Episode 1: Cruelty
Review Of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 01: Blood On The Snow And Unbreakable Bonds
It’s time to kick off the Spring 2019 anime season, and what better way to kick it off than with another collaboration with Irina’s I Drink and Watch Anime? This season, we’re going to review Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and it’s available on Crunchyroll.
This time around, I’ll be in non-bold type and Irina will be in bold.
As is now traditional with our reviews, please be cautious: there will be spoilers.
Episode 2: Trainer Sakonji Urokodaki
Review Of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 02 – Crow Will Protect Me
I’ve talked to a few people about this show since last week’s premiere. My takeaway is that reviews were generally good with a cautiously optimistic outlook for the rest of the season. Was that also your experience Crow?
That’s about where it struck me! A few negative reviews, sure, but most tended to be positive. Oh, I’m bold this week — just in case no one noticed!
The biggest complaint I’ve heard is that the story is generic. And you know what, yes it is…This second episode fit right in with the plot you’d expect. But hey, I like classic tales. There’s a reason they get told over and over again!
Episode 3: Sabito and Makomo
Review Of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 03: A Long Nap And The Training Continues
Sometimes, a show can hook you with a moment, like episode 1 did when Nezuko sprang in front of the fallen Tanjiro to protect him from the demon hunter. Other times, it can hook you with the ingenuity of an entire sequence, as episode 2 proved as Nezuko and Tanjiro fought the demon — you remember, the demon that grew arms out of its severed head?
Who could forget? Zombie comedies are one of my favourite weird niches.
Do you know, I actually froze when I read that sentence? Now I want to watch Shaun of the Dead… Or maybe Is This a Zombie?
Anyway, sometimes, a show hooks you by giving you just a little bit more than it strictly needed to; or giving you something you expected, but in a way that was delightfully unexpected. This episode did both.
Episode 4: Final Selection
Review Of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 04 – The Names of Dead Children
Just a few minutes ago I somehow managed to loose all the screen caps I had taken for this episode. It’s a bummer. I had so lovingly chosen each one. Oh well, I guess I’ll do it all over again in a little bit. Happily, this minor annoyance has not dampened my enthusiasm for the episode. Irina here, I will be hosting this week’s Demon Slayer discussion. First, how are you Crow? Recovering from Easter yet?
Doing fine, thanks for asking! Trying to recover from Easter as much as from the excitement of this episode!
The episode quickly reminds us that Tanjiro was finally able to cut the boulder thanks to Sabito and Makomo’s help. The music got a touch overbearing this week but once again the CG was on point!
Episode 5: My Own Steel
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 5 – A Cool Sidekick And The First Mission
In honor of the time-tested traditions of shonen anime, I almost feel like I should spend the first few paragraphs recapping the previous episode. After all, that’s what we got before the OP in this episode! But I can feel you recoil even from here, so I think instead I’ll opt to welcome you to the collaboration review of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba episode 5, “My Own Steel.” I’ll be in plain ordinary text this week and Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime will be in bold type.
Irina, any opening thoughts about this episode?
Demon Slayer continues to be just a pure decadent feast for the eyes. The technical merits might end up overshadowing the story but the narrative is holding its own. It’s predictable and cliché to be sure, but it has tons of heart and this episode opened up a lot of questions that are going to be interesting to answer.
Episode 6: Swordsman Accompanying a Demon
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 6 – A Friend to All Humans
It’s Mother’s day tomorrow. As soon as I am done writing this I will start cooking. We’re going to eat a very elaborate vegetarien sautée or, if I fail, we’re gonna order Dominos, and watch a sci fi movie marathon. How about you Crow, any big plans? If you like sci fi you are welcomed to join us!
I love sci-fi! I’d love to join you, but I’m still wiped out from a trip I just got back from. I’m getting wimpy in my old age… My plans to cook my dinner tomorrow for my wife sound like yours, but I’m skipping the part where I even try to cook. I’m going straight for Dominos. Also, for the record, I guess I’m bold this week. Talk about responsibility…
For those of you that need a little refresher. Last week’s episode was a real turning point. Tanjiro is now an official Demon slayer with his own uniform and black blade. Nezuko has woken up and is adorable as ever. And together they have their first demon slaying mission in a small town that has had its young women vanishing without a trace.
