Demon Slayer introduces us to a world where demons exist. They feed on human beings to get stronger and increase their lifespan. However, most people don’t know about their existence, and their stories are regarded just like mythology. This means that there is no official government organization that deals with containing the threat of demons. So, the Demon Slayer Corps is a non-governmental underground group that is specifically created for that purpose. Anyone who wishes to join it has to go through rigorous training to participate in the Final Exam that decides the worthy candidates for selection, very few people can survive it and live to tell the tale.
Tanjiro Kamado, the protagonist, used to be just an ordinary boy who worked hard to feed his family. However, one day when he returned from work, he found that all of his family members were killed and eaten by the Demons except his sister, Nezuko. Although she was not dead, she had been turned into a demon. Immediately after she gained consciousness, she attacked Tanjiro, but when his brother appealed over and over again, she realized something and began to protect him. This was something extraordinary as Demon Slayer Tomioka was unable to make sense of what he was seeing.
It was Tomioka who then sent Tanjiro to Urokodaki, who trained him to join the Demon Slayer Corps. This was just the beginning of the journey for Tanjiro to save his sister and turn her back to her past self. A journey that sets him up to cross paths with Muzan Kibutsuji, the antagonist of the show. Demon Slayer went on to win the Crunchyroll Best Anime of the year Award in 2019; it was also the runner-up for IGN’s best anime series which cements its position as one of the most promising anime of this decade. With its season 2 scheduled for release next year, let’s look at the factors that make the anime so unique.
Main Cast
Although the show is focused on Tanjiro and his struggle to make her sister a human again, several other characters can’t be ignored. Zenitsu might be cowardly, but when he is in his warrior mindset, he appears to be a completely different character. Even though he is usually timid and avoids conflicts, when the situation demands, he unconsciously shows a much more valiant side. The dichotomy in his characterization can get anyone hooked. Then there is Inosuke, who is cocky but still manages to be entertaining with all his antics. Also, who can forget, Tanjiro’s sister Nezuko, who despite being a demon, is able to appear innocent and cute. Her popularity among the fans is only second to the protagonist and his brother, Tanjiro.
Supporting Characters
With a very diverse main cast, Demon Slayer does not miss out on creating equally interesting supporting characters who have their own fanbase. Tanjiro’s trainer Urokodaki, who becomes a fatherly figure for the protagonist to Tomioka who risks his own life to grant Nezuko and his brother permission to stay with each other. There is no dearth of characters whose compassion can move one to tears.
Fight Choreography
Very few anime have the kind of fight choreography that you will see on Demon Slayer. The Slayers with their magical swords appear mind-blowing on the screen. All the elements of the fight scenes move so beautifully together, creating a mystical aura that leaves one spellbound. The fight between Rui, Tanjiro and Nezuko, which was an essential part of season 1, is an excellent example of the masterful choreography and visuals that no one should not miss out on.
Relationships
Since the show is about a brother and sister, it is impossible not to point out the way the relationships have been portrayed on Demon Slayer. Nezuko and Tanjiro always stand by each other, even though his sister is a demon, Tanjiro never lost hope. He worked hard and became a Demon Slayer only to help her sister not because he wanted fame or otherworldly possessions. Their relationships serve as an example for others. Then we have Kanao who was sold by his parents and later rescued by one of the pillars. She had a hard life, and the psychological trauma haunts her to this day. She never talks to anyone and remains aloof. However, when she finally spends some time in the Recovery Training Arc with Tanjiro, she realizes there is something special between them.
The last episode of the anime alludes that Kanao might have a crush on Tanjiro. The relationship between Kanao and Tanjiro serves as a great example of how Demon Slayer has been a great anime. Their bond does not feel rushed, and the characters are given ample time to grow with each other. This is not exclusive to them only, but all the other relationships between the characters are equally well-built.
Demons
It is impossible to talk about Demon Slayer without mentioning Demons. Now one might feel that demons are essentially evil beings with no compassion except for Nezuko. However, even though this description is entirely accurate, it fails to recognize the lessons that the creators are probably trying to teach. The show explicitly shows us how every single Demon had some tragic story. They might have murdered people, but they become cruel and unforgiving only when they are ostracized by society.
Whenever Tanjiro kills a Demon, he can always smell the trauma and pain that they have been carrying in their hearts that needed to be unleashed. When Tanjiro compassionately listens to their story, he realizes how all these demons once used ordinary human beings with families. Maybe there is a message that people are missing out on; it seems we all are capable of becoming demons but what we can also do is rescue someone from becoming one. All we need is a bit of compassion and a listening ear.
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