The anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba aired in 2019. Within a short span of time, the anime has gone on to win overwhelming reception and praise for its amazing animation and cinematography.
The manga too, has been nominated for the 24th annual Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize in 2020. It has also sold millions of copies, thus becoming one of the best-selling manga series of all time.
That the whole Demon Slayer Franchise includes an upcoming film, manga, anime, light novels, video games and more, is a testament to its rapidly increasing popularity. In fact, a highly anticipated film, based on the plot, is set to be released around October 2020.
1. Quick Review
The anime is undoubtedly and undeniably one of the most promising of the 21st Century. Packed with the most intense fight scenes, brilliant animation, and engaging plot, the anime manages to pull you into its world like no other anime can.
Its reliance on showing spectacles of violence and explicit gore works well in augmenting the depth and morbid and serious themes of the plot. Also, the gore doesn’t go overboard and end up stealing the show. Rather, it does a amazing job of appearing at random times adding another dimension of pace to the show.
2. Is it worth watching?
It is fortunate and unfortunate simultaneously that Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba is one of the few animes of contemporary times that are worth your time. It does not fail to entertain, by taking you through a multitude of emotions and experiences.
It is delightful to witness the intricate world-building. Also, the growth of each of the characters is explored in-depth, as they have to navigate various experiences and meet new people.
I. Plot
The plot of the anime follows the struggles of the main character of Tanjiro Kamado as he learns that his entire family, except for his sister, has been murdered in horrific ways. Also, his only surviving relative, his sister, has been turned into a demon, hungry for human flesh, but does show some capacity for human emotions.
He decides to take revenge on the unknown murderers of his family. Meanwhile, he becomes a demon slayer and searches for more clues to help turn her sister back into a human.
Any one who has read the plot synopsis might make the conjecture that this anime, too, will be another typical production with demons and demon slayers. Though they are not entirely wrong, they are not entirely right either. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba actually refines the genre and masterfully layers the plot and story with nuance.
The attention to detail in the plot, sound, animation, and setting can clearly be noticed in the anime. The plot progresses fairly quick and has very few plot holes.
Through 26 episodes, the anime does a good job at building up the mystery and suspense and spilling over to an amazing climax. This good execution is a huge episode-turner as the viewer won’t help control himself/herself from watching more.
II. Setting
The setting of the anime is brilliantly drawn and animated. It is a breath-taking sight to watch the snow-white landscapes. The world-building of this anime is so beautifully detailed and intricate that it helps make the entire plot believable.
III. Characters
The world of this anime is riddled with many unique characters who all play a role. They all help in furthering the steady progression of such a plot.
The main character of Tanjiro Kamado is beautifully designed. His horror at realizing his tragic fate is painful to watch and tells you a lot about him and the direction the show will go in.
His character is not your typical annoying and overly moral male protagonist who fights enemies for his “Nakama,” i.e., comrades. Tanjiro is a relatable and strong character who works hard for his family, as evidenced by him taking on the role of bread earner by selling charcoal after the death of his father.
The character development and growth of each character is noticeable from episode to episode and there is a sense of evolution that is evident. Even the emotions of the demons are given showtime, because of which Tanjiro’s emphatic nature makes him reluctant to give the final deadly blow.
3. Final Thoughts
The anime is one of the most entertaining anime I’ve ever watched. I really liked how detailed the landscapes were, and the animation really helped appreciate the effort taken to build the world.
The plot is set in Taisho-Era Japan, i.e., around the beginning of the 19th century. The effort that has gone into ensuring the accuracy of the buildings and clothing is praiseworthy.
In fact, the anime does a brilliant job of interspersing good and intense fight scenes with stunning animation, emotions, tragedy amidst gorgeous landscapes. Put in on top of your watch list!
4. Grade
Story: A
Cinematography/Animation: A+
Art: A
Music: A-
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