Everyone should recognize the name Adi Shankar by now, given his involvement in numerous animated adaptations of video games, primarily streaming. Starting with Castlevania in 2017, followed by Castlevania: Nocturne in 2023, and more recently, Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix – a futuristic dystopian series that brought together characters from Ubisoft games. These series have gained popularity among gamers and show no signs of slowing down. Next up for Adi Shankar’s self-titled “Bootleg Multiverse” appears to be Devil May Cry.
Rest assured; the upcoming Netflix series isn’t a fan-made project – it’s Capcom themselves who have endorsed the eight-episode production. Yet, as you immerse yourself in this fresh Netflix adaptation, I’d recommend exploring an earlier series inspired by the popular video game franchise. I’m referring to the anime adaptation of Devil May Cry, which was released nearly 20 years ago. For those who follow DMC gaming history, this 12-episode miniseries is set between the events of the first and second games, serving as an excellent introduction for newcomers to the franchise (given the resurgence of retro gaming, many might be stepping into it now).
‘Devil May Cry’s First Animated Rendition
Despite its title and aesthetic reminiscent of 2007, the anime “Devil May Cry” is not to be underestimated. The story revolves around Dante, who runs a demon-hunting business, as you might have guessed. Along with his long-time companions, Lady and Trish (also hunters), J.D. Morrison (his manager), and Patty Lowell (a character who gains significance as the series progresses), this anime from director Shin Itagaki and Madhouse Production is worth watching.
To delve deeply into anything related to Devil May Cry, it’s inevitable to discuss the demons that Dante battles. In this series, Madhouse (and its creators) didn’t shy away from this fact. Although the first episode was somewhat simplistic, serving primarily to establish the world and characters, the second episode shows great creativity as Dante confronts a motorcycle possessed by a demon.
During the course of events, an entire bridge is demolished. Later on, we encounter a priest who turns out to be a fallen angel serial killer, a troubled rock musician who succumbs to the wicked charms of a siren (often admired), and an unexpectedly moving story about a father and son that takes a turn for the worse. Notably, this adaptation of Devil May Cry also features an extravagant, action-packed climax that’s definitely worth watching.
A Human Approach to ‘Devil May Cry’
Regarding its visual aesthetic, it might have mirrored Madhouse’s design trends of the time, characterized by sharp, angular lines. However, the development of the antagonist was noticeably better than typical. On the contrary, some critics might argue that the fight scenes were not as exciting as expected. And they may be correct. Yet, what 2007’s Devil May Cry demonstrated, which Shankar’s adaptation seems to lack for success, is a focus on Dante’s everyday life. Writer Toshiki Inoue attempted to create a Dante who was more relatable and humanized, rather than just a sword-wielding maniac who slashes everything in sight, as portrayed in the games.
In simpler terms, Dante’s business is spending more money than it earns; he often leaves a mess behind and spends his days eating pizza and strawberry sundaes. There was an instance where instead of killing the demon, he chose not to because the human-like creature had developed feelings, even falling in love with a woman. Sometimes, the conversations between Dante and other characters resemble a family bond, but this is often interrupted by the arrival of a weekly demon, bringing the series back to its action-oriented roots. This is an unusual twist for a series based on Devil May Cry, yet it’s enjoyable to see such a balance between combat and character development.
The Soundtrack Helps ‘Devil May Cry’s Tone
Previously mentioned, Devil May Cry is merely a mini-series rather than a full-blown series like Netflix productions. This miniseries originally premiered on Funimation, a channel not widely recognized by many. Five years later, in 2015, Chiller added it to their weekly anime block. At that time, anime wasn’t as popular overall, making its story somewhat underappreciated but typical for the era. This undervalued series showcased distinctive aspects related to Dante and his companions, along with an exceptional soundtrack, which was noteworthy in both the opening and closing credits.
Some of the musical pieces in the show subtly convey that Dante possesses a compassionate, human side as he interacts with various characters. The reception to Itagaki’s portrayal was divided, with some viewers appreciating the character development and plot progression each week but expressing disappointment with the fight scenes. If you’re yearning for more action-packed episodes featuring a specific demon slayer, the original Devil May Cry series is now streaming on Crunchyroll and Hulu. Devil May Cry (2025) is currently available to stream on Netflix.
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2025-04-04 03:02