In 1972, artistic legend Go Nagai created the manga and anime Devilman, about a teenage boy with the strength and power of a demon yet with the heart and soul of a human who fights against demonic hordes threatening mankind. With its combination of violent fight scenes, exciting plot turns and serious questions about the meaning of humanity, the series captured imaginations not only in Japan, where it gave birth to novels, games, full-length anime and live-action films, but also around the world, as it was translated into English, Italian, French, Chinese, Korean and other languages.

Now, for the first time in 45 years, a completely new anime based on the original manga has been made: "DEVLIMAN crybaby." Directed by Masaaki Yuasa (of Mindgames and Ping Pong the Animation fame) and with a script by Ichiro Okouchi, this new series transposes the story into a more contemporary setting and leverages the freedom afforded by the Netflix network to give full expression to Go Nagai's vision, from the sexuality of human desires to the violent portrayals of ferocious battle between Devilman and the demons. Moreover, to the delight of fans of the original manga, this anime, unlike the 1972 version which diverged from the manga in order to create a toned-down version with a humanized Devilman who would appeal to the masses, promises to follow the manga's story arc through to its dramatic end.

This title image contains a few hints about the new anime that deserve our attention. To begin with, Akira Fudo and Ryo Asuka, the two best friends who join forces to protect humanity are shown with fearless grins above the title in center position, perhaps hinting that this retelling of the Devilman arc will have a "buddy story" at its core. Occupying the center and lower position is Devilman in his full form, wings outspread, massive arms, poised as if ready to attack, yet with a drooping head, tears streaming and a face contorted with grief. In the background, the demons that fans will recall from the original series, Sirene, Kaim and Jinmen, brought to life here by resident devil designer Kiyotaka Oshiyama, are also present, adding to the apocalyptic mood of the image.

The latest and third preview video reveals even more details about what we can expect in the anime, along with some exciting revelations about the cast and the anime's musical collaborations.

But first, let's enjoy some of the key frames of the video, and by the same token, character design bu Ayumi Kurashima:

Musical collaborations

Main theme by Denki Groove, Special Ending Song by Takkyu Ishino and Tavito Nanao

This final preview video for DEVILMAN crybaby gives fans a taste of legendary Japanese synthpop group Denki Groove's main theme song, "MAN HUMAN," as well as the special ending song for Episode 9, "Konya dake" by Takkyu Ishino and Tavito Nanao. Takkyu Ishino fans may recognize this song since he often uses it to close his DJ sets. Thanks to DEVILMAN crybaby, this special song will finally be sold in a CD single coupled with the main theme.

Rap supervision by KEN THE 390

Japanese hip hop and R&B signer and rapper KEN THE 390 was a founding member of the Da.Me.Records label that helped the Japanese hip hop industry get established in the early 2000s and is curently affiliated with the Rhythm Zone label within the Avex group. In addition to acting as "rap supervisor" for DEVILMAN crybaby, he is also making his voice acting debut in the role of Wamu, one of four members in a group of juvenile delinquents.

Voice acting debut by Hanya, AFRA and Young Dais

The other three members, also making their voice acting debuts in the anime are rapper Hannya, as Babo and beatboxer AFRA as Hie.

Finally, hip hop / rap artist and actor Young Dais, seen below, makes his voice acting debut in the role of Kukun.

Broadcast date announced: January 5, 2018

When it debuts on Netfilx on January 5, the 10-episode anime will be available in 190 countries or territories with nine spoken languages and 25 subtitle languages.

For the latest updates, check the official page here.