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Does Demon Slayer Rely Too Much On Animation Over Storytelling?

Updated: Feb 15

Gyutaro fighting Tengen

Demon Slayer is one of the biggest anime of the modern era. It has broken records, won awards, and gained a massive fanbase. But there’s always been a debate: Is it the story that makes it so great, or is it just Ufotable’s incredible animation?


Some people say the anime wouldn’t be nearly as popular without its top-tier visuals. Others argue that its story, while simple, is what makes it so engaging. So, does Demon Slayer rely too much on its animation? Let’s break it down.

The Power Of Ufotable’s Animation

Tanjiro unleashes red and white energy in dynamic action scene, surrounded by other characters and water splashes.

It’s impossible to talk about Demon Slayer without mentioning its animation. Ufotable has taken the fight scenes to a whole new level, making every battle feel intense and cinematic. The use of bright colors, smooth movements, and dramatic angles makes each scene look stunning. The Water Breathing techniques, the fiery attacks of Rengoku, and the beautiful backgrounds all contribute to the anime’s success.


Because of this, many fans believe Demon Slayer wouldn’t be as famous if the animation was just average. They argue that the story is too simple and that the stunning visuals are what make the anime stand out. But is that really true?


A Simple Story Isn’t Always A Bad Thing

Tanjiro with Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke

One common criticism of Demon Slayer is that its story is basic. It follows the classic shonen formula: a young hero (Tanjiro) loses his family, sets out on a journey to become stronger, and fights powerful enemies along the way. There are no crazy plot twists or deep political conflicts like Attack on Titan or Death Note.


But does that make it bad? Not really. In fact, the simplicity of Demon Slayer is one of its strengths. It makes the anime easy to follow and enjoyable for everyone. You don’t have to think too hard to understand what’s going on, and that’s what makes it such a fun watch. Sometimes, anime with overly complicated plots can be exhausting. Demon Slayer keeps things straightforward, which allows viewers to focus on the emotional weight of the story.


Predictable, But Not Always

Rengoku fiery attack in Mugen Train arc

Another complaint is that the story can be predictable. We know Tanjiro is going to win most of his fights. We know he will keep getting stronger. And yes, some parts of the story follow the usual shonen patterns.

But that doesn’t mean Demon Slayer doesn’t have shocking moments. Rengoku’s death in Mugen Train was something no one saw coming. He was one of the strongest Hashira, and yet, he didn’t survive his first major battle in the series. Another shocking moment was when Nezuko survived the sun. Everyone thought it was impossible for a demon to do that, yet it happened, leaving fans completely surprised.


So while the story might feel familiar, it still has moments that catch us off guard and keep us invested.


Emotional Impact And Character Bonds

Tanjiro Kamado swinging his sword

One of Demon Slayer’s biggest strengths is how well it connects emotionally with the audience. Tanjiro’s relationship with Nezuko is at the heart of the story. No matter how many demons he fights, his main goal is to save his sister. This emotional core gives the anime more depth than just flashy fights.


Even the demons have tragic backstories. Unlike other anime where villains are evil for no reason, Demon Slayer shows that many demons were once normal people who suffered in life. This makes their deaths feel more emotional, rather than just another victory for Tanjiro.


Would Demon Slayer Still Be Popular Without Ufotable?

Tanjiro and Tengen Uzui fighting Gyutaro

Now, the big question: Would Demon Slayer be as popular without its stunning animation? The honest answer is probably not as much, but it wouldn’t be a nobody either.


Yes, the animation is a huge part of its appeal, but that doesn’t mean the story has no strength. If Demon Slayer had been animated by a weaker studio, it might not have exploded the way it did, but it would still have been a well-loved anime. The emotional moments, likable characters, and easy-to-follow story would still attract fans.


Final Verdict: Does Demon Slayer Rely Too Much On Animation?

Tengen Uzui and Gyutaro fighting

So, does Demon Slayer rely too much on animation? A little, yes. It’s fair to say that Ufotable’s visuals have played a major role in its success. But that doesn’t mean the story is weak. Its simplicity makes it accessible, its emotional moments are powerful, and it still manages to surprise us at times.


In the end, Demon Slayer is an anime that balances both animation and storytelling. It might not have the most complex plot, but sometimes, a simple and well-executed story is all you need. And Demon Slayer proves that perfectly.


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