Netflix’s ‘Devil May Cry’ Series: A Hardcore Anime Adventure for New and Old Fans

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It’s possible that you have played all five video games from Capcom’s Devil May Cry series, dating back to the start of the millennium. Or, it could be that you’re completely clueless about what I’m saying right now. But, if you’re cool with high-octane anime action, Netflix’s new series based on the same name is just for you! Just remember, even though it’s animated, the characters in this show aren’t shy about using explicit language. Additionally, the soundtrack, which includes hits from nu-metal bands like Limp Bizkit and Papa Roach, perfectly captures the raw intensity of the original games that were released back when they dominated Best Buy shelves.

The original “Devil May Cry” game was released as far back as 2001, which isn’t too shocking given that Limp Bizkit’s famous song “Rollin'” is featured prominently in the show’s explosive opening credits sequence. While gamers might have mixed feelings about such music selections (based on online discussions so far), many will undoubtedly appreciate the final product, with its stunning animation. In fact, action and anime enthusiasts who watch the series may find themselves revisiting the DMC gaming franchise after a few episodes – and it’s possible we’ll see a comeback of retro games in the coming weeks. By the end of season 1, when compared to other video game adaptations on screen over the years, Devil May Cry stands strong and won’t be among the poorer attempts that have been made in the past – so don’t worry!

Enter Dante’s Inferno(s)

In much the same way that Marvel’s iconic antihero Blade, with his bloodthirsty heritage, was ideally suited to his role as a vampire slayer, the protagonist of Capcom’s Devil May Cry series, Dante, shares this connection to the underworld. Some might even describe him as devilishly attractive, a play on words. Showrunner Adi Shankar revealed to MovieWeb that his vision for the animated series adaptations was something that seemed financially unfeasible in live-action – and this is evident. Witness Dante command the screen as he’s masterfully manipulated into an epic interdimensional conflict, leaving viewers barely a moment to catch their breath. For instance, the pilot episode showcases a pulse-pounding heist within the famous Vatican, which serves as an otherworldly backdrop – thanks to the comic relief character Enzo (voiced brilliantly by Chris Coppola). This sets the stage for Dante’s (Johnny Yong Bosch, who also voiced the DMC character “Nero” in the latest games) involvement in a chilling war between demons and brave humans dedicated to their eradication.

On opposite sides, they share a mutual interest in obtaining control over the individual named Dante. The demon-hunting team, known as DARKCOM, consists of mercenaries, one notable member being a female soldier referred to as “Lady”, voiced by Scout Taylor-Compton, who has also lent her voice to recent horror productions like the video game adaptation of Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The allure of Dante for this group is tied to an heirloom he possesses, which the United States Vice President asks them to retrieve for reasons of national security. This artifact also holds a temptation for the malevolent demons, led by the fearsome White Rabbit (Hoon Lee). It seems that the destiny of both worlds is intricately linked to Dante, a legendary demon-for-hire, and his necklace, making your job look rather manageable in comparison.

Try to Keep Up, Viewers!

Instead of being constantly immersed in the frequent, war-torn clashes between Hell and humanity that are common in many episodes, there are some others that offer a more contemplative experience, delving into insightful flashbacks about the complicated pasts of characters like Dante and Lady. Keep an eye out for an intricately designed episode that primarily relies on dialogue yet manages to keep you engaged without fail thanks to its visually striking and fanciful atmosphere. While die-hard fans of all five video games may already be familiar with Lady’s background and her motivations for leading DARKCOM in eradicating demons, this analysis contains no spoilers.

Initially, you’ll find an abundance of intense action-violence, coupled with vibrant anime style, as the White Rabbit and his rowdy troops relentlessly pursue Dante. The story presents unexpected challenges that compel this typically polished demon hunter to confront his inner demons. Some viewers might think the frequent battle scenes are excessive – a view possibly stemming from the fact that many Netflix users may not be familiar with the DMC franchise. Consequently, it can be challenging to follow every character amidst the rapid-fire action – but fans of this genre will likely dismiss such criticism and instead appreciate the uninterrupted entertainment. If you’re not a fan of spirited, swearing anime action heroes, it might be best to steer clear.

Devil May Cry is now streaming on Netflix. Watch all eight episodes through the link below:

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2025-04-03 12:02