Tag Archives: Tokito

Book Review: Demon Slayer, Vol 20 by Koyoharu Gotouge

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Demon Slayer, Vol 20        

Author: Koyoharu Gotouge

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: February 2, 2021

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Fantasy Manga/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

The fighting intensifies as four of the Hashira battle Muzan’s number one demon, Kokushibo, who was once a demon slayer himself! But things don’t look good for the Hashira. Tokito has been gravely injured and Genya was cut in half – how is he still alive, and drawing on demon blood powers? The Stone and Wind Hashira brothers enter the fray, as they attempt to utilize their strengths against this demon. But will it be enough?

This is such an intense volume, so much going on! A real nail-biter! One of the things I like about the author is that everything is not black and white. He shows that even demons are not entirely bad, as is evidenced here with the story of Kokushibo and his twin brother.

The Demon Slayer story is beginning to draw to an end. If they can get past this demon, their next target will be Muzan. Last seen, Tanjiro was headed toward him. Can’t wait to see how everything plays out!  Great volume, looking forward to the next one!

Book Review: Demon Slayer, Vol 19 by Koyoharu Gotouge

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Demon Slayer, Vol 19     

Author: Koyoharu Gotouge

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: December 1, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Fantasy Manga/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Inosuke and Kanao are facing the number 2 rank demon, Domo, who tries to confuse Inosuke with his rhetoric. But Inosuke refuses to listen. Just when things seem bleakest, assistance comes from beyond the grave, and a plan that was deliberately hatched some time ago. The question is, will it actually succeed? Or will Shinobu’s sacrifice have been in vain ?

Tanjiro and Tomioka have defeated Azaka and are recuperating when they learn of the battle Inosuke and Kanao are waging. Each battle is bringing them closer to facing Muzan! Meanwhile Tokito encounters an upper class Demon #1 who recognized something familiar in Tokito. Turns out he is a descendant of the demon! The demon is impressed with the skill displayed by the Demon Slayer. If these two are related, how will their skills compare? Genya joins the fight, but things aren’t looking well for him when he receives help from an unexpected quarter…his estranged brother Sanemi.

The major storyline in this volume concerns the two battles being waged, Inosuke and Kanao vs Domo, and Tokito and Genya against the #1. The battles are very interesting, and so is the back stories we get to learn about. I am glad to be finding out more about Inosuke, although I’m still not sure why he feels the need to wear the boar’s head. Maybe because his face is very feminine and he’s afraid he won’t be taken seriously with a girly face and a manly body.

They’re getting closer and closer to destroying Muzan. I have to believe that the final battle will include Tanjiro and Nezuko. Will the story continue once they defeat him? I hope so. This is a great world the author has built, and I’d love to see it continue. Great volume, looking forward to the next.

Book Review: Demon Slayer, Vol 14 by Koyoharu Gotouge

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Demon Slayer, Vol 14   

Author: Koyoharu Gotouge

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 2, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Fantasy Manga/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Tanjiro is finding it difficult to cut the thick neck of the demon he is battling, and the effects of Nezuko’s blood seem to have worn off. A sixth demon appears, one who insists on referring to the demon slayers as villains! Genya believes the newcomer to have been summoned by the demon they are fighting, and this one is the demon of joy and of pleasure. The new demon berates Tanjiro and Genya for picking on the small demon. He seems to grow stronger the harder they fight him.

The demon Gyokko is searching the village for the chief and comes across Haganezuka, who is engrossed in sharpening a blade. Gyokko becomes enraged when he cannot gain the swordsmith’s attention, too focused on what he is doing. Meanwhile, Tokito is sure his life is about to come to an end and reflects on his childhood while Kotetsu racks his brain for some way of helping the Hashira. When Haganezuka gives Tokito the blade he was sharpening, his strength and purpose are renewed, and so the battle with Gyokko continues!

Tanjiro’s battle with the upper rank demon is not going as well as he’d like when a sudden appearance by Kanroji, the love Hashira, saves the day. She is deeply offended when the demon refers to her as a tramp! But does she have what it takes to defeat him?

This volume of Demon Slayer contains a lot of back story for Hashira and demons alike. I find that interesting, as it gives more depth to the characters. Even the demons have redeeming qualities (well, most of them).  I’m hoping if they defeat this level 4 demon, they’ll be able to get some of his blood to use to find the cure for Nezuko!

Another great volume, looking forward to the next one!

Book Review: Demon Slayer, Vol 13 by Koyoharu Gotouge

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Demon Slayer, Vol 13     

Author: Koyoharu Gotouge

Publisher: Viz Media

American release date: June 2, 2020

Format/Genre/Length: Paperback/Fantasy Manga/192 pages

Overall Personal Rating: ★★★★

Reviewer: Julie Lynn Hayes

 

Tanjiro and Genya find themselves facing demons who, when struck, divide!  Simply cutting their heads off is not going to work with these fellows!. Instructing Nezuko to assist Genya with one demon, Tanjiro goes after the other, determined to best him no matter what. Meanwhile, Tokito, the Mist Hashira, is in a position to help the swordsmith Kotetsu. At first he sees no reason to do so, until he remembers what Tanjiro told him, that helping others can often help you help yourself. So he decides to assist Kotetsu.

It seems that Nezuko is growing in strength. Tanjiro is determined to go to her and Genya’s aid. But he has to finish this demon first. Tanjiro discovers that his sister’s blood has some amazing abilities. Back at the village, Tokito and Kotetsu are up against Gyokko, attempting to save the village that is so important to the demon slayers. Assistance arrives in the form of Mitsuri, the Love Hashira.

With Nezuko’s blood strengthening his blade, Tanjiro calls upon the memory of another swordsman, one who came close to cutting off the demon Muzan’s head! But wait! There seems to be a fifth demon? Why can’t Genya see him? Genya tries but fails to cut off the little demon’s head. Will he allow Tanjiro to do what a Hashira cannot?

It’s interesting to watch how both Tanjiro and Nezuko are growing and developing in their abilities. Hopefully at some point they will be able to stop Lord Muzan himself and Nezuko will be able to become human again. The back story for Genya was bittersweet and revealed much about him. The demons in this volume are very interesting. I like how there is a great variety in the demons, each with a unique style, and none of them are slam-dunk victories.

Looking forward to the next volume!