Episode 7: Muzan Kibutsuji
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 7 – Not A Boy’s Hands And The Happy Family
Welcome to the collaboration review of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba episode 7, “Muzan Kibutsuji.” I’ll be in plain ordinary text this week and Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime will be in bold type. Before we get started, may I just say that it’s been quite awhile since any episode has gone so far from where I thought it would — and it was a completely delightful plunge? So far, with some cool exceptions, Demon Slayer has done more or less the expected very well. This episode? Well… Well, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
BTW: There will be spoilers! Aren’t there always…
And where are my manners? Irina, any opening thoughts about this episode?
Hello, Crow’s wonderful readers. I will be bold this week. As for opening thoughts. I look forward to this show each week so I was thrilled right from the first second, seeing Nazuko kick some demon behind in a reprise of last week’s fight. Then I thought to myself, I can’t wait until those earings arrive. Patience is difficult!
Episode 8: The Smell of Enchanting Blood
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 8 – Vindictively of course
Hi Crow, how has your week been? Mine has been busy but generally all right. Did you read Karandi’s post on Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba? I think I’m generally more indulgent on anime but she brings up some fair points. It also made me realize that I may be approaching Demon Slayer from a slightly different angle than a lot of fans. And that angle is camp. When I was a kid The Lost Boys was one of my favourite movies, and it’s this same type of atmosphere and experience that I get from Demon Slayer.
Hi, Irina! Week’s been fine — insanely busy, but that’s par for the course! Yep, I read Karandi’s post, and I agree she brought up some fair points. I wouldn’t say we’re more indulgent in the approach we’ve taken. I’d say we’re so into the characters and the plot that the pieces that would other not work fade into the background.
So you see Demon Slayer as camp? I can see that. There are definitely times Tanjiro reminds me of Asta from Black Clover. Tanjiro has a little less of the over-the-topness I associate with camp, but the elements are there.
Oh, I’m bold this week — and you should watch out for spoilers!
Episode 9: Temari Demon and Arrow Demon
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 9 – It’s A Whole New Ballgame
Welcome to the collaboration review of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba episode 9, “Temari Demon and Arrow Demon.” I’ll be in plain ordinary text this week, and Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime will be in bold type.
Hi Crow, always good to see you. I hope I didn’t screw up your editing by inserting myself here.
Nope! I trust your narrative sense!
If you ever thought, “Gee, Tanjiro has had it really easy until now; I wonder if he’ll ever see a real fight,” then I have great news! Tanjiro has a real fight on his hands this week. Not only that, but the gorilla in the room decides to speak up — loudly. Before that, though, Irina (who’s in bold!), any opening remarks?
I’m not sure who thought that. The show stats with Tanjiro losing his entire family, then going through punishing nearly lethal training for years just to barely make it through the entrance exam. That mutated demon was legit frightening and I thought for a second they may end up killing off the man character at episode 5…
Episode 10: Together Forever
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 10 – A Friendly Game of Kickball
Welcome back one and all. Have you been looking forward to this week’s Demon Slayer? We were right in the middle of a deadly fight after all. Sort of an awkward place to leave things. I know I wanted to see the conclusion. How about you Crow?
Absolutely (I say in bold print)! And — I don’t think is a spoiler or anything — we even get a brief replay of the final moments of the battle. In case we forgot. True to form!
Where are my manners… As always, I will be having the pleasure of discussing this episode with my friend Crow of Crow’s World of Anime and of course all of you! Not that there’s all that much to spoil, but we’re going to go into the episode in some detail, so if you haven’t seen it yet and don’t want to be spoiled, I suggest you tab out for half an hour or so and go watch it, Crow and I will wait. Also, I’m in plain text this week!
Episode 11: Tsuzumi Mansion
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 11: The Monster’s House In The Woods
Thanks so much for joining us for the collaboration review of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba episode 11, “Tsuzumi Mansion.” I’ll be in plain ordinary boring text this week, and Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime will be in bold.
Crow! You sound sooo professional! That’s a good thing. You need to balance me out here. The weekend has come and I’in that fun Saturday euphoria high! I’ll try to make sense, no promises!
This week’s episode throttled back the action, but it kept us entertained with a startlingly violent act of revenge, the revelation that Tanjiro isn’t the only person with a super power, that demon power comes in an increasingly wide variety, that children have reassuringly high standards, and that even demon slayers can become ensnared in a demon’s trap — if the demon is powerful enough.
