Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Review
Table of Contents
Introduction
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a fascinating anime shounen series that has garnered praise for its animation, characters, and storyline. The movie was directed by Haruo Sotozaki and based on the manga series by Koyoharu Gotouge. It has taken the anime world by storm with its breathtaking animation, compelling characters, and emotionally resonant story. Let us hear from our top recommender first.
- Rotten Tomatoes: The first season of Demon Slayer follows the journey of Tanjirō Kamado, a youth who plunges into a quest to fight demons and save his sister after their family is brutally attacked. The animation and voice acting enhance the work, making it a visually compelling experience.
- IMDb: Viewers appreciate the gore, unique demons, and character development. The portrayal of powers and the evolution of the main characters add depth to the story. The animation quality is commendable, and fans eagerly await the movie adaptation.
- Common Sense Media: This anime is not just for kids; adults find it amazing too. The well-thought-out storyline, detailed characters, and beautiful animation contribute to its appeal. Additionally, it incorporates elements of Japanese culture.
- Geeks Under Grace: Demon Slayer falls into the Shounen genre, characterized by flashy visuals, vibrant colors, and fluid action scenes. The breathing abilities even evoke an old-school Japanese art style.
- Den of Geek: While many anime series about demon slaying exist, Demon Slayer stands out by reinventing classic action tropes. Its unique approach keeps viewers engaged and intrigued.
For most of 2019, I could not go anywhere on the internet without coming across some kind of commentary about Kimetsu no Yaiba or how great it was, and I wanted to create a Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba review. When Crunchyroll awarded the anime the “Anime of the Year” award at their 2019 Anime Awards, that was more than enough evidence that I had to watch this anime.
But as they say, timing is everything, and I have only just had time to talk about it. I promise there are plenty of things to discuss about this anime. Although I had only heard good things about it before viewing it, and from the few glimpses I got, the show is actual content was far more complex than that. The actual show debuted in April 2019 and ran for a total of twenty-six episodes until September of the same year.
According to MyAnimeList, the show currently has an 8.86 out of 10 rating, but I seem to recall that during its initial release, it peaked at a rating in the 9.0 range and momentarily ranked in the top ten anime of all time before falling to its current spot.
Story and Plot
The plot of Demon Slayer centers on Kamado Tanjiro and his unusual sister Nezuko as they search for Kibutsuji Muzan, a demon, in order to transform Nezuko back into a human. One morning when Tanjiro returns from selling charcoal, he finds his family murdered, along with Nezuko, the lone survivor who has been transformed into a demon. Tanjiro trains to become a demon slayer after being thrust into the world of demons and the accompanying evil, while Nezuko trains to restrain her demonic craving for human flesh. Tanjiro also encounters two more demon slayers with lively and occasionally obnoxious personalities: Zenitsu and Inosuke. After learning that Tanjiro and his demonic sister Nezuko are demon slayers, Tomioka Giyu (the Hashira who rescued and supported Tanjiro) and the Hashira (the highest ranking members of the demon slayer corps) call upon Tanjiro to serve him punishment.
It is clear from this point on that Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke would go out and battle each of the Hashiras separately; the fight on the Mugen Train was my personal favorite. Along with Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, Rengoku Kyoujuro—the Flame Hashira—boarded the Mugen Train. The Upper Third Moon, Akaza, appears after vanquishing Muzan’s Lower Moon demon, drastically altering the mood and tone of the film. Rengoku lost his life rescuing Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Akaza as the film/season came to an end. I found the movie to be quite entertaining because of the fight scene, the music, the animation, and Rengoku by himself. I read the revelation at the end of the anime blind, not having read the manga, and it made me cry a lot.
It was hard for me to think that anything could top the Mugen Train. The entertainment district arc, though, did not let me down. Considering how hard it was for Uzui, Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu to kill the Upper Six Demon, they were undoubtedly very annoying. Nevertheless, it is fascinating to note the similarities between the sibling bond and Tanjiro’s perspective of his relationship with Nezuko as seen through Daki and her brother. It is no secret that Tanjiro’s and Nezuko’s fates would not have been all that dissimilar from Daki’s and her brother’s had Tanjiro’s teacher not taken Speaking of the season finale, it was painful to watch every week, especially when the whole entertainment district blew up.
