The Demon Slayer – Kimetsu no Yaiba manga by Koyoharu Gotouge concluded in 2020. The anime adaptation is currently covering the Infinity Castle arc through a trilogy of theatrical films. The first installment became a phenomenon, breaking multiple box office records in Japan and the United States.
While this part is packed with action and emotional moments, it is far from perfect. In fact, it has some disappointing aspects compared to the original manga that the anime will find very difficult to fix.
Here are the three biggest issues fans have pointed out in Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, showing that even a hugely successful work has its flaws.
1. Unanswered Questions About the Demon Slayer Mark Curse
The curse of the Demon Slayer Mark is one of the biggest and most controversial mysteries in the series. This curse states that anyone who awakens the Demon Slayer Mark will not live past 25 years old. Although Tanjiro survives, the fates of Giyu and Sanemi remain unknown. Both were only 21 when the battle ended, and fans don’t know if the curse was lifted after Muzan’s death. This detail remains unresolved, leaving many fans disappointed.
The lack of a clear explanation about this curse diminishes some of the story’s depth. The curse is not just a power boost for characters but also a painful choice the Pillars must accept. The uncertainty around Giyu and Sanemi’s fate leaves many fans feeling unsatisfied. This is a weakness the anime is unlikely to fix unless it adds an entirely new ending.
2. Anime Cuts an Important Scene for Giyu
During the battle between Akaza and the duo Giyu and Tanjiro, the anime cuts an important scene that reduces Giyu’s character depth. In the manga, when Tanjiro falls, Giyu faces Akaza alone and recalls the death of his close friend Sabito. Determined not to repeat that mistake, Giyu vows never to let a friend die before his eyes again, directly referring to Tanjiro. This internal monologue not only highlights Giyu’s resolve but also deepens his bond with Tanjiro.
In contrast, the anime only shows Giyu standing before Akaza, saying Akaza must kill him before Tanjiro. This change significantly reduces the emotional weight of the moment. Cutting the internal monologue removes Giyu’s determination and the connection between him and Tanjiro. This makes Giyu less compelling than in the manga and is a major disappointment for manga fans.
3. Too Many Deaths Happen Too Quickly
Although many deaths occur in this arc, the way they are handled is problematic. Unlike Rengoku’s death in the Mugen Train arc, which was handled perfectly and emotionally, the deaths of the Pillars in the final arc happen too quickly.
Beloved characters like Shinobu, Muichiro, Gyomei, Obanai, and Mitsuri all die within a short span. This rush leaves readers little time to process and feel the pain of these losses. These rushed deaths sparked much controversy during the manga’s serialization. With the film format, where everything unfolds continuously, the anime may struggle to deliver the emotional impact these deaths deserve.
In summary, while Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle has achieved tremendous success, it is not a flawless work. Issues with the Demon Slayer Mark curse, cutting important scenes, and the handling of character deaths remain significant drawbacks. Hopefully, the upcoming films can address these mistakes and provide a more satisfying conclusion to one of the greatest shonen series of all time.
Source: Comicbook