8Bit/Digi

A Journey to the Swordsmith Village

It’s almost impossible to ignore the staggering popularity of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. Why would you? The series has elegantly blended quality storytelling with its own unique art style that perfectly brings the odyssey of Tanjiro Kamado to life. This is further demonstrated with the Swordsmith Village Arc.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc puts our beloved heroes in a difficult situation while setting the foundation for the Final Battle Arc. We not only see Tanjiro grow but also learn about the other Demon Slayers. At the same time, it uses every moment to either tell a story or build up the suspense. 

It should be noted that I’m anime only regarding the series. Hence this review will not be comparing Swordsmith Village Arc with the manga. Instead, my critique will be based on the anime adaptations’ own merit.

Do I Look Like Someone With Talent

Swordsmith Village Arc begins right after the events of the Entertainment District Arc. Tanjiro Kamado is still recovering from his injuries while also in need of a new sword. Unfortunately, due to a history of losing or breaking them, Mr. Haganezuka has neither forged a replacement nor acknowledged the request. To resolve the issue, Tanjiro and Nezuko journey to the Swordsmith Village to discuss the matter. Upon their arrival, it’s learned that Mr. Haganezuka has gone missing so they have to stay in the village. 

The journey takes an unexpected turn when the village is attacked by two Upper Rank demons. Despite lacking a proper sword and his allies, Tanjiro will have to do his best to save the village. Thankfully he will fight alongside another Demon Slayer (Genya Shinazugawa) along with two of the Hashiras (Mitsuri Kanroji and Mitsuri Kanroji).

No Matter How Devastating the Blows

Right from the start, I must share my appreciation for the extended runtime of the season premiere and finale. The series maintains its 23-minute duration for regular episodes, the nearly 50-minute runtime for these key episodes is a welcome change. This extension provides ample room for effectively establishing the storyline’s foundation and offering satisfying resolutions. All without resorting to abrupt edits or unnecessary fillers. At the same time, none of the other episodes have been wasted on unnecessary subplots.

Swordsmith Village Arc offers a unique perspective that sets it apart from previous seasons. Tanjiro finds himself in a vulnerable position, a state unseen since the series’ beginning. He remains not fully healed from his intense battle against Daki and Gyutaro, while also lacking a proper sword. To complicate matters, Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira are unavailable. Instead, Tanjiro must place his reliance on fellow Demon Slayers with whom he has not previously collaborated.

In a way, Tanjiro’s situation resembles having to start from scratch, but avoiding that lazy trope. Instead, it’s treated like any other battle just with a curveball. It allows Tanjiro to use what he has learned while also growing closer with the other Demon Slayers. Simultaneously, it allows the audience to learn more about the other characters outside the core group.

While the artistic style and quality of the animation are obvious, I also can’t overlook the seasons’ opening and ending. The opening of every season of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has been a banger and this one is no exception. The music gets you ready for what is to come while the ending keeps you watching for a little longer. 

Feel the Rage

As much as I enjoyed the Swordsmith Village Arc, it suffers from one major issue. That is its reliance on CG animation in bringing some of the demons to life. I’ve never been shy about my disdain for when studios use CG animation to create a character or moment instead of enhancing it. Unfortunately, it was used here in a way that what was created can only be described as an eyesore. Given the artistic style of the series, the CG animation really stands out like a sore thumb. 

This is the only shortcoming of the season, so it shouldn’t dissuade anyone from enjoying it.

Do Things a Little Differently

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc puts our heroes in a difficult situation while setting the foundation for the final battle. Even though Tanjiro is put in a vulnerable position, it allows him to grow with his fellow Demon Slayers. At the same time, we learn more about those around him and their world. 

Disclaimer:I watched the entire season on Crunchyroll, which I pay for myself.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Swordsmith Village Arc

9

Excellent

9.0/10

Pros

• Tanjiro is put in a vulnerable position while put to the ultimate test.
• Season doesn't waste its time with unnecessary subplots.
• We get to learn about other Demon Slayers.
• The artistic style and quality of the animation.

Cons

• Reliance on CG animation to bring some of the demons to life.