My favourite Vergil moment, which is small and could be missed, is when Nero says he will fight him. Vergil says "I beat the boy that means I beat you too" (or close enough) to Dante which is very much not what old Vergil would have said. He would have just said "I'll kill him and then we'll finish this". In that moment it's clear Vergil is actually look for an excuse to end this and not continue what he finally gets is so pointless and petty a fight. Just saying he'll call beating Nero the win leaves him that opening so he can stop just enough to let Dante accept or reject the outcome of the fight. People don't give DMC enough credit for it's depth in the Wacky Wahoo Pizza Man and his Brother.
It's very subtle you're right, but the journeys that V and Urizen went through had an impact on Vergil. Having lost when he thought he was most powerful as Urizen and realizing that he needs his "weaker" half to survive must've given him a bit of a reality check.
Oh yeah, those words were kinda childish, specially considering that's Vergil, but it shows that he didn't wanted to fight Nero to begin with. Hell, even the gameplay continues with this idea, he won't attack Nero seriously until he uses his Devil Trigger and then he has no choice but to fight back.
@@Bane_Amesta I mean, Vergil is the definition of childish whenever it comes to Dante. You can generally tell that whenever the twins get together they regress back to the little boys they were back before the tragedy destroyed their family. Even their interactions are like two little boys arguing. Best example is in DMC3's finale: Vergil: "Give me that." (Gesturing to Dante's amulet) Dante: "No way. You've got your own." Vergil: "Well, I want yours too." That exchange alone screams 'mom said it's my turn with the remote!' brotherly bickering. Plus Vergil's special taunt has his doppelganger proceed to disco dance - another indicator that Vergil tends to keep his less mature impulses to himself and in check. Both Sons of Sparda, ultimately, have severe problems with expressing their true feelings (especially for one another and those whom they genuinely care about) and are actually very stunted in terms of emotional maturity. It's understandable, given what they've been through, to surmise that in many ways neither of the two really ever 'grew up' in some aspects. Hence why their reunions always cause them to revert back to childish bickering - in a dysfunctional kind of way it's the closest thing to a real, tangible emotional connection they have in the world.
There’s something i like to bring up is the difference in the directors take too. Kamiya, while he build and created dmc as something that came from Re4, dante was the cool guy devil hunter that took down his father’s enemy, save the girl had mini angst killing Vergil who barely uttered a word in dmc. But Itsuno, expands and makes the characters shine in a way I feel that kamiya wouldn’t be able to. Itsuno gave Vergil character, motivation, a constant struggle which became so intertwine with the whole essence of DMC. Dante is shown to be depressed and shown he does struggle even being the strongest. But I think the thing I praise itsuno that a lot of people don’t realize is how he handled Trish. By what kamiya said tweets and side games like viewful joe, it seem like Trish was gonna be dante’s constant companion and love interest that has to tell him to becareful and what is a bad idea. Which in game makes sense, shes Beatrice, the perfect woman. But itsuno breaks that by letting her go off and do her own thing, she is does jobs with out dante, she shops, she hangs out with lady. In fact she’s around lady more that she between the animated series and 5. Game 4 she doesn’t even go with Dante and lady, she in fact goes ahead on her own. She’s allowed to be her own person. Itsuno removed all the romance but still show she’s important to dante. Also I just have to raise a eyebrow at the implication at kamiya thinking Dante’s love interest is someone who’s made to look EXACTLY LIKE HIS MOM and to be by his side and also be his shoulder angel… like the implications are weird, I’m glad itsuno just sent the romance away for that
The phone booth scene in dmc5 says it all, especially the bit about how Nero never really got over Credo and his refusal to go through that again it's what awakens his demon side. Awakening via hope to protect instead of primal pain like Dante or Virgil
@@dracotiasit happened in the exact same way in 4! Qhen Nero gets the Yamato he flashes back to what looks like someone trying to shoot Kyrie. He took it instead, to his arm, and he partially awakened. This is why he has the Devil Bringer, and it's probably some form of involuntary partial Devil Trigger if you think about it, as it too was awakened by intense pain and desperation
@@MrAnsatsuken Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2021) (the cooler devil may cry) (the devil my cry 5 game with Vergil as a playable character, which is a cooler devil may cry 5 game) (the best devil may cry 5 version to ever exist simply because of serious contempt katana white hair guy) (like why would you even buy the standard Devil May Cry 5 edition when you can buy the Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2021) and have 10x more fun and 10x more swag cool in Devil May Cry: 5 Special Edition (2021)!?) (Look we’re doing you a favor just buy Devil May Cry: 5 Special Edition (2021) and you’ll be happy for once like Vergil) (Your balls will enlarge if you play Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2021) for 1 minute) (Don’t buy DmC: Devil may Cry but ngl the gameplay kinda slaps) (but Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2021) is better) (but Devil May Cry 3 is also a very good contender so you know just buy one of these things but if you wanna be swag Vergil gaming just buy Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2021) trust me)
I love the fact that Virgil is also hiding a goofy fun-loving side to himself! When you preform his Highest SSS taunt, his Doppelgänger breaks loose and starts dancing on its own! He actually has a an embarrassed look because he never got a chance to be like this in front of everyone. Hell, he’s so deep in his seriousness that his subconscious mind takes over and finally gets to do something outside of the shell that he’s made for himself. I think that’s the best thing for the series. And it’s a recovery that he’s getting a chance to experience.
This reminds me of the original concept of V as a female character and honestly them ultimately deciding to just create a physically and emotionally vulnerable twink instead was a power move for this theme specifically
I believe you've hit the nail on the head, especially on Nero! The DMC ditector Hideaki Itsuno said it homself in an interview that if it weren't for his girlfriend Kyrie, Nero would end up like Vergil. In essence, Vergil would be Nero if he had someone he loved left to protect. Vergil and Dante wear their armors to protect themselves. Nero has no armor, yet he uses his body to protect others.
What an excellent summation, both of the themes of the characters and of what it means to be a man. I know plenty of dudes who can't even describe what a "real man" is as well as you did. It seems like a lot of modern voices tend to go to the extremes, focusing on either Vergil's coldness and ambition, or Dante's flamboyance and boldness. There's an undercurrent of political divide there. The point I got from your video is one that rings true for all things, that balance is the ideal. In this case, a man should have the tenacity and focus of Virgil, with the levity and flexibility of Dante, all wrapped up in Nero's honesty with himself and others. The extremes temper each other. A killer instinct balanced by a protective nature, stoicism matched by empathy, and discipline met by improvisation.
Those dudes you mention cant describe what a ''real man'' is because thats only something a man can do for himself, no one else can do that. A woman can define as much what it means to be a man, as a man can define what it means to be a woman.
It's definitely a thing whitin more eastern cultures about personal balance. Miyamoto even writes about it that a warrior should be adept at the arts aswell as the sword in order to truly master the way of the sword. A man and a woman should, in the ideal, always be balanced in pertaining to their makeup. A woman balanced has inner strength and outward empathy. A blanced man has inner empathy and outward strength. Both man and woman together balance the other.
@@lastmanstanding7155 The concept of what a man and women is was created as a control mechanism. This varies greatly in American and Chinese culture because the goal was different. It is societal brainwashing. The difference between a Warrior and a Fighter is a Warrior is an intelligent Fighter.
Yeaaaaahhhh.... That's realllllllyyyyyy *f*Ckin'* Nice and all .... But COMPLETELY and UTTERLY SHAT on by DMC5 Vergil's Dlc ..... - "Deadweight" just couldn't measure up to the Hunters of the Past .... Who *can* ....... Realllllly ..... ?....????? ... ???? Deadweight, didn't need to anything... Really ... If Nero -- Lady and Trish just stayed out of it ... Dante would've had things wrapped up just fine .... And Vergil would have his Fight with Dante, like usual..... Only this time ..... Vergil would understand... He would never Surpass his brother-- by Rejecting his Human side --- Dante proved that ... -When he kicked Vergil's "All powerful" Demonic A$$$$$$$$ ..... - Vergil knew he was beaten ..... in both Sides of the story .... So he resigned his fate ... to "Staying" by Dante ----- ..... In hopes that One day...... He would be Strong enough ..... to takedown... his beloved Brother... in combat... Using Powers and strength..... That was entirely of His own Creation ...... and Finally.... AVENGE the deaths --- of his Dearly beloved Father and Mother .... And *DESTROY* the Demon King of Hell incarnate ...... _ Once and for All........ Mundus .
I absolutely love Nero. A big part of the fandom dislikes him precisely because of this strengths.He is empathic, nurturing and loving. He is protective. He's not afraid of crying, of being emotional and let his guard down. He is insecure. He's very human. And all that gives him the strength to fight when necessary, and do it well. Needless to say, Dante and Vergil desperately need a hug, a good friend and some therapy.
Oooooh, big time. Vergil and Dante are very damaged people that both lost so much on that particular day. Home, family, childhood, innocence, and ultimately were both warped into two different flavours of cold, with only one of them slowly coming to care after the Temi-ni-gru incident.
@@1Synner yeah. I perfectly understand why they both behave like they do. Their experiences were brutal and unlike Nero, he didn't have support or love. Growing up like that can seriously screw up your relationship with yourself.
