Akuma-kun (悪魔くん) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Shigeru Mizuki. The series has seen multiple adaptations, including a live-action television series, an anime television series, two anime films, and an original net animation (ONA) series on Netflix released in November 2023. A video game adaptation was also released for the Famicom in 1990.
Overview
The Akuma-kun franchise is known for its supernatural themes and revolves around a child prodigy, nicknamed "Akuma-kun", who appears once every 10,000 years. The story varies across different adaptations but follows a common structure where Akuma-kun seeks to create a world where all human beings can live happily by harnessing the power of demons and occult magic.
The concept of demons in the series is not limited to Christian theology but draws from mythologies and folklore from around the world. The protagonist initially struggles to summon demons but eventually learns the secrets of summoning from Dr. Faust, who grants him the powerful Solomon Flute, an artifact once used by King Solomon to command demons.
Akuma-kun is aided by a group of followers known as the "Twelve Apostles", who vary across different versions of the story. The protagonist’s spell for summoning demons, "Eloim, Essaim, frugativi et appelavi," is derived from a grimoire spread in France during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Plot and Adaptations
Manga Versions
The Akuma-kun manga has been serialized in different forms over the years, with three primary versions featuring different protagonists:
- Ichiro Matsushita (Rental Version)
- Shingo Yamada (Shōnen Magazine Version)
- Shingo Umoregi (Comic Bonbon Version)
Each iteration follows a young boy who becomes Akuma-kun, attempting to create a utopian world through alliances with supernatural beings.
Live-Action Television Series
A live-action adaptation of Akuma-kun aired in Japan before the anime versions were produced.
Anime Adaptations
1989–1990 Anime Series
An anime television series based on Akuma-kun aired between 1989 and 1990. The series gained popularity, leading to the production of two animated films:
- Akuma-kun: The Movie (1989)
- Akuma-kun: Yōkoso Akuma Land e!! (1990)
2023 Netflix Original Net Animation (ONA)
In March 2021, a new original net animation (ONA) series was announced, produced by Toei Animation and directed by Junichi Sato, who had previously worked on the 1989 anime series. The ONA serves as a sequel to the original anime, featuring:
- Fumitoshi Oizaki as the series director
- Encourage Films as a co-animator
- Hiroshi Ōnogi overseeing the scripts
The series premiered on Netflix worldwide on November 9, 2023.
Characters
Shingo Umoregi (埋れ木 真吾)
The protagonist of the Comic Bonbon version and main character in the 1989 anime adaptation. A highly intelligent fifth grader with extensive knowledge of the occult and demonology, he is nicknamed "Akuma-kun" by his peers. He is identified by Dr. Faust as the prophesied Messiah, who appears once every 10,000 years to bring harmony between humans and demons.
Dr. Faust
A mysterious figure who teaches Akuma-kun the secrets of demon summoning and grants him the Solomon Flute, a legendary artifact with the power to control demons.
The Twelve Apostles
A group of followers who assist Akuma-kun in his journey. Their identities and roles vary between adaptations.
Video Game
A role-playing video game based on the anime was released for the Famicom on February 24, 1990. Developed by Tose and published by Bandai, the game follows Akuma-kun as he embarks on a journey to bridge the gap between humans and demons.
Gameplay
The game consists of three primary gameplay styles:
- Overhead world map – Players explore different towns and dungeons.
- First-person battle system – Turn-based encounters where players command Akuma-kun and summon demons.
- Side-scrolling town exploration – Players interact with NPCs and visit shops for items.
The game begins with a wizard explaining to Akuma-kun that the world would be a better place if demons and humans could coexist. Akuma-kun then embarks on his quest to fulfill this vision.
Cultural Influence
Akuma-kun remains one of Shigeru Mizuki’s notable works, blending mythology, folklore, and the occult into a unique supernatural narrative. With multiple adaptations across decades, including the Netflix ONA series, the franchise continues to have a presence in Japanese pop culture.