Demon Slayer season 3 garnered various opinions upon its conclusion a few months back, as expected. However, it was generally regarded as a step down from the previous two seasons. Though the Swordsmith Village arc may not have been as thrilling as its predecessors, it was not the catastrophic failure that many portrayed it to be.
The immense expectation surrounding Demon Slayer season 3 was considered unhealthy by some fans. Despite certain lackluster moments, Ufotable's team successfully adapted one of the lesser powerful sections from Gotouge's manga.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Demon Slayer season 3.
Explaining why Demon Slayer season 3 was better than what is credited for
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When evaluating a season, whether it's anime or any other medium, the first consideration should be its commercial success. This aspect speaks volumes about the level of interest people had in the product. As anticipated, Demon Slayer season 3 garnered immense popularity, with the movie adaptation of the first episode grossing over $80 million worldwide. Moreover, it held the top spot on Japanese streaming services for eleven consecutive weeks.
Many people within the anime community share the common opinion that the series was a disappointment and did not live up to the hype in terms of its animation and story. It is worth noting that the story is a direct adaptation of Koyoharu Gotouge's manga, limiting the creative freedom of the Ufotable team.
While it is true that this season may not have been as impressive as its predecessors, the ones that catapulted Demon Slayer into worldwide fame, it is overly simplistic to label it as "bad" solely based on this factor. The general consensus among fans of the series is that it served as a solid adaptation of one of the lesser-known story arcs, offering additional depth to certain characters.
Making a case for this season
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Demon Slayer season 3 faced a challenging task from the start as it had to adapt a relatively weak arc from the manga, the Swordsmith Village. Moreover, it had the daunting challenge of surpassing the highly acclaimed Entertainment District arc, which is regarded as one of the best-animated arcs in anime history. This combination of circumstances created high expectations that were difficult for Ufotable, the production studio, to meet.
Nevertheless, it's important to acknowledge that the season did have notable moments of greatness. For instance, the epic battle between Mitsuri and the fourth Upper Moon was executed beautifully, showcasing the skill and artistry of the series. Additionally, the series skillfully toyed with the possibility of Nezuko's death, adding another layer of intrigue to the story.
The series effectively enhanced the battle scenes with exceptional choreography, which has consistently improved throughout the years. Ufotable successfully elevated an otherwise underwhelming arc in the manga, while also delivering memorable moments for characters such as Mitsuri and Munchiro. Notably, many fans have praised these accomplishments. While the season is not flawless, it surpasses the expectations of most viewers.
Final thoughts
Demon Slayer season 3 may not have been flawless, but it surpasses the negative opinions often voiced, mostly due to its adaptation of a slightly lesser storyline from the manga. Nevertheless, it successfully achieved its purpose and delivered unforgettable moments for specific characters.