Discovering the Manga Adventures of Akuma-kun

With the recent debut of the Akuma-kun anime on Netflix, fans of the genre now have an exciting new supernatural series to enjoy. Despite its growing popularity, the origins of this show remain largely unknown to many. Is there a manga series associated with the Akuma-kun anime?

Is Akuma-kun anime based on a manga?

Ichirou Umoregi and Mephisto III as seen in the anime (Image via Encourage Films)

Akuma-kun indeed has a manga series created by the late Mangaka Shigeru Mizuki, who both wrote and illustrated it. However, the series' history is not as straightforward as one might assume. In reality, there are multiple versions of the manga, each serving as a reboot with a fresh protagonist. Unfortunately, these titles have never been released internationally.

Nevertheless, a few elements of the story have remained consistent, especially those concerning the leading character. Regardless of the various changes in protagonists, the main character consistently embodies a child prodigy who emerges once every 10,000 years. Furthermore, this character is always referred to as "Akuma-kun."

The image above shows Gremory, as depicted in the anime by Encourage Films.

Regarding the protagonist's objectives, they persistently revolve around the desire to establish a world conducive to human happiness. However, the protagonist firmly believes that harnessing the power of demons is essential to accomplish this goal.

That said, six manga and one graphic novel have been released based on the series. However, none of them served as the source material for the new Netflix anime.

Ichirou Umoregi as seen in the anime (Image via Encourage Films)

Apparently, the new Netflix anime serves as a tribute to Shigeru Mizuki on his 100th birthday and serves as a direct continuation of the 1989 Akuma-kun anime produced by Toei Animation. This particular anime was adapted from the Saishinban Akuma-kun manga series (1988-1990). Shingo Umoregi, who was the adoptive father of Ichirou Umoregi in the original series, takes the role of the protagonist once again in this new anime.

What is the new anime about?

The Millenarianism Research Institute, featured in the new Netflix anime, revolves around the journey of Ichirou Umoregi and his hotheaded half-human counterpart, Mephisto/Mephisto III. Guided by his adoptive father, Shingo Umoregi, Ichirou hones his special abilities, enabling him to summon and capture demons. Together, Ichirou and Mephisto open a detective agency and embark on various cases.

Ichirou Umoregi and Mephisto III collaborating on a case within the anime (Image via Encourage Films)

The agency primarily focused on handling cases encompassing demonic and supernatural phenomena, with Ichirou and Mephisto aiming to generate income through solving such enigmatic occurrences. However, their venture had yet to thrive until a serendipitous encounter with a perplexing demon-related case presented by a college student.

Subsequent to successfully unraveling the initial case, the Millenarianism Research Institute found themselves inundated with a constant influx of new mysteries. Unbeknownst to them, an enigmatic figure had been clandestinely orchestrating events, manipulating Ichirou towards summoning demonic entities. The looming question loomed: who was this individual, or perhaps, was the entity responsible in fact a malevolent demon?

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the release of the Akuma-kun anime on Netflix. The supernatural tale of Akuma-kun has captivated audiences with its intriguing storyline and lovable characters. The anime adaptation has done an excellent job of bringing the manga series to life, and I am excited to see how the story unfolds in future seasons.

One of the things I appreciate most about Akuma-kun is its unique blend of humor and horror. The show manages to be both funny and scary, and it does so without sacrificing either element. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and I find myself rooting for them as they face the challenges that come their way.