Manga Gem: Devilman
I just had the opportunity to re-read Devilman by Go Nagai, and if you haven't read it as yet then I suggest you kindly go to your favorite manga website and search this gem up.
The premise of the manga is very simple: Demons, after billions of years being trapped in ice, have awakened, and disgusted by the way humans took over, decided that they will reclaim the earth and convert it to what it originally was - a savage, twisted, Darwinian version of what it currently is.
To succeed at their plans they begin to attack the humans at their most vulnerable of weaknesses, the mind. However, the main character Akira Fudo, a young high schooler living with his childhood sweetheart Miki, and secondary protagonist Ryo Asuka, have discovered the means by which the demons will take over the world. Having suffered a tragedy earlier in the form of his father's suicide, Ryo discovered his father's research, a mask that allows you to see the past, and decided that the only way to defeat demonkind was to become a demon.
Knowing this and accepting the responsibility, Akira decides to allow himself to become possessed by Amon, the Devil hero, thus becoming Devilman.
The series is written and drawn by Go Nagai in the classical style first seen by Astro Boy creator, and the father of manga, Osamu Tezuka.
Due to the change of times, many modern manga readers might find it very hard to swallow the art style of Nagai. The proportions are off, the females look like blow up dolls, and the over exaggerated facial expressions can annoy some readers at first. I know these were some issues that I had; however, despite those minor flaws the concept and plot is incredible. I instantly fell in love with the series.
A major importance is the backstory and rich lore that Go Nagai incorporates into his story. Behind this manga is also a deeper message, which Go Nagai explains is his disapproval of wars and weapons. Ironically, wars and weapons are what the story is based around. To demonstrate his lack of faith in the weapons of humanity and the wars they create, Nagai paints a picture of an apocalypse in which are weapons can no longer save us and the world will turn into what it once was.
The franchise which spawned numerous spin-off series such as Devilman lady, Devilman the anime, Shin Devilman, Violence Jack, and even a live-action feature film in 2004 directed by Hiroyuki Nasu.
If you have the time, and the patience, please check out this masterpiece of a manga; don't allow this manga to go unread. Warning, though, the manga contains graphic violence and disturbing themes and images.
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| Main protagonist Akira is possessed by Amon. |
Knowing this and accepting the responsibility, Akira decides to allow himself to become possessed by Amon, the Devil hero, thus becoming Devilman.
The series is written and drawn by Go Nagai in the classical style first seen by Astro Boy creator, and the father of manga, Osamu Tezuka. Due to the change of times, many modern manga readers might find it very hard to swallow the art style of Nagai. The proportions are off, the females look like blow up dolls, and the over exaggerated facial expressions can annoy some readers at first. I know these were some issues that I had; however, despite those minor flaws the concept and plot is incredible. I instantly fell in love with the series.
A major importance is the backstory and rich lore that Go Nagai incorporates into his story. Behind this manga is also a deeper message, which Go Nagai explains is his disapproval of wars and weapons. Ironically, wars and weapons are what the story is based around. To demonstrate his lack of faith in the weapons of humanity and the wars they create, Nagai paints a picture of an apocalypse in which are weapons can no longer save us and the world will turn into what it once was.
The franchise which spawned numerous spin-off series such as Devilman lady, Devilman the anime, Shin Devilman, Violence Jack, and even a live-action feature film in 2004 directed by Hiroyuki Nasu.
If you have the time, and the patience, please check out this masterpiece of a manga; don't allow this manga to go unread. Warning, though, the manga contains graphic violence and disturbing themes and images.
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