Masaaki Yuasa
In regards to "Crybaby", Masaaki Yuasa wanted to make both Akira and Ryo "cool". He described Akira as "steadfast in his resolve from beginning to end", which he wanted to contrast with Ryo's characterization. He also wanted to explore the love triangle between Akira, Ryo, and Miki ever since he read the original manga version of "Devilman". This triangle was mostly seen through Ryo's character arc, as Ryo is unaware that Akira is important to him but as the story progresses he comes to find feelings for his ally. While Akira's characterization remains consistent in the plot, Yuasa wanted to contrast him with Ryo, who he felt was more important in this version based on his actions. Yuasa recalls reading the manga when was younger and was surprised at the final scene of Akira dying at Ryo's hands, and Ryo mourning his death. He also said that Miki's death scene, as seen through Akira's eyes, was one of the most important scenes he wanted to show in his series. Yuasa describes the character in "Crybaby" as: "Akira/Devilman is a crybaby, and at the end he is able to make Satan cry".