What is the Watch Order for Devilman? Devilman is one of the most gruesome manga series from the 1970s that is highly overshadowed by more popular manga and anime series. The Devilman franchise is huge and has been re-made over and over again every next decade. The original idea is based on the manga written and illustrated by Go Nagai, which features a world that is threatened by demons who take over humans. However, the few humans who can resist the darkness and tame the demon turn into a Devilman, a certain hybrid with enhanced abilities. This is a dark fantasy with a lot of gore, nudity, and profanity. The Devilman watch order is complicated and hard to keep track of, especially since there are several different versions of it, each portraying the same story but with its own touch of creativity.
The original Devilman manga was launched by Kodansha in 1972, and it ran till 1973. Soon after it was adapted for an anime adaptation. Ever since, several movies, OVAs, and ONAs have been released. These animation series are either based on the main plot of the manga or on branched spin-offs. The Devilman series is not one meant for everyone. In addition to the 18+ rated scenes, the show also brings forth a dark story that displays the horrors committed by demons as well as humans in society.
Are you planning to watch the Devilman series from the top? Here is the complete Devilman watch order so that you don’t lose track amidst the randomness. It is to be noted that most of these are independent series with no cannon relation to each other.
Devilman Watch Order
Devilman: 1972 TV Series
Based on the manga., this is the first Devilman series to have been released. The TV series ran for 39 episodes which featured the story of Devilman, who is the strongest warrior of the Demon Tribe. Devilman has been sent to earth by Xenon to initiate an invasion. After killing two humans, Akira, and his father, he takes over the body of Akira to carry out his duties but is eventually tamed when Akira falls for Miki Makimura. As the desire to protect her grows in the conscience of both Akira and Devilman, the two begin on a journey of fighting off demons who have been sent by Xenon.
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The Violence Jack OVA Series (1986-1990)
The Violence Jack OVA aired in 1986 and comprised 3 episodes. This anime is based on Go Nagai’s manga which features Violence Jack, a certain hero who fights for the weak. It is canon that Violence is actually Akira Fudo after his battle with Satan. The story is set in Kanto after a huge earthquake covers it with ruins. The earthquake called ‘The Great Kanto Hellquake’ was triggered by a Comet Strike. Kanto, now separated from the real world, becomes a land of criminals. Each episode deals with Violence Jack protecting the weak from three different greater groups of criminals.
Violence Jack: Slumking (1986)
Chaos ensues in Kanto after a villain, Slum King, begins kidnapping girls and sells them as sex slaves. Out of the many girls kidnapped by Slum King, one is Mari, who was looking for her lover, Ken. After her kidnapping, he goes to save her—however, the infamous promises to return Mari only if Ken kills Violence King.
Violence Jack: Evil Town (1988)
The devastated world is dominated by wretched beings. Only the strongest can survive. The story of this OVA follows Violence Jack as he tries to prevent a rising war between the inhabitants of Evil Town.
Violence Jack: Hells’s Wind (1990)
Things are getting better at Kanto after the appearance of Violence Jack. A new city, Hope Town, is built. But optimism does not last long as a motorcycle gang, “Hell’s Wind,” raids the town. As they wreak chaos, two citizens- Subaru and Jun fight against their ruthlessness. Things are looking hopeless until Violence Jack makes an appearance again.
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Umanosuke’s Devilman Movie Series (1987-1990)
This is yet another individual production of the Devilman series. Umanosuke’s Devilman is yet another addition to the Devilman watch order, which is just a re-make of the original series. The significance of these movies lies in the fact that this was Umanosuke Iida’s directorial debut.
Devilman: The Birth (1987)
The plot revolves around Akira, a weak boy who makes friends with Ryo. Ryo tells Akira about devils and turns him into a Devilman.
Devilman: The Demon Bird (1990)
The movie revolves around Demon Bird Silene primarily. She is the main antagonist who sets out to kill Devilman for siding with humans.
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Amon: Devilman Mokushiroku (2000)
The events of the anime are set after Miki Makimura’s death. A battle breaks out between Satan and Amon.
Devilman Lady: 1998 TV Series
Devilman Lady is a 26 episode long anime series that aired from October 10, 1998, to May 9, 1999. It follows the story of Jun Fudo, who becomes a Devilman after seeing demons kill and rape her classmates.
Demon Lord Dante: 2002 TV Series
This 13 episode long anime ran from August 31, 2002, to November 21, 2002. It revolves around Ryo Utsugi, who learns about his origins and about demons.
Devilman Memorial
This sector of the Devilman watch order can rather be skipped if needed. Instead of a story, this is a summary of the 1972 Devilman series.
Devilman Cross Overs
There are two crossovers of the Devilman series, each of which has its individual stories.
Mazinger Z Vs. Devilman (1973)
The movie features two popular works by Go Nagai: Devilmana and Mazinger Z. The two protagonists from both the series team up to fight against the Demon Tribe.
Cyborg 009 Vs. Devilman (2015)
The anime is a crossover between Shotaro Ishinomori’s Cyborg 009 and Go Nagai’s Devilman. This is a 3 episode long OVA that features the protagonists of Devilman and Cyborg 009. The show features their journey from becoming rivals to partners on the same team against a common threat.
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Netflix’s Devilman Crybaby (2018)
In 2018, Devilman was re-created as an ONA. It was directed by Masaaki Yuasa, produced by Aniplex, and released by Netflix. This is the most recent version of the anime, which portrays the same story of Akira, who becomes a Devilman and battles demons to protect human society. Following the 13 episode anime, a short web recap of the Devilman: Crybaby series was uploaded on Aniplex’s official YouTube channel. It was titled, ‘Devilman: Crybaby – Digest Eizou’.
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