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Devil Lady
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Devil Lady
A stylized illustration of two women against a green sky and a large moon. One of the women is wearing pink; the other appears in a demonic form, nude with beastly hands, stripes of fur, and with hair shaped like bat wings.
Volume 3 cover art, featuring the characters Lan (left) and Jun (right)
デビルマン レディー
(Debiruman Redī)
GenrePsychological horror,[1] yuri[2]
Manga
Written byGo Nagai
Published byKodansha
MagazineWeekly Morning
Original runJanuary 30, 1997 – July 6, 2000
Volumes17
Anime television series
Directed byToshiki Hirano
Written byChiaki J. Konaka
Music byToshiyuki Watanabe
StudioTMS-Kyokuichi
Licensed by
Original networkMBS
Original run October 10, 1998 – May 9, 1999
Episodes26
Manga
Cutie Honey vs. Devilman Lady
Written byGo Nagai
Published byAkita Shoten
MagazineChampion Red Ichigo
Original runJune 5, 2013 – October 4, 2013
Volumes1
icon Anime and manga portal

Devil Lady, known in Japan as Devilman Lady (Japanese: デビルマンレディー, Hepburn: Debiruman Redī), is a 1997 manga series written and illustrated by Go Nagai. It is the sequel to Devilman. It was originally serialized by Kodansha from January 1997 to July 2000 in the magazine Weekly Morning, and later collected in 17 volumes. The story follows Jun Fudo, a model who can transform into the powerful Devil Lady and protects humanity from devil beasts and their creations.[citation needed]

The manga was adapted into a twenty-six episode anime series by TMS Entertainment from 1998 to 1999, which was released in the US by ADV Films in 2003–2004, and later available through streaming by Midnight Pulp. A manga crossover with Cutie Honey, another Nagai series, was published in 2013 under the title Cutie Honey vs. Devilman Lady.

Plot

[edit]

Manga

[edit]

Set in Japan after the events of Devilman, the story follows Jun Fudo, a teacher and former athlete who lives alone with her younger brother, Hikaru, while their father is away in the United States. For reasons unknown to her, Jun begins to experience unusual nightmares that cause sexual urges. One day, she and some students are attacked by a group of demons during a school trip. The demons kill the male students and rape Jun and the female students. In the conflict, her spirit tears up and she transforms into a Devilman, killing the demons with her newfound strength. After that, a woman named Lan Asuka appears and says she was the one who awakened the beast within Jun.

Confused by her transformation, Lan Asuka, and her father's sudden appearance and experience, things became too complicated for Jun. Professor Fudo knowledge tells a tale of a strange phenomenon that occurred in shantytowns years ago. It was known as the "Devil Beast Syndrome" in which causes its human hosts to mutate into demon-like mutants and rape women before eating them with no memories or intelligence of their previous lives and additionally giving them enhanced strength with other abilities.

Professor Fudo does not believe that their "Devil Beast Syndrome" transformation was supernatural, but was actually the next stage of human evolution, calling it "Nature's way of dealing with mankind's overpopulation". He states that few people were genetically engineered to retain their conscience should the "Devil Beast Syndrome" occur in them, although Jun is one of them. With Jun now becoming the Devil Lady, she fights to protect humanity from the devil beasts and their creations.

Jun, and Asuka fight demons and become close friends. One day Jun investigates the Grumech Embassy. She is put through a demonic ritual that opens the Gates of Hell and sends Jun through them. Here she meets a mysterious man who introduces himself as Akira Fudo. Jun recognizes Akira to be the man she had seen in her visions. Akira explains that he is from a past that no longer exists, as God wiped the Earth out after Akira and Satan's battle at the end of Devilman. He offers to act as a guide on Jun's journey through Hell during which the two fall in love and have sex. During their descent through Hell, they face other characters from Akira's past, including Silene/Sirene and Kaim. Once they reach the lowest point of Hell, they realize that the demon king is there frozen in ice, but Satan is nowhere to be found. On their way back Akira tells Jun about his past with Satan. However, when they reach the surface, Akira cannot follow Jun back to Earth. She promises to never forget him and leaves.

After Jun returns to the world several things change, altering the past. Events that led her to fall to Hell are missing. Jun keeps communicating with Akira through the Devilman Ghost customer she made, but slowly forgets his name. The only person she really feels close to is Asuka, who is revealed to be her half-sibling. She starts really opening up to her without knowing that she actually killed their mother with her supernatural powers

In later chapters after the leader of the mysterious Cult of Dante, Ryo Utsugi awakens the great demon Lord Zennon by fusing with him and releases Hell's inhabitants into the world including demons, Devilman, and humans held in Hell, chaos and carnage break loose on Earth and the battle between God's army and Satan's demonic forces draws closer.

Asuka seduces and impregnates Jun while possessing a male form. Asuka reveals that she was born an intersex and chose to hide in a female form from the eyes of God. After Jun is forced to give birth in her giant Devilman form to a full-grown Akira Fudo, Asuka reveals the truth to Jun with the help of Psycho Jenny who restores Jun's sealed memories: the half-siblings are actually the two halves of Satan who split himself in order to escape the time loop God threw him into and to be able to bring back Akira from Hell. After learning this, Jun fuses with Asuka, becoming Satan once again. Akira arrives and greets his old friend/enemy. This time, however, Akira joins Satan in his fight against God's army approaching Earth. As Satan puts it, the Akira who was reborn in Hell is different from the Akira who was born on Earth, as he now understands Satan's quest against God.

Leading God's army is Archangel Michael, Satan's twin. When Akira notices this, Satan describes himself and his twin as the right and the left hands of God. They have the same powers, but different functions.

The battle's victor is not revealed. The manga ends with Satan telling Akira that true hope lies on the other side of the battle as they are launching their attack. The manga ends with a final shot of Earth with humanity once again exterminated and the age of "myth" dawning on Earth once again.

Anime

[edit]

Jun Fudo is an idolized supermodel. She has a secret that not even she knows about at first, for within her lie the genes that hold the next step in the evolution of mankind, the same blood as the beast-like superhumans that terrorize the city. Unlike them, Jun manages to hold a tenuous grip on her humanity and gets recruited by the mysterious Lan Asuka, a member of a secret organization within the government aimed at controlling, if not eliminating, these berserk destroyers of mankind. Jun, as Devil Lady, must exterminate her own kind. However, it is unclear how much longer she can keep her sanity. The story of the anime differs significantly from the manga, despite having similar beginnings – devils are not mystical beings but the next step of humanity's evolution. Unlike the manga, Devilman does not appear.

