You know, when you think of The Cuphead Show!, your mind probably jumps straight to the titular brothers, Cuphead and Mugman, or perhaps the ever-scheming Devil himself. But there's a character who often hovers in the background, a loyal, if somewhat put-upon, figure who deserves a closer look: Henchman.
He's literally called Henchman, and that's pretty much his gig – he's the Devil's right-hand demon, his number one guy. But here's the interesting part, and it's something I found myself really warming to: despite being a purple, horned, Fat Demon from Inkwell Hell, Henchman doesn't exactly exude pure malice. It’s almost like he’s stuck in a job he doesn’t entirely love, or at least, he’s not as gleefully wicked as his boss.
Think about it. While the Devil is busy plotting world domination or trying to get his soul contract back, Henchman is often the one trying to keep things from spiraling too out of control, or maybe just trying to keep the Devil from incinerating too many souls. There are moments, like when Mugman gets nabbed, where Henchman looks genuinely horrified, not gleeful. It suggests a flicker of empathy, a recognition that Cuphead might have pushed his luck a bit too far, and perhaps, just perhaps, he doesn't want to see things go that badly.
His appearance itself is quite striking. He's a Fat Demon, a large, heavyset devil in a brilliant purple hue, complete with beaky nose, short horns, and those distinctive elephant hoof-like feet. But the show gives him a bit of a unique spin. His face is white, his horns and wing-webs are yellow, and he sports those iconic gloves. He’s often seen hunching his shoulders, giving him a slightly less imposing, more… well, henchman-like posture. He’s not always standing tall and proud; he’s more of a loyal subordinate.
And the outfits! While he's often seen in his natural, let's say, 'demon-wear,' the show has a lot of fun dressing him up. From a brief stint in a tailcoat reminiscent of King Dice, to a grass skirt and floral waistband in 'The Devil's Revenge!', or a Hawaiian shirt and lei for a vacation, Henchman’s wardrobe changes are a visual treat and add to his surprisingly relatable, if slightly put-upon, persona. Even his nails get a richer golden color sometimes – little details that make him more than just a generic baddie.
He’s voiced by Dave Wasson, and you can really hear that touch of weary sincerity in his delivery. His catchphrase, "Aw, geez," perfectly encapsulates his general vibe. He’s not the mastermind; he’s the guy who has to deal with the fallout, the one who has to manage the underworld affairs, and sometimes, even host a game show that gets canceled. It’s a far cry from the typical demonic enforcer.
So, while Cuphead and Mugman are off on their adventures and the Devil is plotting his next move, spare a thought for Henchman. He’s the unsung, purple, slightly anxious heart of the Devil’s operation, a character who, despite his role, manages to feel surprisingly human… or perhaps, surprisingly demon-like in his own unique way.