Summary
WhileSolo LevelingandJujutsu Kaisenhave become phenoms of shonen anime, the real pound-for-pound king of the genre is stillDemon Slayer. During this action-packed anime, a clan of swordsmen operates in 20th-century Japan to dispatch legions of demons that threaten the harmony of society. Fronted byTanjiro Komado, a talented demon slayer, and his demon sister, Nezuko Komado, the pair ascend the hierarchy of the Demon Slayer Corps, determined to rid the world of Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King.
Demon Slayernot only produces pulsating fight sequences, but the world-renowned anime has become famed for itscomplex characterswho add to the narrative. These multi-layered characters, who have dealt with rough upbringings or terrifying experiences that have shaped them, have come to the forefront ofDemon Slayer, only adding to the anime’s excellence.
6Tanjiro Kamado
This Generous Protagonist Picks Up The Pieces Of A Fractured Adolescence
Demon Slayer’sleading man, the sweet and kind-heartedTanjiro, while an inspiration to many, deals with many setbacks and challenges that shapehis path as the swordsmanwho would lead the charge against Muzan. Often in the way of killing demons is Tanjiro’s reluctance to consider demons as outright evil, and he is constantly referencing that each demon was a human at one point or another.
Frequently found to be empathetic towards the enemy, Tanjiro is different from the rest of the Demon Slayer Corps, who kill for revenge. Tanjiro’s painful upbringing and his close-knit relationship with his demon sister, Nezuko, instead gives the protagonist a different outlook than most. Tanjiro’s balance of factors, includingbereavement, undeniable resolve, and thoughtfulness, makes the ever-growing swordsman a fascinating character at the heart of this exciting anime.
5Akaza
An Upper Rank Demon Caught In A Bind
The third-highest-ranked member of the demon hierarchy,Akazais undoubtedly a well-developed character capable of much more than the pure evil that many other demons evoke.Coming into the story during the Mugen Train saga, Akaza’s villainous intentions pose an instant threat to Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku. However, while fighting against the Demon Slayers, Akaza pleads his case to Rengoku to become a demon. Seemingly concerned that his talents will be wasted, the potent antagonist opted not to show pure hatred towards humans.
In Akaza’s limited appearances, he is shown struggling with his identity. Tanjiro’s accusations of being afraid, and Akaza’s behavior when in the presence of Muzan and the other upper-rank demons, show the conflict within him. His presence and backstory are set to be further revealed inDemon Slayer’sfinal stages in theInfinity Castle.
4Kokushibo
The Upper Moon One Demon Is Brimming With Mysticism
Besides Muzan,Kokushibois the second-strongest demonin existence, known as Upper Moon One. The multi-eyed demon has become a significant force within the Infinity Castle Arc. Kokushibo’s first appearance sees the demon commanding the utmost respect from his peers through his stoic and calming presence, illustrating his grand power and sophistication despite being a demon. Sporting the image of a samurai, Kokushibo has the demeanor of a living and breathing human, a far cry from his contemporaries, who sought the blood and brutality of humans.
Up to the end of the Hashira Training Arc, Kokushibo’s involvement has been sparse. However, the complex demon who bears a striking resemblance to Yoriichi Tsugikuni is sure to be at the forefront of the coming arc, with the marks on his skin, similar to Tanjiro’s, only adding more questions to the narrative.
3Kagaya Ubuyashiki
The infamous and mysterious leader of the Demon Slayer Corps,Kagaya Ubuyashiki, is a sickly man who commands total respect from the Hashira. Even from a young age, he possessed a mystical quality. Descending from the cursed lineage of Muzan, Ubuyashiki does not pout over the havoc his ancestor inflicted on Japan. Instead, he takes ownership of Muzan’s actions, choosing to dedicate his life to eradicating his existence with the help of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Briefly appearing throughoutDemon Slayeruntil his explosive death, Ubuyashiki’s actions always place peace as their center, adopting a tranquil approach that goes against many of the norms often seen in the genre when facing off against the forces of tyranny.
2Sanemi Shinazugawa
An Aggressive Hashira Whose Challenging Upbringing Influences His Behavior As An Adult
Sanemi Shinazugawa, one of the strongest warriors in the the Demon Slayer Corps, often comes off as a brash and vicious Hashira, but there is more to Sanemi than meets the eye. Revealed in hisyounger brother Genya Shinazugawa’s flashback, Sanemi and Genya lived in poverty, where mass death struck their family, seeing their father, mother, and siblings perish. Genya blamed Sanemi for their mother’s death, a heartbreaking moment in the series.
Sanemi’s traumatic childhood shapes the man he is in the present, with his combative attitude stemming from a burning desire to protect those close to him; survivor’s guilt rings true for the Wind Hashira. Sanemi’s buried emotions and horrific trauma often cause the Hashira to spiral, a sad state of affairs for a character who has suffered more than most.
1Muzan Kibutsuji
A Demon King Who Is Terrified Of Death
Muzan, the terrifying king of demons and the number one enemy of the Demon Slayer Corps, is perhapsDemon Slayer’smost complex individual. Reigning as the Demon King for a thousand years, Muzan has ruled from the shadows, fueled by his fear of perishing. This fear has left Muzan deeply insecure, and he attempts to mask his displeasure and trepidation while portraying himself as a confident and powerful being on the surface.
Throughout much ofDemon Slayer, many fans wondered what Muzan sought in his goal of gaining immortality, but the antagonist finally revealed that he is keen on acquiring the rare Blue Spider Lily, or the spawn of a demon able to withstand sunlight, like Nezuko. The reveal of the Blue Spider Lily and Nezuko’s development has set the stage forDemon Slayer’sfinal saga, with Muzan and his complexity being at the center of proceedings in theInfinity Castlearc.
