The Unfading Brilliance of Demon Slayer: A Must-Read Analysis

The third season of Demon Slayer, known as the Swordsmith Village Arc, has recently concluded. As with any massively popular show, there are those who question whether it's been overhyped. While some may dismiss it as contrarianism, there are valid reasons to be critical of the series, and these issues become more apparent over time.

When the first season of Demon Slayer aired in 2019, directed by Haruo Sotozaki, it was instantly acclaimed and hailed as one of the top shows of that year. Following its success, the show received a film sequel and two more seasons, each adapting a different arc from the manga. While this was exciting at the time, in hindsight, it may have been a questionable decision.

Not Seasons, But Arcs

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When it comes to starting a new shōnen series, first impressions are crucial as they determine whether viewers will stay engaged throughout the long journey ahead. The reason why the initial season is often regarded as a masterpiece is due to the significant events that unfold within its 26 episodes. From the tragic incident that serves as a catalyst, to Tanjiro's training and the subsequent formation of his companions, Demon Slayer not only offers an appealing storyline, but it also encompasses all elements of a compelling narrative.

However, due to circumstances beyond the control of the production studio, it took some time for fans to witness further developments, primarily because of the global pandemic. When the series returned in the form of the film Mugen Train, it brought a sense of refreshment. Shōnen anime films tend to be standalone and non-canonical diversions, but Mugen Train actively progresses the story and sets the stage for the true second season: the Entertainment District Arc.

However, between the conclusion of Season 2 and the commencement of Season 3, a realization began to surface that something was amiss. While Season 1 took its time to meticulously construct a captivating quest that traversed countless locations, subsequent story arcs have been confined to a single setting.

This format has impeded the pacing of the adventure, restricting each chapter's impact instead of facilitating a self-contained odyssey. Although three years have elapsed since the film's release and two additional seasons have unfolded, occasionally, it feels as though little progress has been made, despite this notion being far from accurate. Characters have perished, fresh abilities have been acquired, and significant milestones have been achieved.

Scriptwriting, Timing, and Redundancy

Although events are occurring, it has taken an astonishing four years to make progress comparable to the effortless pace of the first season. This is not to suggest that the story should constantly shift to new settings each episode, but dedicating whole seasons to a single storyline can have negative consequences as time passes. Specifically, it has significantly impacted the development of characters.

Let's consider Zenitsu and Inosuke as examples. The disparity between them at the conclusion of Season 1 and the end of Season 2 is negligible. To make matters worse, both characters have minimal presence in Season 3. Consequently, they either return unaltered or have undergone off-screen growth, neither of which is ideal as we anticipate the fourth season.

The nail in the coffin is the excessive repetition of the dialogue. Events unfold, and then the characters blurt out exactly what the audience has just witnessed. While such lines may be forgivable in a manga, it should be possible to exercise some creative freedom when adapting it.

Anime News Network's Nicholas Dupree has compiled a list on Twitter of the major culprits from Season 3. It's worth noting that Demon Slayer is not the only shōnen anime with issues of excessive dialogue. My Hero Academia also faces similar problems with exposition, although its seasons are longer and cover more content.

What sets Demon Slayer apart for some viewers is the feeling that these story arcs do not necessarily need to be as lengthy. While the Entertainment District Arc certainly ends on a high note, a significant portion of it consists of a lengthy battle sequence. This can make the setup before the climax feel like a tedious slog, especially when it is not tying up loose ends from the Mugen Train arc.

The Swordsmith Village Arc also follows a similar pattern, as the battle begins within just three episodes and continues throughout the entire season. Despite the visually stunning artwork, Demon Slayer is not primarily known for its various locations. The majority of the intense fight scenes occur in forests, which the fans fully embrace. The true heart and soul of the series lies within the characters and their compelling stories. This is why each arc is introduced with the prominent presence of the Hashira.

One significant aspect that fans have gathered from the show is how effectively Demon Slayer can captivate viewers with a single episode, whether it is showcasing a villain or a hero. Much like some of the Hashira in the past, Tokito's idiosyncrasies may not always make him likable, but his backstory greatly contributes to gaining support for his character. Similarly, Mitsuri Kanroji is initially portrayed as a secondary character throughout most of Season 3. However, after Episode 10, it becomes exceptionally difficult not to develop a fondness for her.

Naturally, this isn't a critique demanding that the rising action be shortened, nor is it a plea for the action itself to be significantly reduced. Captivating sword fights and explosions interwoven with poignant backstories are integral to the core appeal, but they cannot dominate every moment. If the seasons were not structured solely around individual story arcs, and instead, if seasons 2 and 3 were merged, perhaps the pacing could be improved.

A Final Defense

Demon Slayer, as a shōnen battle series, exhibits impressive competence. However, labeling it as merely "competent" may convey a negative connotation, suggesting that it follows a predetermined checklist without achieving much beyond that. Nonetheless, when presented with the appropriate conditions, this formula can give rise to astonishing storytelling.

Ufotable has not only mastered action in terms of visuals, but also in terms of themes and emotions. Despite relying on certain tropes, the vocal performances and music come together to evoke powerful and simple emotions. These emotions are skillfully used to drive the momentum of each sword slash and battle cry.

The pacing and writing of the show become problematic because they strip away the consistency that made the first season so exceptional. This ultimately turns the viewing experience into a gamble, where the audience has to decide how much they are willing to endure in order to care about the characters. In the worst cases, it can feel like the franchise is using the success of Season 1 as a crutch to propel itself forward.

The pacing of Demon Slayer is excessively slow, spanning an extended period of time, which poses a risk to its core strengths due to poor planning and inefficient storytelling. Although one may find some enjoyment by the end, merely being "worth it" does not make this show extraordinary. In order to achieve greatness, the sequels should aim to surpass expectations.