Devilman

Serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine from June 1972, to June 1973.

The manga focuses on a high school student named Akira Fudo who absorbs the powers of the demon called “Amon” with the help of his friend Ryo Asuka in order to battle creatures hidden in human society, thus calling himself the “Devilman” in the process.

The series was originally ordered by Toei Animation as a toned-down anime version of Nagai’s previous manga series, Demon Lord Dante. However, Nagai wrote a darker-toned manga, completely different from the anime series.

Devilman has sold 50 million copies worldwide and spawned many spin-offs.