Episode 12: The Boar Bares Its Fangs, Zenitsu Sleeps
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 12: Delicatesse
Welcome back, one and all, to our Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba discussion post! I’m glad I get to share this show with you and grateful to Crow for taking the time to chat with me every week. I really do look forward to my Saturdays thanks to this. (ok…so there’s a small chance I would have looked forward to my Saturdays anyways but who can really tell?) Naturally Crow will be bold this week, as it just suits him! Before we get into the episode proper, how was your week Crow? Were you looking forward to this as much as I was?
Absolutely I was! So many unanswered questions last week! And then the preview mentioned Zenitsu sleeping? Forget the circumstances — how’d he calm down enough to sleep?
For those of you who haven’t watched the episode, go watch it! It’s a feast for the eyes! We’re going to get into what happened so there will be “spoilers,” but this week’s Demon Slayer isn’t really the type of episode you can spoil. Nevertheless, if you want to go in completely blind, please watch the episode first!
Episode 13: Something More Important Than Life
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 13: A Terrible Editor And The Anger Of A Gentle Man
Hi, and welcome to our collaboration review of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba episode 13, “Something More Important Than Life.” I’ll be in standard text this week, and Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime will be in bold.
Yes – Finally! My time to be Bold!
I feel like we should pause for a few words from our sponsors, but I don’t think we have sponsors…
I guess we could pause for our disclaimers. Crow and I will be discussing episode 13 of Demon Slayer so if you haven’t seen it and don’t want to know anything about it, please go on and give it a watch nw. We’ll wait right here so take your time.
For the rest of you, let’s get started with this week’s Kimetsu no Yaiba.
Episode 14: The House with the Wisteria Family Crest
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 14: You Need To Calm Down!
Let me tell you something, Montreal only exists in wave and snaps. Heat waves and cold snaps. That’s it. OK, here are maybe 4 days in October which are quite nice but the rest of the time… waves and snaps. We are currently in the former although I don’t think I have any right to complain considering what’s happening in Europe. But it’s all good when you have a cool anime to chill with on the weekend! How has your week been Crow? (Crow is bold, like brass!)
So I’m brassy bold? I like that! I’m going through a wetter than typical Ohio summer, which means 90+ (Fahrenheit — I know, we’re behind the times here in the States!) and humidity that exceeds the theoretical maximum! But your point about Europe is well-taken! No complaints here!
Let’s jump into it, shall we?
Episode 15: Mount Natagumo
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 15: Oh, What A Tangled Web
Hi, and thanks for reading our collaboration review of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba episode 15, “Mount Natagumo.” I’ll be in standard text this week, and Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime will be in bold. We’re about to talk about an interesting episode — it took us from the depths of a controversy through some signs of hope that the controversy will pass. Even better, it ended on a note that felt a lot like what I think of as “classic” Demon Slayer, even though we’re only on episode 15.
Irina, before we dive into the controversy, do you have any opening thoughts?
ell now you’ve got me curious…. I really want to find out about his controversy! But first, I guess I’ll do the disclaimer part. haven’t read ahead but odds are pretty high that Crow and I will be discussing the events of episode 15 so if you have not watched it yet and don’t want to know what happens, please go watch the episode first.
Otherwise, welcome! Happy you could join us. Now let’s see what’s this controversy Crow’s been on about!
Episode 16: Letting Someone Else Go First
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 16: Clearing away the Cobwebs
Alright, I think we can make it official, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is really an exceptional horror-action anime. Whatever else it may be. Man, this episode made my skin crawl, all puns intended. We are going to get into all the creepy, dreadful and just plain sad details of episode 16 in just a bit. So you know, spoilers and all that. But First, Hi Crow! It’s been a rough week all around I think. How have you been?
Oh! I’m bold this week. Good to know… Yes, it’s been a rough week. Nothing compared to what others have gone through, certainly. But, strangely enough who writes for hours each day, I still can’t talk about it. It’s good to have something like this to focus on. So, buoyed by Inosuke’s excellent use of powers in the last episode, let’s dive in!
I have been in a bit of a daze so the few seconds recapping episode 15 were actually pretty welcomed, and it was all I needed to get me right back on track. Inosuke and Tanjiro are in a creepy spider filled forest, tracking down a demon that uses spider webs to manipulate people like puppets. All the while, Zenitsu having been left behind is trying to track them down, mostly to get Nezuko back and then get out of there.
Episode 17: You Must Master a Single Thing
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 17: Thunder Breathing, Only Form
Hi, and welcome to our collaboration review of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba episode 17, “You Must Master a Single Thing.” I’ll be in standard text this week, and Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime will be in bold, which, as I’ve said before, feels like the most natural disposition. I have a feeling this episode might not tickle everyone’s fancy, because it featured Zenitsu. That being said, I’ve subtitled this episode “The Six Yikes.” I’ll explain as we go on.