@@DarkwaveMistress Yup. Which is also why V as a character is so interesting. All of the crazed power chasing and trauma was more or less halved then removed, and his personality regressed to around before the incident, while keeping the memories of everything that happened up to now. It really is a look at Vergil if things would have been different. If that day never really happened. Damn, I love DMC5 so much.
@@1Synner I love V. He's so frail and yet, represents all the strengths Vergil denies. I still have to finish reading the manga but V is probably my favorite DMC character. And 5 is a real masterpiece, honestly.
@@1Synner Hopefully DMC 6 has Mundus return in "human form"(like Sparda) so that Dante and Vergil can finally get some retribution from all the crap he had them go through. Also i hope Mundus is revealed to be Sparda's blood brother just like Dante and Vergil to create more of an emotional connection between all the demon hunters.
Have you thought about doing a video on the women of Devil May Cry? It would be very interesting to gauge Japan's consensus on female characters based on their societal norms and culture throughout the ages.
Yeah the female characters of DMC never have anything to do unless it's their introduction. And don't get me started on the woman of color. One is Lady (which is nice that a reccuring character is one of color) but then you have Trish in blackface as the beyonetta rip off character from 4, and then you have Lucia. Lucia is never going to come back because of how much people HATE dmc 2, as especially her. It sucks because I actually really like Lucia, DMC 2 is trash but Lucia is actually pretty great.
Got me thinking. Looking at the three of them when it comes to range weapons. Vergil with his warriors pride sticks with his blade and even manifest blades out of his own power. Dante embracing modern firearms and deciding to duel weild semi auto pistols then we get to Nero who picks up a Revolver, a fire arm that has an old tradition, one of the wild west gun slinger attached to its history but still a viable weapon even among modern fire arms. Nero uses something not as old as his fathers ideals but not something as new as his uncle.
I fill that fits pretty well because the way I see it the mark of a well rounded man is one who respect tradition of old and the lessons of his father yet looks to the future and is adaptable enough to not be held back by tradition but at the same time doesn't yield to the aimless chaos of tomorrow and uses his values to steer him in the turbulent river of progress.
i think in dmc 5 nero intended to has "futuristic" theme since he symbolized with younger modern generation (with devil breaker, laser, etc) while dante is more like "boomer" theme with old style firearm, and tbh i'm not suprised if nero goes to full iron man mode in dmc 6 lol
I also would like to think Nero represented his grandfather's legacy despite not originally knowing he was related to the man and we see that reflected in his personality and the choice of his clothing and color since red and blue is purple. Sparda was a powerful demon but he was loving enough to sacrifice his power for the sake of another species that wasn't his own and seal the gate to demon world. Dante represented his father's carefree and more sympathetic nature but turned into an almost toxic expression of that. At first he didn't care about his father's legacy but after learning about it through battling Vergil, he knew he would have to take the mantle of protecting earth. Vergil was the more regal aspect of Sparda, the proud warrior who honed his skills so much he was able to single handedly take out Mundus. He tried following his father's footsteps to become powerful and would take great insult when said he could never be Sparda (as Dante told him during the final battle). His pride blinded him so much that after being so injured he thought he could take on Mundus like his father. But once again it was the toxic version of this aspect of pride and regal like. It it all has a bit of sense of irony built into the story.
Two boys looking up to their father figure with no chance to grow under his watch. They each had their own response to their legacy and the idea of their dad, neither of them once wondering what he would've wanted for his sons. The tragedy that caused all this left Vergil scared and desperate to become the powerful man he saw his father as to never suffer again. Dante was spiteful, almost blaming everything his father was for the loss of his mother. They both needed Sparda to recover, but they only had each other.
@@juniorjunior5884 I don't think Dante grew up looking up to Sparda until he was face to face with his legacy and how his brother was tarnishing it. Vergil himself asks Dante in their first confrontation in DMC3 why he denies the power of their father and Dante says he doesn't have a father, he just doesn't like Vergil. The boys were opposites in everyday other than looks. Vergil obsessed over Sparda and Dante forsook his origins because his father nor his power saved their mother. But yeah the rest of what you said fits once Dante accepts that responsibility.
What I like is that it actually looked at three distinctive forms of masculinity, didn't necessary label one as 'the only good/true masculinity' but instead highlighted how the individual traumas of the twins is ultimately what holds them back. Both Dante and Vergil's form of masculinity would be perfectly fine, if it was tempered and balanced with more emotionally healthy behaviour, essentially. Far too often you get a lot of postmodernist absolutes on how all masculinity is bad, or that there needs to be a 'restructuring' of masculinity wherein which all past forms of masculinity are purged. So this video not only acknowledging three different versions as being legitimately, but also not falling into that pit of vipers, is incredibly refreshing.
This honestly almost feels like a quick Japanese culture history lesson in a Devil May Cry package, and I couldn't be happier. Really interesting research with a stellar script.
As a 23 year old guy I see DMC5's Nero as sort of a role model. He is manly because he is cocky and cool, but he also is honest with his feelings almost to a fault, kind and caring for those in need, and willing to protect the things he cares about, on top of being a great family man. My man's got the style AND the substance nailed down, and that makes him a more than worthy successor for the legacy of the Sparda bloodline
I especially love how education your videos are. Despite the topic being one of my game series I feel like I come out the other side learning more than I ever thought I would. Amazing video!
I like how in the end, Vergil sees nero as his son. Nero is his only successor and he let nero hold on to his william blake book as a sign that they will meet again. For those who dont know the book that vergil holds is his most valued item aside from the amulet. A lot of people say that its the yamato but, no. Whatever thing vergil holds that reminds him of his mother and his childhood is his most treasured item. It symbolizes his human side. Also in the main menu, you can actually see vergil resting inside nicos van while casually looking at nero who is observing with one of his devil breakers. He actually smiles as he looks away which is wholesome for a deadbeat father.
God, I would pay money just to see Vergil, Dante, and Nero talk about their feelings for a couple hours. And Lady! Trish too, she’s gotta have some weird feelings about Dante’s mom!
I love when Nero shows up at the end of 5 and Dante initially tries to shield him under the guise of taking responsibility. Nero rather violently demonstrates to Dante that he’s prepared for whatever happens and Dante lets him. If he wanted to, Dante certainly could’ve gotten back into the fight but he trusted Nero to handle himself and pretended(?) to sit it out due to his injuries. At this moment, the worldly Dante agrees with Nero and is willing to put down his sword but Vergil needs a little more convincing. After the fight, Dante appeals to Vergil’s warrior’s pride to listen to Nero and Vergil takes the excuse rather than agreeing outright. Dante, recognizing what’s happening as Vergil’s brother, jumps on immediately. Poor Nero doesn’t understand at first since he’s the most honest and straightforward character in the series. I love the ending of this game because it flawlessly brings about the natural conclusion of all three characters arcs.
Oh man, this is so good. DMC 5 has problems with its structure and pacing + some weird plot points, but it nails every aspect of the family motif that the series is known for, and the character progression is insanely good. I'd point out this video to anyone who says that the reboot had a better, more mature story.
Fun fact, the author of Demon City Shinjuku wrote the Vampire Hunter D series. The ova of DCS was directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri who would go on to direct Vamire Hunter D: Bloodlust. Kawajiri and Kikuchi are good friends in real life.
@@mellowmousegaming795 dear ol pops when he was alive always told me that he is proud of me and lil bro even after his death and to look out for mother and grandma honestly this is absolutely correct when you have someone to love and someone who thought you the lessons of love completely (ie havinga loving father-motyer, my grandma and little brother) you will get motivated to be the best you can for them so that they can smile well at least from my experience.
I absolutely love how deep, rich, and well thought out the story is for these games are. Where other people might write these games off as "just another hack and slash kind of game", people to take the time to dig deeper find this incredibly relatable and heartfelt story about how two brothers each deal with loss in their own way. I feel like it makes Devil May Cry 5 all the more impressive because they truly honored and respected the legacy and history of all the main characters. That kind of work doesn't happen by mere chance. The devs that worked on DMC5 truly care deeply about the franchise as a whole. DMC is a franchise I keep finding myself coming back to over and over again as time passes because it just never gets old. Everything, from the gameplay, the music, the visuals, and the story are so well thought out and well executed that it's just an instant classic, imo. The words "DMC is back!" could not be more true and I can't wait to see where they take this amazing story next!
Just found your DMC videos and I fell in love with them, and made me appreciate the games more. Really hope that they become much more successful, views wise.
I'm going to honest: when I seen the title, I thought this vid was going to be a rant on how this series should be cancelled and shit. Glad to see that it's not! I though a LOT about why the twins and Nero are how they are and you put it perfectly. Also, can someone point me in the direction of Kyrie and Nero being siblings?? I obliviously missed that somehow.
It's a small detail you'll miss if you don't read the character descriptions in DMC4, but Nero was adopted into her family as a child and raised with her, so she's described as his sister (via adoption) in the lore.
Ngl...I came in thinking the exact same thing. Also, Nero was brought in to her family as kind of like an adoption. That's why brother and sister were brought up.
