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While we don’t have an official release date yet, one thing I am really hoping for in 2020 is the new Devil May Cry anime from Netflix. For those who may be unaware, Devil May Cry is an iconic video game series developed by Capcom. The games follow demon hunter Dante – who is half human and half demon – and who protects humankind from Hell’s various threats.
No plot details have been announced for the new anime yet; that said, showrunner Adi Shankar has stated that Netflix’s Devil May Cry will be part of a multiverse with his other Netflix show, Castlevania. There are so many possibilities for what a Devil May Cry anime in 2020 could entail. At the time of this writing there is no telling when we’ll hear anything about Netflix’s series – so while we wait for those details, let’s revisit the DMC anime from 2007.
Devil May Cry: The Animated Series is composed of 12 episodes and takes place in-between the events of the Devil May Cry one and two video games. It’s also worth noting that the series is an adaptation of the Devil May Cry manga and novel volumes. Most of the episodes are self-contained stories. The show follows Dante as he runs his demon hunting business, gunning and slicing down each foe that comes his way. Audiences can also look forward to the appearances of fan favorite characters like Trish and Lady.
This article contains spoilers for episode one.
The first episode opens on a moody evening, the setting shifting to a bar. Dante enters, stating that he has heard rumors of a violent bar where individuals can be hired to kill people. After Dante attacks one of the bar patrons, the person transforms into a demon. As the score explodes with exhilarating energy, Dante pulls out his iconic dual pistols Ebony and Ivory, as well as his massive sword called Rebellion, and lays waste to the demons. After this opening, Dante is offered a job to deliver a young girl safely to her family estate; he learns that the girl, Patty, is an heiress worth a considerable fortune. As they move forward on their travel, Dante and Patty are attacked by demons.
Later on in the episode, Patty is lured into an ambush, with Dante arriving just in time to save her. While he conceals the violence from her using a stage curtain, the audience gets to see Dante and the demons have it out through shadowy silhouettes. When the duo finally make it to the estate, Dante encounters a large demon (who he ends up demolishing). Dante discovers that Patty is not really the estate’s heiress, but only a decoy to protect the real heiress. The episode concludes with Dante taking Patty in, with the following episodes highlighting his various demonic confrontations.
Even though Devil May Cry may be known for its violence and action, it’s fun to see Dante in his more casual moments and interacting with other characters. The dynamic between him and Patty is adorable and comedic. And as one of the most iconic characters in video games, the show does a stellar job in depicting Dante. In each threat he explores, Dante exudes his badass personality – never showing fear, always keeping his cool, always down to joke around with a gigantic monster.
With last year’s release of Devil May Cry 5, there is a lot of potential for the Netflix Devil May Cry story. Besides the connected universe component, the series has the ability to further expand upon beloved Devil May Cry lore and characters. Who wouldn’t love the chance to learn more about Vergil’s backstory? To further understand his roots and mindset. Or how about the chance to see more into his and Dante’s childhood? To catch a glimpse of the mighty Sparda? Or the series could take place after Devil May Cry 5 (which threw quite a bit at us in the end). Needless to say, I am on the edge of my seat with excitement for what the show may entail.
But while we await the return of our favorite demon hunter, Devil May Cry: The Animated Series is an awesome way to further enjoy the franchise. Its 12 episodes not only offer fans solid action, but an intriguing look into the life of Dante. At the time of this writing, you can catch all the episodes on Hulu.
Thanks for tuning into this month’s Anime Horrors. Moving forward, the column will be released on a bi-monthly schedule. So we’ll see you back here in July!
