If you think raising a child is hard, imagine raising a future demon king. Beelzebub is a comedic action anime that blends the mischief of a baby with the toughness of a school delinquent, resulting in a work that's both hilarious and heartwarming.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story follows Tatsumi Oga, the top delinquent at Ishiyama High, who one day finds a mysterious baby floating down a river with a large old man. The baby is Kaiser de Emperana Beelzebub IV, or Bel for short, the next demon king. Oga is forced to raise Bel along with the demon maid Hilda Garuda who comes to help. But raising a demon baby is no easy task—Bel has immense destructive power, and every time he cries, he releases electric shocks, forcing Oga to find ways to calm him down. Chaos ensues as Oga's friends and enemies get involved in this bizarre family life.
Performance and Characters
The voice acting is excellent. Katsuyuki Konishi as Oga perfectly captures the hot-headed delinquent with a soft spot for kids. Miyuki Sawashiro voices Bel with a unique mix of cuteness and fierceness, especially her signature demonic laugh. Takahiro Mizushima as Furuichi, Oga's best friend, provides hilarious commentary on the chaotic situations. Supporting characters like Aoi (voiced by Aki Toyosaki) and various enemies each have distinct personalities, keeping the story engaging.
Direction, Animation, and Music
Directed by Yoshihiro Takamoto, who skillfully brings out the comedy of the original manga. The animation by Studio Pierrot (creators of Naruto) is vibrant and colorful, with smooth fight scenes. Character designs are cute and friendly, especially Bel's expressive face. The soundtrack by Yasuharu Takanashi includes the catchy opening "Answer" by FLOW and the cute ending "Baby I Love You" that fits the show's atmosphere.
Editorial Analysis
Beelzebub is more than just a typical comedy anime; it subtly weaves in themes of responsibility and parent-child relationships. Oga, once a delinquent leader, learns to care for others, especially Bel, who gradually softens him. While the story focuses on absurdity and over-the-top humor, there are touching moments that make you connect with the characters. Bel helping Oga in tough times adds warmth. Overall, it's an entertaining, brainless watch full of fun.
Verdict
<p>If you're looking for a lighthearted, absurd comedy anime to relax with, <strong>Beelzebub</strong> is the right choice. With the mischief of a demon baby and unexpected humor, you'll be laughing hard. Though the story isn't deep, it's perfect for killing time, especially for fans of weird family dynamics and over-the-top powers.</p>
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Unique and hilarious comedy in every episode
- +Cute and charming characters, especially Bel
- +Top-tier voice acting that enhances emotions
👎 Cons
- −Repetitive plot revolving around fights and chaos
- −Anime ending is incomplete; must continue with manga
Top Cast
FAQ
The anime has 60 episodes and has concluded, with no second season.
It first aired in 2011, from January to March 2012.
It's available on streaming platforms like Netflix, Bilibili, or general cartoon channels in Thailand.
The anime ends at episode 60, but the story is not fully concluded; you need to read the manga.
