There’s a common notion within the anime fandom nowadays, where almost everyone thinks of Demon Slayer as an animation masterpiece, which is indeed high praise, but it’s just that. People often forget that the series actually has much more to say, rather than being labeled as too predictable or even boring.
While it’s true that the initial episodes may seem quite generic after all the Shonen anime fans have seen, in reality, Demon Slayer‘s real essence far surpasses those first few chapters. It tries to convey an intricate message that’s quite profound, even in our real life. The true value of sibling bonds shines brightly with each of its characters.
Demon Slayer explores the profound bond between siblings
There are many different kinds of siblings throughout Demon Slayer – Tanjiro and Nezuko, Daki and Gyutaro, Muichiro and his brother, or even Kokushibo and Yoriichi. But why so? The author must have had a solid reason for introducing all these sibling relationships, right?
At its core, Demon Slayer may seem like it’s all just about slaying demons, but it’s not. It explores a deeper aspect of the human psyche: protecting your loved ones and saving what’s left of the family. This is noticeable in almost all the characters in the series.
Here, the bond between Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado simply acts as the emotional backbone of the series. But this also pushes it beyond typical action-packed Shonen fare that we are all familiar with. Their relationship isn’t just touching; it’s resilient, forged through fire, grief, and unrelenting hope.
Tanjiro doesn’t fight because he’s seeking vengeance. He fights because Nezuko still breathes; because even as a demon, she weeps, protests, and remembers. People often forget that Demon Slayer has all these aspects that go beyond just action. This brings so much to the table compared to your typical Shonen.
Demon Slayer essentially redefines the Shonen genre!
In a genre often centered around rivals and found families, Demon Slayer dares to center a biological sibling bond that never appears to be shallow or overshadowed by the action. It reminds us that sometimes the most heroic act isn’t defeating the enemy; it’s refusing to give up on the one you love.
You can see this even through the other sibling pairs in the series as well. For instance, Genya and Sanemi, Gyutaro and Daki, and even the tragic backstories of the Hashira all show a profound nature of sibling bonds. Some are good guys, some are bad guys, but they all care for their families in their own ways.
Each sibling dynamic, whether fractured or loving, mirrors Tanjiro and Nezuko’s relationship in some way. It highlights how powerful—and sometimes painful—those bonds can be, but you still have to do what you must.
In the world of Demon Slayer, the fight isn’t just against demons; it’s against forgetting who you are and who you still live for. At times, it’s also about complex relationships with siblings, such as with Kokushibo. But overall, it’s a masterclass study about the family ties that keep us together in the end.
Demon Slayer is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
