Demon Slayer has taken the world by storm, shattering records with Mugen Train and going on a world tour for Season 3. Plus, with Season 2 The Entertainment District delivering the best fight of the series so far, the hype behind Season 3 To the Swordsmith Village is massive. Demon Slayer Season 3’s premiere directed by Haruo Sotozaki and written by Koyoharu Gotouge exceeds expectations and continues the upward trend of one of the best contemporary shonen animes.
After recovering from the events of The Entertainment District, Tanjiro (Natsuki Hanae) and Nezuko (Akari Kitô) make their way to the Swordsmith Village, meeting two Hashira the Mist Hashira (Kengo Kawanish) and the Love Hashira (Kana Hanazawa). Meanwhile, Muzan (Toshihiko Seki) reevaluates his approach to taking down the Demon Slayer Corps. The stars of Demon Slayer Season 3’s premiere are the demons. Everything is on the table this season as the remaining Upper Moons are introduced. Akaza (Akira Ishida) continues to be a fan favorite, and viewers see a new side of him.
The former (Doma) brings a playful charisma to the Upper Moons. While he seems like a silly demon, there is a sadistic nature to him that makes viewers excited to see Doma let loose. With Miyano known for voicing Death Note’s Light Yagami portraying Demon Slayer’s Doma, it’s thrilling to see the actor have so much sadistic fun. Doma’s chipper, flighty energy could not be more different from Light’s, and that is welcomed. Miyano is a pro at villainous performances, and his range is unmatched.
Meanwhile, the latter (Kokushibo) is used sparingly, but the little that is seen of Upper Moon 1 is more than enough. Gotouge’s design of Kokushibo is captivating and mysterious in regards to the larger lore Demon Slayer Season 3 promises to explore. If Okiayu’s vocal performance isn’t enough to command fear and respect, the little action he has will seal the deal.
This opening scene with the demons continues what Demon Slayer does best, which is to elevate the source material through animation. Finally, audiences see more of The Infinity Castle, and Studio Ufotable utilizes its fluid 3D animation to immerse fans in this crucial, beautiful setting.
Demon Slayer Season 3 sets up some game-changing story threads about the series’ most mysterious figure: Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Over the past two seasons, it’s been teased that this man posed the biggest threat to Muzan and has some connection to Tanjiro. In a melancholic yet tender scene, audiences get an inkling of what that relationship could be. Gotouge knows exactly how to best pace Demon Slayer to balance action, lore, and humor. Gotouge expertly demonstrates how adapting a manga to anime requires some restructuring and a different pace to suit this medium.
Partnered with Sotozaki, these two are Demon Slayer’s dream team. Gotouge lays the groundwork for elevating her original story while Sotozakie runs with this script at full force. He knows when it’s best to go all out with dynamic direction and when to linger on a tender moment. In both cases, the animation is always the star, highlighting how Ufotable knows how to find beauty in both peace and chaos.
The humor is also top-notch in Demon Slayer Season 3, largely due to the Love Hashira, Mitsuri. Like Rengoku and Uzui, her initial introduction is over the top, but audiences see there is more to her. There is an optimism to this character that is refreshing in a world of demons and death, and Hanazawa nails her lovable nature. Her dynamic with Nezuko is adorable, and audiences will want more of them together.
Along with Mitsuri’s adorable nature, Demon Slayer Season 3’s animation lends itself to humor. There are moments in Demon Slayer Season 3 where the animation simplifies the characters’ facial expressions to deliver hilarious reactions. Meanwhile, Sotozakie and Gotouge show off how well-paced this show is. They know when to hold for a laugh and when it’s appropriate to have a moment of levity.
Demon Slayer is one of the most beautiful anime airing today, and each arc tops the last. If this continues to be the case, Demon Slayer Season 3 will be another engaging, stunning chapter in Nezuko and Tanjiro’s story. From what’s been seen so far, Demon Slayer Season 3 is a must-watch for anime fans.