And we are back! Anime Queue Crush is back for its second edition and in this edition, I am going to be covering yet another anime series that was not in my original anime queue: Cyborg 009 vs. Devilman (at least, a major media company using the correct abbreviation for "versus"). Prior to watching this three-episode OVA, which is available on Netflix, I had only heard of Cyborg 009 but never Devilman (though if I did, it was only in passing). Regardless, the following are some of my thoughts on the series or special, but first:
After watching the first episode of Cyborg 009 vs. Devilman, the following thoughts or questions lingered in my mind:
(1) Why did the animators feel the need to give special attention to the breast of the female party attendee during her transformation into Lilith?
(2) Did the winged-lion demon attempt to strangle Devilman with penis serpent?
(3) Is Cyborg 009's primary ability only speed and does he normally get his ass handed to him in battles?
Those just a few of the many questions I had after episode one. Aside from these questions, I will say that I enjoyed the classic look of the Cyborgs though the same cannot be said of Devilman's character design. Something about Devilman's looked to similar to many poorly designed characters from the 1980s despite Devilman being from the 1970s. Personally, it appeared as though the animators attempted to update Devilman's appearance but got lazy and stopped in the 1980s.
To be honest, the story felt rather flimsy and hastily put together for the celebration of 50th Anniversary of the Cyborg 009 manga, which is most likely what happened. And honestly, what was the point of the opening battle sequence between the Apollo cyborg and 009? As well as what was the point behind the "high teen" cyborgs, Cyborgs 14-17? My guess is that the writers needed something for the rest of the cyborgs to do during the special so they put together a pointless filler side story. And they did the decision to create the "high teen" side story at the expense of giving any real meaning to the plot revolving around the specials two leads: Cyborg 009 and Devilman.
I am not saying that the legacy of these two characters has been tarnished in any manner though I have not seen anymore from either character prior to this OVA but there is plenty more that could have been done to at least demonstrate that the effort was not some sort of nostalgic money grab. My recommendation is that if you are truly interested in these two series or characters, then you should skip this OVA and dig deeper to locate either of their original series.
