Demon Slayer: I believe Muzan is the perfect example of a Shonen villain

The Demon Slayer series has received plenty of criticism for its simplicity. However, it is difficult to ignore the extent of its success. Clearly, there are a few things that this series has nailed. Among a myriad of positive elements, the one that stands out the most is this — character writing. This show has done a phenomenal job with the character writing and their interactions on screen.

It is difficult to talk about the Demon Slayer series without bringing up the key antagonist, Kibutsuji Muzan. Only a handful of characters in the series are unanimously hated by the entire fanbase. This character is one of them, and the reasons for it are clear as day. He is one of the most evil characters with no redeeming qualities. While many fans don’t like the character, I firmly believe that he is an excellent example of a typical Shonen villain.

Demon Slayer fans absolutely detest Muzan, and they have every right to do so. However, I find Muzan to be quite an interesting character. Most villains often have a strong set of ideals that govern their actions. In this case, Muzan, too, had a set of ideals that fueled his goals. But he was also a coward who would do anything to survive.

As a Demon Slayer fan myself, I have seen Muzan throw away his pride at moments if it meant that he could survive. He always looked down on human beings. Yet, he ran away from Yoriichi Tsugikuni without thinking twice. I find that juxtaposition of pride and cowardice quite fascinating. However, we soon realize that his sense of pride is rather misplaced and isn’t guided by a moral compass. I am not suggesting that all villains have a moral compass. However, there are some villains who exercise honor and often draw the line at some point when they are at a crossroads.

I think Muzan is a brilliant Shonen villain because of the way he unites fans against him. One of the main purposes of a villain is for them to unite all viewers, the protagonist, the deuteragonist, and the side characters. Muzan, in this regard, nails the brief as a villain in the Demon Slayer series. I also noticed how Muzan’s actions in the series often amplify the hatred that fans had developed up until that particular episode.

I believe that most Shonen villains who influenced the story had one trait in particular — perseverance. His cowardice cannot be overlooked. However, I must credit his perseverance in the anime series. He spent centuries searching for the one ingredient to create the drug that would grant him immortality. Even in his dying moments, he transferred all of his blood into Tanjiro with the hopes of creating a demon that would conquer the sun, and in turn, carry on his will. This perseverance makes him an incredible

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.

Why do Demon Slayer fans hate Muzan?

I believe that he is a despicable character with absolutely no honor. There isn’t a single person who is important to him. Everyone is expendable to him, and he doesn’t really value connections. He is the most self-centered character in Demon Slayer, and every single action is done in service of his selfish goals.

Furthermore, he derives pleasure from killing certain people. He genuinely hates the Demon Slayer Corps and takes happiness in killing them. In fact, he was enjoying every second when he saw Kagaya Ubuyashiki in a frail state on the verge of death. Muzan also pretended to be a human being and fathered a child. This is how nefarious he is in the Demon Slayer series.

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I believe that Muzan is the perfect example of a Shonen villain. His actions make the viewers root for the good guys. Her perseverance and nefarious acts make him a well-written villain in the animanga series. The stark contrast of pride and cowardice adds another dimension to the character, which also plays a role in how fans perceive the character.

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