Start Here If You Only Want to Read One Thing
If you’re not sure about committing to an entire franchise, here’s the good news: the original Devilman manga is the only thing you actually need to read. It’s a completed story. Five volumes (the individual collected books that make up the series). Fifty-three chapters. A beginning, a middle, and one of the most devastating endings in manga.
In English, those 5 Japanese volumes are packaged into 2 omnibus editions — oversized books that combine multiple volumes into one — published by Seven Seas Entertainment, an English-language manga publisher. Two books, and you’ve read the complete story.
Devilman
The pace is relentless. Go Nagai doesn’t waste panels. You can realistically finish the entire series in a few sittings, and the story doesn’t overstay its welcome. It’s a fast, brutal read that delivers a complete narrative. If you watched Devilman Crybaby on Netflix and loved it, the manga will feel familiar but hits even harder — and if you found Crybaby extreme, know that the original manga goes further.
If you finish it and want more, here’s how to choose your next step:
- Want the most substantial continuation? Go to Devilman Lady. It’s the longest and most direct sequel (a story that picks up after the original ends).
- Want a modern retelling instead? Devilman Grimoire offers a fresh take on the premise with a different artist’s vision. It’s a reimagining — meaning it retells the core story with significant changes rather than continuing where the original left off.
- Want to stay in the original timeline a bit longer? Shin Devilman gives you more side stories set during the events of the original.
But none of those are required. The original stands completely on its own. Everything else is bonus.
Devilman Manga Reading Order — The Complete List
Here’s the full recommended Devilman manga reading order. Start at the top and work your way down:
- Devilman by Go Nagai — 5 volumes, 53 chapters. The story follows Akira Fudo, a teenager who merges with a powerful demon to fight against a demonic invasion of Earth. This is the foundation. Everything else builds on it.
- Shin Devilman — A short collection of side stories set during the original manga’s timeline. Think of these as companion pieces that expand the world without changing the main plot.
- Neo Devilman — A collection of stories by various manga artists (an anthology), all set in the Devilman universe. Different creators offer their own interpretations of the setting and characters.
- Amon: The Darkside of the Devilman — A spin-off (a related story that branches off from the main narrative) that expands on events from the original’s final act, told from the demon Amon’s perspective. Contains extreme violence even by Devilman standards.
- Devilman Lady — A sequel series that continues the story after the original’s ending.
- Devilman Grimoire — A standalone reimagining that can be read independently, though it rewards readers who know the original.
- Devilman Saga — A separate continuation set in a different era with a different tone, mainly for readers who’ve consumed the core works and want to see the Devilman concept explored in new contexts.
- Devilman vs. Hades — A short series that expands the mythology.
A note on Violence Jack: Go Nagai’s long-running post-apocalyptic series (set in a world after civilization’s collapse) shares the same universe as Devilman, though the connection is only gradually revealed over its run. It functions as its own standalone work, but reading Devilman first makes certain revelations land with far greater force. Think of it as a parallel read rather than a strict sequel.
A note on English availability: Not every title on this list has been published in English. The original Devilman, Devilman Grimoire, and Devilman vs. Hades are all available in English from Seven Seas. Others — including Devilman Lady, Shin Devilman, Neo Devilman, Devilman Saga, and Violence Jack — have limited or no official English editions. Don’t let that discourage you. The original and the most popular entries are readily available, and the original alone is a complete experience.
Why This Order Matters
Devilman’s ending is one of the most famous finales in manga history. It’s devastating, it’s unforgettable, and almost every other work in the franchise assumes you already know what happens. Spoiling it doesn’t just ruin the original — it undermines the emotional weight of nearly every sequel and side story that follows.
That’s why the original 5-volume manga comes first, full stop.
Shin Devilman and Neo Devilman slot into the original timeline. They’re designed as companion pieces — reading them before the original would be confusing and spoil key plot points without the proper context.
Amon: The Darkside of the Devilman retells and expands on events from the original’s final act. You need to have experienced that story first for Amon to mean anything — it shifts perspective to the demon Amon during events you’ve already seen through Akira’s eyes.
Devilman Lady is a direct continuation. It picks up threads from the original’s ending and carries the story forward. Going in cold would rob it of its resonance.
Devilman Grimoire is the one exception. Because it’s a reimagining rather than a sequel, you can technically read it first without being spoiled. But you’d miss the reinterpretation layer — the way Grimoire plays with your expectations of what a Devilman story is. It’s better appreciated after the original, even though it doesn’t require it.
Spin-Offs and Side Stories — Where They Fit
The Devilman franchise has expanded considerably over the decades. Here’s a breakdown of each entry and where it fits in the larger picture:
Shin Devilman
A collection of short episodes set during the original manga’s timeline. These stories expand on the world and characters but don’t significantly alter the main plot. Best read right after finishing the original, while the story is still fresh in your mind.
