Shigeru Mizuki’s seminal 1963 manga Akuma-Kun serves as the basis for an upcoming Netflix anime series premiering in 2023. The prolific Mizuki produced several spin-off manga variants over his decades-spanning career, which pioneering animation studios like Toei Animation continuously adapted into beloved retro anime programming including a popular 1989 series.
Beyond Akuma-Kun, Shigeru Mizuki’s most enduring creation remains his mega-hit horror comedy manga GeGeGe no Kitaro, which also received an acclaimed 2018 anime adaptation. This latest Akuma-Kun revival will spearhead initiatives celebrating Mizuki’s artistic legacy and 100th birthday.
Read Also: Shy Set to Get an Anime Adaptation – Anime Fleek
What Akuma-Kun is About
While adaptations modify details, Akuma-Kun stories broadly focus on a supernaturally-empowered boy striving to actualize utopian human harmony through commanding demons.
Typically, the legend goes that every 10,000 years a gifted child emerges as the destined embodiment of “Akuma-Kun.” The present incarnation fervently believes that recruiting demonic forces can enable his dreamed-of idyllic world devoid of human conflict. Consequently, contemporary Akuma-Kun sets out on an ambitious quest to locate and take control over demons using any means available, including mystical relics like the apocryphal Solomon Flute said to bind even resistant demons into obedience.
To assist his audacious endeavors, Akuma-Kun finds a mentor in the enigmatic Dr. Faust. Dr. Faust who imparts ancient occult insights while facilitating Akuma-Kun’s experimental manipulation of demonic power through advisory and mystical resources. As Akuma-Kun’s notoriety spreads, twelve loyal apostles eventually pledge themselves as subordinates to help pursue his visionary cause and defeat opponents.
The Cast and Release of Akuma-Kun on Netflix
Slated for release in 2023, this remake adaptation of Akuma-Kun comes courtesy of two high-profile animation studios. Industry leader Toei Animation, along with Encourage Films, the studio responsible for recent well-received anime titles like Isekai Cheat Magician and Etotama.
To faithfully translate Akuma-Kun’s potent demonic action to the screen, Netflix has teamed venerable anime powerhouse Toei Animation together with Encourage Films, the cutting-edge studio responsible for recent hits like Isekai Cheat Magician.
Helming the creative direction, industry veteran Junichi Satou returns to the Chief Director chair after previously filling that role on the 1989 adaptation over three decades ago. Working alongside Satou, Fumitoshi Oizaki assumes the mantle of Series Director thanks to extensive fantasy animation experience directing shows like Final Fantasy: Unlimited. Lastly, acclaimed screenwriter Hiroshi Ohnogi drafts the episodes. Ohnogi is best recognized for penning smash-hit shonen series Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
In terms of voice talent, popular stars have signed onto the marquee roles. Attack on Titan’s Eren Yeager voice actor Yuki Kaji plays the part of protagonist Akuma-Kun. Dragon Ball’s Piccolo voice actor Toshio Furukawa will be voicing the role of Mephisto. Finally, Yuuko Mita has been cast as Akuma’s father; Mita is known for previous roles like Sayaka in City Hunter.
The Video Game
Mere months after the 1989 anime concluded, developers Tose and publisher Bandai Namco partner to launch an Akuma Kun video game in 1990 for the Nintendo Famicom console, titled Akuma-Kun: Makai no Wana.
This 16-bit RPG adaptation gives players full control of Akuma-Kun across three environments: towns, dungeons, and a global map. The global map enables travel but also triggers random enemy battles.
When combat starts, the first-person perspective displays a menu to select attacks. Players can also summon demons to assist Akuma-Kun in difficult battles. Both Akuma-Kun’s party and enemies attack in turn-based fashion.
Upon reaching towns, the game transitions to a side-scrolling presentation. Like a platformer, Akuma-Kun enters buildings and shops by walking and climbing to specific locations.
Are you excited about Akuma-Kun on Netflix? Let us know down below and stay tuned for more anime updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are all the adaptations Akuma-Kun has seen through the years?
In 1989, Toei Animation adapted the manga into a 42-episode anime series. Additionally, producers made two films based on the anime TV series: Akuma-Kun: The Movie in 1989 and Akuma-Kun: Yokoso Akuma Land e!! in 1990.u003cbr /u003eA live-action Tv show also came out and now we are awaiting its Netflix adaptation.
Is the creator still around?
u003ca href=u0022https://myanimelist.net/people/5857/Shigeru_Mizukiu0022u003eu003cstrongu003eShigeru Mizukiu003c/strongu003eu003c/au003e passed away on November 30, 2015, at the age of 93. The 100th anniversary of his birth will be commemorated through efforts like this upcoming Netflix adaptation.
