Demon Slayer|The New Meta of Shonen

Okay, so I’ve seen this series being talked about by many people in this space and on YouTube recently. I knew this series was special but it didn’t hit me until an episode or two ago what makes it so special comparably to the other Shonen series. I thought I would talk about why I’m such a huge fan of this series. I initially gave my first impression on the series when episode one aired, Check that out as well if you would like to hear my initial thoughts and get more of a description of what this series is about.

There are many great things about Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba but what makes it so great is where it stands against its cohorts in the Shonen space. There is a formula that has lived on with the Shonen anime/manga series for many years and we have seen it go through changes as times have changed. Some people would once say that Shonen Anime would be synonymous with long drown out battles and fillers but series like My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer are showing that those times are coming to an end.

Some would argue that it’s mostly because these series aren’t being animated by what I like to call the “Shonen Factory”, Studio Pierrot. I say it’s part of it but it’s mainly because the stories that have been unravelling in the manga just handle this shonen formula better. Studios like Ufotable and Bones can bring these stories to life without the need for fillers and bring this new level animation that hasn’t been seen in some time.  I would say that mangaka like Kohei Horikoshi and Koyoharu Gotōge have learned much from those who came before them and refined this Shonen formula to be what we see today.

I’m also a big fan of these other anime studios that have been deciding to break up a season, versus 50 episode seasons. I swear I’m not trying to pick on Studio Pierrot… but it’s true. The love, care and attention that A1 gave Promised Neverland, Bones gave My Hero Academia and Ufotable is giving Demon Slayer seems necessary. I understand that the anime industry has to deal with supply and demand but where do we cut the line with quality over quantity? Sorry, this is kind of rant, back on topic…

Demon Slayer is a series that is not only stellar visual performance but also a place where great character design, fun interactions and well-paced development live. Nezuko is constantly talked about on my twitter feed and for good reason, the girl is so damn cute. Tanjirou is very analytical, surprisingly funny and has a strong sense of justice. It’s hard not to see similarities with him and Deku but he was able to break out of his shadow quite quickly in my opinion. Muzan Kibutsuji also had a great introduction, like @rokutsu told us recently, he is very similar and looks a little like Kira from JoJo Part 4. The sense of dread that he brings to anyone looking to cross his patch and the sense of him only looking to enjoy his life and end those who get in his way. Quite an interesting connection.

I look forward to more Demon Slayer in the future. I know that we are looking at a 2 cour season so we are only scratching the surface of all the questions we currently have. If you are currently looking for something to scratch that Shonen itch, I strongly recommend this show. Well… until Dr. Stone comes out.

Hope you guys have a good weekend! Look forward to talking to you guys about the new episode!