In Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Train Arc, Tanjiro Kamado and his fellow Demon Slayer members
embark on a mission aboard the Infinity Train. Their new mission is to investigate a series of
mysterious disappearances, carried out by a demon that has been terrorizing passengers and killing the
demon slayers who oppose it.
Note: The first episode is entirely anime original. Episodes 2-7 are a re-edited version of the
movie featuring new scenes and music.
_SPOILER FREE_ If you’ve seen the movie, then the only part you really need to watch from the TV series arc is __episode one__; it sets the scene for the rest of the arc and gives Rengoku a bit more screen time. The only other notable parts of this adaptation are the __opening__ and __ending__. That’s it. That’s my review. Except reviews have a minimum character count, so here we go. ___ Capitalism runs the world, and that’s why we got the TV series following the movie. Well, mostly. Since most anime movies aren’t part of the canon world, future Demon Slayer watchers may skip the movie and miss part of the canon material that is necessary to understand other pieces of the story. To prevent that, they adapted it into a TV series as well so future fans don’t miss anything. (But mostly it’s for the money). If you’re comparing the series to the movie, you’ll notice the series is rated a bit lower than the movie. If I had to give a reason the movie is rated better than the anime, my guess is that it has something to do with the movie experience. Seeing it on the big screen certainly improves the experience, and even if the material is practically the same, watching it split into different episodes just doesn’t have the same feel as a movie. (On a not entirely different note, the movie has almost 100,000 more views logged in anilist than the series does, which I find immensely amusing.) Now, onto the material itself. As usual, ufotable’s __animation__ is nothing less than incredible. My first time watching it, I was completely blown away with the amazing animation of the train, as well as their breathing techniques and demon blood arts. The __story__ of this arc is quite good too. It isn’t anything deep, but there is a nice balance of intense fighting and almost-in-tears moments. And while the __extra episode__ may not have come from the manga, I still really enjoyed it. I loved the insight it gave into Rengoku’s character, which I appreciated since this is the only arc he really appears in, and I also loved how well it fit into the rest of the series. As for __characters__, I generally find all of Demon Slayer's characters annoying, but Rengoku is by far my favorite. Many of the characters seem static, and Rengoku is no exception, but it just _works_ for him. He's already at the peak of his career. He doesn't need to go anywhere, he doesn't have anything else to gain. He's allowed to be static, because he doesn't need to change. Even though it's not shown, he's already had that character development, and it works. The __music__ is excellent as well. LiSA does an incredible job on the opening and ending, and the animation for these are nothing less than what you would expect from Demon Slayer. The rest of the OST is also exceptional. ___ Personally, I really enjoy the Demon Slayer franchise. I understand how some people believe it’s overhyped, but it fits right into the genres I enjoy and that’s that. After reading the manga, I can say for certain that this is one of my favorite arcs. Even though I would choose the movie over the series, if you’re going to watch one over the other, I would recommend the series, if not only for the extra episode and the banger music. _*an 8.5/10 on my rating scale is "amazing and enjoyable"_
#SPOILERS FOR DEMON SLAYER: MUGEN TRAIN AHEAD!!!
___
#__ablaze [ ə-ˈblāz ]__
__Definition of ablaze:__
_adjective_
1. being on fire
2. radiant with light or emotion
_Set your heart ablaze!_
~~~img700(https://c.tenor.com/FbJTWBQc4BwAAAAd/rengoku-flame-breathing.gif)~~~
___
I have already [reviewed the Demon Slayer: Mugen Train movie](https://anilist.co/review/16452), but I
think it is time I reviewed the TV version too.
#__Plot: 18/10__
Unlike the movie, the TV version of the Mugen Train arc starts with a anime only episode about how
Rengoku got his bento boxes before boarding the train. This was a nice touch because it gave a
backstory to one of the most iconic anime scenes of all time. If you don't know what I'm talking about
already, I mean the scene where Rengoku repeatedly say "UMAI" as he chows down on the last meal ever.
