One is a demon housed in a human host. Nine are former humans changed into powerful
cyborgs by a terrorist organization.
Both are unaware of the others existence. But when a force, darker and more powerful
than any either have face emerges, Cyborg 009 and his friends will come face to
face with the Devilman himself. The
world may have a fighting chance against the approaching darkness…if 009 and
Devilman don’t destroy each other first.
This was…weird.
I know about both of these Anime properties. Cyborg 009 I know a bit more because of it’s
short run on Toonami back in the early 2000’s. Devilman is another thing. The most I remember about it is the little
bits of footage I saw in a very old but still kick ass video catalogue promo
from Manga Entertainment. So, even with
the smallest of knowledge bases in mind, was there really a need to bring these
two franchises together? Did they even
exist in the same universe? Well if the
first episode is any indication, the answer to that second question is, No. At least this is in regards to the Cyborg
crew as it’s unclear if theyre fighting another cyborg enemy or a God in the
opening act. Devilman, on the other
hand, thinks 009 and 003 are demons at first when he and 009 have their much
anticipated showdown.
There’s just so much about this attempted crossover event
that feels out of place and rather forced.
For starters, neither set of characters is given the appropriate amount
of backstory to bring newcomers up to speed, basically making this a nostalgia
fest for fans of the franchises in the 70’s and 80’s (?) only. The set up for bringing everyone together is
also very simple and non complex from a writing standpoint: somethings coming,
no one knows what it is, assumptions are made, fights break out. There’s nothing deep or meaningful, just a
lot of rushing along to get to 009 and Devilman’s showdown. This just feels like fan fiction that ignores
basic storytelling structure in favor of just getting to the action that didn’t
need to happen.
Maybe it’s just because the, at the time, latest version
of Cyborg 009 was airing on Toonami, but I don’t remember that show being
particularly bloody when it came to the violence. Sure a member lost an arm every once in a
while but there wasn’t a ton of gore.
Which makes the bloodier moments with Devilman all the more
confusing. These two seem universes
apart in terms of their content. It’s
like (oh God I cant believe I am making this comparison) DC vs Mortal
Kombat. It was never going to work even
as a concept because the DC heroes don’t do Fatalities or kill their
opponents. The MK boys and girls have no
problems decimating their opponents in any way imaginable. Devilman’s segments never skimp on the gore
or the disturbing imagery of humans being turned into demons. Honestly, it’s a surprise that 009 only loses
one of his arms in the duel with Devilman and isn’t dismembered. Really, why didn’t Devilman tear him to
shreds and be done with it? Too many
questions and I doubt any answers would satisfy me.
Cyborg 009 vs. Devilman is a three episode OVA but
really, after the first episode, im not looking to continue with it. 009 was ok when I watched it and Devilman,
well, I doubt I’ll ever check it out.
Bringing the two together confuses the hell out of me. If there are fans out there who, for whatever
reason, wanted to see these two come together to save the world, or kill each
other, you’ll be well rewarded for your fan wishes. Me…im still just going “huh?” and “Why?”
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