8 Reasons Demon Slayer Outshines Other Anime

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Summary

  • Demon Slayer‘s simplicity is a strength, making it accessible and popular for audiences around the world.
  • Tanjiro’s kindness and the healthy sibling dynamic he has with Nezuko set the series apart from others in the action shōnen genre.
  • The anime’s incredible fight scenes with top-notch animation have raised the bar for the entire industry.

In simple terms, “Demon Slayer,” originally a manga by Koyoharu Gotouge, is currently among the world’s largest and most cherished shōnen action anime series. Since 2019, Ufotable has been making a significant impact on the industry with its outstanding adaptation, and it seems that this trend will continue for some time to come.

Without a doubt, “Demon Slayer” has managed to captivate audiences (and sustain its popularity) due to its exceptional qualities that surpass many contemporary mainstream anime series. Here are some instances that eloquently illustrate what sets this series apart.

1. Simplicity

One Of Its Main Flaws Is Also One Of Its Biggest Strengths

In conversations among enthusiasts of the shonen action genre, Demon Slayer is frequently criticized for being relatively straightforward in its plot and character development. This is often pointed out when comparing it to other more complex series such as One Piece, Naruto, or My Hero Academia. However, this simplicity is actually one of its greatest assets and a key factor behind its global popularity.

Despite the appeal of extensive series like “One Piece” or “Naruto”, not every shōnen anime necessitates such grandeur. Occasionally, viewers seek a straightforward yet skillfully crafted action series brimming with heart, and it is precisely in this niche that “Demon Slayer” excels. This compact narrative revolves around the continuous struggle between humans and demons, centered on a young warrior yearning to transform his demonic sister back into a human. Fortunately, it doesn’t require much more than that to captivate its audience.

2. It’s Accessible To Non-Anime Fans

This Is One Of The Best Gateway Anime Out There

It’s often challenging for those new to anime to appreciate most well-known series due to their length or frequent use of common stereotypes that might seem off-putting. However, Demon Slayer stands out with its straightforward approach and digestible style, making it an ideal introduction for beginners venturing into the captivating realm of anime.

The narrative of “Demon Slayer” is straightforward, making both the central plot and power system comprehensible. Action sequences are thrilling, while the content remains free from fan service or potentially offensive elements that might surprise some viewers due to cultural discrepancies. Although the series is set in Japan’s Taisho era, it doesn’t require extensive knowledge of this period to enjoy its tale and environment. In fact, it offers an enlightening glimpse into Japanese history, rather than isolating certain audience members.

3. Has One Of The Kindest Shōnen Protagonists

Tanjiro Kamado Has A True Heart Of Gold

Many action animes, particularly those in the shōnen genre, often present a variety of protagonists – some are carefree, playful, and impulsive (similar to Monkey D. Luffy or Naruto), while others are more stoic and serious (like Sung Jinwoo or Eren Yeager). These character types fit their narratives well, and it’s undeniable that these characters are both iconic and skillfully written. However, there aren’t many action animes that emphasize kind-hearted and gentle main characters.

Demon Slayer” stands out, together with “My Hero Academia,” due to its exceptional main character, Tanjiro Kamado. He’s a compassionate young lad with a generous spirit, always prioritizing the well-being of his friends, family, and associates, particularly his sister Nezuko. This aspect of his character is one of his greatest virtues, enabling him to empathize with most individuals he meets, whether human or demon. Yet, beneath his gentle demeanor lies a powerful and skillful fighter who won’t think twice about engaging in battle and taking lives to safeguard his dear ones.

4. A Healthy Brother-Sister Relationship

There’s Nothing Weird About Tanjiro And Nezuko’s Close Bond

As an anime enthusiast, I must confess that the portrayal of sibling relationships in anime can stir up quite a storm of opinions, given how many beloved series delve into complex and sometimes challenging dynamics between blood-related characters brought up together. Frankly, it left me feeling apprehensive when I learned that the heart of Demon Slayer‘s narrative revolves around a brother-sister duo.

