Introduction

Adi Shankar really did some magic with Castlevania, one of the better Netflix animated series in recent years. That’s why when I heard Shankar and Studio Mir (The Legend of Korra, Voltron: Legendary Defender) were teaming up to create a Devil May Cry animation, I was beyond hyped. Released on Netflix April 3rd, Devil May Cry had a lot to live up to—especially as someone who loves the franchise and even enjoyed the 2007 anime by Studio Madhouse. So, after eight episodes, does this new version of Devil May Cry hit that perfect SSS rank? Let’s find out in my full review!

Story

The Netflix adaptation of Devil May Cry feels like two stories in one. The main premise revolves around a demonic rabbit (yes, really) stealing the Sword of Sparda, which could open a rift between the human and demon realms. To activate the sword’s power, the rabbit requires an amulet—half of which is held by Dante, a demon hunter for hire. Meanwhile, the Dark Realm Command (Darkcom) is formed under the U.S. Vice President’s orders and led by a woman named Arkham (a.k.a. Lady), who has her own vendetta against demons.

Fans will notice that the series loosely follows plotlines from the games, while borrowing heavily from the manga and mixing in original themes. It was a treat seeing so many references to characters and other Capcom properties. While the story may be predictable, it’s enjoyable and includes a few surprises—especially the origin stories of Dante, Lady, and the bunny. The ending clearly sets up a major character who only appears twice, but when they show up, I couldn’t help but smile.

Animation

This is where my biggest issues lie. I expected the visual polish of Castlevania, but Devil May Cry didn’t quite hit the mark. The fight scenes with Dante look amazing, especially in the early and final episodes. However, Episode 6 reveals the inconsistency—starting with a beautiful sepia-toned flashback and then jarringly switching to cartoonish visuals for one character that felt off-brand.

Overall, the series has a great style and some fantastic designs for the main cast. Unfortunately, demons and minor characters often look flat or poorly rendered. I suspect the budget wasn’t quite where it needed to be. Stylish? Absolutely. But consistently polished? Not quite.

Sound

I was genuinely shocked by the sheer lineup of artists featured in the soundtrack: Papa Roach, Green Day, Limp Bizkit, Rise Against the Machine, Evanescence, and even Casey Edwards from the game series. I also discovered a new favorite—Gunship. The music is practically perfect for the series. My only small gripe is that I wish they included more of the original game tracks, but what’s here is excellent.

Voice acting is equally top-notch. While Reuben Langdon doesn’t reprise his role as Dante, we get the legendary Johnny Yong Bosch (also the voice of Nero) stepping in. He nails it. The late Kevin Conroy voices Vice President Baines, and every other voice cast member delivers. I was especially concerned about how the voices would hold up compared to the games—but I’m happy to say I wasn’t disappointed.

Characters

The show gives fan-favorite characters proper representation—even those with limited screen time. Characters like Lucia (from Devil May Cry 2) pop in, and yes, Vergil appears near the end, so don’t panic if you don’t see him right away. The focus on Dante and Lady is solid, and they’re fun to watch throughout. Adi Shankar clearly knows how to work with this universe.

Animation vs Anime

This is a first for the site—how does Netflix’s version compare to the 2007 Madhouse anime? Honestly, it’s a mixed bag. Madhouse’s Devil May Cry: The Animated Series was darker, more serious, and focused more on storytelling. Netflix’s version is action-heavy, stylish, and more comedic.

Madhouse Dante felt more seasoned, while Netflix’s Dante seems relatively fresh—understandable given the story reveals he doesn’t even know his own origin. Both versions have strengths: if you want grounded storytelling and intense drama, go Madhouse. If you want fast-paced action with bloody style, Netflix’s version delivers. Personally, the 2007 version still has my heart.

Conclusion

Netflix’s Devil May Cry was a more than entertaining watch. I watched each episode twice—and that should say something. While it’s not perfect, and the animation is occasionally underwhelming, the show succeeds in being a fun, stylish entry into the franchise. There’s plenty for fans to enjoy and enough to hook newcomers who might pick up the games afterward.

I sincerely hope Season 2 gets the green light. The finale left Dante’s fate uncertain and teased Vergil’s rise. Judging from the early reviews (and this one), it’s safe to say fans want more. Hopefully, we get another “Jackpot!” moment soon. Huge praise to Adi Shankar for bringing this vision of Devil May Cry to life!

—Aaron