English Dub Review: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc: “Mist Hashira Muichiro Tokito”

Overview: Muichiro (Griffin Burns) finally takes his fight with Gyokko (Brent Mukai) seriously, showing the full extent of his capabilities. Also, Tanjiro (Zach Aguilar) continues to struggle with Zohakuten (Ben Balmaceda) with him getting some much needed help from Mitsuri. (Kira Buckland)

Our Take: Despite being engaged in a fight with an Upper Rank, Muichiro’s true core conflict was his trauma. With the crux of his memory solved, the series doesn’t lose sight of how ridiculously strong Hashira are with Muichiro stepping up to the plate. His antagonizing bickering with Gyokko is childishly entertaining. Gyokko’s fishman form makes Tokito’s cutting remarks for some classic overpowered Shonen goodness. 

Tokito’s anger over his brother’s death is straightforward, but compelling in taking down Gyokko. His lethal mist techniques are also a thrill in how inventively they’re used, like for illusions, camouflage and sensory overload. Of course, Ufotable also continues their hot streak with gorgeous strikes and dodges. There’s also tender closure with Muichiro’s family and even Rengoku’s legacy in his tsuba saving Kotetsu. 

Zohakuten is a powerhouse in his cavalcade of elemental powers. He is positioned as a much more threatening presence than Gyokko ever could be. Tanjiro’s defeat opens the door for Mitsuri and the incredible grace that she and her sword style bring. Yet again, Mitsuri’s graceful ballerina and ribbon dancing style maneuvers pairs beautifully with her silky smooth sword with Ufotable nailing the elastic nature of it. With so few episodes remaining, it will be interesting to see how well her backstory is fleshed out, if at all. However, the promise of her battle sets the stage for, at the very least, an elegant display to end the season.