Fortunately, despite appearances, Tanjiro’s bond with Nezuko isn’t strange; instead, it comes across as genuine and endearing. While he deeply cares for his younger sister, his feelings towards her aren’t possessive or harmful, even in the face of Zenitsu’s attempts to win her affections. Their relationship is one of the strongest in “Demon Slayer,” and it offers a refreshing change compared to the dynamics in other series, as their healthy connection feels like a breath of fresh air.

5. Incredible Fight Scenes

It Has Some Of The Best Animated Action Sequences Ever Made

One can find numerous aspects of “Demon Slayer” that might be subject to criticism, but it’s undeniable that this series showcases some truly remarkable action sequences that are a joy to watch on your home screens. Each season of the show has offered top-notch fight scenes that have left audiences worldwide spellbound, such as the confrontation between Tanjiro and Rui, the intense one-on-one battle between Rengoku and Akaza, and the epic clash between the Demon Slayers against Gyutaro and Daki in the Entertainment District.

Over a span of six years, Ufotable’s gifted artists and animators have consistently produced some of the most iconic fight sequences in the entire anime realm. This is largely due to their exceptional focus on detail, seamless choreography, stunning camera work, skillful color grading, special effects, and atmospheric soundtracks. Few other shows can match the high-quality animation found in the battles of Demon Slayer.

6. It Popularized Anime Movies

The Worldwide Success Of Mugen Train Changed The Industry Forever

For decades, movies derived from popular action anime series such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece have been a staple, often gracing cinema screens on a regular basis. However, these films were typically standalone stories unrelated to the main narrative, often leaving viewers indifferent or only available in Japan. But in 2020, Ufotable broke new ground by adapting a canonical storyline from the Demon Slayer manga into a globally distributed feature film shown in cinemas worldwide.

It’s clear that “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” was a must-watch for anime enthusiasts, thanks to its top-notch animation reminiscent of cinema quality. This movie’s appeal, coupled with its significant impact during the pandemic when it boosted the Japanese cinema industry, resulted in a massive critical and commercial triumph. Moreover, the international success of “Mugen Train” not only motivated Ufotable to continue producing films from this series (such as the upcoming “Infinity Castle” trilogy) but also stimulated other studios to embark on similar cinematic endeavors, like “Jujutsu Kaisen 0” and “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc”.

7. It Doesn’t Have A Single Bad Opening Sequence

Every Single One Of Its Openings Is Deeply Beloved By Anime Fans

Every experienced anime enthusiast recognizes the significance of a captivating theme song or introductory video, serving not only to establish a show’s unique identity but also as a promotional tool to draw in an even larger viewer base. Although many renowned action shōnen series boast some truly spectacular openings, it’s common for them to include a few underwhelming ones, particularly those that have been broadcast for numerous years.

In an unusual turn of events, Demon Slayer stands out due to its exceptional openings, both in terms of visuals and music. For instance, “Gurenge” by LiSA, the series’ inaugural opening song from 2019, gained global acclaim and left many anime enthusiasts with an unshakable memory. Similarly, subsequent openings such as “Zankyou Sanka” by Aimer and “Kizuna no Kiseki” by MAN WITH A MISSION and Milet have enjoyed considerable success because they are incredibly catchy and effectively capture the themes and characters of this legendary tale.

8. Surpassed Its Source Material

Not Many Shows Are Better Than The Original Manga They’re Based On

Generally speaking, action anime series adapted from a manga seldom outshine their original source: even exceptional anime productions face an uphill battle to convince fans they’ve surpassed the material. Given that these narratives were specifically crafted for the medium of manga, many nuances can be lost during adaptation.

It’s no secret that Koyoharu Gotouge’s original manga for Demon Slayer is outstanding, with stunning artwork, captivating storytelling, and thrilling action sequences. However, many fans believe that Ufotable’s animated adaptation offers the definitive Demon Slayer experience. This is primarily due to the superior quality of music, animation, and voice acting, which significantly enhance the overall product. Additionally, the Breathing Styles (a key power system) are much more engaging and simpler to understand when depicted in motion.

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2025-07-05 23:07