These kinds of show finales were incredibly thrilling and exciting, but I have to admit that Tengen’s survival of the battle with the Upper Six Moon surprised me, especially given how much stronger Rengoku was than Tengen. These kinds of show finales were incredibly thrilling and exciting, but I have to admit that Tengen’s survival of the battle with the Upper Six Moon surprised me, especially given how much stronger Rengoku was than Tengen. I found Demon Slayer to be a different anime because of its focus on Nezuko and how her small changes eventually led to her larger outburst. For a very long time, Shounen anime has been criticized for giving little attention to female characters in favor of male characters and their growth.
Lastly, speaking of the most recent season, it would not be shocking to state that the majority of people were disappointed. Seeing the gigantic fish-like demons attempt to harm the swordsmiths did not appeal to me personally. It was much understated that Muichiro defeated the Upper Five Moon demon by himself, especially considering how hard the Hashira and the three of them had to fight the Upper Moon demons. In addition to emerging from the fight victorious, he was also still alive and had all of his limbs intact. It could be argued that, being a hashira, this is to be expected of him, but it should also be remembered that Muichiro was weaker than Rengoku and Tenegn, who both suffered greatly.
However, the idea of Love Hashira felt so strange for a horror novel like Demon Slayer. I was generally really dissatisfied with the season, especially the season finale.
What We Can Expect In Demon Slayer Season 4
Demon Slayer season 4 will adapt the manga’s Hashira Training arc, which features Tanjiro getting the training needed to become a Hashira, according to the title. The strongest Hashira, including those who have not made many appearances thus far, like Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima, will be Tanjiro’s trainers. Compared to the original Hashira meeting scene, this will give fans a better understanding of these characters by shining a nice spotlight on them.
Still, the nine-chapter Hashira Training arc is fairly enough. By contrast, the manga’s eleven-episode Swordsmith Village arc had 27 chapters total, or approximately two chapters per episode. That would imply that Demon Slayer’s 4th season will either consist of just four or five episodes, or that the season will cover more ground than this single, short arc. The 46-chapter Infinity Castle arc, which takes place after the Hashira Training arc, would require an entire season’s worth of episodes. Until now, Demon Slayer has attempted to release entire story arcs all at once rather than distributing them over several seasons, but season 4 may require a change in strategy. Because of all of this, it is currently difficult to predict how much of season 4 will be covered; only more formal information will help to shed light on this.
Characters
| Ubuyashiki Family | ||||
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| Kagaya Ubuyashiki | Amane Ubuyashiki | Hinaki Ubuyashiki | Nichika Ubuyashiki | Kiriya Ubuyashiki |
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| Kanata Ubuyashiki | ||||
| Hashira | ||||
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| Water Hashira Giyu Tomioka | Love Hashira Mitsuri Kanroji | Serpent Hashira Obanai Iguro | Wind Hashira Sanemi Shinazugawa | Stone Hashira Gyomei Himejima |
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| Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito | Insect Hashira Shinobu Kocho | Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku | Flower Hashira Kanae Kocho | |
| Former Hashira | ||||
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| Water Hashira Sakonji Urokodaki | Thunder Hashira Jigoro Kuwajima | Flame Hashira Shinjuro Rengoku | Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui | |
| Demon Slayers | |||||
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| Kanao Tsuyuri | Tanjiro Kamado | Zenitsu Agatsuma | Inosuke Hashibira | Nezuko Kamado | |
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| GenyaShinazugawa | Murata | Ozaki | Yoriichi | ||
| Upper Ranks | ||||
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| Upper Rank 1 Kokushibo | Upper Rank 2 Doma | Upper Rank 3 Akaza | Upper Rank 4 Hantengu | Upper Rank 5 Gyokko |
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| Upper Rank 6 Gyutaro | Upper Rank 6 Daki | |||
| Lower Ranks | ||||
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| Lower Rank 1 Enmu | Lower Rank 2 Rokuro | Lower Rank 3 Wakuraba | Lower Rank 4 Mukago | Lower Rank 5 Rui |
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| Lower Rank 6 Kamanue | FormerLower Rank 6 Kyogai | |||
Civilians/Others
| Kamado Family | ||||