This is such an incredible analysis of the game characters. It is extremely clear that DMC is a story about strong men with traumas and masculinity, the same way Bayonetta for example is a Story about feminity and strong women with traumas. I would love to see this kind of analysis on characters like Cereza and Jeanne
Now that I realize it, Vergils fight style reflects his reason for power. He wants power to be prepared for any situation, so that he never has to feel the fear and pain he felt that day
vergil: i dont need pussy shit like "love" that's gay * commits seppuku with his katana named 'japanese nationalism' * dante: nothing really matters, nihilism is totally radical dude!! * does bike stunts while hiding his tears behind cool sunglasses * nero: i'm bisexual and i love my wife. * easily defeats them both *
This was really informative, would be intriguing to see the other side. A game that shows femininity in the Japanese culture. Possibly final fantasy 🤔 or some other game in unaware of. Silent hill maybe
I love learning about old Japanese culture. My favorite videos of yours aside from your silent hill videos, are the ones about Japanese culture like your video on the shinto shrine. ⛩
@@วิชชากรสุขวัฒน์ Lady is the only character you list who isn't an object. Kyrie is the virginal damsel in distress while Bayonetta is the sex object. Two sides of different dehumanization of women who exist for men to act upon, Bayonetta in a literal controlling way. Lady, though making her own choses, sadly falls into the Strong Female Character clichés down to her Daddy Issues, dead mom and needing the male characters to actually get the job done. Sadly, this game and its developers' work don't exactly explore feminine identity with any effort.
@@brittanybecker170 Silent Hill3? Girl who kill a god? to be Honest game was almost target on Boys & Mans but i think there a game out there that we never know before that Represent it. Cindy from Biohazard outbreak? she weak but still fight all BOWS in Solo Mode and Defeat Those. Jun from Tekken series? She playable too but she know martial art & fight mans so that She not Count right? Barbies games still not count too right? Yuna from Final Fantasy X? Aerith FF7? At Least All Womens Characters can do something superhumans. Disney Princesses Games? it hard to find women without Power that Represent in game. Is Eva Count?
I like how DMC is looped in with God of War and other titles as being an example of toxic masculinity, but the actual story spits in the face of that. Vergil is the calm, stoic emotionally distant badass who works to keep gaining power. Dante is the cocky, flirtatious lazy badass who does exactly what he wants all the time. Both of their lives are awful. Vergil kills hundreds of innocents by letting demons free, and Dante lives life on a tightrope of being homeless because he keeps blowing all his money on pizza and sundaes. Both Dante and Vergil push away the people they care about. Vergil by keeping them emotionally distant actively, Dante by being lazy and erratic enough to constantly piss them off. The only one who really has a good life is Nero. The only one who is fighting for a reason. For someone.
TBH original GOW is way more subtle than people think, it's a preety good story about loss,understanding of the past mistakes and uselesness of vengance, but everybody ignores that parts and picture this games only as mindless quest for revenge. Newer GOW has basically the same core concept
@@inkchariot6147 Masculinity is not the same as righteousness. And I’d like to remind you we only fought the Nazis because the Axis hit first. As an example of toxic masculinity, “real men don’t cry.” Dozens of studies have shown that men, across every ethnicity and age are less likely to seek out therapy across the board. Why do you think that is? I’m not saying masculinity is bad. But when aggressiveness, emotional unavailability and pride come together like that, it can hurt the people practicing it and everyone around them. That’s when it becomes toxic.
@_*ZAPATOZ*_ Masculinity is not inherently awful. Being aggressive and self confident is how plenty of good men rose to power and got actual change through. Again, when it causes harm to you and the people around you, then it becomes bad. Masculinity needs to be numbed somewhat, not shot.
Never even once have I seen DMC used as an example of toxic masculinity, and I've been playing the games for ten years now. I'll give you that Vergil's life is awful, Dante's too, to a lesser degree. But Dante is almost a bum because he keeps refusing payment from people who "Can't afford it", not because of his bad spending habits which are almost irrelevant. Vergil's loved ones are D E A D. Who is he pushing away? Dante? Their relationship isn't the average sibling situation or rivalry. Dante's company is Lady, probably the only person who is more damaged than him, Trish who we don't know how often hangs around him and actually goes along with his antics, the blonde girl I forget the name of who probably will get fucking killed if she spends her time with him, and Morris who just isn't that kind of friend. Dante's situation is simply one where he'd be putting the non demons at risk, even if he's very strong.
My Theory Is Sparda was met Takeru Yamato before in Japan as Sparda would travel japan before. Takeru let himself became a Demon warrior by Japanese Demon Worship method that Connect to Demon Realm so Sparda fight him and Takeru Became Yamato sword after His Defeat. Bruce Lee and MJ were Exist by Dante Inspire perform it that mean Takeru Yamato would exist too. Pornhub was exist too by Nico Hint with Nero after he defeat lady boss.🧐
I think one of the biggest strengths of the characters of DMC series is that while powerful and over the top, they still have moments of humanity and it is in fact that very humanity which makes them so powerful. Dante says that though devils are naturally selfish and cruel, they become a lot stronger when they gain human emotions and fight for something other than themselves. They're tough but have human hearts which feel emotions like grief, joy, love, kindness and empathy.
14:43 that article heavily misinterpreted Kamiya's interview. Here is the actual line from the interview: "He is not going to be scared but his mind is burning with anger. But if he lets devils know about his feelings, the devils provoke and try to hurt his feelings..... so he pretends to be calm and keeps pretends.... then in the end, he can't keep doing it anymore and his story climaxes." Pretty much saying that Dante isn't scared at demons (i mean why would he, no demon can even compete with him other than Vergil), but really mad at them, he puts on a facade so he can hide his anger, so that demons won't take advantage of this and cause him to slip up emotionally (which doesn't really matter considering he would just kill them or hurt them real bad).
Had the impression initially this would be some kind of PC toxic masculinity rant towards the characters of dmc without really understanding the characters. Pleasantly surprised to get an insightful historical insight to inspirations of the characterization virgil has by studying japanese perceptions of the masculine.
Quite the decent video. Anyone who can break down aspects of the Devil May Cry series, and make me silently nod my head in agreement, will have my ear. You've piqued my interest and earned a subscriber.
While this may be unrelated to the discussion, an idea I had for a "Ladies Night" spin - off in DMC 5 is to have Lady, Trish, and Lucia team up to rescue Danté from hell which would parallel the Virgin Mary, Lady Beatrice and St. Lucia aiding Danté in the Divine Comedy.
I'm so eager to see what they have planned for DMC IV (if they make one) Just imagine, Dante and Vergil's story has ended for real, they won't hug each other but at least now they can left their traumas on the past, maybe we will see Vergil being a father (I don't know if a good one, but at least one that can teach Nero some tricks) or Dante relaxing for real instead of acting relaxed
Okay, that was a good video. I was afraid it was gonna go all annoying feminist/SJW rhetoric, but it's a VERY fair assessment of masculinity (in Japan's history). I do think it can still apply to masculinity IN GENEREAL, for example America was never nuked and suffered a devastating lost from a war like Japan, but I still think it applies spiritually/mentally what's going on with us men right now in the states. I can pretty confidently say that the men of American by in large are in a Dante period of masculinity (me being one).
Having Dante being a call back to a notable book during the post-war occult craze makes his cameo in the Shin Megami Tensei 3 Nocturne all the more sense now.
This is what UA-cam is all about, clicking on a random video and finding gold. Wow this video was good, great job Edit: I never found Damte attacking Vergil straight away in 5 out of character, he knew that Urizen was Vergil the entire time and wanted to make him pay for causing so many deaths in Redgrave City, which kinda didn't make that much sense when at the end when he was so buddy buddy with Vergil, or I guess, he loved Vergil that much that he was willing to forgive and forget after a good ass duel.
This video was amazing, i did not understand totally the change of personalities of dante and vergil at the end of 5, but this just puts it all together
This is one of the best analysis I've seen of the DMC boys. Ppl usually forget that, despite using a western classic as main theme, it is still a Japanese game, so it will use other themes, tropes and archetypes found in Japanese works. The connection with pw fiction and works based in the 70s and 80s clash of old × new was a good point! 👏🏻👏🏻
This was a very good analysis, and I won't lie that learning the ideal of the 80s 90s hero in JPN media was of someone who is powerful, 'manly' but also freely emotional did touch me! I'm so glad I watched this! It gave me an even better appreciation of the Sparda boys.
"usually Dante talks to devil like he doesn't care, but he is carrying sadness and spiteful feelings because his family was killed by devils, so his mind can't be calm like water without a wave. He is not going to be scared but his mind is burning with anger." Words of Hideki. He doesn't fear demons. He just have negative thoughts and emotions while fighting them, and act like everything's cool to hide this.
Yo, this was really awesome! I feel as though a lot of media in the same vein as Devil May Cry doesn't frequently get this sort of analysis, let alone analysis that is well thought out and made in good faith. So thanks for being awesome!
Honestly awesome stuff! Part of the reason why I think the series has such lovable characters and effective storytelling is it's combination of subtly and - at the same time - lack thereof. Dante, Nero, and Vergil are all ridiculous and over the top, but they're just as expressive and melodramatic in exhibiting moments of humanity and emotion. I really appreciated how you broke down each of the big three in relation to Japanese history and literature and the influences behind their conception. Not just as characters, but as ones who are fantastical representations of what it means to be men. I'm a sucker for video essays and this was an absolute treat. Thanks.
