Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba (2021-2022)

[鬼滅の刃]

Season 2

Director: Haruo Sotozaki
Studio: Ufotable
Starring: Natsuki Hanae, Akari Kito, Hiro Shimono
Episodes: 18

Synopsis:
After the incident with the Mugen Train, Tanjirou, Zenitsu and Inosuki volunteer for an infiltration mission in Tokyo's notorious Yoshiwara District.

Impressions:
Like many others, I thought it was a bit cheap to chop up and repackage the Mugen Train film for the start of Season 2, but on further reflection, it is kinder to the general audiences to ensure access to the material. The cuts to divvy up the movie into episodes works so well that they may well have paced it with that intention from the start. We do start with a prologue episode that's new content, so that's something. I'm of the opinion that the film's seamless presentation is the superior way to enjoy the Mugen Train Arc, but if you watch it in episodic format, you'll still get a satisfying experience.

The second part, officially translated as the Entertainment District Arc but often referred to as the Red-Light District Arc (which gives you a better idea of the kind of "entertainment" provided in Yoshiwara), was highly anticipated and for good reason. The flashy Usui makes for an interesting contrast with Rengoku from the previous arc (and Katsuyuki Konishi was a perfect casting choice for him). It might have been interesting if the actual infiltration phase of the plan lasted longer, but we get to the big battle rather quickly and what a battle it is. While the 1v1 duel between Rengoku and Akaza from the Mugen Train Arc was plenty impressive, the scale of the Upper Six fight really takes the cake. I'd love to go into more detail, but I don't want to spoil it for you.

As far as production values go, Ufotable continues to bring the goods with what fans have dubbed their Infinite Budget Works. All the praise I've given them before holds true here. I do feel the need to reiterate how well they integrate 2D and 3D animation (sketchy blob monster from Mugen Train aside). Expect a visual feast, strong performances, and a suitably flashy OP for the second half.

Fans of the series don't need to ask, but in case you couldn't tell from all my gushing thus far, this is a must-have, so be sure to get it.

Rating:
Own It