Neo Devilman
An anthology — a collection featuring stories by multiple manga artists, all working within the Devilman universe. This is content made to please existing fans: interesting for seeing different creative interpretations but not essential to understanding the larger story. Read it when you’re hungry for more Devilman content after the main series and Shin Devilman.
Amon: The Darkside of the Devilman
This spin-off shifts perspective to the demon Amon during the original manga’s final act. It’s a darker, more visceral look at events you’ve already seen from Akira’s point of view. Read this only after the original — it would be meaningless otherwise, and it spoils the ending immediately. Contains some of the most extreme content in the franchise.
Devilman vs. Hades
A shorter series that digs into the mythological side of the Devilman universe. It’s optional but rewarding if you enjoyed the cosmic scope of the original’s finale and want to see that mythology explored further.
Devilman Saga
Set in a different era with a distinctly different tone from the original. This one is primarily for dedicated readers who’ve already consumed the core works and want to see Go Nagai continue to explore the Devilman concept in new contexts.
Violence Jack
Go Nagai’s long-running series set in a world after civilization’s collapse. On the surface, it looks like a completely separate work — and for most of its run, it functions as one. But the connection to Devilman’s universe is real and is revealed gradually. Reading Devilman first is recommended because that knowledge enriches Violence Jack considerably, even though Violence Jack stands on its own as a brutal survival epic.
Devilman Grimoire
A reimagining of the Devilman story by a different artist. It retells the core premise with significant changes, making it an effective alternate entry point for readers who want a more modern art style. That said, it’s better appreciated after the original — knowing what Grimoire is reinterpreting makes the creative choices more interesting.
Where to Buy Devilman in English
English availability varies across the franchise. Here’s the current landscape:
The Original Devilman
The most accessible option is the Seven Seas Classic Collection, which packages all 5 original Japanese volumes into 2 English omnibus editions. These are widely available at major retailers and are the easiest way to read the complete original series in English.
The omnibus format means you’re only buying two books to get the full story. For a series this foundational, that’s a straightforward purchase.
Other English Releases
- Devilman Grimoire — Published in English by Seven Seas. Readily available.
- Devilman vs. Hades — Also published in English by Seven Seas.
- Violence Jack — No confirmed official English-language manga edition has been published as of this writing. Availability is limited.
- Amon: The Darkside of the Devilman — English availability is limited. You may need to search for used copies or specialty retailers.
- Devilman Lady, Shin Devilman, Neo Devilman, Devilman Saga — English availability varies. Some of these have not been officially licensed for English publication (meaning no publisher has acquired the rights to translate and sell them in English), so your options may be limited to imported editions or waiting for future releases.
If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about tracking down every entry on the list. The original Devilman is easy to find and gives you the complete core story. Start there and expand only if you want to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to watch Devilman Crybaby before reading the manga?
No. Devilman Crybaby is an anime adaptation (an animated version) and reimagining directed by Masaaki Yuasa, known for his distinctive visual style. The manga is the original source material and came first by decades. The manga stands entirely on its own. Crybaby is a great show, but it’s not a prerequisite — and if you loved Crybaby, reading the manga first actually gives you a deeper appreciation for what the adaptation changed and why. Many readers arrive at this Devilman manga reading order specifically because Crybaby left them wanting more. The manga delivers.
Is the 1972 anime the same as the manga?
Not at all. The 1972 TV anime (an animated television series) ran alongside the manga’s original publication but tells a very different, much lighter story. The manga is far darker and more violent, with a completely different ending. If you’ve only seen the classic anime, the manga will be a genuine shock.
Can I start with Devilman Grimoire?
You can. Grimoire is a standalone reimagining, so it won’t spoil the original’s specific plot points. But reading the original first is the better experience — Grimoire’s creative choices are more interesting when you know what it’s responding to. Think of it like watching a cover version of a song before hearing the original. It still works, but you miss a layer of meaning.
Is Violence Jack really connected to Devilman?
Yes. Violence Jack takes place in the same universe, and the connection is revealed gradually throughout the series. It’s not a direct sequel in any conventional sense — it’s more like a thematic and narrative continuation that operates under its own identity for most of its run. Reading Devilman first is recommended so you can catch the connections as they surface.
How long does it take to read the original Devilman?
At 5 volumes (53 chapters), most readers finish it in a few sittings. It’s a compact, fast-paced series that doesn’t pad its story. You could realistically read the entire thing in an afternoon or spread it over a weekend. Either way, it respects your time — every chapter pushes the story forward.