Adi Shankar's animated adaptation of Devil May Cry has been well-received, becoming the fourth-most-watched series on Netflix with over 5 million views and leading to the announcement of a second season.
Shankar's love for Devil May Cry is evident in his show, which he describes as '1/4 a love letter to Capcom and 3/4 a DMC show,' incorporating nods to various Capcom franchises.
Shankar's personal connection to Devil May Cry stems from playing the first game in 2001, finding its power fantasy captivating, and following the franchise's evolution attentively.
He emphasizes the importance of embracing iconic character design, citing Dante as a visually striking and culturally significant figure in video game history.
Shankar infuses his own self into Devil May Cry but clarifies that it's not autobiographical, striving to bring depth and empathy to every character in the series.
The extended process of creating the Devil May Cry series was viewed as a way to expand the franchise, reach new audiences, and honor the legacy set by Hideki Kamiya and Hideaki Itsuno.
Shankar's approach involves storytelling across seasons, with Season 1 serving as an introduction for newcomers and casual fans, leading to a deeper exploration in Season 2 for hardcore enthusiasts.
He stresses the importance of multiple creators contributing to a franchise to keep it dynamic and relevant, citing examples of creative reinvention in enduring brands like Batman, Spider-Man, and Game of Thrones.
According to Shankar, the key to the longevity of a franchise like Devil May Cry lies in respecting the legacy while pushing it forward through creative reinvention and a long-term vision.
He advocates for creators to have a 10-year plan when taking on a franchise to ensure a strategic approach and commitment to evolving and sustaining the brand.