This episode is critical for fans of the franchise because it serves as the final build-up to the series finale (Episode 39).
: Unlike the famously nihilistic and tragic ending of the original manga or the modern Devilman Crybaby adaptation (where the Earth is essentially destroyed and humanity goes extinct), this 1972 anime episode follows a more traditional "heroic" structure where Devilman fights to protect the planet from a specific villainous scheme. Devilman Episode 38
: Akira Fudo (Devilman) must identify the source of the global destruction. He eventually tracks down Dremon and engages in a high-stakes battle to stop the planetary collision. Why It Is "Useful" This episode is critical for fans of the
In the original 1972 anime series, Episode 38 is titled " The Mysterious Red-Bearded Man " (or " The Mystery of the Red Bearded Man "). This episode is the penultimate entry of the series, airing originally on March 31, 1973. Episode Plot Summary He eventually tracks down Dremon and engages in
: The demon army intends to use this environmental collapse to wipe out humanity, clearing the way for a world populated only by demons.
: The chaos caused in this episode directly leads into the appearance of Demon God (or Godman) in the final episode, where Akira faces the ultimate choice between his human life and his identity as a demon protector.
: It shifts the conflict from localized demon attacks to a planetary-level threat , signaling that the demons are no longer hiding but are actively attempting to terraform the Earth for themselves.