Ask John: Will There Ever Be a Faithful Adaptation of Devilman?

Question:
Will the US ever be able to view Devilman? The only DVDs released here are 2 crappy OVAs. Even if you import the TV series, it’s still nothing like the manga or how Go Nagai intended. The series is no long dark; it’s a kids’ show. The imported “Apocalypse of Devilman” is the closest thing we can get to seeing the original intent of Devilman and it isn’t so grand as it’s very vague in its plot development. Do you think that a manga based series will ever be created or the manga itself translated to English? Also have you heard any news on the Devilman major motion picture (live action) currently in production?

Answer:
To be honest, especially considering its age, I think that the odds of the original Devilman TV series being released in America are relatively slim. Many vocal anime fans in America demand vintage anime all the time, but sadly they are the exception and don’t reflect the tastes of mainstream American anime fans and consumers. Speaking from our perspective as an anime specialty retailer, AnimeNation sales reflect the fact that vintage anime on American DVD just doesn’t sell remotely as well as contemporary anime sells. The possibility of the original manga being officially released in English is probably a little stronger than seeing the TV animation because licensing and distributing English translated manga isn’t quite as expensive as working with animation.

Since its Japanese release in 2000, I’ve been surprised that the Amon: Apocalypse of Devilman OAV has never been officially released outside of Japan. I agree that the OAV virtually requires some familiarity with the Devilman continuity, but it’s not impossible for the astute viewer to basically figure out from context. The Amon Devilman OAV is, as its name implies, apocalyptically brutal and gruesome. It’s animated well, and also benefits from its uncompromising reliance on mature themes and the interpretative ability of the viewer. Amon Devilman isn’t easy to watch or enjoy, but as far as Devilman anime goes, it demands and earns respect. On the other hand, while it’s still thought of as a classic, it’s understandable to find that the original 1972 TV series would skew toward a young audience because the concept of “adult” television anime didn’t exist in Japan at that time. Actually, the 1998 Devilman Lady anime TV series (released in America under the abbreviated name “Devil Lady”) is probably the most faithful explication of Go Nagai’s theory of the Devilman universe. The Devilman Lady TV series is creepy and adult, and deals with the characteristic Devilman themes of evolution, apocalypse, sacrifice, and tragedy. The final few episodes of the Devilman Lady TV series are a very similar extended parallel to Amon Devilman.

Unfortunately, the single review of the Devilman live action movie that I’ve seen, published by Ain’t It Cool News, was not flattering in the least. In fact, the review pointed out numerous massive alterations to Go Nagai’s original Devilman concept. But I do know as fact that the live action Devilman movie has already been offered for international licensing during at least one American entertainment licensing trade show. Virtually regardless of its quality, considering the profile of the live action Devilman movie and the wider market for live action in America compared to animation, I think it’s nearly a given certainty that the live action Devilman movie will eventually be officially released in America. Furthermore, considering that Go Nagai has certainly not retired from his Devilman franchise, I think it’s certainly possible that Devilman may be revived for new manga, animation or both if the live action movie becomes successful in Japan.