RIOTUS

Family is the lynchpin of Devil May Cry Season 2. After an explosive first season, Adi Shankar’s Netflix adaptation of DMC dives even deeper into Hell to intensify the war between demons and humans, unearthing world-shattering revelations and ensnaring everyone in a tangled web of treachery and twisted love. 

Our boy Dante (Johnny Yong Bosch) is frozen in a cryogenic chamber and forced to relive his past mistakes. Meanwhile, Lady (Scout Taylor-Compton) is conflicted about her role in DARKCOM, but is more desperate for answers. And, like always, Arius (Graham McTavish) is the one pulling all the strings like a diabolical puppet master—and he still has more tricks up his sleeve (would you expect anything less?). 

Arius’ hunt for an ancient relic sets the stage for a devilish plan that threatens both worlds—DMC may be a fantasy setting filled with demons, but the season isn’t afraid to remind us just how similar its political machinations are to our own (no matter how heavy-handed it may seem). 

With Vergil’s (Robbie Daymond) return making Dante question everything, this season takes a deeper look into their childhood. The flashbacks of the two brothers add so much depth and compulsion to their rivalry, becoming the series’ emotional touchstone. Among the overall strong voice cast, Daymond is a standout, bringing so much vehemence and intensity to his character. Vergil may answer to Hell’s mighty leader, Mundus (Ray Chase), but Dante is the only one who can truly challenge his brother—and is that what either of them wants?

Devil May Cry is such a wickedly fun adaptation of the beloved Capcom video game franchise, and with Season 2, the anime fleshes out the characters in all the ways I had hoped for. The action is brutal and supreme, slicing up bodies and betrayals with glorious animated finesse. And the art style continues to build on the foundations of its video game origins, keeping the visuals engaging and agile.

The series’ trademark dark humor is never too far from the surface, while its nu-metal soundtrack remains a riotous highlight that seasons the violence with the right amount of destruction (at this point, I’m honestly surprised that “Bodies” by Drowning Pool took so long to show up).

The dialogue has somewhat improved since S1 as the threat level grows and the darkness looms, but it still has its cheesy moments. Although it’s the layers of pain and grief that will really snatch the breath out of your lungs this time around; the series portrays them so well that it becomes cathartic to watch.

We’re in a renaissance of monster-hunting franchises right now, and Netflix’s take on this particular one is definitely worth the watch. If you enjoyed the first season, Season 2 of Devil May Cry will ultimately satisfy you; the fine balance of emotional stakes and full-throttle demonic action is a guaranteed good time.