Characters

[edit]
Jun Fudo (不動 ジュン, Fudo Jun) / Devil Lady Voiced by: Junko Iwao (Japanese); Shawn Sides (English)
Jun is a successful supermodel. She is quiet and timid and avoids social interactions, with two exceptions: she is generally open with her manager and friendly with, Kazumi. Whenever Jun is attacked, stripped naked and raped by devil beasts that attempt to eat her (usually Jun is the one target that the devil beasts want to rape and eat her), her powers awaken and she becomes Devil Lady, defeating another beast. Initially under the thrall of Asuka, she gradually becomes more independent.
Lan Asuka (アスカ 蘭, Asuka Ran) Voiced by: Kaoru Shimamura (Japanese); Siân Rees-Cleland (English)
Asuka is a member of the Human Alliance and is a high-ranking government official. She is a cold, aggressive, and manipulative woman, who cares nothing for the people who work for her. She has no concern for Jun's survival and her theory that Jun is a devil beast is based only on a hunch.[3] She seems to have different intentions from her organization and does a great deal of work without their knowledge. She was born in Jersey City, New Jersey to an American mother and a Japanese father.[2] At the end of the anime, it is revealed that she is intersex and a powerful devil beast herself, who engineered the hunt for the devil beasts only to weed out the competition so she can take over the world. She is mostly a female equivalent of Ryo from Devilman, but unlike him, is not a fallen angel.
Akira Fudo (不動 明, Fudo Akira) / Devilman / Devil Mask
Akira Fudo is an ethereal being. Jun later meets him in Hell as Devilman, and he joins with her in the fight against Ryo. He appears only in the manga, but supporting character Takeshi Maki is based on him.
Ryo Utsugi (宇津木 涼, Utsugi Ryō) / Dante
In this storyline, Ryo Utsugi is the reincarnation of the Italian poet Dante Alighieri. Only appears in the manga.
Aoi Kurosaki (黒崎 あおい, Kurosaki Aoi) Voiced by: Megumi Ogata (Japanese); Laura Bussinger (English)
Aoi Kurosaki makes her first appearance in the 3rd volume of the manga, while in the anime she appears in episode 5. She is described as Jun's old classmate and mortal enemy during high school, while competing for the Olympics. No matter how hard Jun tries to win, Aoi is faster. However, she is actually in love with Jun and the only way she thinks to express it is through rivalry. Her transformation into a devil beast started when she was still young, as a result of her hatred for her stepfather who sexually abused her and her mother who ignored his abuse and abused her as well. However, the devil beast had its own personality and would tease and mock Aoi. She distinctively has a manly body complete with short hair, resembling a teenage boy (but with women's breasts).
Vlava
Vlava is the deity of a fictitious European country. He resembles the Cretan minotaur with a head that looks like the head of a bovine. Appearing in the manga's seventh volume, he and his followers practice human sacrifice in the Grumech embassy. Vlava and his followers descend to hell with Jun, he meets with Jinmen and forms an alliance with him to eliminate Devilman, who is protecting Jun. He is killed by Devilman in hell. Later on in the story, he reappears on Earth and joins Dante's Devil Beast army.
Devil Lady
Jun's alter ego, Devil Lady, is the exact opposite of Jun, although Jun's consciousness remains active. She is loud, violent, and temperamental. Her unforgiving and aggressive nature tends to make her battles graphic. As Devil Lady, all of her senses are greatly increased and she has night vision. Her ability to heal is amplified, bordering on regeneration. Her strength allows her to bend and twist steel girders, without struggle. She is able to fly via large wings that unfold from her back, and she can generate high-voltage electric currents to destroy her enemies instantly and form blades of energy around her arms or elbows to slice through almost anything. Her most powerful ability is the giga-effect, which allows her to become a giant and fight other devil beasts of that size. While in this form, she can fly and emit electricity from her hands similar to Great Mazinger's Thunder Break. In her empowered form, she can turn the wings on her head into razor-sharp blades.
Kazumi Takiura (滝浦 和美, Takiura Kazumi) Voiced by: Kazusa Murai (Japanese); Camille Chen (English)
Kazumi is a young high school girl, an aspiring teen model, and an avid fan of Jun's, who she admires and later meets during an audition when she entered the wrong building. They become friends, with Jun acting as a big sister and mentor. Kazumi's parents are brutally killed by devil beasts who try to kill Kazumi because they consider Jun a traitor and seek to punish her by targeting people close to her. However, Kazumi is spared when Jun in her Devil Lady persona dispatches the demons, saving her life; but due to the death of her parents, she temporarily goes to stay with relatives. The now orphaned Kazumi is later taken in by Jun, and is unaware of Jun's nightlife, although she suspects something is wrong. The relationship between Kazumi and Jun gradually progresses becomes romantic.
Dr. Jason Bates (ジェイソン・ベイツ, Jeison Beitsu) Voiced by: Ryūsei Nakao (Japanese); J. Hudson Brownlee (English)
Bates is a scientist and Devilman working at the Samuelson Labs in New Jersey and is the current head of all Devil-beast research. He sympathizes with the Devil Beasts.[4] Bates is the first devil beast to retain human faculties; while in this form, he possesses immense strength, two sharp horns on his head similar to Gaiking's, and can absorb the attributes of other devil beasts by consuming their blood. However, he initially lacks the giga-effect, and sometimes acts as though he would prefer to give in to his beast side and run amok.
Kiyoshi Maeda (前田 清, Maeda Kiyoshi) Voiced by: Takumi Yamazaki (Japanese); Britt Baker (English)
Maeda is Asuka's personal secretary and Jun's driver. Although he works for Asuka, he is more morally concerned with Jun and tries to help her.
Tatsuya Yuasa (湯浅 辰也, Yuasa Tatsuya) Voiced by: Naoya Uchida (Japanese); Ryan Rutledge (English)
Yuasa is Jun's modelling agent. He has a wife and daughter who love him.
Satoru (サトル) Voiced by: Mami Koyama (Japanese); J. Shanon Weaver (English)
Satoru is a child who acts as the leader and organizer of the more militant Devil-Beasts whose intention is the genocide of all humans. Satoru is a clever and dangerous foe who Jun underestimates. He considers Jun a traitor to his kind and will use all of his resources to make her life a living nightmare. Unlike other characters, he is not referred to by name. Although he first appears in episode 3, he does not return until episode 14, assuming the role of the antagonist until the final episodes. His powers include morphing into a butterfly, a resilient body, butterfly wings, summoning crow guardians, levitation, mind control, and disabling electronics by thought.
Devil Beasts
Also referred to as demons and beast creatures, devil beasts are carnivorous predators who have evolved from humans. Devil beasts can morph into humans while not hunting and become stronger by consuming them. Some devil beasts can become much larger in size, the "Giga effect" and are caused by chemical reactions via electrical pulses in sensory organs.

Classifications as per anime official trading cards are next to the names in parentheses.

