Kimetsu no Yaiba Review: A Detailed Look at Its Story, Arcs, and Impact

Demon Slayer is a well-known phenomenon now; it’s no longer a hidden gem. But personally, when I started watching it back in 2019, it was just another anime I stumbled upon while scrolling for something good to watch.

I don’t really remember what made me pick this show during my shoujo-anime phase, but it grabbed my attention from the very first episode.

I had no idea what I was getting into, and the way it began felt nothing short of horrifying for me. But I think that shock is exactly what made me want to keep watching and find out what would happen next.

As we move forward with the review, let’s discuss everything in a more systematic way to gain better insight into the story, music, and characters.

Demon Slayer deeply influences the soul of its audience, emotionally, and even technically, because after all, it’s Ufotable, known for its mind-blowing animation.

The Glimpse On Story, Characters, and Emotional Appeal:

The story follows the journey of Tanjiro Kamado, one of the kindest main protagonists you will ever come across.He is a gentle soul who shows sympathy even toward demons, but that doesn’t mean he ever runs away from his responsibilities.

His life takes a tragic turn when his entire family is slaughtered by a demon, leaving only his little sister, Nezuko, as the sole survivor.

Sadly, Nezuko is turned into a demon and loses control over herself. She even attacks Tanjiro, but in the midst of it, she suddenly stops and recognizes her deep bond with him. And from that moment onward, the story takes a completely new direction.

We also get a glimpse of one of the coolest Hashira (essentially a high-ranking Demon Slayer), Giyu Tomioka. He arrives to eliminate the demon he finds, Nezuko in her transformed state. Tanjiro desperately stops Giyu from killing her and promises that Nezuko will never harm a human.

Moved by their unbreakable bond, Giyu advises Tanjiro to seek out his teacher and join the Demon Slayer Corps so he can one day save his sister.

To be honest, season 1 of Kimetsu no Yaiba can feel a bit slow at times, but honestly, what else can we expect? It’s an introductory season meant to establish the world-building, the characters, and the struggles that shape their journey.

We also get a glimpse of our main villain, Muzan, a surprise, considering most shounen anime don’t reveal their primary antagonist so early.

But Demon Slayer does it so well that his presence still lingers in the hearts of many fans, especially with his character design that subtly resembles Michael Jackson if you look closely.

As the story progresses, we’re introduced to the other main characters who become Tanjiro’s companions and bestest friends that will shape his journey in the future.

The first is our clumsy yet dazzling Zenitsu, whose lightning-fast speed will make your jaw drop the moment you see him fight, while asleep, no less. Yes, his eyes stay shut during battles, and that honestly makes the fight scenes 10× cooler than many other fighters in the show.

Then comes the nonchalant, always battle-ready Inosuke. Don’t let his boar mask fool you, underneath it, he’s surprisingly handsome and will charm you with his striking looks and wild personality.They soon form a group and begin traveling together as they take on missions to slay demons.

Now, coming to the movie part, Mugen Train is an absolute banger and my personal favorite anime movie of all time. It’s flamboyant, fiery, and blazing with the aura of our Flame Hashira, Rengoku (again, my favorite Hashira, no rebuttal on that).

The journey of the Mugen Train begins with Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, along with Nezuko, boarding a train where they unexpectedly meet Rengoku. However, a Lower Moon demon under Muzan’s command appears, only to be defeated by the trio alone.

Just when it seems the movie is about to end on a peaceful note, the Upper Rank Three demon, Akaza (from the ranking system that signifies the demons’ power and status), arrives on the scene.

Then begins the iconic battle between Rengoku and Akaza. The animation, the music, the choreography, every moment of that fight is absolutely breathtaking. But as expected, it ends on a heartbreaking scene that never fails to tear me apart every time I watch it.

I couldn’t bring myself to watch the movie again, not because it wasn’t good, but because I can’t bear to see my favourite character die with a smile on his face. That gentle smile as he sees his mother in the end is the kind of heartbreak that can never fully heal.

After that comes the Entertainment District Arc, super flashy and entertaining, just as the title suggests. We’re introduced to the flashiest Hashira, Tengen Uzui, with our trio assisting him in fighting Upper Moon demons. Don’t worry, this arc ends on a happy note… though the demons’ backstories might still tear at your heart a little.

Then comes the Swordsmith Village Arc, and this season made me fall completely in love with Love Hashira, Mitsuri Kanroji. When she appears, trust me, she is beyond adorable.

For me, this entire season was a highlight just because of Mitsuri’s entrance. Of course, there’s much more to the arc, some unbelievable moments, but I won’t spoil anything for you, because those scenes deserve to be experienced rather than explained.

Next is my absolute favourite among all arcs: the Hashira Training Arc. There’s no major battle or heavy chaos, just a calm, refreshing atmosphere with all the beloved characters gathered together.

It feels like an autumn breeze on a chilly day: soothing, warm, and incredibly cozy. But by the end, it does turn a bit dramatic, with twists and turns that perfectly pave the way for the final season.

Last but not least, the Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle arc is being adapted into a trilogy of three movies instead of a TV season, and the good news is that the first movie in the trilogy has already been released.

I watched it in theaters, and I was speechless from the moment it began. It features god-level animation and a magnificent soundtrack that grabs your attention instantly, leaving a long-lasting impact on your mind.

The Parts That Didn’t Hit as Strongly:

I feel like there aren’t many things I dislike, but sometimes the fights in Kimetsu no Yaiba feel overwhelming, especially when Tanjiro has long internal monologues in the middle of a life threatening battle. It makes it seem like the MC is wasting time or that the episode is being dragged out too much.

So that was one of the only things that disappointed me as a non-shounen anime lover. The rest of it feels like a masterpiece that always amazes me regardless of a few flaws.

Animation, Music & Production Quality:

If there is one element that consistently enhances Demon Slayer, is its production. Ufotable’s animation, fluid swordplay, watercolor textures, and stylized combat sequences make Demon Slayer truly one of a kind in the vast world of shounen anime.

However, beyond the visuals, the music is its strongest emotional tool. Every major scene is elevated by a carefully curated background score that feels both unique and soul-touching.

Very few anime manage to weave music into scenes so gracefully, embracing the audience’s emotions so deeply, and that’s what hooked me to the series from the very beginning.

Final Thoughts:

So, here comes the end of my long journey of narrating my personal experience with my beloved shounen series, Kimetsu no Yaiba. I hope this inspires you to watch the series yourself if you haven’t already, or at least helps you relate to the emotions I felt.

Do share your own experience and the unique, special feelings you have toward the show, I would love to read your thoughts!

Thanks for reading!

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Top 5 Must-Watch Romance Anime This Valentine’s—Even If You’re Single 🫠

SOURCE IMAGE: PINTEREST