The rest of the TV version is rather the same as the movie, nothing else new is added. That does not
mean it is bad though because we already know the movie was ~~pretty much~~ peak fiction. The
climactic fight between Rengoku and Akaza is still one of the best fight sequences in all of ~~Demon
Slayer~~ anime. Not to mention how deep the emotions run when Rengoku inevitably gets a hole ripped
through his chest. Overall, I would say the extra anime only episode propels the TV version from peak
fiction to a contender for the best fictional work ever.
~~~img500(https://c.tenor.com/q23V3VFS0j4AAAAC/umai-rengoku.gif)~~~
___
#__Characters: 15/10__
We already learned what great and amazing characters Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Nezuko were in
season one of Demon Slayer, but luckily for us we are introduced to new characters in this arc.
Rengoku being the stand out of them all. Rengoku is a very cheerful and bright individual who also
happens to be very strong. He pushes forward with unlimited determination to save everyone on the
train and does achieve his goal. He even gets a flashback to flesh out his backstory. It was such a
unique backstory. His dad didn't support him in becoming a Hashira, but he did it anyways. This
backstory could bring anyone to tears. Unfortunately, Rengoku gets killed before reconciling with his
dad. So sad, I'm crying as I am typing this. Akaza was also introduced in this arc, he's a bad demon
that's really strong. Anyways, Rengoku's story arc was one of the best character arcs in all of anime
and should get the respect it deserves.
~~~img500(https://c.tenor.com/boWyqxpR6f0AAAAd/rengoku-dead.gif)~~~
___
#__Animation: 10/10__
It has good animation, but no where near how good the actual plot and characters were. The fight
choreography, art style, and movements were all really good in this, but just wanted to remind
everyone __Demon Slayer is carried by its amazing plot and characters, not its animation.__
~~~img500(https://c.tenor.com/i4LJ_nKbK9oAAAAC/demon-slayer-mugen-train-rengoku-akaza.gif)~~~
___
#__OST: 15/10__
I have listened to the OST countless times and each and every time I am brought to tears of joy and
tears of sadness. The OST conveys the right emotions for each and every scene which elevates each
scene to the next level.
~~~img500(https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0318/2649/files/unnamed-3_480x480.gif?v=1602859521)~~~
___
#__Op/Ed: 13/10__
Just like the OST, the openings and endings could make anyone with a heart cry tears of joy and tears
of sadness. Some of the best openings in all of anime, that's all I can really say.
~~~img500(https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/772bd7a3-8718-49e4-9a2f-6684c9c0754d/scale-to-width/755)~~~
___
#__Overall: ∞/10__
You already know why this is, no need to explain.
~~~img500(https://c.tenor.com/IPwV3ABH5CkAAAAd/mugen-train-kimetsu-no-yaiba.gif)~~~
___
~~~To all the Peak Slayer enjoyers, I love you :)
Thank you for reading to the end of my review!
