I legit don’t understand disappointment in Crybaby “not being gay or a love story enough” when
multiple background characters are seen getting it on with characters of the same gender
there’s a sympathetic subplot about gay athletes (who even have sex on screen) with the suspicion of one being possessed as an allegory for homophobia, which builds on the original manga’s themes of prejudice aggravated by the demon crisis
the show begins and ends on Satan’s feelings and conception of love, elevating the theme of love above others like war, prejudice, justice, etc. the final scene even rests on Ryo’s realization that love exists through Akira, not that he was wrong for hating humans like in the original manga
Akira and Ryo hug throughout and are generally physically intimate, including brand new scenes like the pool one with the sole purpose of showing their relationship outside demon shenanigans
Ryo lovingly looks at photos of Akira when he’s alone and is generally the Tomoyo to Akira’s Sakura, making his feelings more apparent over the course of the show
it gave Ryo and Akira a detailed childhood backstory together that shows their bond despite their seeming incompatibility, and even how Ryo would fall for Akira from the beginning
Miki repeatedly says Akira is her family rather than having a crush on him
Miki M actually confesses to Miki K who also loves her. Miki K’s arc parallels Akira’s but instead of her love turning to hate, her hate for Miki M turns to love
most importantly it omits the original manga’s antiquated “no homo” explanation for Ryo’s love and instead allows Satan/Ryo to exist as is, rather than over-explain or essentialize
bonus: the new “Devilman no Uta” is sung by and Xenon is played by Avu-chan, a trans woman
I don’t mean this as a matter of “eat scraps or you’ll starve.” it’s really a buffet, if you open your mind to how the show is invested in and portrays Akira and Ryo’s love and gay themes in general beyond a 1-to-1 adaptation of the original manga. it’s not like Akira and Ryo are going to have sex on screen when their tragedy is realizing their love for each other too late. rather than recreate the sudden “you fell in love with Akira” reveal (I love it but you know), Crybaby spreads it out and fully embraces their tragedy, as well as adds Miki^2 and Koda. you don’t have to like the show but it’s worth analyzing and appreciating it for what it is rather than what it’s “not enough”
gummygunk
janainaart
blakekathryn
jbbartram-illu
theartofmadeline
jacobvanloon
areudirty
titsay
stormborns
2087