Why does this not have more views??? This is such a great look at one of my favorite series! I hope the algorithm finally gives you the attention you deserve!!
14:41 I think this sentence from Kamiya was heavily misinterpreted, it's hard to believe Dante his scared of his enemeis when he doesn't fear them litteraly the first cutscene of DMC 3 should make the player understand that Dante is superior to them in more ways than one, the same happens in DMC4 where he gets impaled by Nero but still takes it lightly, the fact that the player is bad at playing as him doesn't even come into the story, Dante simply dislikes demons that harm humans and fights to get rid of them, I think that sentence meant to say Dante is scared of losing someone close to him because he got them entangled in his personal conflicts and then again that was only really shown in DMC5 since in DMC3 he's learning how to acknowledge his demon heritage and stoping his remaining family from proceeding with his plans causing him to be depressed about it Lady was just the one to trigger him to care about the whole ordeal on a personal level but even there it was clear Dante didn't fear for her I'll even add that pre DMC3 he lost the mother figure he found as his gunsmith to demons i don't see him fearing demons so much as hating them getting involved with his close relatives, no in DMCV specifically he's more concerned about dealing with the situation asap because he think it's his duty to stop Vergil and he doesn't want Nero to kill his own father which would undoubtedly break him y'know since Lady did and she doesn't recommend doing it, although that was weirdly handled but eh, and the fact that Nero already went through losing family once with Credo and he didn't take it well and caused him to let him be absorbed by the savior and almost losing his life once. Dante as a whole feels like he is scared of losing family he barely has not fighting, I'm curious to know which interview this comes from tbh. Or maybe this referenced DMC:Dmc Dante since this one seems less accustomed to fighting demons and doesn't seem to be doing as a gig for his entire youth like Dmc Dante does since before the events of DMC3 tbh with all that I'd think his humour and comical attitude would just be a way for him to cover his hatred of demons but even then he isn't that antagonistic against all of them they're just his enemies if they aren't on his side like his relation with Joker started on a weird friendly antagonistic and mutual arrangement (which even joker states he'd be no match for Dante or Vergil under normal circumstances).
I personally think that it's not entirely out of the question that while Dante is without a doubt a flirt, he's asexual. I don't think it's ever actually confirmed in any way that he takes his interest in women beyond his playful flirting.
@@daimer8660 which one night stands? I asked because I seriously have seen no actual evidence of this. Also, as a counter-point, I enjoy and often have had pictures of half or more naked women, and am still asexual. Enjoying the aesthetic of something and having a sexuality are completely different things is exactly what I mean.
I feel for the Dante being afraid part you could have cut to the episode of the anime ( which is also canon with the games like the manga ) where Dante fights two demons his father trained who are also brothers. You noticed the second brother actually cries when he has to fight Dante because he didn't want to but also because well his brother. You can also point out Dante is constantly being compared to his father, who he isn't, he is only known to the demons as The Son of Sparda. They either call him Sparda or make some reference to him. Dantes fear could be not living up to his father. Whereas Vergil actively tries to be him to the point I believe he scolded Dante for "rejecting" their father or bloodline. I forgot which game that was in or if it was worded exactly like that. I'd also add Dante most likely stopped pretending to not care after DMC3. That's my thoughts, he's nonchalant but he cares. I would end with I don't think he's fully fearful, I think most of it is anger and rage.
Where can one find Vergil doing Mae? I just wrote a fic with him doing just that. I just wanted to say your previous videos on the Gothic and Dante's Inferno have really inspired me already in the fic series I'm writing. Thank you.
This is a very boring analysis and misses some important things, most infuriating is this thing repeated throughout the video is Dante "Pretending not to care", sure, at some point yes. But he hasn't been in the same situation throughout his life. Also, The finale of 5, Dante has a point about Vergil, while Vergil doesn't really care about anything that isn't his need to prove he's stronger than Dante, and that too is for various needs and reasons of his. Nero brings about a good ending but I struggle to take the point you make seriously.
Excellent video essay! I've been following the franchise since I was a teenager. I appreciate that brought in the Japanese history (context I was missing) and avoiding calling any of their personality traits "demonic" like the game does (Vergil is the demonic half of Sparda, Dante is the human side - the blue and red to Sparda's purple) but instead focus on how both Vergil and Dante (and Nero) exhibit masculine traits from different points in cultural history. Well done!
good video, though i'd say the only issues is the whole ''without a cause'' aspect of dante, that's only descriptive of dante in 3, the prequel where all he knows is he wants to kill demons and...that's it, he does care for the people that he encounters along the way but in no way does he have a purpose, he finds it at the end of 3 where he actively chooses to save and protect the world and dedicate his life to it like his father before him, so much so he puts that above his own brother. regarrding kamiya, that might be accurate to dmc1 since that's the game he was responsible for but i'm not sure if that was conveyed in the sequels, especially since dante since that first game has the warrior mentality of wanting a good fight and loving fighting but he has the issue of constantly underestimating his enemies which he still has issues with even in 5. other than that, great video, the coverage of vergil and nero are spot on.
7:10 You just actually said something very important. That I’ve never thought about before. The demon Urizen just sat around and waited. Which perfectly parallels how Dante is also always just sitting around in his Devil May Cry Home Office, also waiting.
Anyone else notice that when Nero is talking to Vergil just before their boss fight, Vergil actually seems kind of shocked and, strikingly to my eye, actually settles himself and nods very slightly as Nero's talking? I thought that was an excellent addition, where you can see Vergil visibly defrosting and acknowledging a _person_ in front of him, and to top it all off, it's his _son._ Like, his first thought as a person was expressing, in his stifled, nascent way, admiration for the man his son had become.
My favourite Vergil moment, which is small and could be missed, is when Nero says he will fight him. Vergil says "I beat the boy that means I beat you too" (or close enough) to Dante which is very much not what old Vergil would have said. He would have just said "I'll kill him and then we'll finish this". In that moment it's clear Vergil is actually look for an excuse to end this and not continue what he finally gets is so pointless and petty a fight. Just saying he'll call beating Nero the win leaves him that opening so he can stop just enough to let Dante accept or reject the outcome of the fight. People don't give DMC enough credit for it's depth in the Wacky Wahoo Pizza Man and his Brother.
It's very subtle you're right, but the journeys that V and Urizen went through had an impact on Vergil. Having lost when he thought he was most powerful as Urizen and realizing that he needs his "weaker" half to survive must've given him a bit of a reality check.
Oh yeah, those words were kinda childish, specially considering that's Vergil, but it shows that he didn't wanted to fight Nero to begin with. Hell, even the gameplay continues with this idea, he won't attack Nero seriously until he uses his Devil Trigger and then he has no choice but to fight back.
@@Bane_Amesta I mean, Vergil is the definition of childish whenever it comes to Dante. You can generally tell that whenever the twins get together they regress back to the little boys they were back before the tragedy destroyed their family. Even their interactions are like two little boys arguing.
Best example is in DMC3's finale:
Vergil: "Give me that." (Gesturing to Dante's amulet)
Dante: "No way. You've got your own."
Vergil: "Well, I want yours too."
That exchange alone screams 'mom said it's my turn with the remote!' brotherly bickering. Plus Vergil's special taunt has his doppelganger proceed to disco dance - another indicator that Vergil tends to keep his less mature impulses to himself and in check.
Both Sons of Sparda, ultimately, have severe problems with expressing their true feelings (especially for one another and those whom they genuinely care about) and are actually very stunted in terms of emotional maturity. It's understandable, given what they've been through, to surmise that in many ways neither of the two really ever 'grew up' in some aspects. Hence why their reunions always cause them to revert back to childish bickering - in a dysfunctional kind of way it's the closest thing to a real, tangible emotional connection they have in the world.
liking just for the wacky wahoo pizza man. the best way to describe Dante
A VIDEO ON HEALTHY MASCULINITY?
I LOVE IT?
There’s something i like to bring up is the difference in the directors take too. Kamiya, while he build and created dmc as something that came from Re4, dante was the cool guy devil hunter that took down his father’s enemy, save the girl had mini angst killing Vergil who barely uttered a word in dmc. But Itsuno, expands and makes the characters shine in a way I feel that kamiya wouldn’t be able to. Itsuno gave Vergil character, motivation, a constant struggle which became so intertwine with the whole essence of DMC. Dante is shown to be depressed and shown he does struggle even being the strongest. But I think the thing I praise itsuno that a lot of people don’t realize is how he handled Trish. By what kamiya said tweets and side games like viewful joe, it seem like Trish was gonna be dante’s constant companion and love interest that has to tell him to becareful and what is a bad idea. Which in game makes sense, shes Beatrice, the perfect woman. But itsuno breaks that by letting her go off and do her own thing, she is does jobs with out dante, she shops, she hangs out with lady. In fact she’s around lady more that she between the animated series and 5. Game 4 she doesn’t even go with Dante and lady, she in fact goes ahead on her own. She’s allowed to be her own person. Itsuno removed all the romance but still show she’s important to dante. Also I just have to raise a eyebrow at the implication at kamiya thinking Dante’s love interest is someone who’s made to look EXACTLY LIKE HIS MOM and to be by his side and also be his shoulder angel… like the implications are weird, I’m glad itsuno just sent the romance away for that
Very good video, but something left out that should be mentioned, they idiots all tree of them. There's no doubt about that.
