Kimetsu No Yaiba Manga Episode 1
Okay, let's talk about Demon Slayer. You know, Kimetsu no Yaiba. Specifically, episode one of the manga.
A Snowy Day, a Big Family
Right off the bat, we meet Tanjirou. He's basically the nicest guy ever. Seriously, too nice. I'm side-eyeing his overly generous nature right from page one.
He's got a huge family. Think Sound of Music, but with way more firewood chopping. And in Japan!
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He lives up a mountain. This part always gets me. The logistics of just getting groceries must be insane. The amount of effort to get up and down the mountain is too much.
The Charcoal Seller
Tanjirou's a charcoal seller. Hard worker, that one. Makes me feel lazy just thinking about it.
He goes down to the village to sell charcoal. Everyone loves him. Probably because he's so darn helpful.
Honestly, wouldn't you be suspicious of someone that perfect? I'm just saying. I'm not sure I trust him!
The Night Everything Changed
He stays overnight with a kind old man. Wise move. Avoids demon-infested forests at night. Or so he thinks.
He comes back to... well, you know. Tragedy. Like, a whole lot of tragedy. His family is... gone.
Except for Nezuko. She's still alive! But... she's a demon. Surprise!
Nezuko's Transformation
Okay, Nezuko as a demon is a whole other level. Suddenly, she has super strength. And fangs, obviously.
She attacks Tanjirou. Understandable, given the circumstances. Being turned into a demon probably isn't fun.
But she kinda recognizes him. Sort of. There's a glimmer of humanity still there. It's a little heart-warming, I guess. Maybe.
The Demon Slayer Appears!
Then, BAM! A demon slayer shows up. Enter Giyuu Tomioka. The brooding, stoic type. My kinda guy.
He's about to kill Nezuko. Understandable, again. She is a demon. It's his job.
But Tanjirou defends her! Showing a lot of care for his sister! He actually fights Giyuu. With an axe! Against a trained demon slayer!
The "Unpopular" Opinion
Okay, here's my possibly unpopular opinion: Tanjirou's first fight is a little... silly.
I mean, he's just throwing rocks and using a hatchet. Against a guy who can literally slice demons in half. I understand the situation, but still....
It feels like the author is trying really hard to show how much Tanjirou cares for Nezuko. And he should. But this is too much effort and risk for nothing.
Giyuu's Change of Heart
But Giyuu is impressed! He sees Tanjirou's resolve. And Nezuko's protectiveness. Despite being a demon!
He decides not to kill Nezuko. He knocks her out instead. And tells Tanjirou to seek out a certain someone.
That someone being Urokodaki Sakonji. Because every good anime needs a wise old mentor.
So, What's the Verdict?
The first episode is... good. But not amazing. Yet.
It sets up the story. Introduces the main characters. And throws a whole lot of tragedy at you.
But I think it's a little rushed. It's all go, go, go! No time to really breathe and feel the emotion, you know?
Don't get me wrong. I like Demon Slayer. A lot. It's just that episode one... It could have been better.
But hey, that's just my opinion. What do you think?