  • Wilber (Wolf Beast): appears in episodes 1 and 2. Powers include sharp claws and in his giga effect form an extra set of arms in the rib cage.
  • Kazar (Flying Beast): appears in episode 2. Powers include a beetle shell armed with very strong pincers and spear-like centipede legs. He is revived in episode 20 by Naperius.
  • Legzaimo (Insect Beast): appears in episode 3. Powers include summoning carnivorous earwigs and large rat fangs. He is revived in episode 20 by Naperius.
  • Harpi (Bird Beast): appears in episodes 3 and 14. One of the few Devil Beasts who can talk while transformed works as an assassin for Satoru. Powers include flight and razor-sharp talons. She resembles Silene from the original Devilman series and OVAs, being a blue-skinned, white-feathered harpy. She is revived in episode 20 by Naperius.
  • Germ (Plant Beast): appears in episode 4. Powers include extensible tentacles and emitting massive amounts of carbon dioxide. Her real name is Noriko Oda. She heavily resembles Biollante from the Godzilla movies.
  • Marmiga (Shark Beast): appears in episode 5. Powers include fast swimming, sharp teeth, a powerful tail, and mouth tentacles. Her real name is Aoi Kurosaki, she is a swimming champion.
  • Fayrace (Cat Beast): appears in episode 6. Powers include sharp claws and three whip-like tails. Her real name as a human is Hitomi Konno, a friend of Jun.
  • Airial (Weasel Beast): appears in episode 7. Resembles an anthropomorphic insectoid weasel with giant scythes. Powers include scythe blades for arms, speed, high jumping, a powerful tail, and can morph into his giga effect form after absorbing massive amounts of water.
  • Spargel (Dinosaur Beast): appears in episode 8. Powers include two tyrannosaurus-like heads near his face, high jumping, and four arms armed with sharp claws. He is revived in episode 20 by Naperius.
  • Argos (Eyeball Beast): appears in episode 9. Powers include flying eye probes from his body and high resistance to pain. He has a serious fear of being watched and is easily burnt. Inspired by the mythical Greek creature Argos.
  • Flame (Flame Beast): appears in episode 10. Powers include a fiery body, levitation, changing her size, telekinesis, and extremely high resistance to pain. She will die if she stops emitting her flames. Her human identity is Remi Takashima.
  • Kilner (Chameleon Beast): appears in episode 11. Powers include wall-crawling, a long tongue and tail ideal for coiling and whipping, speed, resistance to projectiles, camouflage similar to a chameleon, and in his giga effect form can emit electrical surges. As a human, he was known as Tachibana.
  • Faces (Faces Beast): appears in episode 12. Powers include speed, large bladed arms, can attach faces to his body to morph into his giga effect form, and in his giga effect form a second set of jaws on the abdomen that can emit slicing shockwaves from the extra blades on his arms. His human absorbing powers are very similar to those of Jinmen in the Devilman OVAs.
  • Jain (Snake Beast): appears in episode 13. Powers include a blood-draining forked tongue, mind-control saliva, and speed.
  • Agito: appears in episode 14. Powers include a large set of jaws on the abdomen and the shoulders and scythe-like arms. His jaws heavily resemble those of Dragonsaurus from Grendizer, Getter Robot G, Great Mazinger: Kessen! Daikaijuu.
  • Krahn: appears in episode 14. His only known powers are constricting octopus arms.
  • Guardian Crows (Crow Beasts): first appearance in episode 14. They serve as Satoru's bodyguards and possess extremely fast flight and invisibility. When not in battle they can shape-shift into normal crows as well as humans.
  • Tangrof (Frog Beast): appears in episode 16. Is in Giga form by default. Powers include coiling tongues, acidic saliva, and an explosive-resistant jawed tail.
  • Imotail (Lizard Beast): appears in episode 16. Powers include disguising herself as human, having a coiling tail that can be controlled even after being detached, and wall-crawling.
  • Chika: appears in episodes 18 to 21. Powers include sharp claws and speed. Unlike most devil beasts she and her friends have control over their transformations and are only hostile in self-defence instead of being mindless killers. She looks like a nekomimi (human with cat ears) by default but can turn into a full-on anthropomorphic feline with fur covering her body and a tail. She is friends with Jun and dies protecting the other Devil Beast children from the human task force hunting Devil Beasts.
  • Takeshi Maki: appears in episodes 19 to 25. His only known power is emitting electricity. He serves as an ex-py of Akira from the original Devilman and his devil beast form is a mix between the manga and television series versions of Devilman; like Chiko and her friends, he has control over his transformation and is not a mindless killer.
  • Megawamu: appears in episode 19. His only known power is his centipede-like spear legs.
  • Chiyoko: appears in episode 24. Her only known powers are a weak form of telepathy and an eye inside of her forehead that can be used for hypnosis and emit small sonic bursts. Unlike other devil beasts, she does not fully transform, primarily by influence through Jun.

Crusaders

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Four bird-like devil beasts commanded by Satoru in the last third of the series with each possessing the ability to control a specific element. In episode 23 all four of them fuse with Satoru to become Giga Satoru.

  • Andrus (Eagle Beast): first appears in episode 17 and has the elemental ability of fire. He has a beaked eagle head and a feathered body, with his human face located on his chest. When untransformed, he has the alias of Higa Noboru. When he discusses his devil beast powers with Satoru one can see him painting an incomplete model of Mazinger Z.
  • Marfus (Vulture Beast): first appears in episode 19 and has the elemental ability of lightning. Other powers include activating innate devil-beast transformations in humans that would otherwise not have them. He has a mostly human face but a body covered by feathers. His real name is Kotura Kasumi.
  • Napelius (Swan Beast): first appears in episode 19 and has the elemental ability of ice. Other powers include reviving dead devil beasts and regeneration. Unlike Andrus and Storus, she has a human face with bird-beak-like horns. As a human, her name is Izumi Kogure.
  • Storus (Owl Beast): first appears in episode 19 and has the elemental ability of wind. He heavily resembles an owl with a human face on his chest and goes by the human name of Kitano Yuichi.
  • Giga Satoru: first appears in episode 23. Powers include flight, explosive fireballs from the hands, energy-covered metal spears, and can summon of a sword that emits fire.

Production

[edit]
A 2008 picture of Go Nagai at Japan Expo in Paris.
The series was written and illustrated by Go Nagai.

The Devilman Lady manga was written and illustrated by Go Nagai, and was serialized from January 1997 to July 2000 in the manga magazine Weekly Morning.[citation needed] It was later collected in 17 tankōbon volumes by Kodansha from July 1997 to August 2000.[5][6][7] The manga was published in Italy by d/visual.[8]

Other media

[edit]

Anime

[edit]

A twenty-six-episode anime series adaptation was produced by TMS Entertainment, directed by Toshiki Hirano and written by Chiaki J. Konaka, with art direction by Toru Koga, character designs by Shinobu Nishioka, and monster designs by Hiroshi Maruyama. It aired in Japan on MBS TV from October 11, 1998, to May 9, 1999.[9] ADV Films announced it had licensed the series in July 2002,[10] and released the first volume on January 7, 2003.[11] Midnight Pulp started streaming the series on June 21, 2019.[12] Tubi added it.[13] The Devil Lady anime's storyline is different from the manga, featuring only two characters from the manga, Jun Fudo and Lan Asuka.

When creating the Devil Lady anime, many concepts and characters were changed. It was more violent and sexually oriented. Jun is portrayed as tougher and braver – she stands up for herself and rarely needs others to save her, while in the manga; she is often a damsel in distress. She is a teacher by profession.[14] Kazumi never appeared in the original manga. Her looks are based upon the character Miki Makimura, Akira Fudo's female friend in the Devilman series.[citation needed]

Jun's two forms are a tribute to both versions. While her regular-sized form is similar to Devilman (including satyr-like hairy legs) as he appears in the original manga, her Giga Effect form is a tribute to the 1972 anime version. In Giga mode, she is a giant as tall as classic giant robots or monsters of the 70s, sports turquoise skin and yellow eyes, and displays no body hair, which are all elements taken from the television version of Devilman.[citation needed]