It's clear that the love and support Nero received from his adopted family saved him from following on the exact footsteps of Dante and Vergil.
The phone booth scene in dmc5 says it all, especially the bit about how Nero never really got over Credo and his refusal to go through that again it's what awakens his demon side. Awakening via hope to protect instead of primal pain like Dante or Virgil
@@dracotiasit happened in the exact same way in 4! Qhen Nero gets the Yamato he flashes back to what looks like someone trying to shoot Kyrie. He took it instead, to his arm, and he partially awakened. This is why he has the Devil Bringer, and it's probably some form of involuntary partial Devil Trigger if you think about it, as it too was awakened by intense pain and desperation
"In a world where even the Devil may Cry"
Perfect ending
"In a world where even the Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2021)"
Perfect ending
gotta love poetry
@@MrAnsatsuken Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2021) (the cooler devil may cry) (the devil my cry 5 game with Vergil as a playable character, which is a cooler devil may cry 5 game) (the best devil may cry 5 version to ever exist simply because of serious contempt katana white hair guy) (like why would you even buy the standard Devil May Cry 5 edition when you can buy the Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2021) and have 10x more fun and 10x more swag cool in Devil May Cry: 5 Special Edition (2021)!?) (Look we’re doing you a favor just buy Devil May Cry: 5 Special Edition (2021) and you’ll be happy for once like Vergil) (Your balls will enlarge if you play Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2021) for 1 minute) (Don’t buy DmC: Devil may Cry but ngl the gameplay kinda slaps) (but Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2021) is better) (but Devil May Cry 3 is also a very good contender so you know just buy one of these things but if you wanna be swag Vergil gaming just buy Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2021) trust me)
ahhh you defeated me, you truly are Devil May Cry
👏 👏 👏
I love the fact that Virgil is also hiding a goofy fun-loving side to himself! When you preform his Highest SSS taunt, his Doppelgänger breaks loose and starts dancing on its own! He actually has a an embarrassed look because he never got a chance to be like this in front of everyone. Hell, he’s so deep in his seriousness that his subconscious mind takes over and finally gets to do something outside of the shell that he’s made for himself.
I think that’s the best thing for the series. And it’s a recovery that he’s getting a chance to experience.
Also if you do it when fighting Dante, Dante joins in the dance battle.
I like to think of the Doppelganger dancing as his inner V acting out.
@@Tamaki742
Wait what?! :D
@@danielramsey6141 There's a clip of it somewhere here, but he doesn't go as ham as Vergil's doppleganger.
@@danielramsey6141 Vergil also says jackpot if you do 4 sequential Judgement Cuts, and immediately regrets saying it.
This reminds me of the original concept of V as a female character and honestly them ultimately deciding to just create a physically and emotionally vulnerable twink instead was a power move for this theme specifically
It was the best decision they could have made!
@@jake8269 "V being Nero's sister, named Angelo."
That is so on the nose I refuse to believe it's real
whoa, why am I seeing the same three comments twice?
@@jake8269 [CITATION NEEDED]
@@jake8269 Source
I made it the fuck up
I believe you've hit the nail on the head, especially on Nero! The DMC ditector Hideaki Itsuno said it homself in an interview that if it weren't for his girlfriend Kyrie, Nero would end up like Vergil.
In essence, Vergil would be Nero if he had someone he loved left to protect.
Vergil and Dante wear their armors to protect themselves. Nero has no armor, yet he uses his body to protect others.
What an excellent summation, both of the themes of the characters and of what it means to be a man. I know plenty of dudes who can't even describe what a "real man" is as well as you did.
It seems like a lot of modern voices tend to go to the extremes, focusing on either Vergil's coldness and ambition, or Dante's flamboyance and boldness. There's an undercurrent of political divide there.
The point I got from your video is one that rings true for all things, that balance is the ideal. In this case, a man should have the tenacity and focus of Virgil, with the levity and flexibility of Dante, all wrapped up in Nero's honesty with himself and others. The extremes temper each other. A killer instinct balanced by a protective nature, stoicism matched by empathy, and discipline met by improvisation.
Those dudes you mention cant describe what a ''real man'' is because thats only something a man can do for himself, no one else can do that. A woman can define as much what it means to be a man, as a man can define what it means to be a woman.
It's definitely a thing whitin more eastern cultures about personal balance. Miyamoto even writes about it that a warrior should be adept at the arts aswell as the sword in order to truly master the way of the sword. A man and a woman should, in the ideal, always be balanced in pertaining to their makeup. A woman balanced has inner strength and outward empathy. A blanced man has inner empathy and outward strength. Both man and woman together balance the other.
@@lastmanstanding7155 The concept of what a man and women is was created as a control mechanism. This varies greatly in American and Chinese culture because the goal was different. It is societal brainwashing. The difference between a Warrior and a Fighter is a Warrior is an intelligent Fighter.
Yeaaaaahhhh.... That's realllllllyyyyyy *f*Ckin'* Nice and all .... But COMPLETELY and UTTERLY SHAT on by DMC5 Vergil's Dlc .....
-
"Deadweight" just couldn't measure up to the Hunters of the Past .... Who *can* ....... Realllllly ..... ?....????? ...
????
Deadweight, didn't need to anything... Really ... If Nero -- Lady and Trish just stayed out of it ... Dante would've had things wrapped up just fine .... And Vergil would have his Fight with Dante, like usual.....
Only this time ..... Vergil would understand... He would never Surpass his brother-- by Rejecting his Human side ---
Dante proved that ... -When he kicked Vergil's "All powerful" Demonic A$$$$$$$$ .....
-
Vergil knew he was beaten ..... in both Sides of the story .... So he resigned his fate ... to "Staying" by Dante ----- ..... In hopes that One day...... He would be Strong enough ..... to takedown... his beloved Brother... in combat...
Using Powers and strength..... That was entirely of His own Creation ...... and Finally.... AVENGE
the deaths ---
of his Dearly beloved Father and Mother ....
And *DESTROY* the Demon King of Hell incarnate ......
_
Once and for All........
Mundus .
@@Need_RnR I'll pay you 50 bucks to never write another comment again
I absolutely love Nero. A big part of the fandom dislikes him precisely because of this strengths.He is empathic, nurturing and loving. He is protective. He's not afraid of crying, of being emotional and let his guard down. He is insecure. He's very human. And all that gives him the strength to fight when necessary, and do it well.
Needless to say, Dante and Vergil desperately need a hug, a good friend and some therapy.
Oooooh, big time. Vergil and Dante are very damaged people that both lost so much on that particular day. Home, family, childhood, innocence, and ultimately were both warped into two different flavours of cold, with only one of them slowly coming to care after the Temi-ni-gru incident.
@@1Synner yeah. I perfectly understand why they both behave like they do. Their experiences were brutal and unlike Nero, he didn't have support or love. Growing up like that can seriously screw up your relationship with yourself.
@@DarkwaveMistress Yup. Which is also why V as a character is so interesting. All of the crazed power chasing and trauma was more or less halved then removed, and his personality regressed to around before the incident, while keeping the memories of everything that happened up to now. It really is a look at Vergil if things would have been different. If that day never really happened.
Damn, I love DMC5 so much.
@@1Synner I love V. He's so frail and yet, represents all the strengths Vergil denies. I still have to finish reading the manga but V is probably my favorite DMC character. And 5 is a real masterpiece, honestly.
@@1Synner Hopefully DMC 6 has Mundus return in "human form"(like Sparda) so that Dante and Vergil can finally get some retribution from all the crap he had them go through. Also i hope Mundus is revealed to be Sparda's blood brother just like Dante and Vergil to create more of an emotional connection between all the demon hunters.
Have you thought about doing a video on the women of Devil May Cry? It would be very interesting to gauge Japan's consensus on female characters based on their societal norms and culture throughout the ages.
Maybe even something related to Bayonetta, cuz there's some good potential into the deeper meanings of those games too
There's alot of wasted potential imo, Lady and Trish both have killer intros but almost nothing is done with them between 4 and 5.
Yeah the female characters of DMC never have anything to do unless it's their introduction. And don't get me started on the woman of color. One is Lady (which is nice that a reccuring character is one of color) but then you have Trish in blackface as the beyonetta rip off character from 4, and then you have Lucia. Lucia is never going to come back because of how much people HATE dmc 2, as especially her. It sucks because I actually really like Lucia, DMC 2 is trash but Lucia is actually pretty great.
@@thesolidestsnake Lady is a woc?
@@thesolidestsnake Jesse, what the fuck are you talking about ?
Got me thinking. Looking at the three of them when it comes to range weapons. Vergil with his warriors pride sticks with his blade and even manifest blades out of his own power. Dante embracing modern firearms and deciding to duel weild semi auto pistols then we get to Nero who picks up a Revolver, a fire arm that has an old tradition, one of the wild west gun slinger attached to its history but still a viable weapon even among modern fire arms. Nero uses something not as old as his fathers ideals but not something as new as his uncle.