But before we do, Irina, do you have any opening remarks? Maybe warn folks about spoilers (because there will be spoilers!)?
’m in a very good mood this weekend, which has made me quite generous towards the anime I watch. Although it hasn’t made me blind, so I think I can still give a passably reliable review.
I think I know what these six yikes you talk about are but I’m going to let you tell us all about it!
Episode 18: A Forged Bond
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 18: In which Tanjiro Dispenses Good Advice
I has been a week of blistering afternoons and wild festival movies and lots and lots of work. And lest you think I be complaining, these are all very good things. Except for the heat – I could do with less of that.
But good and fun as these things may be, they can end up a little exhausting, so I was looking forward to lazing around on the weekend and having a nice little Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba chat with my friend Crow. How are you Crow?
I’m well, thanks for asking! It’s pretty hot down here in the States, too. Better than a couple of weeks ago, though. I’ll be bold his week (it still feels like an unnatural state!) and to be clear, there may be spoilers!
What an episode, too! I can’t wait to dig in!
This week opened up not on our heroes battling the giant spider demon, but on what I can only assume is fan favourite Giyuu (if fan art is to be believed, this guy is everywhere!) and the butterfly girl whose name I’m not sure we know.
Episode 19: Hinokami
Review Of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 19: The Bonds That Tie Us And A Family Affair
Welcome, and thanks for joining Irina (of I Drink and Watch Anime fame) and I for our review of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba episode 19, Hinokami. This is one of those episodes that makes me glad that I’m reviewing anime, because I get to share it not only with Irina (and I’m dying to know what she thought of it!), but with all of you, too. And what an episode it was! We find out who was the real member of the Twelve Kizuki, and the power of one of those demons was truly on a different level. We witness a war play out over the meaning of something as basic yet profound as the idea of family. And we experience first the terror, then the wonder stemming from something I think we’ve all been waiting to see for weeks.
As usual, there will be spoilers. Very, very big spoilers. At least two and maybe more.
Before we dive in and let this episode sweep us away, any opening thoughts. Irina (who will be in bold)?
Last episode ended on such a cliffhanger. Not that we didn’t know who would win but we didn’t know who would win this time…
Also, I knew that hair was covering up something!!!!!
Episode 20: Pretend Family
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 20: Playing House
Guys, have I told you how lucky I am to work with Crow? He is always supporting and incisive. I can count on him and it’s a big deal. For instance, I am way late with this review. I’ve been burning the candle at every possible end and then some, so after I watched Demon Slayer yesterday, I dashed out the door got back late in the evening and just collapsed without putting my end of the post together. I do that a lot. Crow has never so much as grumbled if anything he wants to know if I had fun and is genuinely happy for me when I did.
I’m not blushing at all. No sir. Not one little bit!
And it’s not just me. He goes out of his way to shout out other blogs in his episode reviews. That’s a lot of work, believe me! He’s always happy to answer questions and help other bloggers out and to this day, I have never seen him ask for anything in return.
No, you didn’t accidentally stumble onto my Crow appreciation post. I have a point, and it’s this: having a social support system with people who honestly care about you and want your happiness changes everything, as we learned in this week’s Demon Slayer!
And she brought it home! Swoosh!
Episode 21: Against Corps Rules
Review Of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 21: Challenge Accepted And Be Careful With That Thing!
Hi everyone, and welcome to our collaboration review of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 21 – Against Corps Rules. Irina from I Drink and Watch Anime and I want to share out reactions and thoughts to the 21st episode. Irina will be in bold, and please be aware there will be spoilers.
There will also be mini Nezuko. We can’t forget mini Nezuko. She’s very important.
Irina, how was your week? Any thoughts before we dive into the episode?
Let’s see… you covered mini Nezuko so it seems like the essentials are here…
Hi Crow, I hope you’re enjoying your weekend! As I hope all the readers are as well!
We can divide this episode into four sections: Challenge Accepted, A 180 Degree Turn, Mini Nezuko, and Color Me Unimpressed. We’ll start with Challenge Accepted.
