English Dub Season Review: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Train Arc

Overview: With the help of Tanjiro (Zach Aguilar), Zenitsu (Aleks Le), Inosuke (Bryson Papenbrook) and Nezuko (Abby Trott), Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku (Mark Whitten) investigates the disappearances that have been occurring on the Mugen train, who is tasked with dispatching the demon that is causing them. 

Our Take: Continuing the saga of the series water-slashing swordsman, Tanjiro and crew board the Mugen Train in an attempt to help Hashira, Rengoku, and slay a demon plaguing it, causing passengers to mysteriously disappear. The entire gang that you probably already fell in love with during season one is back in the fold. And thankfully they all have glorious chemistry with a character that gets more time to bask in the sun and set his heart ablaze, in that of Rengoku. 

Rengoku blazes the trail as an incredible character that we get to learn more about over the course of the arc. His enthusiastic and exuberant personality makes him a joy when he interacts with Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu. He has no on screen time with Nezuko however and her role in general is limited but she acts an important supporting member, who will hopefully get more focus during the Entertainment District arc. Rengoku’s instincts as an older brother naturally lend him to being a kind, instructive mentor to them This culminates in sweet and charmingly humorous scenes as the three boys dote over him, but also crucially instructive ones as the fiery haired swordsman imparts tutelage in how to better brace themselves against that of their demonic threats. This all stems of course from his childhood with his younger brother, Senjuro, which is especially strong in how it showcases the emotional support he must provide in place of his parent’s differing situations, who also instilled his honorable morals. The sibling’s bond makes up for the backstory with Senjuro and Kyojuro’s parents that is lacking with it feeling as if there is more context that is not present, but would be much appreciated to fill in some gaps. 

Although what does burn bright are Rengoku’s incredible flames that Ufotable continues to beautifully give life to along with the other unique and stylistic elemental and special moves from the gang, from Zenitsu’s Thunder Clap to Tanjiro’s Water Wheel. CG is also a present element with the main villain, Enmu, being a conduit for it in the form of purple fleshy looking tentacles. However, while it may be jarring on its own, it is how it works in unison with the fast moving 2D models of Inosuke, Nezuko, Tanjiro and Zenitsu that makes it a sight to behold with panning that gives way to gorgeous silky smooth movement that never lose momentum. 

Speaking of the villains, Enmu, presents himself as a meticulously creepy, if albeit simple, villain that presents a harrowing emotional and physical ordeal for our main heroes by lulling them into a deep sleep with sweet dreams. This most notably applies to Tanjiro as he reconciles with his haunting loss of his family to fully move forward with the others making for some comedic delusions ranging from charming to wondrously nonsensical on Inusuke’s side. The other villainous threat in the last act of the film is Akaza, a member of the most powerful demon group in existence, spearheaded by Muzan, the Twelve Kizuki. He too brings his own set of original challenges, to the table with how far and away the most powerful he is with near instantaneous regenerative capabilities and special martial arts techniques. It also allows for aesthetic uniqueness with visceral hand to hand combat being at the forefront with his primal favoring of strength above all else making him a deadly and imposing persona. Similarly with Enmu, he is not particularly complex but is a cold, entertaining foil for Rengoku’s just nature. 

The English Dub cast from the top to bottom fills out their roles to perfection. Just to name a few, Zach Aguilar is an upbeat and headstrong lead while allowing for a lot of vulnerability as Tanjiro, Aleks Le is able to play on Zenitsu’s fluctuating personality changes, ranging from scaredy cat to calm and collected seamlessly, and Bryce Papenbrook channels Inosuke’s over-the-top energy well while also making his subtle maturity known through various trials. Abby Trott, although limited in her speech, is sweet and adorable as Nezuko, the little sister we all wish we had (or that we could replace with the one we already have) while being a fierce protective force as well. Lastly, Mark Whitten is bursting with energy and charisma as Rengoku while also acting as a patient and kindhearted mentor. I could go on and on but the long and short of it is the entire VA cast brings their amazing acting prowess to their own respective character. The score is also great with  some great tracks making a return like, “Kamado Tanjiro no Uta,” and distinctive character introduction renditions such as “Akaza’s Theme” being a hauntingly slick rock track. 

Oftentimes with anime event films of major Shonen, or in this case an episodic retelling of it, they are simply fun, self-contained action romps that are of little consequence moving forward. Mugen Train bucks that trend to deliver a tale with all the awe and spectacle one could hope for but one that has a lasting effect on Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu. One that places a microscope on their lack of strength and the consequences that brings as well as the even greater heights the trio must climb with Rengoku playing a meaningful role symbolic of that. The flame Hashira distinguishes himself as an impactful character that will melt your heart while standing as an inspiring beacon for our heroes moving forward into their next harrowing adventure.