I fill that fits pretty well because the way I see it the mark of a well rounded man is one who respect tradition of old and the lessons of his father yet looks to the future and is adaptable enough to not be held back by tradition but at the same time doesn't yield to the aimless chaos of tomorrow and uses his values to steer him in the turbulent river of progress.
@@mylesobrien7477 Based Nero
i think in dmc 5 nero intended to has "futuristic" theme since he symbolized with younger modern generation (with devil breaker, laser, etc) while dante is more like "boomer" theme with old style firearm, and tbh i'm not suprised if nero goes to full iron man mode in dmc 6 lol
At the same time in his devil trigger when he shot his gun summoned sword will shot out too.
That's genius
I also would like to think Nero represented his grandfather's legacy despite not originally knowing he was related to the man and we see that reflected in his personality and the choice of his clothing and color since red and blue is purple.
Sparda was a powerful demon but he was loving enough to sacrifice his power for the sake of another species that wasn't his own and seal the gate to demon world.
Dante represented his father's carefree and more sympathetic nature but turned into an almost toxic expression of that. At first he didn't care about his father's legacy but after learning about it through battling Vergil, he knew he would have to take the mantle of protecting earth.
Vergil was the more regal aspect of Sparda, the proud warrior who honed his skills so much he was able to single handedly take out Mundus. He tried following his father's footsteps to become powerful and would take great insult when said he could never be Sparda (as Dante told him during the final battle). His pride blinded him so much that after being so injured he thought he could take on Mundus like his father.
But once again it was the toxic version of this aspect of pride and regal like.
It it all has a bit of sense of irony built into the story.
Two boys looking up to their father figure with no chance to grow under his watch. They each had their own response to their legacy and the idea of their dad, neither of them once wondering what he would've wanted for his sons. The tragedy that caused all this left Vergil scared and desperate to become the powerful man he saw his father as to never suffer again. Dante was spiteful, almost blaming everything his father was for the loss of his mother. They both needed Sparda to recover, but they only had each other.
@@juniorjunior5884 I don't think Dante grew up looking up to Sparda until he was face to face with his legacy and how his brother was tarnishing it. Vergil himself asks Dante in their first confrontation in DMC3 why he denies the power of their father and Dante says he doesn't have a father, he just doesn't like Vergil.
The boys were opposites in everyday other than looks. Vergil obsessed over Sparda and Dante forsook his origins because his father nor his power saved their mother.
But yeah the rest of what you said fits once Dante accepts that responsibility.
@@Thiago_Alves_Souza
I meant more like Dante couldn't help but admire parts of his father. His mom was is biggest concern though like you said.
@@Thiago_Alves_Souza actually when Dante said "doesn't have a father" quote is mistranslated, the real one is "Father? he has nothing to do with it"
I'm glad this video wasn't another "MASCULINITY BAD" essay and actually looked into the characters' personalities and origins of their ideals.
What I like is that it actually looked at three distinctive forms of masculinity, didn't necessary label one as 'the only good/true masculinity' but instead highlighted how the individual traumas of the twins is ultimately what holds them back. Both Dante and Vergil's form of masculinity would be perfectly fine, if it was tempered and balanced with more emotionally healthy behaviour, essentially.
Far too often you get a lot of postmodernist absolutes on how all masculinity is bad, or that there needs to be a 'restructuring' of masculinity wherein which all past forms of masculinity are purged. So this video not only acknowledging three different versions as being legitimately, but also not falling into that pit of vipers, is incredibly refreshing.
Same
Frr
It's Beautiful....
This honestly almost feels like a quick Japanese culture history lesson in a Devil May Cry package, and I couldn't be happier. Really interesting research with a stellar script.
As a 23 year old guy I see DMC5's Nero as sort of a role model. He is manly because he is cocky and cool, but he also is honest with his feelings almost to a fault, kind and caring for those in need, and willing to protect the things he cares about, on top of being a great family man.
My man's got the style AND the substance nailed down, and that makes him a more than worthy successor for the legacy of the Sparda bloodline
I especially love how education your videos are. Despite the topic being one of my game series I feel like I come out the other side learning more than I ever thought I would. Amazing video!
I like how in the end, Vergil sees nero as his son. Nero is his only successor and he let nero hold on to his william blake book as a sign that they will meet again. For those who dont know the book that vergil holds is his most valued item aside from the amulet. A lot of people say that its the yamato but, no. Whatever thing vergil holds that reminds him of his mother and his childhood is his most treasured item. It symbolizes his human side. Also in the main menu, you can actually see vergil resting inside nicos van while casually looking at nero who is observing with one of his devil breakers. He actually smiles as he looks away which is wholesome for a deadbeat father.
God, I would pay money just to see Vergil, Dante, and Nero talk about their feelings for a couple hours. And Lady! Trish too, she’s gotta have some weird feelings about Dante’s mom!
I love when Nero shows up at the end of 5 and Dante initially tries to shield him under the guise of taking responsibility. Nero rather violently demonstrates to Dante that he’s prepared for whatever happens and Dante lets him. If he wanted to, Dante certainly could’ve gotten back into the fight but he trusted Nero to handle himself and pretended(?) to sit it out due to his injuries. At this moment, the worldly Dante agrees with Nero and is willing to put down his sword but Vergil needs a little more convincing. After the fight, Dante appeals to Vergil’s warrior’s pride to listen to Nero and Vergil takes the excuse rather than agreeing outright. Dante, recognizing what’s happening as Vergil’s brother, jumps on immediately. Poor Nero doesn’t understand at first since he’s the most honest and straightforward character in the series. I love the ending of this game because it flawlessly brings about the natural conclusion of all three characters arcs.
Oh man, this is so good. DMC 5 has problems with its structure and pacing + some weird plot points, but it nails every aspect of the family motif that the series is known for, and the character progression is insanely good. I'd point out this video to anyone who says that the reboot had a better, more mature story.
Fun fact, the author of Demon City Shinjuku wrote the Vampire Hunter D series. The ova of DCS was directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri who would go on to direct Vamire Hunter D: Bloodlust. Kawajiri and Kikuchi are good friends in real life.
So cool!
I’ve always thought it was more about family than “manliness”. Like brotherhood and fatherhood but I def see this too now that you pointed it out
That’s why I’m saying right. this seem to be like side themes or traits that men love I don’t really know the point of the video though ?
@@mellowmousegaming795 dear ol pops when he was alive always told me that he is proud of me and lil bro even after his death and to look out for mother and grandma honestly this is absolutely correct when you have someone to love and someone who thought you the lessons of love completely (ie havinga loving father-motyer, my grandma and little brother) you will get motivated to be the best you can for them so that they can smile well at least from my experience.
I absolutely love how deep, rich, and well thought out the story is for these games are. Where other people might write these games off as "just another hack and slash kind of game", people to take the time to dig deeper find this incredibly relatable and heartfelt story about how two brothers each deal with loss in their own way. I feel like it makes Devil May Cry 5 all the more impressive because they truly honored and respected the legacy and history of all the main characters. That kind of work doesn't happen by mere chance. The devs that worked on DMC5 truly care deeply about the franchise as a whole. DMC is a franchise I keep finding myself coming back to over and over again as time passes because it just never gets old. Everything, from the gameplay, the music, the visuals, and the story are so well thought out and well executed that it's just an instant classic, imo. The words "DMC is back!" could not be more true and I can't wait to see where they take this amazing story next!
Being a Dante is not knowing what sex is. Being a Vergil is knowing what sex is (but he wont tell you).
"no one's being stabbed, a first for the boys"
ok that got me, have a like.
This was an awesome video. DMC doesn't get enough analytical love.
Just found your DMC videos and I fell in love with them, and made me appreciate the games more.
Really hope that they become much more successful, views wise.
I'm going to honest: when I seen the title, I thought this vid was going to be a rant on how this series should be cancelled and shit. Glad to see that it's not! I though a LOT about why the twins and Nero are how they are and you put it perfectly. Also, can someone point me in the direction of Kyrie and Nero being siblings?? I obliviously missed that somehow.
It's a small detail you'll miss if you don't read the character descriptions in DMC4, but Nero was adopted into her family as a child and raised with her, so she's described as his sister (via adoption) in the lore.
Ngl...I came in thinking the exact same thing. Also, Nero was brought in to her family as kind of like an adoption. That's why brother and sister were brought up.
@@thegamingmuse Ahhhh, I'll have to purchase the game again and take a look! Thanks!
Same as the flash and iris in the tv series....
what are you doing step brother?
This is such an incredible analysis of the game characters. It is extremely clear that DMC is a story about strong men with traumas and masculinity, the same way Bayonetta for example is a Story about feminity and strong women with traumas.
I would love to see this kind of analysis on characters like Cereza and Jeanne
Now that I realize it, Vergils fight style reflects his reason for power. He wants power to be prepared for any situation, so that he never has to feel the fear and pain he felt that day
vergil: i dont need pussy shit like "love" that's gay * commits seppuku with his katana named 'japanese nationalism' *
dante: nothing really matters, nihilism is totally radical dude!! * does bike stunts while hiding his tears behind cool sunglasses *
nero: i'm bisexual and i love my wife. * easily defeats them both *
How is Nero bisexual, he spends an entire game shouting "KYRIEEEEEE!!!!!!!"