Episodes

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No.Title [9]Original release date [9]
1"Beast"
(Japanese: 獣)		October 11, 1998 (1998-10-11)
Jun Fudo seems to be going through the motions in her photo shoot, although the photographer tells her she is doing wonderfully. Jun is later attacked by a werewolf who awakened Jun's Devil Lady. After fighting the werewolf Jun meets Lan Asuka.
2"Blood"
(Japanese: 血)		October 18, 1998 (1998-10-18)
Jun exhibits abilities that were unimaginable by the Human Alliance (HA). Jun cannot believe what is happening and wonders if it was all just a nightmare.
3"Wings"
(Japanese: 翼)		October 25, 1998 (1998-10-25)
The devil-beasts cannot understand why Jun holds onto her inferior human side, and seek to punish her. They find out about those close to Jun, picking Kazumi as an easy target. While Jun saves Kazumi, she is unable to stop the beasts from brutally killing Kazumi's parents.
4"Seed"
(Japanese: 胚)		November 1, 1998 (1998-11-01)
Jun is reeling and reflects on how she is different. She falls into self-pity, as she is seemingly held captive by the HA, the organization that utilizes her to destroy other beasts. Jun is leery of people in the shadows, thanks to her last encounter. A new beast with an unusual characteristic is discovered.
5"Shark"
(Japanese: 鮫)		November 8, 1998 (1998-11-08)
Thanks to Asuka, Jun has a reunion with high school friend, Aoi Kurosaki. Their friendship does not last as Jun and her ex-classmate have a difference of opinion on the relationship. Kazumi feels left out, however, Jun's encounter only strengthens her bond with Kazumi.
6"Cat"
(Japanese: 猫)		November 15, 1998 (1998-11-15)
Jun experiences a love-hate relationship when she meets Hitomi Konno, a competitive supermodel who idolizes her and loves cats.
7"Fog"
(Japanese: 霧)		November 22, 1998 (1998-11-22)
With each transformation, the risk increases that Jun will lose her human side. Events take Jun's thoughts to her grandfather's story about the Grim Reaper hoping she would go to bed, only increasing Jun's curiosity.
8"Enemy"
(Japanese: 敵)		November 29, 1998 (1998-11-29)
The HA continues its attempt to keep the general population from discovering the devil-beast phenomenon. A broadcaster attempts to release the news of the devil-beasts. Jun is introduced to Dr Bates. He has come to observe the giga-effect. He does not believe that beasts are inherently evil and that devil-beasts can retain their human soul. Jun's confrontation with the broadcaster does not go as planned, as a devil-beast in a television studio nearly kills her. However, she is saved by Bates, revealed to be a devilman.
9"Eyes"
(Japanese: 眼)		December 6, 1998 (1998-12-06)
Jun dwells upon her previous failure and the disappointments of Asuka and Bates. While looking into a store window, Jun feels someone watching her. She finds herself in a park for a photo shoot. Kazumi is interviewed and photographed. She meets Shiro Sakazawa, a private investigator who has an interest in what happened to her family. Those around Jun begin to question her sanity when she claims to continually feel watched.
10"Flames"
(Japanese: 炎)		December 13, 1998 (1998-12-13)
A large fire at the Sakura Housing Complex looks suspicious, as firefighters are surprised to find a survivor. Jun disagrees with Asuka, believing that the survivor is a devil-beast since survival would have been otherwise impossible, especially because this survivor is a child. The Biochemical Investigations Team decides to study the child to find out the truth. Kazumi reviews a videotape sent by Sakazawa. Remembering his earlier comment, she wonders about Jun. Moreover, Jun's frequent and sudden departures damage Kazumi's confidence in their relationship.
11"Box"
(Japanese: 箱)		December 20, 1998 (1998-12-20)
A department store executive disappears after be is falsely accused. He is not the only one who disappears. Jun is called in to handle this situation in a public department store.
12"Faces"
(Japanese: 顔)		January 10, 1999 (1999-01-10)
Jun has recurring visions of a devil-beast world. After running into Bates in the streets, he invites her to a cavern bar, where he accuses her of enjoying the kill and calls her weak mentally and physically. The authorities are finding victims with their faces missing, while Bates obsesses over Jun's and some of the other devil-beasts' ability to manifest the giga-effect. Asuka's orders reflect her belief that devil-beasts in the giga-effect are no longer in control, endangering Jun's life.
13"Rope"
(Japanese: 縄)		January 17, 1999 (1999-01-17)
Jun has a photo shoot with inexperienced model Takai, a high school student, that is more intimate than usual. Jun shows interest in a phone call that Tatsuya Yuasa receives during the shoot. After the shoot, Jun acts inappropriately with Takai and shows regret. Jun later sees Sakazawa speaking to Kazumi and Yuasa in separate incidents. She concludes the man is a nuisance. Asuka picks up Jun and tells her they are going for a ride in the country. She tells Jun they have found a victim with one-third of the blood drained from the body.
14"Home"
(Japanese: 家)		January 24, 1999 (1999-01-24)
Sakazawa remembers his life before the beast obsession. Kazumi goes missing and Jun becomes focused on finding her. Meanwhile, Kazumi realizes she has been used, but is not quite sure for what. The HA has its hands full with another beast and receives unexpected help from Bates. The battle between the beast factions accelerates.
15"Crows"
(Japanese: 鴉)		January 31, 1999 (1999-01-31)
Kazumi's conversation after a photo shoot plants the seeds of remembrance regarding her parents' death. Bodies begin to appear on top of lamp posts, utility poles and other odd places. Sakazawa's warnings replay in Kazumi's mind. Crows show up in odd places. Kiyoshi chauffeurs Jun while Asuka is away doing more research on the devil-beasts. Kazumi once again becomes noticed by the devil-beasts.
16"Voice"
(Japanese: 聲)		February 7, 1999 (1999-02-07)
Bodies on top of traffic posts continue to appear. HA begins to have trouble keeping the secret of the devil-beasts. Maeda gets directly involved in the fight. Kazumi's voice is a godsend to Jun.
17"Hunger"
(Japanese: 飢)		February 14, 1999 (1999-02-14)
Satoru continues to recruit beasts. Jun appears to be losing control of her beast side. She calms down and regains her human consciousness when Asuka returns.
18"Body"
(Japanese: 軀)		February 21, 1999 (1999-02-21)
The battle between humans and devil-beasts worsens. Asuka's behaviour is drawing HA attention.
19"Fetters"
(Japanese: 枷)		February 28, 1999 (1999-02-28)
Kazumi is still getting used to the idea of beasts in the open. She worries about being able to trust a devil beast other than Jun. Yuasa is surprised to see Maeda after their last conversation, and Maeda becomes more suspicious of Asuka. The battle with the beast is no longer a secret, as Yuasa and Jun temporarily relive a normal workday. Yuasa's wife and daughter, Satomi and Mayu evacuate to a train, however, a beast appears and wrecks the train. It is up to Jun to come and save Mayu from the beast.
20"Corpses"
(Japanese: 骸)		March 7, 1999 (1999-03-07)
In America, Asuka gets a new private secretary, Captain Izume Kogure. Jun grudgingly meets some old acquaintances as well as a new more powerful associate of Satoru's recruited devil-beasts. Maeda discovers Asuka's secret past. Jun and Satoru have a battle of the wills.
21"Signs"
(Japanese: 印)		March 21, 1999 (1999-03-21)
Maeda discovers the truth about the RNA Transmutation Inoculation and informs Jun. Kazumi becomes closer to her new friends but still wants to be with Jun.
22"Wish"
(Japanese: 願)		April 11, 1999 (1999-04-11)
Jun unexpectedly receives help from Kazumi when defeat is imminent. Kazumi remembers her first meeting with Jun. Hostility increases between humans and the devil beasts, as Satoru continues to recruit his army. Izumi is concerned about Asuka. Jun inspires a fond childhood memory in Kazumi, causing Kazumi to want to help Jun in any way she can.
23"Life"
(Japanese: 命)		April 18, 1999 (1999-04-18)
Jun becomes legendary among the gentler beasts as their champion. Kazumi's influence inspires hope in her friends. They expect Jun to rescue them. Asuka's plan becomes more apparent. Jun faces a beast with unexpected strength.
24"Heart"
(Japanese: 心)		April 25, 1999 (1999-04-25)
Jun befriends a new young companion who understands Jun's past. Unfortunately, Chiyoko does not understand why Jun had to do what she did. She does not understand the line that Jun must not cross.
25"God"
(Japanese: 神)		May 2, 1999 (1999-05-02)
Beasts are kept like prisoners and Kyoko, Misaki, Takae and Takeshi try to avoid extermination in the beast prison. Asuka sends an unfriendly welcoming party when Jun returns to Tokyo.
26"Man"
(Japanese: 人)		May 9, 1999 (1999-05-09)
Asuka is revealed to be the child of God and appears all over the world to make everyone accept this. Jun awakens in a place and sees the demons trapped in a tower forged of demon bodies. She also finds Kazumi trapped in the tower. Jun decides to forge her soul with the force of the Demons, which Kazumi lets her absorb in order to help in the final battle with Asuka.

