Demon Slayer is the 2019 anime adaptation of the eponymous manga written and illustrated by Koyoharu Gotouge. The series quickly gained immense popularity and success. Its impressive storyline and breathtaking visuals helped Demon Slayer secure its position as one of the new “Big Three” in anime. Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado on his quest to restore his sister’s humanity after she becomes a demon due to being the sole survivor of her family’s demon attack.
After his first encounter with the Hashira demon slayer Giyu Tomioka, Tanjiro is set on a path to join the Demon Slayer Corps. As a demon slayer, Tanjiro and Nezuko embark on several dangerous missions in order to keep the world safe and ultimately defeat the Demon King Muzan who created all demons and murdered their family. Demon Slayer is an incredible anime that’s revered by many fans as the best shonen series in anime history.
10 Demon Slayer's Storyline Is Unlike Any Other
Demon Slayer's exciting plot captivated fans immediately. Tanjiro’s journey is both inspiring and terrifying. Watching Tanjiro’s inability to give up on Nezuko while fighting to keep others safe, puts viewers on the edge of their seats. Each demon that Tanjiro and the other demon slayers interact with has their own intriguing backstory.
Aside from Tanjiro’s enemies, fans become attached to the friends he makes along the way. Giyu, Tengen, Kyoguro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu are fan favorites for different reasons. Additionally, audiences can’t wait to witness the other Hashira in battle, meet the upper 12 demons, and finally discover more about Muzan.
9 There Are Several Different Abilities Introduced
Aside from the Hashira and Muzan, demons and demon slayer underlings have interesting abilities as well. The demons have special blood demon art: Daki was able to manipulate her belt to trap her victims, Yahaba could create and manipulate arrows as weapons, and Lady Tamayo can cast spells using her blood.
Demon slayers like Zenitsu have special hearing and use thunder breathing that increases his speed, while Inosuke uses beast breathing that enhances the muscles in his body. Learning about unique techniques from demons and demon slayers is an exciting experience for fans.
8 Zenitsu And Inosuke Are The Teammates Fans Never Knew They Needed
Zenitsu is a cowardly sweetheart that can only fight when he’s asleep, and Inosuke is a wild misfit that was raised by boars. Though they’re eccentric characters, they’re exactly who Tanjiro and Nezuko need. Zenitsu and Inosuke aren’t only fun to watch, but fans have become emotionally attached to them as well.
They’ve saved Tanjiro and Nezuko’s life, and are now committed to a journey of growth together. While each character provides comedic relief, it’s also thrilling to watch them progress as demon slayers alongside Tanjiro and Nezuko.
7 Demon Slayer Starts With Action
While some anime take their time building tension and suspense, others jump straight into action from the first scene. Demon Slayer adapted the latter’s method and fans have eagerly watched Tanjiro and Nezuko’s journey ever since. Demon Slayer starts off with the third person vantage point of someone trudging through the snow.
A few seconds later audiences see a distressed young man pleading with Nezuko to stay alive as he carries her unconscious body on his back with drops of her blood tarnishing freshly fallen snow. The scene then cuts to a happy Tanjiro departing from his loving family as he prepares to work in town. This sequence of events reels audiences in immediately – they are hooked from the first scene, let alone the first episode.
6 Demon Slayer Doesn't Have Filler
Filler episodes are episodes outside of the main storyline created by different illustrators. Filler episodes in anime is a common technique used to buy the manga artists more time while they create more chapters. Though illustrating a manga scene requires a substantial amount of time and dedication, artists underestimate how much fans are willing to wait for their favorite series.
Producing episodes of lower quality only frustrated fans more. Demon Slayer is a refreshing change of pace as the anime contains no filler. Though the wait is sometimes unbearable, fans are willing to hold out if it means enjoying the excellent quality they’re used to.
5 The Hashira Are Fascinating Superiors
The Hashira are the nine strongest demon slayers in the Demon Slayer Corps. They’re skilled fighters with unique specialties, such as Kyoguro who was the Flame Hashira and Tengen who is the Sound Hashira. When fans were first introduced to the Hashira, they were presented as the unwavering hierarchy that refused to accept Tanjiro or Nezuko.
As the story progressed, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke found themselves fighting side by side with the Hashira. After Kyoguro in the Mugen Train arc and Tengen in the Entertainment District arc, the storyline has now presented a pattern. Each season will show Tanjiro fight alongside a new Hashira. Viewers are aware of the nine Hashira specialties: Flame, Sound, Insect, Serpent, Love, Mist, Water, Wind, and Stone, and they can’t wait to see them in action.
4 Muzan Is A Terrifying Villain
Muzan's role as a major antagonist is unprecedented. As the Demon King, he not only created all demons but he was the first one in existence. So far in the anime, his origin story is still a mystery. However, fans have witnessed his exceptional strength and intimidating abilities. Muzan can hide among humans by changing form.
He’s posed as an adult female, a family man, and a child. He’s fast and powerful. He sliced Akaza’s body with a single look of intention, and can read demon thoughts. Every time Muzan is on screen fans can’t help but feel an eerie chill that excites and terrifies them.
3 Fans Are Compelled To Empathize With Demons
Demons are the enemy, it’s as simple as that. At least it should be. However, Demon Slayer sometimes makes it difficult for viewers to maintain their animosity for the antagonists that set out to assassinate their heroes. During battle or after their defeat, fans learn more about the demons Tanjiro and Nezuko fought. They understand who they were as humans and what led them to their demonic afterlife.
Susamaru just wanted someone to play with, Rui wanted a loving family, and Gyutaro and Daki were siblings who loved each other more than anything but ultimately suffered a terrible fate. Additionally, all demons answer to Muzan. They must please him or suffer the consequences. Knowing these intimate details gives fans a different perspective, and even makes them feel bad for the demons they meet.
2 Tanjiro And Nezuko Are The Heart Of Demon Slayer
Tanjiro's love for Nezuko is what sets Demon Slayer’s story in motion. Tanjiro refused to give up on her, and Nezuko’s love for her brother outweighed her new demonic nature. Together they redefine human-demon relationships and change the world around them.
Though Tanjiro’s sensei Sakonji used suggestive hypnosis on Nezuko, she already displayed her lingering humanity when she fought to protect her brother moments after she was turned. Tanjiro and Nezuko continue to fight and risk their lives for each other, inspiring those who doubted them along the way. Furthermore, their moments together are the most adorable and heartwarming scenes in the series.
1 Demon Slayer's Animation Is Unparalleled
Fans are consistently blown away by Demon Slayer’s stunning animation. Stills of nature – trees, running water, fire, and snow look like a cross between animation and real life. As Studio Ufotable’s first mainstream project, Demon Slayer promptly helped Ufotable gain widespread recognition. The studio uses CGI to deliver dynamic action sequences, colorful imagery, poetic illustrations, and fluid 3D style graphics.
Demon Slayer’s animation style is a huge part of its success. Ufotable understands the importance of perfectly depicting each demon slayer’s breathing style, demon abilities, and the scenery that surrounds each scene. Fans watch in awe and are grateful for the animators hard work.