@Starku probably just reaching xD
@@inkchariot6147 Maybe not bisexual, he just has the energy
@Starku cus he's kinda red blue and purple lol, but it's just a joke
@@ORLY911 The energy of being emotionally available with your male friends while being committed to your wife makes you bi?
Holy shit, I didn't realize how deep the themes in these games were. Amazing documentary. This deserves a million views atleast! :)
This was really informative, would be intriguing to see the other side. A game that shows femininity in the Japanese culture. Possibly final fantasy 🤔 or some other game in unaware of. Silent hill maybe
I love learning about old Japanese culture. My favorite videos of yours aside from your silent hill videos, are the ones about Japanese culture like your video on the shinto shrine. ⛩
A lot of shojo manga and anime do do this. As for a game? Not sure I can help there.
Lady & Kyrie was already Female side as they both human but how much it present in the game i dont sure. Is Bayonetta show Femininity side?
@@วิชชากรสุขวัฒน์ Lady is the only character you list who isn't an object. Kyrie is the virginal damsel in distress while Bayonetta is the sex object. Two sides of different dehumanization of women who exist for men to act upon, Bayonetta in a literal controlling way. Lady, though making her own choses, sadly falls into the Strong Female Character clichés down to her Daddy Issues, dead mom and needing the male characters to actually get the job done. Sadly, this game and its developers' work don't exactly explore feminine identity with any effort.
@@brittanybecker170 Silent Hill3? Girl who kill a god? to be Honest game was almost target on Boys & Mans but i think there a game out there that we never know before that Represent it. Cindy from Biohazard outbreak? she weak but still fight all BOWS in Solo Mode and Defeat Those. Jun from Tekken series? She playable too but she know martial art & fight mans so that She not Count right? Barbies games still not count too right? Yuna from Final Fantasy X? Aerith FF7? At Least All Womens Characters can do something superhumans. Disney Princesses Games? it hard to find women without Power that Represent in game. Is Eva Count?
I like how DMC is looped in with God of War and other titles as being an example of toxic masculinity, but the actual story spits in the face of that.
Vergil is the calm, stoic emotionally distant badass who works to keep gaining power.
Dante is the cocky, flirtatious lazy badass who does exactly what he wants all the time.
Both of their lives are awful. Vergil kills hundreds of innocents by letting demons free, and Dante lives life on a tightrope of being homeless because he keeps blowing all his money on pizza and sundaes.
Both Dante and Vergil push away the people they care about. Vergil by keeping them emotionally distant actively, Dante by being lazy and erratic enough to constantly piss them off.
The only one who really has a good life is Nero. The only one who is fighting for a reason. For someone.
TBH original GOW is way more subtle than people think, it's a preety good story about loss,understanding of the past mistakes and uselesness of vengance, but everybody ignores that parts and picture this games only as mindless quest for revenge. Newer GOW has basically the same core concept
It's "toxic masculinity" that lead American troops against the Nazis, masculinity is not and will never be "toxic".
@@inkchariot6147
Masculinity is not the same as righteousness. And I’d like to remind you we only fought the Nazis because the Axis hit first.
As an example of toxic masculinity, “real men don’t cry.” Dozens of studies have shown that men, across every ethnicity and age are less likely to seek out therapy across the board. Why do you think that is?
I’m not saying masculinity is bad. But when aggressiveness, emotional unavailability and pride come together like that, it can hurt the people practicing it and everyone around them. That’s when it becomes toxic.
@_*ZAPATOZ*_
Masculinity is not inherently awful. Being aggressive and self confident is how plenty of good men rose to power and got actual change through.
Again, when it causes harm to you and the people around you, then it becomes bad. Masculinity needs to be numbed somewhat, not shot.
Never even once have I seen DMC used as an example of toxic masculinity, and I've been playing the games for ten years now.
I'll give you that Vergil's life is awful, Dante's too, to a lesser degree. But Dante is almost a bum because he keeps refusing payment from people who "Can't afford it", not because of his bad spending habits which are almost irrelevant.
Vergil's loved ones are D E A D. Who is he pushing away? Dante? Their relationship isn't the average sibling situation or rivalry.
Dante's company is Lady, probably the only person who is more damaged than him, Trish who we don't know how often hangs around him and actually goes along with his antics, the blonde girl I forget the name of who probably will get fucking killed if she spends her time with him, and Morris who just isn't that kind of friend.
Dante's situation is simply one where he'd be putting the non demons at risk, even if he's very strong.
It's kinda sad how little DMC is actually analyzed deeper than "haha funny meme game with the edgy music"
My Theory Is Sparda was met Takeru Yamato before in Japan as Sparda would travel japan before. Takeru let himself became a Demon warrior by Japanese Demon Worship method that Connect to Demon Realm so Sparda fight him and Takeru Became Yamato sword after His Defeat. Bruce Lee and MJ were Exist by Dante Inspire perform it that mean Takeru Yamato would exist too. Pornhub was exist too by Nico Hint with Nero after he defeat lady boss.🧐
555+
I think one of the biggest strengths of the characters of DMC series is that while powerful and over the top, they still have moments of humanity and it is in fact that very humanity which makes them so powerful. Dante says that though devils are naturally selfish and cruel, they become a lot stronger when they gain human emotions and fight for something other than themselves. They're tough but have human hearts which feel emotions like grief, joy, love, kindness and empathy.
Once again DMC story is proven to be more than yohoo wahhaa pizza man adventures.
Thanks for the history lesson, but you barely talked about Dantes and Virgil's mom and Dad the main epicenter that made these men who they are.
That's what I was thinking
I loved the video, but yeah you do have a good point.
Amazing content as always. This is like the only gaming analysis/essay channel that needs much more recognition
14:43 that article heavily misinterpreted Kamiya's interview. Here is the actual line from the interview:
"He is not going to be scared but his mind is burning with anger. But if he lets devils know about his feelings, the devils provoke and try to hurt his feelings..... so he pretends to be calm and keeps pretends.... then in the end, he can't keep doing it anymore and his story climaxes."
Pretty much saying that Dante isn't scared at demons (i mean why would he, no demon can even compete with him other than Vergil), but really mad at them, he puts on a facade so he can hide his anger, so that demons won't take advantage of this and cause him to slip up emotionally (which doesn't really matter considering he would just kill them or hurt them real bad).
Had the impression initially this would be some kind of PC toxic masculinity
rant towards the characters of dmc without really understanding the characters.
Pleasantly surprised to get an insightful historical insight to inspirations of the
characterization virgil has by studying japanese perceptions of the masculine.
Quite the decent video. Anyone who can break down aspects of the Devil May Cry series, and make me silently nod my head in agreement, will have my ear. You've piqued my interest and earned a subscriber.
Real men cry
While this game is about the men, this new crossover book on Wattpad called "Silent Hill: Broken daughters=Chaos adults" is about the women.
Trish alone could solo Silent Hill, what the point.
@@kagetsuki23 this book isn't a crossover with "DMC". I should have specified that, shouldn't I ?
Nero is Johnny Yong Bosch's greatest work don't @ me
I agree, though I do love Ichigo
While this may be unrelated to the discussion, an idea I had for a "Ladies Night" spin - off in DMC 5 is to have Lady, Trish, and Lucia team up to rescue Danté from hell which would parallel the Virgin Mary, Lady Beatrice and St. Lucia aiding Danté in the Divine Comedy.
Excellent little video.
Vergil splitting himself was such a great direction to take the series.
Respect, mad respect for this video
I'm so eager to see what they have planned for DMC IV (if they make one)
Just imagine, Dante and Vergil's story has ended for real, they won't hug each other but at least now they can left their traumas on the past, maybe we will see Vergil being a father (I don't know if a good one, but at least one that can teach Nero some tricks) or Dante relaxing for real instead of acting relaxed
Okay, that was a good video. I was afraid it was gonna go all annoying feminist/SJW rhetoric, but it's a VERY fair assessment of masculinity (in Japan's history). I do think it can still apply to masculinity IN GENEREAL, for example America was never nuked and suffered a devastating lost from a war like Japan, but I still think it applies spiritually/mentally what's going on with us men right now in the states. I can pretty confidently say that the men of American by in large are in a Dante period of masculinity (me being one).
Fuck, yeah you nailed it. This is sort of why I live this series so much. Bravo A+ video.
Having Dante being a call back to a notable book during the post-war occult craze makes his cameo in the Shin Megami Tensei 3 Nocturne all the more sense now.
This is what UA-cam is all about, clicking on a random video and finding gold. Wow this video was good, great job
Edit: I never found Damte attacking Vergil straight away in 5 out of character, he knew that Urizen was Vergil the entire time and wanted to make him pay for causing so many deaths in Redgrave City, which kinda didn't make that much sense when at the end when he was so buddy buddy with Vergil, or I guess, he loved Vergil that much that he was willing to forgive and forget after a good ass duel.
i love this
I love this video so much
Thanks for new DMC video! Love this series
This video was amazing, i did not understand totally the change of personalities of dante and vergil at the end of 5, but this just puts it all together
The video said violence and masculinity, but all I got was a history lesson that had nothing to do with either.