Cutie Honey vs. Devilman Lady

[edit]

Cutie Honey vs. Devilman Lady, a crossover manga between Devil Lady and another series of Nagai's, Cutie Honey, was written and illustrated by Nagai and published by Akita Shoten in Champion Red Ichigo from June 5 – October 4, 2013.[15][16] The series was collected in a single tankōbon volume[17] on December 20, 2013.[16]

Pachinko

[edit]

On March 7, 2012, a Devilman Lady pachinko machine called: CR Devilman Lady FPW (CRデビルマンレディー FPW) was launched, which is inspired by the adaptation of the anime.[18]

Reception

[edit]

On June 12, 2015, the Chinese Ministry of Culture listed Devilman Lady among 38 anime and manga titles banned in China.[19]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Devil Lady

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Devil Lady, known in Japan as Devilman Lady, is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Gō Nagai, serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Morning magazine from 1997 to 2000 and collected into 17 tankōbon volumes. It serves as a spiritual sequel to Nagai's earlier action-horror manga Devilman, blending themes of demonic transformation, apocalyptic struggle, and human-monster conflict within a narrative centered on female protagonists. The story follows Jun Fudo, a high school teacher who awakens latent demonic powers during an attack on her students, transforming into the beast-like Devil Lady to combat otherworldly threats while grappling with her dual nature. The manga explores mature themes, including LGBTQ+ elements and yuri relationships, alongside graphic violence and erotic undertones characteristic of Nagai's later works, which distinguish it from the more straightforward horror of Devilman. Published by Kodansha in Japan, it has been licensed internationally, including an Italian edition by d/visual and J-Pop. An anime adaptation, produced as a 26-episode television series airing from October 1998 to December 1999, reimagines Jun as a supermodel recruited by the government to hunt "Beast Humans"—superhuman destroyers born from human-demon hybrids—while she battles to preserve her humanity as Devil Lady. Nagai's creation expands the Devilman universe by shifting focus to female empowerment amid existential horror, influencing subsequent crossovers like the 2013 manga Cutey Honey vs. Devilman Lady, where Devil Lady teams up with another of Nagai's iconic characters. The series remains notable for its bold depiction of transformation and identity, cementing Nagai's legacy in as a pioneer of genres.

Plot

Manga

Devil Lady, written and illustrated by , was serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Morning magazine from January 1997 to July 2000, comprising 17 volumes. The core narrative follows Jun Fudo, a high school physical education teacher raising her younger brother Hikaru, whose life shatters during a school trip when she and her students are attacked by Devil Beasts—humans awakened to their primal, demonic instincts. Overwhelmed by trauma, Jun undergoes a painful transformation into Devil Lady, a powerful hybrid being who slaughters the assailants to save the survivors. Recruited into the Human Alliance, a secretive organization combating the rising tide of Devil Beasts, Jun battles these threats while concealing her abilities from her everyday life. The story delves into themes of toward a "beast" state, the internal war between civilization and savagery, and the moral ambiguity of using monstrous power for protection, all set against a backdrop of global as Devil Beast incidents proliferate. The unfolds through distinct major arcs that trace Jun's evolution from reluctant fighter to pivotal figure in an . The opening arc centers on her initial transformation, rigorous training within the under the guidance of the enigmatic Lan Asuka, and skirmishes against isolated , establishing Jun's struggle to control her feral impulses. Subsequent arcs escalate to organizational intrigue, as the fractures into the more militant Crusaders faction amid betrayals and power struggles, forcing Jun to confront corrupt leaders and rogue members who view as the next evolutionary step. Mid-series developments introduce ties to ancient demonic forces, including incursions from hellish realms and alliances with survivors from prior cataclysms, deepening the lore while highlighting Jun's growing isolation and doubt about humanity's worthiness. The climax arc unleashes a catastrophic "Beast Factor" , rapidly converting masses of humans into and igniting a worldwide war, where battle lines blur between humans, beasts, and divine entities vying for dominance. Distinct to the manga are its unflinching portrayal of Jun's psychological torment, including vivid depictions of her nightmares, self-loathing over involuntary killings, and the erosion of her identity as the transformations become more consuming. The series features more and than its counterpart, with assaults and erotic undertones integral to character awakenings and thematic explorations of primal urges. Extended side narratives flesh out secondary figures, such as Lan Asuka's tormented backstory as a hybrid entity driven by vengeance and , and other Crusaders' personal vendettas against the beast plague. The conclusion reveals deep ties to the broader Devilman universe, with Jun and Lan Asuka merging into Satan and allying with Akira Fudo to battle Archangel Michael and the forces of heaven in a climactic confrontation, ending ambiguously on the brink of an uncertain victory that hints at the return of ancient mythological ages and the potential cycle of destruction.

Anime

The Devilman Lady anime is a 26-episode television series that aired from October 10, 1998, to May 8, 1999, on the MBS and TBS networks in Japan. Produced by TMS Entertainment and directed by Toshiki Hirano, it serves as a loose adaptation of Go Nagai's manga, blending its core concepts with influences from the original Devilman storyline to create an episodic structure suited for broadcast. The storyline follows supermodel Jun Fudo, whose life changes when she is attacked during a hiking trip, awakening her dormant Devil Beast genes and transforming her into the fierce Devil Lady—a hybrid being who retains her consciousness. Recruited by the enigmatic detective Asuka Ran, a affiliated with the secretive Human Alliance, Jun joins the fight against Devil Beasts: mutated afflicted by the Devil Beast Syndrome, a turning ordinary people into rampaging monsters. As Jun battles these threats, the narrative escalates from isolated incidents to worldwide crises, delving into profound moral dilemmas about humanity's primal, beastly instincts and the cost of suppressing one's true nature. Compared to the , the streamlines expansive arcs into a more concise, episode-driven format to accommodate weekly television pacing, while toning down the source material's graphic explicitness in violence and sexuality to align with broadcast regulations. It amplifies action sequences through dynamic and incorporates narration to convey Jun's introspective turmoil, shifting emphasis toward and character-driven drama over the 's unrelenting bleakness. Early episodes center on Jun's initial transformation, her reluctant integration into the Human Alliance, and the formation of key alliances amid visceral Devil Beast hunts that test her control. Midway through, the series explores betrayals and factional divisions within the organization, heightening tensions as global conspiracies unfold and force characters to confront ethical ambiguities in their war against mutation. The concluding arc adapts the manga's apocalyptic showdown against divine judgment and rampant Devil Beasts but diverges with a more hopeful resolution: Jun endures the cataclysm, emerging as a symbol of resilience and potential redemption for a fractured world, in contrast to the manga's descent into utter despair and extinction.

Characters

Main Characters

Jun Fudo is the central protagonist of Devilman Lady, a high school physical education teacher in the who maintains her athletic physique through swimming and cares for her younger brother Hikaru after their father relocates to America. In the , she is reimagined as a 22-year-old admired for her beauty and poise. Upon awakening her latent Devil Beast genes, Jun transforms into Devil Lady, a powerful female Devilman with enhanced strength, agility, and beast-like features, marking her as the first successful instance of a female retaining human consciousness in this form. Driven by a strong sense of justice and protectiveness toward her loved ones, she grapples with the internal conflict of her dual nature—balancing her compassionate human side against the primal instincts of her Devilman identity—while serving as a hunter of rogue Devil Beasts. Lan Asuka serves as Jun's partner and superior, a skilled operative and within a covert government organization dedicated to combating Beasts. As a pragmatic and authoritative leader with bossy, manipulative, and ruthless traits, she possesses illusion-casting abilities and recruits potential Devilmen like Jun, whom she deliberately awakens to harness their power for humanity's defense—often treating recruits as tools and clashing due to her aggressive tactics and lack of empathy. Haunted by the devastating impact of Beasts on society, Asuka's motivations stem from a commitment to eradicating the threat, sometimes prioritizing her agenda and strategic efficiency over alliances or human casualties, reflecting a . In the , her role emphasizes her enigmatic allure and commanding presence as a detective-like figure guiding Jun's missions. The core relationship between Jun and Lan Asuka evolves from a mentor-protégé dynamic—where Asuka recruits and trains the reluctant Jun—into one of mutual respect and reliance, as they collaborate to hunt Devil Beasts while navigating organizational pressures, though marked by tensions from Asuka's . Jun's , particularly her of losing control to her Devilman side, is more deeply explored in the , highlighting her emotional fragility amid moral dilemmas. In the , voiced by as Jun Fudo and Devil Lady, and Kaoru Shimamura as Lan Asuka, their interactions underscore themes of partnership and inner turmoil without delving into specific conflicts.

