The character of devilman has featured in a number of manga, OVAs and movies. This is however an anime version produced for children under close censorship. This has none of the extreme violence of later versions or the books. The characters are younger and the situations are less obviously adult. Their is an innocence about this "devilman" which is wholly deceptive. The innocence extends to the child like drawings of subsidiary characters and the bright colours. It sometimes looks like it was drawn by a child.
Beneath the colourful surface of this formulaic anime is something much darker. The character of devilman is more nihilistic than any other version, in this he is wholly demonic and only interested in saving one human his love, Miki. The title sequence describes him as a hero of justice but that could not be further from the truth, he thinks nothing of picking up a car full of screaming people and throwing it at a demon foe.
His monster enemies are brilliantly designed and have bizarre plans to attack devilman which lead to some incredible psychedelic sequences. There is a surreal bent to the entire production which pays little attention to narrative cohesion. Some sequences seem to have been guest directed by Seijun Suzuki or Jodorowsky. There are also some incredibly transgressive moments that jump out from the normal childishness. Devilman whips a female demon on the nipple until she provides him with information. Every demon seems to have some deviant sexuality or air of androgyny. The school devilman attends in human form is a hotbed of institutionalised paedophilia.
In conclusion, this is a great show for anyone in love with 70s Japanese retro cool. But, fans of the OVA and manga may be shocked by the difference in characters and animation and lack of an ongoing storyline.