Thank god for Devik May Cry and its quippy bois. All time favorite video game series. So cool.
This is one of the best analysis I've seen of the DMC boys. Ppl usually forget that, despite using a western classic as main theme, it is still a Japanese game, so it will use other themes, tropes and archetypes found in Japanese works. The connection with pw fiction and works based in the 70s and 80s clash of old × new was a good point! 👏🏻👏🏻
Amazing video, you've really made me look at The Trio of Sparda much differently and in the best way, thanks for the hardwork that went into this.
This was a very good analysis, and I won't lie that learning the ideal of the 80s 90s hero in JPN media was of someone who is powerful, 'manly' but also freely emotional did touch me! I'm so glad I watched this! It gave me an even better appreciation of the Sparda boys.
Only beacause man dont cry all of the time doenst mean that we not feel, Man do cry but only when it matters.
"usually Dante talks to devil like he doesn't care, but he is carrying sadness and spiteful feelings because his family was killed by devils, so his mind can't be calm like water without a wave. He is not going to be scared but his mind is burning with anger."
Words of Hideki.
He doesn't fear demons. He just have negative thoughts and emotions while fighting them, and act like everything's cool to hide this.
Yo, this was really awesome! I feel as though a lot of media in the same vein as Devil May Cry doesn't frequently get this sort of analysis, let alone analysis that is well thought out and made in good faith. So thanks for being awesome!
Honestly awesome stuff! Part of the reason why I think the series has such lovable characters and effective storytelling is it's combination of subtly and - at the same time - lack thereof. Dante, Nero, and Vergil are all ridiculous and over the top, but they're just as expressive and melodramatic in exhibiting moments of humanity and emotion. I really appreciated how you broke down each of the big three in relation to Japanese history and literature and the influences behind their conception. Not just as characters, but as ones who are fantastical representations of what it means to be men.
I'm a sucker for video essays and this was an absolute treat. Thanks.
Why does this not have more views??? This is such a great look at one of my favorite series! I hope the algorithm finally gives you the attention you deserve!!
What a video! Bravo! Thank you for your work!
14:41 I think this sentence from Kamiya was heavily misinterpreted, it's hard to believe Dante his scared of his enemeis when he doesn't fear them litteraly the first cutscene of DMC 3 should make the player understand that Dante is superior to them in more ways than one, the same happens in DMC4 where he gets impaled by Nero but still takes it lightly, the fact that the player is bad at playing as him doesn't even come into the story, Dante simply dislikes demons that harm humans and fights to get rid of them, I think that sentence meant to say Dante is scared of losing someone close to him because he got them entangled in his personal conflicts and then again that was only really shown in DMC5 since in DMC3 he's learning how to acknowledge his demon heritage and stoping his remaining family from proceeding with his plans causing him to be depressed about it Lady was just the one to trigger him to care about the whole ordeal on a personal level but even there it was clear Dante didn't fear for her I'll even add that pre DMC3 he lost the mother figure he found as his gunsmith to demons i don't see him fearing demons so much as hating them getting involved with his close relatives, no in DMCV specifically he's more concerned about dealing with the situation asap because he think it's his duty to stop Vergil and he doesn't want Nero to kill his own father which would undoubtedly break him y'know since Lady did and she doesn't recommend doing it, although that was weirdly handled but eh, and the fact that Nero already went through losing family once with Credo and he didn't take it well and caused him to let him be absorbed by the savior and almost losing his life once. Dante as a whole feels like he is scared of losing family he barely has not fighting, I'm curious to know which interview this comes from tbh. Or maybe this referenced DMC:Dmc Dante since this one seems less accustomed to fighting demons and doesn't seem to be doing as a gig for his entire youth like Dmc Dante does since before the events of DMC3 tbh with all that I'd think his humour and comical attitude would just be a way for him to cover his hatred of demons but even then he isn't that antagonistic against all of them they're just his enemies if they aren't on his side like his relation with Joker started on a weird friendly antagonistic and mutual arrangement (which even joker states he'd be no match for Dante or Vergil under normal circumstances).
More like mistranslated or he got "araki forgot" since he himself said that Dante is a fearless character.
What a phenomenal video.
Thanks a million, Muse.
I personally think that it's not entirely out of the question that while Dante is without a doubt a flirt, he's asexual. I don't think it's ever actually confirmed in any way that he takes his interest in women beyond his playful flirting.
Dante's office always had posters of half naked women in it, as well as him having several one night stands, wdym?
@@daimer8660 which one night stands? I asked because I seriously have seen no actual evidence of this. Also, as a counter-point, I enjoy and often have had pictures of half or more naked women, and am still asexual. Enjoying the aesthetic of something and having a sexuality are completely different things is exactly what I mean.
@@bodkieA little late but Dante has slept with women in the old novels. Shit one even makes fun of him for his night terrors
I love Dante, I cry for Vergil.
😔
I absolutly loved this one! You did a great job again! Love from Germany~ ❤️
That was amazing Muse very satisfying. You nailed the aspects of family and brotherhood to a T muse xo :) cheers and thankyou so much xo
I feel for the Dante being afraid part you could have cut to the episode of the anime ( which is also canon with the games like the manga ) where Dante fights two demons his father trained who are also brothers. You noticed the second brother actually cries when he has to fight Dante because he didn't want to but also because well his brother.
You can also point out Dante is constantly being compared to his father, who he isn't, he is only known to the demons as The Son of Sparda. They either call him Sparda or make some reference to him. Dantes fear could be not living up to his father. Whereas Vergil actively tries to be him to the point I believe he scolded Dante for "rejecting" their father or bloodline. I forgot which game that was in or if it was worded exactly like that.
I'd also add Dante most likely stopped pretending to not care after DMC3. That's my thoughts, he's nonchalant but he cares. I would end with I don't think he's fully fearful, I think most of it is anger and rage.
14:37
17:42 Man, I hate hearing this hot garbage.
Where can one find Vergil doing Mae? I just wrote a fic with him doing just that.
I just wanted to say your previous videos on the Gothic and Dante's Inferno have really inspired me already in the fic series I'm writing. Thank you.
The source for this was a video on twitter: twitter.com/SunhiLegend/status/1349056534395944961
Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed them :D
This is a very boring analysis and misses some important things, most infuriating is this thing repeated throughout the video is Dante "Pretending not to care", sure, at some point yes. But he hasn't been in the same situation throughout his life.
Also, The finale of 5, Dante has a point about Vergil, while Vergil doesn't really care about anything that isn't his need to prove he's stronger than Dante, and that too is for various needs and reasons of his.
Nero brings about a good ending but I struggle to take the point you make seriously.
This channel is truly superb
Excellent. I learned a lot!
Have you watched the Devil May Cry Anime?
That was an incredible review, loved every minute of it and the last sentence was top notch!!!
Excellent video essay! I've been following the franchise since I was a teenager. I appreciate that brought in the Japanese history (context I was missing) and avoiding calling any of their personality traits "demonic" like the game does (Vergil is the demonic half of Sparda, Dante is the human side - the blue and red to Sparda's purple) but instead focus on how both Vergil and Dante (and Nero) exhibit masculine traits from different points in cultural history. Well done!
Excellent video. Popped up in my recommendations and I loved it. Made me a bit misty eyed at the end being a fan of the series for so long.
good video, though i'd say the only issues is the whole ''without a cause'' aspect of dante, that's only descriptive of dante in 3, the prequel where all he knows is he wants to kill demons and...that's it, he does care for the people that he encounters along the way but in no way does he have a purpose, he finds it at the end of 3 where he actively chooses to save and protect the world and dedicate his life to it like his father before him, so much so he puts that above his own brother. regarrding kamiya, that might be accurate to dmc1 since that's the game he was responsible for but i'm not sure if that was conveyed in the sequels, especially since dante since that first game has the warrior mentality of wanting a good fight and loving fighting but he has the issue of constantly underestimating his enemies which he still has issues with even in 5. other than that, great video, the coverage of vergil and nero are spot on.
Great and amazing video and narrative but not gonna lie I was waiting for a V section
7:10 You just actually said something very important. That I’ve never thought about before. The demon Urizen just sat around and waited. Which perfectly parallels how Dante is also always just sitting around in his Devil May Cry Home Office, also waiting.
Love the Devil May Cry series :D Vergil is my favorite character. He's so bad ass
Such a great video, well written and researched, consider myself subscribed
Its really funny how you're talking about them protecting each other in the end when vergil tries to cut dante's head off before he says jackpot
I need more DMC video essays like this
Anyone else notice that when Nero is talking to Vergil just before their boss fight, Vergil actually seems kind of shocked and, strikingly to my eye, actually settles himself and nods very slightly as Nero's talking? I thought that was an excellent addition, where you can see Vergil visibly defrosting and acknowledging a _person_ in front of him, and to top it all off, it's his _son._ Like, his first thought as a person was expressing, in his stifled, nascent way, admiration for the man his son had become.
The mix between violence and masculinity is what I admire from this franchise.
If only the games had the depth they pretend to work on. Great video. Still, DMC is very poorly written.
Videogame with violence and masculinity... and hot girls... well , I sure gotta play it seems awesome!
No offense but I feel like you misunderstood Dante a lot.