Unlike traditional anime openings that rely on energetic pop songs and dynamic character shots, Devilman Crybaby takes a different approach. Its opening sequence is an eerie, continuous shot with mystical chanting, resembling something more akin to a James Bond intro.
What makes it even more intriguing is the hidden symbolism and foreshadowing embedded throughout. These details only become clear after watching the entire series, adding an extra layer of depth to the experience.
Anime soundtracks often outshine those found in Western animation, but Devilman Crybaby’s music takes it a step further. The electronic beats and haunting melodies add an intense emotional weight to key scenes. Additionally, the use of freestyle rap is a refreshing and unexpected choice. The rap sequences are not just for show—they serve as social commentary and an outlet for the characters’ emotions, making them integral to the overall storytelling.
A Daring Animation Style That Defies Trends
Devilman Crybaby
With Masaaki Yuasa at the helm, the series embraces a fluid yet exaggerated animation style that sets it apart. The warped camera angles and unconventional color choices amplify the unsettling nature of the story.
The animation takes inspiration from old-school American cartoons, incorporating a squash-and-stretch technique that gives characters an unpredictable energy. Rather than aiming for realism, Yuasa prioritizes emotion, making the world feel as chaotic and intense as the characters perceive it to be.
Devilman Crybaby doesn’t hold back on explicit content, but it never feels gratuitous. The extreme violence and sexual imagery serve a purpose, reflecting the show’s deeper social themes. Topics such as drug abuse, police brutality, homophobia, and war are all explored without sugarcoating.
Rather than using shock value for entertainment, the series forces its audience to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature. It’s a daring approach that solidifies its place as one of the most thought-provoking anime in recent years.
Graphic Content with a Purpose
Devilman Crybaby
Go Nagai’s original Devilman manga was a wild, surreal story that blended horror, action, and philosophical themes. The anime adaptation takes the essence of the manga and updates it for modern audiences while restoring elements that were censored in previous versions.
While the manga dives deeper into exposition, the anime focuses on emotional storytelling, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with the source material. Fans of the series may still find value in the manga for its expanded lore and darker narrative elements.
The final episodes depict the biblical apocalypse, where Satan’s manipulation of humanity leads to utter destruction. However, Satan’s victory is hollow—he loses Akira, the one person he truly loved. In a symbolic scene, the deceased characters are shown at a table reminiscent of “The Last Supper,” suggesting a possible afterlife.
As the world is wiped clean, a new version of Earth emerges, now with two moons. This subtle detail hints at a cycle of destruction and rebirth, an idea further explored in Go Nagai’s follow-up manga, Violence Jack.
Anime has always been a medium that challenges norms, and Dandadan has been leading that charge lately. Since its explosive premiere—where Okarun was possessed and Momo was abducted—the series has consistently embraced its provocative elements.
Episode 9 is no exception, delivering an unexpected lineup of antagonists while showcasing a bold moment that surprisingly bypassed censorship. Thanks to their new ally, Aira, the group managed to survive another day, but not before one particularly awkward situation caught fans’ attention.
A Controversial Scene That Stays True to the Manga
Dandadan Episode 10 Still
As many anticipated, the scene adapted from chapter 25 features Okarun completely nude in an unfortunate position on top of Momo, who is left in her underwear. It’s undeniably suggestive, made even more awkward by the realization that they’re once again surrounded by students outside the Empty Space dimension. Much like the premiere, this moment proves that Science SARU is committed to staying faithful to the source material rather than watering things down. The buzz surrounding the scene, highlighted by a viral post from @ReignofPride on X, confirms that this decision paid off in terms of engagement.
Dandadan Episode 9 Avoids Censorship, Keeping Its Signature Edge
Fans had been discussing this scene for weeks before its adaptation, reinforcing just how bold Dandadan is as both an anime and a shonen manga. The series has never shied away from controversial elements, tackling dark topics like Turbo Granny’s origins, scenes of attempted assault, and plenty of innuendo. Even its most tragic episode so far stunned viewers with a well-executed tweak to Acrobatic Silky’s fate, skillfully avoiding overt gore while maintaining emotional impact without feeling censored.
With Jiji’s story unfolding and an unexpected adversary making a return, the excitement around Dandadan only continues to grow. The adaptation has gone beyond simply animating the manga, positioning itself as a standout of the Fall 2024 season. But the decision to keep this risqué moment intact, despite its technically tame nature, raises questions about how censorship has impacted the series elsewhere.
Dandadan Faces Heavy Censorship in China
Dandadan
While episode 9 remained uncensored, Dandadan hasn’t escaped restrictions in other regions. Chinese fans watching on BiliBili quickly noticed significant editing in episode 3, particularly concerning a spirit medium grandmother with exaggerated features. Beyond altering her appearance, the Chinese version even took expected measures like replacing cigarettes with lollipops.
Similar censorship choices have affected anime for years, with iconic cases like Pokémon and Yu-Gi-Oh! replacing guns with finger-pointing. For Dandadan, however, the comedic and risqué elements are integral to its identity. The decision to preserve Okarun and Momo’s moment in episode 9 underscores how crucial this aspect is to the series’ charm. Given how much discussion this scene has sparked, it will likely remain one of the most talked-about moments in the latter half of the season.
