Devilman Crybaby is an action-packed, dark fantasy anime series released as an Original Net Animation (ONA) in 2018. Based on Go Nagai‘s iconic manga series, Devilman, the anime premiered on the Netflix platform. Devilman Crybaby became one of the most popular anime series to stream on Netflix in recent years, alongside other hit shows like The Promised Neverland and Violet Evergarden. Directed by the acclaimed Masaaki Yuasa, known for his recent work on Japan Sinks: 2020, the series was produced by the renowned Science SARU studio. With 10 episodes, each averaging 25 minutes in length, Devilman Crybaby premiered on Netflix on January 5, 2018. Now, four years later, fans are still eagerly wondering: Could there be a second season of Devilman Crybaby?
What Is the Plot of Devilman Crybaby?
The anime centers around Akira, a high school athlete, and his childhood friend Ryo. Although the two have not met since their early years, their fates are intertwined. Akira lives away from his family, focusing on his athletic career. He’s initially portrayed as an obscure and unremarkable character — not the popular figure we see evolve in later episodes.
In the opening episode, Ryo unexpectedly arrives in his car to take Akira to a club. On the way, Ryo reveals that demons are roaming the world, and his mission is to expose them by filming their presence. Once inside the club, Ryo’s actions spark chaos, summoning the demons into the scene. While earlier moments hint at heavy sexuality, the tone rapidly shifts to pure chaos as blood and limbs are scattered across the room. The violence escalates quickly, and Ryo enthusiastically films the gruesome slaughter.
When the demons close in on Ryo, Akira rushes to save him. The screen briefly fades to black, and when it returns, Akira unknowingly merges with Amon, one of the most powerful demons. This transformation leads Akira into the fight against God and his own humanity. He ends up killing everyone around him before losing consciousness. Thus, the anime follows Akira and Ryo as they battle demons, and eventually, each other.
Devilman Crybaby is an anime that reinvigorates storytelling with its unique approach. It incorporates a rich narrative filled with references to art, atmosphere, character dynamics, mythology, and Christianity. However, the series leaves some gaps in its plot, which can be distracting to attentive viewers. With more episodes, certain elements could have been explored in greater detail. As a result, fans eagerly await a second season to further develop the intriguing world of Devilman Crybaby.
Will There Be a Second Season of Devilman Crybaby?
As of December 20, 2024, Netflix has not yet renewed Devilman Crybaby for a second season. Neither director Masaaki Yuasa nor the studio Science Saru or its official website have announced any plans for a new season. However, the possibility of a second season is still very much up for discussion. Several key factors could influence whether we see a continuation of the anime. These factors include the anime’s popularity and the availability of source material. Let’s explore these two aspects to evaluate the potential for a new season.
In terms of popularity, it’s clear that Devilman Crybaby remains one of the most beloved and talked-about anime series in recent years. As of the latest rankings, the series holds a strong position, ranking 125th on MyAnimeList’s popularity list. This ranking is impressive, especially considering the competition from other anime. Under normal circumstances, a series with this level of popularity would face few obstacles when it comes to getting a season 2. However, an equally important factor is the availability of script and source material.
Manga Status of Devilman Crybaby
As mentioned earlier in the article, the ONA series of Devilman Crybaby is based on the original manga series written and illustrated by Go Nagai. This iconic manga first ran in Weekly Shōnen Magazine between 1972 and 1973 and consists of 5 volumes in total. However, the main manga series is no longer ongoing. Unfortunately, there is no additional source material available for a direct continuation of the series. The anime adaptation, which stays mostly faithful to the manga, covers the entire story, with only minor differences.
That said, it’s important to note that Go Nagai also created many side stories and parallel manga series within the same universe. While the primary story has been fully adapted, Netflix could still create a prequel or sequel based on these additional materials. If we’re discussing a potential sequel, two notable candidates are Devilman Lady and Violence Jack. Both of these series are set in the same universe as Devilman Crybaby, continuing the story in different directions.
Devilman Lady was adapted into an anime in 1998, but a remake of this series after Devilman Crybaby could be a more fitting choice. The original Devilman Lady anime didn’t receive the attention it deserved, so a modern remake could attract a new audience and provide a fresh perspective on the beloved universe created by Go Nagai.
Devilman Crybaby Season 2 Release Date
If you’re craving more Devilman content, you can explore the OVAs (Original Video Animations). These OVAs faithfully adapt the manga’s first few volumes and feature stunning animation. While they differ from Devilman Crybaby in tone and style, they are still a treat for fans and definitely worth watching.
As for the possibility of a second season or a spin-off, there has been no official announcement as of December 2024. Director Masaaki Yuasa and the studio Science SARU are currently focused on other projects, which means a new Devilman Crybaby season is unlikely in the immediate future. However, there remains hope for a sequel or spin-off series, with 2026 or beyond being the most likely time frame for any potential updates. Should a new series or spin-off be confirmed, we will keep you informed with the latest news.
