An Introduction to Demon Slayer

The popular anime, Demon Slayer, is currently at first place after the recently released movie, Mugen Train, broke box office records and became the highest-grossing anime film worldwide with $440.15 million, as well as the most successful anime at the Japanese box office. The anime, also known by its Japanese name: Kimetsu no Yaiba, is about the protagonist, Tanjiro Kamado’s, journey to find a cure for his sister Nezuko. After coming home from a trip, Tanjiro finds his whole family dead except for his younger sister Nezuko, who has become a demon. Demons are immortal monsters who eat people to survive and gain power. These monsters can only be killed by “Demon Slayers” who have the special techniques and weapons necessary to defeat them. They’re also susceptible to injury by sunlight. Tanjiro decides to become a Demon Slayer in hopes that it will help him find a cure for his sister. Nezuko remains abstinent from eating humans and accompanies Tanjiro on his journey, helping him fight demons along the way.

Demon Slayer currently has one season out and a movie, as well as a 7 episode release which is basically just the movie plus a few minor details and some more information on the character Rengoku. Rengoku is one of the nine Hashira, the greatest Demon Slayers in the Demon Slayer Corps. He is the deuteragonist (the second character in terms of importance) of the Mugen Trin Arc. The first season is based around the Final Selection, First Mission, Asakusa, Tsuzu, Mansion, Natagumo Mountain and the Rehabilitation Training Arcs. An arc is a specific section of the overall story that takes place over a series of episodes.

The second season will be on the Entertainment District Arc. It will premiere with an hour long episode on December 5th and will then air a new episode every Sunday at 11:15 pm (Japanese Standard Time). The release will be available on Funimation, Crunchyroll, and VRV. The trailer for the second season shows the group, Tanjiro, Nezuko and their two friends Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira, heading to Yoshiwara, a town with bright lights and dark desires. Yoshiwara is filled with demons and with the Hashira, Tengen Uzui, it is expected that at least one “Upper Moon” may appear.

The Upper Rank demon, Daki’s, appearance has already been confirmed. The Twelve Kizuki (Twelve Demon Moons) is an organization made up of the 12 strongest demons. They are \second only to the demon king, Muzan Kibutsuji. The more of his blood each member drinks, the stronger they become. The rankings are split in two. The two groups are the upper six and the lower six, upper rank one being the strongest among the organization and lower rank six being the weakest. Although the relationship between the two groups is unknown, it is said that the upper six despise the lower six. All demons in existence are created by Muzan. They are converted when he gives them his blood even if it is against their will. Muzan, like other demons, is susceptible to sunlight. So even though he is the strongest, he is not the ultimate life form he wishes to be, and is on the lookout for any development of demons who can withstand the sun. If you’re interested in heartfelt-action stories, I recommend checking this anime out on one of these streaming services; Funimation, Crunchyroll, or VRV.