavior and the intense world he inhabits is well-preserved throughout the anime, maintaining the same engaging spirit as the original source material. In essence, it’s an entertaining series that leaves you craving for more. With Netflix and Adi Shankar at the helm, this universe has all the makings of another successful franchise.

Rating: 4 out of 5

Devil May Cry is now streaming on Netflix

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2025-04-03 15:10