Supporting Characters

Kazumi Takiura serves as Jun Fudo's closest confidante and roommate, an aspiring model and competitive swimmer who anchors Jun's connection to everyday life amid her secretive battles. She provides crucial emotional support, helping Jun navigate the psychological toll of her transformations, and her unwavering loyalty highlights the personal stakes for human allies in the conflict. In the manga's progression, Kazumi's involvement deepens as she grapples with the loss of her parents to Devil Beasts and eventually awakens as a Devilman herself, integrating into the fight while straining her human relationships. In the adaptation, Kazumi is voiced by Kazusa Murai. In the anime, Tatsuya Yuasa acts as Jun's longtime and professional colleague within the modeling industry, offering practical assistance and growing romantic that underscores the interpersonal complexities of secrecy. His role extends to providing empathetic counsel on the impacts of Devilman physiology, drawing from his observations of Jun's deteriorating well-being, though he remains outside the core structure. As a family man with a wife and daughter, Tatsuya represents the broader human cost of the hidden war. He is voiced by . The Human Alliance, operating under codenames like the Crusaders, comprises a network of specialized operatives who bolster missions against Devil Beasts through diverse expertise. Key figures include Dr. Jason Bates (manga equivalent: Jason Langer/ Liger), a leading scientist at Samuelson Labs who spearheads research into Devil Beast and develops experimental serums to stabilize transformations and mitigate hybrid instability (voiced by Ryusei Nakao in the ). Other members, such as tactical hunter Kiyoshi Maeda (voiced by in the ), contribute strategic planning and field support, while figures like Katsumi Seta (voiced by in the ) handle coordination and medical logistics for the team. These roles emphasize the Alliance's reliance on interdisciplinary collaboration to counter supernatural threats. Interpersonal dynamics within the and among its hybrid allies are marked by profound tensions arising from enforced , frequent mission losses, and the ethical dilemmas of weaponizing Devilmen. Trust erodes under the pressure of concealed identities and betrayals, fostering isolation for characters like Jun while forging reluctant bonds through shared trauma; this underscores broader themes of humanity's fragility and the blurred lines between ally and monster in Go Nagai's narrative.

Devil Beasts and Antagonists

Devil Beasts are humans afflicted by Devil Beast Syndrome, a mysterious condition that causes them to devolve into flesh-eating, monstrous hellspawn under triggers such as extreme stress or targeted exposure, representing an epidemic threatening human society. These transformations result in a wide array of forms, ranging from animalistic creatures to more intelligent, humanoid variants, with abilities including enhanced physical strength, rapid regeneration, flight, and specialized attacks like tentacle manipulation or venom projection. Unlike Devilmen, who retain their human consciousness during transformation, Devil Beasts typically succumb to vicious, instinct-driven behaviors, often attacking indiscriminately to satisfy their hunger or spread the syndrome. Rogue leaders among the more intelligent Devil Beasts, such as horde commanders, emerge as major threats by orchestrating mass conversions and pursuing global domination through widespread propagation, forming organized groups that challenge human defenses. Notable examples include the initial werewolf-like Devil Beast that attacks Jun Fudo, triggering her own transformation with its claw-based assaults and feral speed, and a giant shark-hybrid beast equipped with tentacles for ensnaring prey during battles. Another prominent instance is a schoolgirl who mutates into an monster, utilizing clouds and multiple limbs for ambush tactics in urban settings. These beasts highlight the unpredictable nature of the syndrome, with powers tailored to their human origins yet amplified into lethal forms. Thematically, Devil Beasts embody humanity's dark side and primal undercurrents, serving as foils to the protagonists' struggle for controlled power and moral restraint amid the chaos of transformation. They illustrate a cyclical pattern of —human to beast to demon—repeating through history, raising philosophical questions about coexistence, , and the inevitability of savagery in . This contrast underscores the series' exploration of , where the beasts' loss of humanity mirrors the internal conflicts faced by Devilmen. In the anime adaptation, Devil Beasts are voiced by a range of actors to convey their monstrous diversity; for instance, Hōchū Ohtsuka provides the Japanese voice for Algoth, a flying Devil Beast leader, while Edwin Neal handles the English dub for Algoth and other beasts like the initial werewolf.

Production

Manga Development

Devil Lady was conceived by Go Nagai as a direct sequel and gender-swapped reinterpretation of his seminal 1972 work Devilman, shifting the protagonist from a male high school student to a female high school teacher to delve deeper into themes of apocalyptic destruction, human-demon hybridization, and the internal conflict of retaining humanity amid transformation. Nagai personally handled both the writing and artwork, drawing on his established studio Dynamic Productions—founded in the late 1960s—to streamline the production process and maintain his prolific output during the late 1990s. This approach allowed him to infuse the series with his signature blend of horror, action, and social commentary, expanding the Devilman universe while adapting it for a more mature audience. The was serialized in 's Weekly Morning, a magazine aimed at the seinen demographic, from January 1997 to July 2000, reflecting Nagai's transition toward darker, more introspective narratives in the post- era. This publication context enabled Nagai to explore extended story arcs without the constraints of shorter shōnen formats, resulting in a comprehensive examination of global catastrophe driven by "Devil Beast Syndrome." The series was collected into 17 volumes by , solidifying its place in Nagai's oeuvre as a bridge between his 1970s horror roots and 1990s explorations of societal decay. Dynamic Productions' involvement ensured consistent artistic quality, with Nagai's detailed transformation sequences and dynamic paneling enhancing the horror elements. Nagai drew inspiration from Devilman's enduring popularity, particularly its portrayal of humanity's self-destructive tendencies, while incorporating 1990s anxieties around , technological overreach, and escalating human violence—concerns amplified by global events like the aftermath and rising ecological awareness in . These themes manifested in the manga's depiction of Devil Beasts as metaphors for unchecked aggression and evolutionary upheaval, subverting Devilman's male-centric perspective to highlight female resilience and vulnerability in a crumbling world. One key challenge Nagai navigated was harmonizing visceral with prominent elements, a stylistic hallmark of his work that risked alienating readers or inviting , as seen in his earlier controversies with titles like Shameless School. By centering a female lead, he also sought to challenge norms in horror and genres, portraying Devil Lady's transformations not merely as fanservice but as sites of and , thereby critiquing societal expectations of women amid chaos. The series' release faced limited international availability until the early , with no official English-language edition licensed to date, restricting its global reach compared to Devilman's adaptations.

Anime Adaptation

The anime adaptation of Devilman Lady was produced by TMS Entertainment as a 26-episode television series, airing from October 10, 1998, to May 8, 1999, on late-night Japanese television slots targeted at adult audiences. Directed by Toshiki Hirano, the series featured series composition by Chiaki J. Konaka, who also scripted multiple episodes, alongside contributions from writers like Kenji Konuta. This production formed part of Go Nagai's broader revival of the Devilman franchise in the late 1990s, building on earlier adaptations like the 1987 and 1990 OVAs to reintroduce themes of human-monster transformation to contemporary viewers. The adaptation process involved condensing the manga's narrative into 26 episodes, each approximately 24 minutes long excluding commercials, while incorporating elements from the original manga for added context. Script adjustments were made to tone down the source material's explicit content, significantly reducing depictions of nudity, graphic violence, and to align with broadcast standards, resulting in a tamer overall presentation compared to the manga's mature themes. Original filler content was added to pace the story across the full run, allowing for expanded exploration of transformation sequences and character dynamics without strictly adhering to the manga's chapter-by-chapter progression. Voice casting emphasized dramatic vocal contrasts to heighten the intensity of character transformations, with performers like providing mature, expressive roles for leads such as Jun Fudo/Devil Lady. Technically, the series employed CGI effects for Devil Beast battles and large-scale destruction scenes, blending them with traditional 2D animation to depict the creatures' grotesque forms and evolutionary motifs. Character designs, handled by Shinobu Nishioka and others, retained Nagai's stylistic influences while adapting to conventions. In releases began with and volumes in 1999, shortly after the broadcast concluded, followed by DVD editions in the early 2000s. Internationally, ADV Films acquired the license for , releasing the series as The Devil Lady on DVD volumes starting March 18, 2003, and culminating in a complete collection in 2006; the license later expired and was picked up by for a 2020 Blu-ray release.

