Demon Slayeris one of the biggest global phenomena in recent years, and there is no doubt that one of the main reasons for the franchise’s success has been its anime adaptation by Studio Ufotable, which features one of the most stunning animations in the medium. But more than praises, this has become an aspect used to belittle the series, since many viewers claim thatDemon Slayer’s high-quality animation is the only notable thing about the franchise. However, by looking at the studio’s past works, it’s made apparent thatDemon Slayer’s popularity is not for the reason fans think.
In addition toDemon Slayer, Ufotable adapted several installments of theFate Series, making it a recognized studio for its high-level production. Yet, because of this, the contrast between franchises highlights thatDemon Slayer’s animation isn’t the only thing behind the series' impact, shining light on what makes the series one of the best modern anime.
Demon SlayerDidn’t Become Popular Only for Its Animation but Because of Its Characters
Demon Slayer’s Charms Appeal to a Broader Audience
Even though Ufotable being in charge ofDemon Slayer’s adaptation did play a crucial role in popularizing the series, when compared to another series from the studio,Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works, both have different levels of success and international acceptancedespite sharing similar detailed animation and dazzling battle sequences. This is reinforced by the fact thatFate/Zerois the most acclaimed anime of theFate Seriesbecause of its darker story despite being older and having less polished animation.
This highlights thatwhile great animation serves to attract viewers’ attention, it isn’t enough on its own to guarantee a long-term successful series. This is also confirmed by many visually striking anime, likeGod of High School,Guilty Crown, andTakt OP Destiny, whose rushed developments, pacing issues, and lack of a cohesive story stopped them from being considered memorable series beyond their animation. Furthermore, one of the aspects that has madeDemon Slayerstand out from other animes has been its unique characters that represent siblinghood in many forms, with intriguing backstories and well-constructed relationships, as well as eye-catching designs.
Top 10 Anime to Watch If You Like Demon Slayer
While Demon Slayer’s impact is unbeatable, several animes share similar themes, giving plenty of options for fans in their next binge-watch.
Also,Demon Slayeris easy to relate to viewers as it features a universal storyof a pair of siblings going against the cruel fate dropped upon them, a formula that has worked before with popular animes likeFullmetal Alchemist. Moreover, one ofDemon Slayerbesttraits is its simplicity, which makes the series more accessible and appealing to a bigger audience, from a younger demographic to even those who aren’t fans of the medium, unlike theFate Series,which features historical figures who aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Demon Slayer’s Manga Was Popular Before Being Adapted by Ufotable
Not Every Shōnen Jump Manga With Amazing Animation Becomes a Global Hit
Demon Slayerbegan serialization in the Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine in 2016 and was popular among readers even before the airing of the anime. Despite being Koyoharu Gotouge’s first long-running work, it experienced a consistent increase in sales, reaching almost 150k copies sold by volume 14 in 4 weeks. However, thesesales almost doubled after the anime’s release, with volume 16 selling 225k copies in only 4 days, which promptedDemon Slayerto become the best-selling mangaof 2020.
But thisboost in sales isn’t the case for every anime with a great adaptation. An example of this isThe Elusive Samurai, a Shōnen Jump series by the same creator of the popular animeAssassination Classroom.The Elusive Samuraiis one of the best-animated adaptations of 2024, yet its latest volume had an accumulative sales of 34,674 units according toOricon’s ranking, losing to works without an anime yet likeThe Summer Hikaru DiedandPhantom Busters.
Demon Slayer Is Revolutionary For One Reason That Sets It Apart From Shonen Jump’s Other All-Time Greats
Demon Slayer has ushered in a new era of anime, causing other anime studios to take note of the factors that have made it so popular.
Additionally, in a 2020survey made by Animate Times, the leading anime shop in Japan, about which elements inDemon Slayerreaders found interesting, 80% answered characters, followed by the story, with many commenting about their originality and also praising the series’ pace. So, althoughDemon Slayer’s popularitywas clearly boosted by the anime, its charming characters and story contributed to keeping viewers wanting to watch more.
Demon Slayer’s Battles With High Stakes Differentiate the Series from Other Shōnen
Many Factors Contributed toDemon Slayer’s International Recognition
Another reason whyDemon Slayerhas captivated viewers is thanks to its depiction of a dark fantasy worldwhere the exchange of lives is inevitable and even popular characters die, contrary to the majority of shōnen anime likeDragon BallorOne Piece. This realistic approach to death has also worked for other popular anime likeAttack on TitanandCode Geass.Demon Slayer’s editor Ken Takano, in aninterview with Mantan Web, revealed that Koyoharu wanted to portray realistically how terrifying the demons are.
I’m trying to portray the battle between Tanjiro and the demons realistically. The demons are terrifying and incredibly strong. Just because they’re strong doesn’t mean humans can keep winning. I’m trying to portray that worldview and the exchange of lives realistically. - Koyoharu Gotouge
Because of this, more than just the animation,Demon Slayerbecame one of the most recognized anime of the last decade due to many factors. From the virality of its first opening, Gurenge by Lisa, which caught international attention for the anime, as happened withMashleandOshi no Ko, to its charismatic characters with appealing designs. But ultimately,what guaranteed the sustained success ofDemon Slayerand its recognition as one of the best modern shōnen, is its simple yet engaging plot progression that keeps viewers enthralled.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Cast
Set in Japan’s Taisho Period, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba follows Tanjiro, a young boy whose family is killed by demons. With his sister Nezuko transformed into a demon, Tanjiro embarks on a quest to become a demon slayer, seeking vengeance and a cure for his sister’s condition.
