Okay, okay, hands up who stayed up way too late binge-watching the last episode of Demon Slayer: Swordsmith Village Arc? Yeah, me too. Don't judge! I promised myself I'd just watch one episode. Famous last words, right? The animation was just too gorgeous to resist, and those cliffhangers? Criminal, I tell you! But seriously, what are we even supposed to do now that it's over?
Anyway, all this to say that season 3 of Kimetsu no Yaiba officially concluded and the internet is currently buzzing about it. So, let's dive in, shall we? No spoilers here (well, minimal ones!), just some thoughts and observations on what we got and what it all means.
What we loved (and a few tiny gripes)
First things first: the animation. Ufotable continues to be absolutely insane with their visuals. Seriously, the water effects, the details on the demons... it's pure art. Remember that fight scene with the Upper Moon 4? Jaw-dropping. (And speaking of Upper Moons, about time we got some screen time for them, am I right?). The level of detail just keeps getting better.
Then there's the story. I know some people found the Swordsmith Village arc a little slower-paced than previous seasons, but honestly, I appreciated it. It gave us a chance to really get to know characters like Mitsuri and Muichiro. And speaking of… those backstories? Heartbreaking! (Someone pass the tissues, please). I love how the writers manage to make you feel empathy even for the villains.
However (and there's always a however, isn't there?), I couldn't help but feel like some parts were a little rushed. Especially towards the end. I mean, the final battle felt a tad compressed. Maybe they were saving the big guns for the next season? Hmmm…
The New Hashiras: Did they Deliver?
The big draw of this season was, without a doubt, getting to see Mitsuri and Muichiro in action. And let's be real: they delivered! Mitsuri's Love Breathing is visually stunning, and her bubbly personality is a great contrast to the darker tone of the series. (Plus, her strength is chef's kiss). And Muichiro? He's just plain cool. His aloofness hides a complex character, and his Mist Breathing is awesome to watch. I found myself really drawn to the backstory of both of these fantastic characters.
But did they reach the iconic status of Rengoku or Uzui? That’s debatable. Rengoku's emotional impact and Uzui's flamboyant fighting style are hard acts to follow. What do you think?
So, what's next?
Here’s the big question: what are we all looking forward to now the Swordsmith Village arc is over? Clearly, the next story arc is the Hashira Training Arc (Hashira Geiko Hen). I believe that we will see a huge shift in character development and story, and it is going to be huge. This season sets up some massive plot points, and I can’t wait to see how they play out. I just know it is going to be great.
The real mystery is when we'll get to see it! Hopefully, we won't have to wait too long. I'm already counting down the days! Are you as excited as I am for what’s next in store for Tanjiro and the gang?
