‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba' Review – "Hashira Training Arc"

This anime aired in 2024.

The stakes get raised in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba with the “Hashira Training Arc” from the Japanese animation studio Ufotable. This season has eight episodes based on the supernatural thriller manga of the same name by Koyoharu Gotouge.

After recovering from his battle at the Swordsmith Village, Tanjiro and the other Demon Slayer Corps members are called upon by Master Kagaya (Matthew Mercer) to train with the Hashira, the elites of the Corps, because though the demons are quiet, the leader of the demons, Muzan Kibutsuji (Greg Chun), is on the hunt. Leaving Nezuko (Abby Trott) with a trusted ally, Tanjiro and his friends Inosuke (Bryce Papenbrook) and Zenitsu (Aleks Le), head out.

Sound Hashira Tengen Uzui (Ray Chase) comes out of retirement to join in. Tanjiro progresses with the Water Hashira Giyu (Johnny Yong Bosch) Mist Hashira Tokito (Griffin Burns), and Love Hashira Kanroji (Kira Buckland), but Serpent Hashira Iguro (Erik Scott Kimerer) and Wind Hashira Shinazugawa (Kaiji Tang) prove more difficult. Little do they know that the powerful Muzan is closer than they think.

There has been a lot of criticism of this season online. I am honestly baffled as to why. If you believe social media, this arc is boring and predictable. Based on what metric? I certainly could not find any reason you could not enjoy this fourth season.

This was a break from the action we saw in the third season. It shows how even with Muzan decreasing demon attacks, the Demon Slayer Corps takes his threat very seriously. It also allows Inosuke and Zenitsu to be transitioned back into the show seamlessly. That worked out perfectly, as Inosuke always provides some of the best scenes in the show.

I also appreciated that each Hashira got a chance to develop. When they were first introduced, they were represented by their quirks. Over time, you get to know a few through the various story arcs, but here we really get down to the nitty-gritty, especially on some of the more mysterious Hashira.

Tanjiro continues to grow as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, and his desire to kill Muzan to cure Nezuko is tempered. As you watch him train, make new friends, and increase his skill, you cheer him on, even knowing Muzan is waiting in the shadows. Boring? Nonsense! While it is less focused on the action aspect, it is still the same incredible show from Ufotable, and I cannot wait for what is next.

Check out the trailer below:

PARENTAL CONCERNS: Bloody violence, Some foul language, Terrifying images

This review is based on the dub from Crunchyroll.

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