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| Tanjuro Kamado | Kie Kamado | Takeo Kamado | Hanako Kamado | Shigeru Kamado |
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| Rokuta Kamado | Tanjiro’s Grandmother | Sumiyoshi Kamado | Suyako Kamado | Sumire Kamado |
| Shinazugawa Family | ||||
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| Kyogo Shinazugawa | Shizu Shinazugawa | Sumi Shinazugawa | Teiko Shinazugawa | Hiroshi Shinazugawa |
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| Koto Shinazugawa | Shuya Shinazugawa | |||
| Tokito Family | ||||
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| Muichiro’s Father | Yuichiro Tokito | |||
| Kanroji Family | ||||
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| Mitsuri’s Family | ||||
| Final Selection Arc | ||||
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| Saburo | Sabito † | Makomo | ||
| Kidnapper’s Bog Arc | ||||
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| Kazumi | Satoko † | Tokie | ||
| Asakusa Arc | ||||
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| Toyo | Rei | Yatsu † | ||
| Tsuzumi Mansion Arc | ||||
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| Teruko | Shoichi | Kiyoshi | Hisa | |
| Mugen Train | ||||
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| Fuku | Tomi | Senjuro Rengoku | Ruka Rengoku | |
| Entertainment District | ||||
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| Hinatsuru | Makio | Suma | Koinatsu | Omitsu |
| Swordsmith Village | ||||
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| Hotaru Haganezuka | Kozo Kanamori | Tecchin Tecchikawahara | Kotetsu | Tetsuido |
| Other | ||||
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| Chachamaru | Kaburamaru | Woman in Inosuke’s memory | ||
Voice Artists
Voice artists wield the power of intonation, cadence, and emotion to breathe life into characters, narrations, and advertisements. Their vocal prowess captivates audiences, evoking empathy, excitement, or suspense.
Here are Voice Artist of Demon Slayers
Techniques and Breathing Styles
- Tanjiro Kamado:
- Water Breathing Technique: Tanjiro primarily uses the Water Breathing technique, which involves fluid and agile movements to enhance his swordsmanship.
- Dance of the Fire God: Later in the series, Tanjiro learns a unique form called the Dance of the Fire God, which combines elements of Water Breathing with his family’s ancestral dance.
- Nezuko Kamado:
- Blood Demon Art: Nezuko possesses a unique ability as a demon. She can shrink her body to fit into a small box, and she develops other abilities as the series progresses.
- Zenitsu Agatsuma:
- Thunder Breathing Technique: Zenitsu specializes in the Thunder Breathing technique, which focuses on swift and powerful strikes.
- Thunderclap and Flash: His most notable move is the Thunderclap and Flash technique, which allows him to move and attack at incredible speeds.
- Inosuke Hashibira:
- Beast Breathing Technique: Inosuke utilizes the Beast Breathing technique, which mimics the movements and instincts of wild animals.
- Beast Breathing Techniques: His techniques involve various animal-themed attacks, such as Beast Breathing First Form: Thunderclap and Flash, and others inspired by boars.
- Kanao Tsuyuri:
- Flower Breathing Technique: Kanao employs the Flower Breathing technique, which emphasizes precise and delicate movements.
- Whirlpool: One of Kanao’s techniques is Whirlpool, a spinning attack that overwhelms opponents with multiple strikes.
- Kyojuro Rengoku:
- Flame Breathing Technique: Kyojuro is a user of the Flame Breathing technique, which allows him to generate and control flames with his sword.
- Giyu Tomioka:
- Water Breathing Technique: Giyu is a master of the Water Breathing technique, displaying immense skill and power in his swordsmanship.
- Eleventh Form: Dead Calm: Giyu’s ultimate technique, which allows him to achieve a state of perfect calm and concentration, enhancing his abilities.
- Shinobu Kocho:
- Insect Breathing Technique: Shinobu utilizes the Insect Breathing technique, which involves graceful movements and the use of poison.
- Wisteria Poison: Shinobu’s specialty is her ability to create and use various poisons, particularly wisteria-based poisons that are lethal to demons.
- Muichiro Tokito:
- Mist Breathing Technique: Muichiro utilizes the Mist Breathing technique, which emphasizes swift and unpredictable movements.
- Tokito Style: Muichiro develops his own unique style within the Mist Breathing technique, incorporating his own personal techniques like Mist Breathing Seventh Form: Moonbow.
- Sanemi Shinazugawa:
- Wind Breathing Technique: Sanemi specializes in the Wind Breathing technique, which focuses on swift and precise strikes.
- Sanemi’s Techniques: He has developed his own powerful techniques within the Wind Breathing style, such as Wind Breathing Second Form: Gale.
