Although there have been several big hits over the past decade, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood remains the undisputed champion of beginner anime, perfect for beginners and veterans alike. When Demon Slayer premiered, the explosive positive response raised questions about whether Ufotable’s production would become one of anime’s greats – especially after the financial success of the movie Mugen Train.
However, Demon Slayer Season 2 saw a trend that strayed away from the safety of Season 1’s formula, and one that could ultimately cost the series in terms of ratings. While introducing the Hashira was a nice way to expand the cast – especially when each of them has such strong personalities – knocking them out so quickly makes their appearance almost pointless, as if it was entirely intended. to tragedy. This, among other reasons, raises the question of whether Demon Slayer remains an ideal starter anime like Fullmetal Alchemist.
What makes a good starter anime? A structured plot helps viewers stay engaged and follow the plot in a way similar to stories they learned growing up, with heroes and villains and a clear end goal. Second, anime that avoids excessive references to Japanese culture is easier to understand and comprehend for someone foreign to that culture. Finally, with things like fan service kept to a minimum, it’s easier for many to enjoy a series.
Looking at these standards, it becomes clear why some anime have been so successful. FMA:B has the clear objective of allowing Edward and Alphonse Elric to find their bodies. The story takes place in the land of Amestris, which is based on a loosely European culture. Other than Lust embodying her sin in a way that makes sense in the story, there are only minimal instances of fan service when Winry Rockwell briefly has parts of her breasts exposed. FMA:B’s winning formula earned it the No. 1 spot on MyAnimeList and a 9.15 rating, which doesn’t look like it’s going to change anytime soon.
Like the Elrics, Tanjiro and Nezuko, the Demon Slayer Kamado brothers, set out to transform Nezuko from a demon to a human and kill Kibutsuji Muzan to avenge their family. Although the series is set in historic Japan, the fact that Tanjiro is as baffled by the Taisho era as anyone else evens the playing field. Season 1 didn’t feature much fan service, mainly arriving with Kanroji Mitsuri – the Love Hashira.
Demon Slayer has a shock factor when it comes to gore – but none more emotionally overwhelming than Fullmetal Alchemist’s Nina Tucker spell – and even gets humorous by the second episode when Tanjiro begins his training. As the series introduces stylish villains and fun allies, the similarities to the progression of FMA:B, which introduces the homunculi and the eventual Elric team, are obvious. As Season 1 wraps up, the fact that Demon Slayer has a current rating of 8.56 and is ranked 84 on MyAnimeList comes as no surprise.
Killing Rengoku Kyojuro and having Tengen Uzui retire in such quick succession would parallel Fullmetal Alchemist incapacitating Roy Mustang the season following Maes Hughes’ death; it’s too much, too fast. On top of that, Demon Slayer Season 2 fan service has increased dramatically. One of the main antagonists, Daki, spends most of her time in an incredibly revealing outfit, while the women of Tengen all wear very revealing outfits as well.
Demon Nezuko’s growth spurts practically push her out of a kimono designed for a young girl. The official artwork for the show’s “Swordsmith Village” arc only promises worsening fan service, with Mitsuri’s skirt billowing as she looks over her shoulder. This sexualization was totally unnecessary in Season 1, as proven by its popularity, and every instance takes the show away from the recipe for a great starter anime.
Of course, the manga is partly responsible for character design, but it’s Ufotable that has the ultimate authority over how a scene is animated and what elements are focused on. There could have been minor changes to the clothes to stretch with Nezuko’s body instead of revealing her legs and cleavage, or fewer close-ups of Daki as she fights. These are conscious choices on the part of the team to sexualize women’s bodies in a way that was not the case in Season 1, and the way Mitsuri was drawn to promote the “Swordsmith Village” arc. ” completely depends on Ufotable.