Interesting, I wonder where this is going…
Episode 22: Master of the Mansion
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 22: The Voice of the Master
I just realized, just now, that there are only two episodes of Demon Slayer left. That seems impossible. It feels like it basically just started. This is crazy. Judging from the Demon Slayer cosplay and merch I was seeing at the latest convention, fan reaction is pretty good to this one. Well, Montreal fan reaction, which is naturally what everyone goes by! I’m thinking there’s a decent chance for a second season and if so, I will watch it. Preferably with Crow.
That sounds like a capital idea! And you’re right. It seems like we just saw Nezuko stand over Tanjiro’s fallen body to protect him from Giyuu… And now here we are at episode 22, and truth be told, I’m more angry with some of these characters than I ever was with Muzan Kibutsuji! But, as usual, I’m getting ahead of myself! I’m Crow, and I’ll be in bold this week. And there will be spoilers!
So this episode picks up right where we left off last week. A few seconds before in fact. Tanjiro’s been brought back against his will to Demon Slayer headquarters to stand trial for the high crime of defending his little sister. Who is a terrifying demon, to be fair. We get our first good look at the Hashira’s and they seem to be quite the eccentric bunch. More than a few are happy to forgo formalities and execute Tanjiro on the spot.
Episode 23: Hashira Meeting
Review Of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 23: Nezuko’s Harrumph And Tanjiro’s Quiet Dread
Welcome to the collaboration review of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 23, “Hashira Meeting,” brought to you by Irina from I Drink and Watching Anime and me representing Crow’s World of Anime. Irina will be in bold this week, and I should warn you that our reviews contain spoilers.
Irina, are you having a good week? I was happy to see the news you reported about Demon Slayer in your post, “Top 5 Anime I Saw Represented at Otakuthon(TM).” It looks like the show’s still reasonably popular among its fans. Any opening thoughts before we dive in?
It really was very nice to see other fans enjoying the show. I know the series Isn’t perfect, but it’s still pretty fun. I can’t wait to see how they wrap up season 1. And of course, with last week’s cliff-hanger, I also couldn’t wait for this very episode.
Shall we dive right in? (There will be spoilers, I spoil things..)
Episode 24: Rehabilitation Training
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 24: Taking a Breather
Hmm..well…where do I start here. Oh I know! Hi Crow, how are you today? I hope you had a good week. Mine was a bit exhausting but the weekend is looking pretty great (I actually have very little to do and plan to plop down on the couch and play video games for the rest of the day once my part of this review is done. I haven’t been able to do that in months! I can’t wait.
That sounds great! I’ll try to turn the review around quickly so I don’t keep you from your video games. I haven’t had as much time for video games as I’d like, either. Like you, my week was exhausting, but I made it to the weekend! Oh, and just to make it official (since I bet it’s clear from the context), I’m bold this week!
Oh and because Crow has taught me well: spoiler warning. We are going to be discussing episode 24 of Demon Slayer in some detail so if you don’t want to know what happens, please go watch the episode first. Double spoiler, it’s not the type of episode with a lot of twists and turns, not that much to spoil here.
Episode 25: Tsuguko, Kanao Tsuyuri
Review Of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Episode 25: Tanjiro Triumphant And What’s Up With Kanao?
Hi, Irina! I hope you’ve had a good week. I didn’t hear how your video game session went last weekend. I hope it went well! Getting any time at all to kick back is so far too rare these days. At least it is for me! Hard to believe another week’s gone by. Here we are at Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba episode 25, Tsuguko, Kanao Tsuyuri, already. Other series are wrapping up, too. The Summer 2019 seasons sure zipped by!
Hi Crow, I just got home from dinner with friends and I’m looking forward to discussing a little Demon Slayer, maybe putting a few posts together and slipping into bed with a good manga. Speaking of which, I may end up ordering Demon Slayer in manga form. I have a feeling everything that annoys me about Zenitsu and Inosuke isn’t going to be nearly as annoying on a page!
But first, let’s get to this week’s episode. Spoilers and all!
Episode 26: New Mission
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Episode 26: The House of Escher
Well, here we are. It was quite a ride! Demon Slayer was not without its lows, but it’s highs were impressive and now that season 1 is all said and done, I can confidently say that I am very happy I got to watch this! But maybe I’m getting ahead of myself here. First, let’s get to some important stuff: How are you Crow?
Hi, Irina! I’m doing well. I hope you enjoyed your week! Gotta say — this episode’s energy surprised me. It felt more like an opening than a closing! Oh, I’m bold, and we’ll likely have spoilers. Don’t want to mislead anyone!
For those of you that may not know – Demon Slayer was Crow’s recommendation and I’m sure glad he made it! How about we get this finale rolling.