Music and Soundtrack

The anime adaptation of Devil Lady features an opening theme titled "Devilman Lady Main Theme," performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Chorus, which sets a dramatic and choral tone for the series' supernatural elements. The ending themes consist of "Rebirth Megami Tensei" by Yukari Tamura for episodes 1-17 and 25-26, and "Lose Heart" by LEGOLGEL for episodes 18-24, providing reflective and melancholic closes that contrast the action sequences. As the original manga lacks audio components, these musical choices were developed independently for the anime to amplify the narrative's intensity, drawing inspiration from Go Nagai's thematic style of human-monster duality. The score was composed by Toshiyuki Watanabe, who crafted an orchestral arrangement emphasizing suspense, emotional depth, and choral elements to underscore the horror and transformation motifs central to the story. Watanabe's work includes key motifs such as the "Main Theme" and "Devilman Lady Theme," blending symphonic swells with tension-building strings to heighten scenes of conflict and inner turmoil. Sound design was overseen by director Katsuyoshi , with effects created by Masakazu Yokoyama, focusing on synchronized audio cues for character transformations and creature roars to enhance the visceral impact of Devil Beast encounters. Music producer Hideyuki Fujii coordinated the integration of these elements, ensuring aligned with musical peaks during emotional and action-driven moments. The original soundtrack was released in two volumes by K.K.: the initial Devilman Lady Original Soundtrack on December 16, 1998 (catalog POCX-1109), followed by the complete edition Devilman Lady Original Soundtrack Complete on March 17, 1999 (catalogs POCX-1112~3), spanning 56 tracks across two CDs that capture the series' orchestral and thematic essence. No dedicated character albums for protagonists like Jun Fudo or Asuka Ryou were released as standalone products.

Adaptations

Anime Series

The Devilman Lady anime series, known internationally as The Devil Lady in some releases, is a 26-episode television production by , airing from October 11, 1998, to May 9, 1999. Directed by Toshiki Hirano, the series features series composition primarily by , character designs by Shinobu Nishioka (with Hiroshi Maruyama assisting on monster designs), and producers Hiroki Horio, Hiroshi Morotomi, and Yasumichi Ozaki. It originally broadcast weekly on in a late-night slot on (MBS) and affiliated networks, with each running approximately 24 minutes excluding commercials. In , the series received DVD releases in the early 2000s through , compiled into five volumes between 2000 and 2001. Internationally, ADV Films licensed and released the complete series on DVD in 2003, offering both English-dubbed and subtitled versions across six volumes, later consolidated into a complete collection set. In 2020, re-released it on Blu-ray in , preserving the uncut content with the original Japanese audio and English subtitles, alongside the ADV dub. As of 2025, it streams on platforms such as Retrocrush and in select regions, with the English dub available. The English dub, produced by ADV Studios, features notable including Shawn Sides as Jun Fudou/Devil Lady, Sian Rees-Cleland as Lan Asuka, and as Kazumi Takiura. The was largely uncut for global markets, though it faced bans in countries like due to depictions of , , and themes; no major censorship occurred in Western distributions. Compared to the , the takes a looser approach, blending select plot elements with influences from Go Nagai's original series and incorporating episode-specific expansions such as prolonged battle sequences and additional character interactions to fit the episodic format. The 26 episodes are structured into loose arcs: the early episodes (1-11) focus on Jun's transformation and initial conflicts; the middle arc (12-20) explores alliances and escalating threats; and the final arc (21-26) builds to broader confrontations. Below is a table of episode titles and original air dates, with brief non-spoiler synopses emphasizing key developments.
EpisodeTitleAir DateSynopsis
1BeastOctober 11, 1998Jun experiences a sudden attack that triggers her latent abilities, drawing attention from a secretive organization.
2BloodOctober 18, 1998Jun tests her emerging powers against new dangers while navigating her dual life.
3WingsOctober 25, 1998A threat endangers one of Jun's close associates, prompting a high-stakes intervention.
4SeedNovember 1, 1998Jun grapples with her changing identity and the restrictions imposed by her handlers.
5SharkNovember 8, 1998Reunions from Jun's past resurface amid underwater perils and personal revelations.
6CatNovember 15, 1998Feline-inspired adversaries challenge Jun's control in an urban setting.
7FogNovember 22, 1998Mysterious mists conceal escalating confrontations within the organization.
8EnemyNovember 29, 1998Internal suspicions arise as Jun faces direct opposition from within.
9EyesDecember 6, 1998Surveillance and pursuit intensify, forcing Jun to question loyalties.
10FlamesDecember 13, 1998Fiery encounters test Jun's resilience in a heated pursuit.
11BoxDecember 20, 1998Containment efforts lead to claustrophobic struggles and revelations.
12FacesJanuary 10, 1999Multiple personas emerge in a web of deception and disguise.
13RopeJanuary 17, 1999Binding alliances and traps complicate Jun's missions.
14HomeJanuary 24, 1999Familiar surroundings turn hostile, blurring lines between safety and danger.
15CrowsJanuary 31, 1999Avian omens signal gathering threats from unexpected quarters.
16VoiceFebruary 7, 1999Echoing calls draw Jun into psychological and auditory conflicts.
17HungerFebruary 14, 1999Primal urges drive intense survival scenarios.
18BodyFebruary 21, 1999Physical transformations and vulnerabilities come to the forefront.
19FettersFebruary 28, 1999Restraints test the limits of freedom and control.
20CorpsesMarch 7, 1999Aftermath of battles uncovers lingering consequences.
21SignsMarch 21, 1999Prophetic indicators foreshadow larger-scale turmoil.
22WishApril 11, 1999Desires and aspirations clash with harsh realities.
23LifeApril 18, 1999Vital forces are challenged in existential struggles.
24HeartApril 25, 1999Emotional cores are probed amid deepening conflicts.
25GodMay 2, 1999Divine-like entities and powers enter the fray.
26ManMay 9, 1999Humanity's essence is confronted in the series conclusion.

Crossover Media

The primary official crossover featuring Devilman Lady is the manga Cutie Honey vs. Devilman Lady, written and illustrated by as part of his interconnected body of work. Serialized in Akita Shoten's Champion Red Ichigo magazine from June 5, 2013, to October 4, 2013, the series spans five chapters and was compiled into a single volume released on December 20, 2013. This short crossover blends elements from Devilman Lady and Nagai's earlier creation , placing the heroines in a shared narrative framework that highlights their contrasting personalities and abilities while confronting mutual adversaries. In the story, protagonist Jun Fudo (Devilman Lady) is dispatched by the Human Alliance to St. Chapel School to hunt a Devil Beast, where she crosses paths with Honey Kisaragi (), an android operative battling Panther Zora's criminal syndicate. The plot unfolds as a multiverse-style confrontation, with Jun and Honey initially clashing before teaming up against Devil Beast-inspired threats that draw from the demonic lore of the universe. This setup introduces slight canon alterations, such as adjusted backstories and alliances, to emphasize crossover dynamics and themes of transformation, identity, and humanity's defense against incursions. The manga's genres include action, adult, comedy, drama, mature, school life, seinen, and , reflecting Nagai's signature blend of horror, , and heroic spectacle. Produced under Dynamic Planning (Nagai's studio), the crossover serves as a direct tie-in to his expansive shared universe, echoing recurring motifs like demonic possession and android heroism across series such as Devilman and Cutie Honey. No anime adaptation of this specific manga exists, and it remains a direct-to-print release without international licensing as of 2025. Beyond this, Devilman Lady elements appear in minor cameos within other Nagai manga, reinforcing the franchise's lore without standalone narratives. The series has no dedicated major video games, though it contributes to the broader Devilman legacy referenced in the 2018 Netflix anime Devilman Crybaby, a modern reinterpretation of the original Devilman that underscores the enduring impact of Nagai's demonic world-building.

