Demon Slayer, an anime and manga series, frequently receives criticism from the community, particularly on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). One common critique from members of the anime and manga community is that the series lacks complexity and instead follows a straightforward storyline.
However, some view this simplicity as one of the story's greatest strengths. It enables a wider range of people to understand and appreciate the narrative, as well as the well-developed characters. While there may be individuals who do not enjoy Demon Slayer, its undeniable success speaks for itself.
Demon Slayer manga sales narrate a story of success
Undoubtedly, Demon Slayer has achieved great success even before the anime adaptation was announced. This was evident from the manga sales, which strongly indicated the story's success prior to the release of the anime adaptation.
The manga's sales have served as a strong measure of its initial triumph. As reported by Hindustan Times, the manga achieved remarkable figures even prior to the release of its anime adaptation. In a mere four weeks, the fifteenth volume, which coincided with the premiere of the anime, sold an astonishing 200,000 copies.
Another indication of Demon Slayer's triumph is evidenced by the fact that, within a mere two-week period, approximately 100,000 copies of the manga's eighth volume flew off the shelves. This achievement is even more remarkable considering the relatively recent introduction of the series.
Furthermore, reports from FanVerse reveal that in 2018, the Demon Slayer manga ranked 15th in overall sales. What makes this achievement even more impressive is the fact that it was one of the rare titles without an anime adaptation. Additionally, it's important to note that this series is relatively short for a Shonen manga, consisting of only about 200 chapters compiled in 23 volumes.
Despite its shorter length, the manga has sold over 150 million copies by 2021, according to reports from Natalie. Interestingly, fans in the anime and manga community tend to overlook the early signs of success and instead focus on criticizing the manga title on various social media platforms.
Netizens frequently claim that Demon Slayer's success can be attributed solely to its exceptional animation by Ufotable, setting new benchmarks for other studios during the release of the Entertainment District arc. However, it is important to note that the series' triumph cannot be solely attributed to the animation alone.
The animation greatly enhanced the series to a higher level, particularly in the action and fight sequences that are vital in shonen series. However, what truly propelled Demon Slayer to immense fame was its skillfully developed characters.
The series delves deep into each character's backstory, ensuring that none of them feel one-dimensional. They all possess their own unique reasons and motivations, which greatly influence their actions. Moreover, the writing is remarkably compelling, evoking strong emotions and allowing fans to deeply empathize with the characters.
Demon Slayer's portrayal of Rengoku's death exemplifies Koyoharu Gotouge's skilled writing. Despite potential debates among netizens, there were evident indications of the series' triumph. The remarkable sales figures of the manga, coupled with the triumph of the anime adaptation, strongly support this claim. Keep track of upcoming anime and manga news as 2023 unfolds.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the rise of Demon Slayer. On the one hand, I am impressed by its animation and fight scenes. The action is fluid and exciting, and the characters are well-designed. On the other hand, I find the story to be a bit too simplistic and predictable. The characters are not as complex as I would like them to be, and the plot is often too straightforward.
Overall, I think Demon Slayer is a good anime, but it is not my favorite. I would recommend it to people who are looking for an action-packed show with great animation, but I would not recommend it to people who are looking for a complex and thought-provoking story.