Devil May Cry Anime (2007) Review: Is It Worth Watching?

Hey everyone! Let's dive deep into the Devil May Cry anime from 2007. For those of you who are fans of the game series, you're probably already curious, and for those who aren't, well, this review aims to give you the lowdown on whether this anime adaptation is worth your time. We're going to explore the story, the characters, the animation, and overall, whether it captures the essence of what makes Devil May Cry so awesome. So, grab your Rebellion, pour yourself a Red Bull, and let's get started!

The Story: A Demon Hunter's Daily Grind

At its core, the Devil May Cry anime follows the adventures of Dante, the demon-slaying protagonist we all know and love. However, the anime doesn't directly adapt any specific game's storyline. Instead, it presents a collection of self-contained episodes, each with its own mini-story, almost like a slice-of-life, demon-hunting show. It's a structure that can be both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, it allows for a lot of flexibility in terms of storytelling. The anime can introduce new demons, explore different aspects of Dante's personality, and introduce various side characters that wouldn't necessarily fit into the games. Plus, each episode is easily digestible, perfect for a quick watch during your lunch break or a lazy weekend.

However, this episodic format also means that the anime lacks a central, driving narrative. There's no overarching goal or epic quest that spans the entire series. Instead, we get a series of encounters where Dante takes on jobs, faces off against demons, and generally does what he does best: looking cool while kicking butt. While there's a loose sense of continuity, with recurring characters and themes, it never quite builds to anything truly substantial. This can be disappointing for viewers who are expecting a deep, complex storyline on par with some of the best anime out there. The anime provides a peek into Dante's everyday life, showcasing his nonchalant attitude. He spends most of his time solving problems for people and fighting off demons. There are also times when we get to see his softer side. The pacing is a bit slow and can be a letdown for viewers who have a short attention span. If you're a long-time fan of the franchise, you'll be pleased to know that Dante's personality is still very much intact. The anime does a great job of capturing the cocky, wisecracking, yet surprisingly compassionate, nature of Dante. He's always ready with a witty one-liner, and he never backs down from a fight. The anime truly understands the charm of the character. The plots usually involve someone needing assistance in ridding themselves of a demon that is terrorizing them. The plot is fairly simple, yet enjoyable to watch. The anime series successfully creates a dark and gritty atmosphere that feels suitable for the world of Devil May Cry.

Strengths and Weaknesses of the Story

• Strengths: Episodic format allows for diverse stories, captures Dante's personality well, offers a glimpse into his everyday life. It also keeps you entertained by showing various characters who are facing trouble. The series is easy to pick up, making it ideal for casual viewers.
• Weaknesses: Lacks a compelling overarching narrative, pacing can be slow for some, and episodic stories don't have the same emotional impact as a long-form story.

The Characters: A Stylish Cast of Demon Slayers and Supporting Roles

Beyond Dante, the anime features a few key supporting characters that add depth to the overall experience. Let's talk about them, shall we? Lady, who is a demon hunter that Dante teams up with at times, makes appearances. We see a bit of a love interest in Patty Lowell, a young girl whose life Dante saves early in the series and who becomes a sort of surrogate daughter figure to him. Patty brings a sense of innocence and lightness to the show, which helps balance out the more violent and mature aspects of the Devil May Cry universe. Her presence also allows for some genuine moments of warmth and humor that adds depth to the series. Morrison, the information broker, is a recurring character who provides Dante with jobs and insights. He is Dante's connection to the outside world, acting as a friend and advisor, and the person who sends him on most of the missions. Morrison is a very important character. His role is to keep Dante in business and give him missions to accomplish.

The anime has its cast of characters that are essential to the plot. Most of the supporting characters are well-developed, adding to the entertainment value. The characters stay true to their characteristics, making sure the personalities of the game are well-represented. Each character brings something special to the table, and they all contribute to the anime's distinctive appeal.

Character Highlights

• Dante: As always, Dante is the star of the show. His devil-may-care attitude, combined with his incredible fighting skills, is a treat to watch. The anime portrays him perfectly, keeping the essence of the game.
• Patty Lowell: She is the source of the anime's emotional core. She adds heart to Dante's world. Her charm lightens the overall tone, providing a sense of comfort.
• Lady: Lady's no-nonsense demeanor and combat skills make her a great addition to the cast. She gives Dante a run for his money.

Animation and Visuals: Does It Look the Part?

Devil May Cry is known for its stylish action sequences, and the anime tries to capture that same flair. The animation, done by the studio Madhouse, which is known for its quality, is generally solid. The fight scenes are well-choreographed and visually dynamic, with plenty of over-the-top moves and special effects. Dante's battles against demons are exciting and enjoyable to watch, even if they sometimes lack the fluidity and precision of the games. The character designs are faithful to the source material, with Dante looking exactly as you'd expect. The overall visual style is dark and gritty, which helps to create a fitting atmosphere for the Devil May Cry universe. The show's visual style is quite impressive for the time. Though the animation might not hold up to today's standards, it is still very watchable. It manages to capture the essence of the games, even if it doesn't quite match their cinematic quality. The dark and gloomy setting gives the anime an immersive feel.

Visual Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Solid animation for the time, dynamic action sequences, faithful character designs, and an overall good representation.
• Weaknesses: The animation may feel a bit dated, and the fight scenes are not as smooth or detailed as in the games.

Sound and Music: A Soundtrack to Slay Demons To

Music and sound are essential in establishing the mood of a show. The anime's soundtrack, thankfully, delivers. It features a mix of rock and electronic music that perfectly complements the action-packed scenes and the overall tone of the show. The opening theme,