- Tengen Uzui:
- Sound Breathing Technique: Tengen utilizes the Sound Breathing technique, which involves rhythmic movements and sound-based attacks.
- Tengen’s Techniques: He has developed his own unique techniques within the Sound Breathing style, such as Sound Breathing Second Form: Echo Location.
- Gyomei Himejima:
- Stone Breathing Technique: Gyomei is a practitioner of the Stone Breathing technique, which focuses on powerful and sturdy strikes.
- Gyomei’s Techniques: He has mastered various stone-based techniques, including Stone Breathing Fifth Form: Phantom Stab.
- Mitsuri Kanroji:
- Love Breathing Technique: Mitsuri utilizes the Love Breathing technique, which emphasizes flexibility and empathy in combat.
- Mitsuri’s Techniques: She employs techniques that reflect her compassionate nature, such as Love Breathing Second Form: Love Pangs.
- Genya Shinazugawa:
- Demon Slayer Mark: Genya possesses the Demon Slayer Mark, which grants him enhanced strength, speed, and senses.
- Demon Slayer Techniques: He utilizes his mark along with his own techniques, such as Spiral Chopping, which involves spinning his sword rapidly to increase cutting power.
- Yoriichi Tsugikuni:
- Breath of the Sun Technique: Yoriichi is the original creator of the Breath of the Sun technique, which is considered the most powerful breathing style.
- Yoriichi’s Techniques: He mastered various forms within the Breath of the Sun technique, including Sun Breathing First Form: Dawn Red.
- Kokushibo (Michikatsu Tsugikuni):
- Breath of the Moon Technique: Kokushibo utilizes the Breath of the Moon technique, which is a variant of the Breath of the Sun.
- Kokushibo’s Techniques: He employs powerful moon-based attacks and techniques, such as Moon Breathing Eighth Form: Dark Moon.
- Yushiro:
- Blood Demon Art: Yushiro possesses a Blood Demon Art that allows him to create and manipulate illusions.
- Illusion Techniques: He can create realistic illusions to deceive and confuse opponents.
- Gyokko:
- Swamp Demon Art: Gyokko possesses the ability to manipulate swamp-like substances and create powerful illusions within his domain.
- Swamp Techniques: He can create various swamp-based attacks and traps to ensnare his opponents.
- Daki:
- Temari Demon Art: Daki possesses the ability to manipulate temari balls imbued with demonic energy, which she uses as weapons.
- Temari Techniques: She can launch explosive temari balls and control their movements with precision.
- Gyutaro:
- Temari Demon Art: Gyutaro shares Daki’s ability to manipulate temari balls, using them as weapons in combat.
- Temari Techniques: He employs swift and precise attacks with his temari balls, often coordinating with Daki in battle.
- Kaigaku:
- Thunderclap and Flash: Kaigaku was a former disciple of the Thunder Breathing technique and is adept at using the Thunderclap and Flash technique.
- Lightning Techniques: He can move and attack with incredible speed, utilizing lightning-like movements in combat.
- Susamaru:
- Temari Demon Art: Susamaru possesses the ability to manifest multiple temari balls imbued with demonic energy, which she uses as projectiles.
- Temari Techniques: She can launch powerful and explosive temari balls at her opponents, causing widespread destruction.
- Yahaba:
- Arrow Demon Art: Yahaba possesses the ability to control arrows of blood using his Blood Demon Art, manipulating them with precision to attack his enemies.
- Arrow Techniques: He can create intricate patterns and formations with his blood arrows to confuse and trap opponents.
- Temari Demon:
- Unnamed Demon Art: This demon possesses the ability to manipulate temari balls similarly to Daki and Gyutaro, using them as weapons in combat.
- Temari Techniques: It employs a variety of temari-based attacks, utilizing its agility and speed to overwhelm opponents.
- Enmu:
- Dream Demon Art: Enmu possesses the ability to manipulate dreams and induce sleep in his victims using his Dream Demon Art.
- Dream Techniques: He can create elaborate dreamscapes and illusions to trap and manipulate his targets within their own dreams.
- Akaza (Hakuji):
- Moon Breathing Technique: Akaza utilizes the Moon Breathing technique, which is a variant of the Breath of the Sun.
