The High-Stakes World of Class Black#
Akuma no Riddle: Riddle Story of Devil presents a gripping premise where the 10th grade of Myōjō Academy, known as “Class Black,” is not your typical group of students. The class consists of 12 assassins, all with a single target: Haru Ichinose. While Ichinose is fully aware that she is the prey, she is determined to survive the assassination attempts and graduate. The dynamic shifts when one of the assassins, Tokaku Azuma, develops feelings for Ichinose and decides to switch sides to become her protector. Together, they must survive the onslaught of the remaining 11 classmates.
If you are looking to dive into this battle of wits and weapons, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
When deciding whether to commit to the series, a primary concern for our readers is whether the anime provides a satisfying conclusion. The anime adaptation premiered in 2014, while the original manga source material was serialized from August 2012 and did not conclude until October 2016.
Because the manga continued for two years after the anime’s release, those who watch only the anime may find the story incomplete. To get the full resolution of the conflict and the definitive ending of the characters’ journeys, continuing with the source material is highly recommended. You can buy the Akuma no Riddle manga to see how the story ultimately concludes.
Appeal and Target Audience#
Akuma no Riddle is best suited for viewers who enjoy a blend of high-tension action and character-driven drama. Specifically, the series heavily features yuri themes, focusing on the emotional bond and protective relationship that develops between Tokaku and Haru amidst a deadly game of survival.
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Recommended Watch and Reading Order#
To help you navigate the series, we have provided a relationship tree below this article. Depending on your preferences, here are the best ways to experience the story:
Release Order#
If you prefer to experience the series as it was released to the general public, start with the Riddle Story of Devil anime (2014). This is the quickest way to get into the plot and see the action unfold.
Completionist Order#
For those who want the most comprehensive experience, we recommend starting with the Akuma no Riddle manga (2012-2016). This provides the complete narrative arc from beginning to end before you watch the anime adaptation to see the scenes brought to life.
The “Source Material” Path#
If you don’t mind switching mediums, watch the anime first to get a feel for the characters and world, and then dive into the manga to uncover the remaining plot points and the final conclusion.
While you’re exploring the series, you might also want to pick up some Akuma no Riddle merchandise to commemorate your journey with Class Black.
Akuma no Riddle: Riddle Story of Devil • manga • 2012-08-10 to 2016-10-08 (serialized in Newtype, Sep 2012 - Nov 2016)
└─(adaptation)→ Riddle Story of Devil • anime • 2014-04-03