_[Click here to read my other reviews](https://anilist.co/user/NerfMiner/reviews)_
~~~
~~~ ~!img500(https://c.tenor.com/wbGQzpJYDsoAAAAC/rengoku-laugh.gif)!~ ~~~
In my review for Demon Slayer - The Movie: Mugen Train, I said that it was ["The Evolution of Simplicity"](https://anilist.co/review/20211), a perfect way to continue upon the foundations on which Season 1 of Demon Slayer was built: The idea of perfecting just one, simple concept. In my eyes, a sequel to that season would have had to add to this concept by fixing issues that plagued it - and I concluded that the movie succeeded at this. Unfortunately, I do not think of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc quite that favourably; it is a retread of the original movie, which does not add to its content in any meaningful way - in fact, I would argue it makes it worse. Before I go over why, however, I would like to provide the first episode of this batch of seven with it's own small review, as it is the only real additional content to be found, and is actually incredibly good. Appropriately titled "Flame Hashira Rengoku Kyoujurou", this episode focuses on the fiery swordsman's fight against 'Slasher', a demon terrorising the village in which the 'Infinity Train' can be found. The fights against Slasher are all, unsurprisingly, gorgeous - but most importantly, I was incredibly impressed by the final confrontation between the two, with the shots of Rengoku killing the demon with one blow and elegantly sheathing his sword being intercut seamlessly and rather beautifully with a shot of his father doing the same years ago, which is animated in a stunning black and white colour palette. The scene stuck with me for a while after I saw it, and I consider it another excellent example of Demon Slayer's ability to utilise its soundtrack to the fullest extent. Unfortunately, that's where my praise for this cour of Demon Slayer ends - the remaining 6 episodes, in my opinion, actually make the movie they're adapting *worse*. This is primarily because I think this episodic format kills the great pacing that original version of Mugen Train has by leaving the viewer on contrived cliffhangers and subjecting them to incredibly weak opening and ending songs. (Also, as a sidenote, why is it that every anime focusing on a train has that same spinning shot of a train in a railway yard in their opening or ending?) I could have looked past these pacing issues if Ufotable had fixed any notacable issues with the movie, such as the weird tentacle CGI - but they didn't, and I'm unfortunately left with the conclusion that releasing these 6 episodes was intended solely as a cheap cash grab, which is unfortunate. Ultimately, while I feel quite strongly about the first episode of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train Arc, I cannot say the same for the other episodes it features - I think they're completely unnecessary, and actively harm the original Mugen Train movie without providing any value to make up for it.
The more I watch Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer), the more I find myself saying that it is well on track to become one of if not the greatest Shonen Anime of all time. Granted I have not finished any of the Big Three (Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece), but I have seen a substantial amount of the first two and know even more about them (I accept it, they're old and at my age, you have to be living under a rock to not know what happens in those two). There are plenty of people who can list the similarities between them and Demon Slayer, (hint, it's what makes a Shonen a Shonen.), but there is something extremely distinct that sets Demon Slayer apart from its predecessors as well as its contemporaries. It is the most emotional (long-running) Shonen anime I have ever seen. A major part of what makes Demon Slayer so attractive to me and to others I've spoken with is the fact that it uses emotion, and is emotional. Take for example, in the Tanjiro Kamada Unwavering Resolve Arc (Season 1), Tanjiro undergoes his training, a mini-arc symptomatic to Battle Shonen. The goal is simply stated, when you cut the rock in half, you'll be ready for the trial. We all know how this is going to go, he'll try by brute strength and fail before and try again and again until he is on the brink of giving up. Then he'll hear something inspiring about fighting for those he loves and find the "strength within" to accomplish the goal and discover something about himself that his master already knew. It is a formula, and we accept it. But Demon Slayer did something differently, instead of focusing on the goal, it focused on the emotion behind it. Every swing of the blade, every conversation with the other students felt alive to the point that we forgot about the stone until Tanjiro cut it. But instead of celebration being the first thing we felt, it was a bittersweet emotion. Sadness mixed with excitement, and it was not until after that we understood why. And when we did, it was enough to bring us to tears, of joy and heartache. How often does a training arc bring you to tears? Yet in these 2 or three episodes, I found myself not just in awe but in admiration of how it was done, I wanted to see more. Kimetsu no Yaiba welds emotion into every arc, and every episode, be it joy or rage, pain or excitement, fear and hope. We know that to mix emotion with action is a strong combination because the fights take on a new role, not one of victor and vanquished, but two souls, ideals and hopes in direct conflict with one another. It is stories like these that are people's favourites, (Akatsuki arc in Naruto), but instead of it being only a small part of a few episodes here and there, it is the very heart of the series. Whether he is slaying a demon, protecting innocents, training like a madman or mourning a fallen comrade, Tanjiro carries the emotion of the series in everything he does. With a cast of side characters who fit in around him to make it not just believable but immersive. With the music and animation only further assisting to further that beauty and make us sit in awe of it. Kimetsu no Yaiba is on its way to being a masterpiece, and as the sun rises on the end of the Mugen Train Arc and we go into another, I can only sit and wait in anticipation that this journey only continues to unfold as pure, genuine and beautiful as it began. Later Days, Africanime