- Akaza’s Techniques: He employs powerful moon-based attacks and techniques, such as Moon Breathing Fifth Form: Moon Spirit Calamity.
- Nakime:
- Infinity Castle Demon Art: Nakime possesses the ability to manipulate space within the Infinity Castle using her Demon Art.
- Space Manipulation: She can distort and alter the space within the castle, creating illusions and traps for her opponents.
- Muzan Kibutsuji:
- Blood Demon Art: Muzan is the progenitor of demons and possesses numerous demonic abilities, including regeneration, shape-shifting, and manipulation of demonic energy.
- Muzan’s Techniques: He can create powerful shockwaves, release deadly toxins, and control lesser demons to do his bidding.
- Upper Moons (One through Six):
- Various Demon Arts: Each of the Upper Moons possesses unique abilities granted by Muzan, ranging from elemental manipulation to physical enhancements.
- Upper Moons’ Techniques: They employ powerful and diverse techniques in combat, often combining their strengths to overwhelm opponents.
- Lower Moons (One through Six):
- Various Demon Arts: Like the Upper Moons, the Lower Moons possess unique abilities granted by Muzan, though they are generally less powerful.
- Lower Moons’ Techniques: They utilize their Demon Arts and special abilities to serve Muzan and carry out his orders.
- Kotetsu:
- Mist Breathing Technique: Kotetsu specializes in the Mist Breathing technique, which emphasizes swift and unpredictable movements.
- Kotetsu’s Techniques: He employs various techniques within the Mist Breathing style, utilizing mist-based attacks to disorient and confuse opponents.
- Kuina:
- Mist Breathing Technique: Kuina also specializes in the Mist Breathing technique, honing her skills to become a formidable demon slayer.
- Kuina’s Techniques: She develops her own unique techniques within the Mist Breathing style, utilizing her agility and speed to outmaneuver foes.
- Sumi Nakahara:
- Flower Breathing Technique: Sumi trains in the Flower Breathing technique, learning to channel her breath and movements for precision and grace.
- Sumi’s Techniques: She practices various forms within the Flower Breathing style, striving to improve her skills as a demon slayer.
- Naho Takada:
- Flower Breathing Technique: Naho also trains in the Flower Breathing technique, mastering elegant and fluid movements with her sword.
- Naho’s Techniques: She refines her techniques within the Flower Breathing style, aiming to become a skilled and honorable demon slayer.
Music and Theme
The music in Kimetsu no Yaiba is distinctly traditional Japanese. The soundtrack, which primarily consists of Japanese instruments, creates a very traditional atmosphere that is perfectly suited to the scene.
But there are also fleeting moments where powerful rock music with an electric guitar foundation is introduced, particularly in some of the more intense fight scenes.
The show is beginning and conclusion were equally excellent. Lisa plays the theme song for the show, “Gurenge,” and both the song and the opening video are entertaining, building the suspense and excitement during the first few moments of the episode. FictionJunction’s “from the edge” ending also functions as a satisfying break from the show’s more intense moments and presents an artistic video as a background for the credits.
Here is the list of all the audio to keep listening to.
Akaza Theme
Akaza vs Rengoku Theme
Asa ga Kuru Song
Demon Slayer Opening Song
Demon Slayer_ Rengoku Theme
Douma Theme (Original Soundtrack)
From the Edge Song
Gurenge Song
Inosuke Theme (Full Version)
Kamado Nezuko no Uta
Kamado Tanjiro no Uta (Piano)
Kibutsuji Muzan Theme
Kimetsu no Yaiba Kizuna no Kiseki
Koi Kogare song
Kokushibo Theme (Original Soundtrack)
Nakime Theme (Original Soundtrack)
Tanjiro vs Hantengu Final Fight
TANJIRO VS RUI THEME
Tengen Uzui Theme V2
Tengen vs Gyutaro Final Fight Theme
Tomioka Giyu no Theme
Yoriichi Theme
Zenitsu Theme V2 (Thunder Clap and Flash!)
Zohakuten Theme
Conclusion
The positive reviews that Kimetsu no Yaiba has received in the last year are well-deserved. Its action is snappy, its characters engaging, and most of all, its art style is gorgeous. Even with its flaws and inconsistent writing, the show would still be enjoyable to watch because of its strong points.
Its performance, particularly in the middle of the season, shows that the studio is capable of creating excellent storylines, and I hope that this trend carries over into the upcoming seasons.