Pachinko and Merchandise

The pachinko machine CR Devilman Lady (CRデビルマンレディー), developed by Fujishoji, was released in in as a to the series, featuring animated sequences of Jun Fudo's transformation into Devil Lady and battle themes drawn from the manga's Devil Beast confrontations. The machine operates as a mi-doru (mid-spec) model with a big hit probability of 1/99 during normal play, shifting to 1/39 in probability change mode, and includes high-impact visual effects like the "Giga Face" role-play element depicting Devil Lady's awakening. It gained traction in Japanese parlors for its faithful recreation of the series' horror-action elements, though specific installation numbers remain limited compared to mainstream titles. Merchandise for Devil Lady includes action figures produced by in the late 1990s and early 2000s, such as the 1999 Violence Series Vol. 2 Devilman Lady figure, which captures the character's beastly transformation with interchangeable parts for dynamic posing. Additional items encompass apparel like licensed T-shirts and promotional posters distributed through Go Nagai's studio, Dynamic Planning, emphasizing the series' bold aesthetic in fan-oriented products. These collectibles, often tied to the manga's publication era, highlight Devil Lady's role in Nagai's portfolio of strong female leads. In video games, Devil Lady has no dedicated standalone title but features minor crossover elements through Nagai's broader universe, such as Devilman-inspired units in tactical RPGs like Super Robot Wars DD (2019), where demonic transformation mechanics echo the series' themes without direct character inclusion. Collectibles extend to art books and editions, including the Devil Lady Animation Memoires guide by , which compiles character designs and production artwork from the adaptation. While physical reprints of the volumes remain available through specialty retailers, digital editions have not seen widespread re-release in the , maintaining the series' niche availability primarily in print compilations. These commercial extensions contributed to sustaining Go Nagai's brand visibility after 2000, with the pachinko adaptation reinforcing Devil Lady's appeal in Japan's gaming arcades and bolstering interest in Nagai's horror manga legacy among adult audiences.

Reception

Critical Reviews

Upon its initial release, Devil Lady was praised by critics for Go Nagai's evolution of themes from his earlier work Devilman, presenting a more mature exploration of human monstrosity and psychological conflict through a female protagonist. The 1998 anime adaptation received mixed reviews, lauded for its horror elements and realistic portrayal of the lead's internal struggle but criticized for integrating ecchi fanservice that occasionally undermined the tension; it holds an IMDb user rating of 6.4/10 as of November 2025. Critics often highlighted the series' overreliance on fanservice and , which some argued diluted its deeper thematic ambitions, such as the philosophical undertones of identity and humanity, leaving them underdeveloped. Conversely, reviewers commended the female-led action sequences for their intensity and the psychological depth in depicting protagonist Jun Fudo's transformation and moral dilemmas, marking it as a smart departure from typical shōnen tropes. The anime's gothic atmosphere and graphic violence were also noted as strengths, contributing to its status as an effective, if uneven, horror entry. Sales data for the manga remains limited, with no comprehensive figures publicly available, though its niche appeal restricted widespread commercial success compared to Nagai's broader Devilman franchise. The anime achieved moderate VHS sales in Japan but faced limited U.S. distribution due to its explicit content, hindering international reach. Nagai's lifetime achievements, including the 2014 Tokyo Anime Award Festival Anime Achievement Award for his original works, have indirectly elevated Devil Lady's profile within his oeuvre, though the series itself garnered no specific awards. In modern retrospectives, the series has been reevaluated as an underrated horror gem, with 2020s analyses praising its slow-burn psychological suspense, character study, and blend of sci-fi horror elements that culminate in a harrowing conclusion, appealing to adult audiences seeking dark, introspective action. A 2020 Blu-ray release by has further aided this reevaluation by improving accessibility.

Fan Response and Legacy

Devil Lady has garnered a dedicated among fans of horror and fanservice genres, appreciated for its blend of intense psychological , monster action, and that distinguish it within Go Nagai's body of work. This niche appeal has sustained interest over decades, with the series often highlighted as a "hidden gem" that rewards viewers seeking dark heroism and emotional depth beyond mainstream . The series' legacy underscores Nagai's exploration of gender dynamics in manga, featuring progressive elements like prominent sapphic romance and a female protagonist navigating identity and power in a male-dominated framework. It contributes to the broader franchise by expanding themes of humanity's extremes and existential horror, influencing subsequent adaptations through its emphasis on undertones and human suffering that permeate Nagai's oeuvre. In the , streaming availability on platforms like RetroCrush has sparked renewed community discussions on identity and transformation, with rewatches emphasizing its relevance to ongoing conversations about personal evolution and societal pressures. While praised for its era-defining boldness, Devil Lady faces critiques for dated elements such as character designs and pacing, which some view through the lens of modern sensitivities around sensuality and violence, though defenders contextualize it within conventions. This tension highlights its enduring role in examining human monstrosity, maintaining relevance in analyses of Nagai's contributions to horror manga.

References

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  17. https://coherentcats.com/2016/11/02/intro-to-devilman-a-demonic-manga-masterwork/
  18. https://mazin-go.com/works/499/
  19. https://waseda.repo.nii.ac.jp/record/2004270/files/Transcommunication_11_2_4.pdf
  20. https://www.mangaupdates.com/series/54qvrwi/devilman-lady
  21. https://en-academic.com/dic.nsf/enwiki/1878861
  22. https://www.reddit.com/r/anime/comments/15iy0t3/i_feel_like_nobody_ever_talks_about_the_devil/
  23. https://www.lddb.com/laserdisc/17697/POLV-3267/Devilman-Lady:-vol.7
  24. https://www.amazon.com/Devil-Lady-Complete-Collection/dp/B00029NMH2
  25. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/people.php?id=2451
  26. https://vgmdb.net/album/38335
  27. https://vgmdb.net/album/38334
  28. https://animetics.net/2014/08/26/timeslot-history-anime-on-tbsmbs-1994-2000/
  29. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Devilman-Lady-Blu-ray/277014/
  30. https://www.justwatch.com/us/tv-show/devilman-lady
  31. https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/tv-shows/Devil-Lady/
  32. https://dubbing.fandom.com/wiki/Devil_Lady
  33. https://gaodawei.wordpress.com/2025/08/02/2015-2025-anime-bans-in-china-and-other-countries/
  34. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0409548/episodes/?season=1
  35. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=579&page=25
  36. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=17353
  37. https://www.mangaupdates.com/series/qmm23we/cutie-honey-tai-devilman-lady
  38. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=10175
  39. https://www.p-world.co.jp/machine/database/6834
  40. http://www.pachinko-fight.co.jp/?p=4012
  41. https://www.etsy.com/listing/1490035856/devilman-lady-violence-action-figure
  42. https://www.ebay.com/itm/405786997869
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP_SdWkfVYU
  44. https://www.ebay.com/itm/406146084494
  45. https://www.ebay.com/itm/325828971420
  46. https://www.fujimarukun.co.jp/corp/news/108.pdf
  47. https://themanime.org/viewreview.php?id=229
  48. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0409548/
  49. https://forums.animeuknews.net/threads/review-devil-lady.1634/
  50. https://www.beams.co.jp/en/news/4076/
  51. https://www.amazon.com/Devilman-Lady-Complete-Blu-ray-Junko/dp/B08KK2QRJ9
  52. https://okazu.yuricon.com/2020/12/27/okazu-top-yuri-anime-of-2020/
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