Demon Slayer has numerous characters who are exceptionally powerful. Given that this is a Shonen title, netizens often compare various characters based on numerous criteria. However, the most common grounds of comparison are strength and combat abilities. Netizens are guilty of comparing characters from other Shonen titles as well. There is one character who has been subjected to various comparisons on social media platforms and forums - Obanai Iguro.
He is the Serpent Hashira in the Demon Slayer series. Obanai Iguro’s popularity skyrocketed during the Hashira Training arc. That was the first time fans got a glimpse of his fighting style. The fluid, serpent-like movements paired with explosive strength make for an entertaining viewing experience. However, fans seem to get a tad bit enthusiastic when assessing his abilities.
When we observe most discussions that take place on the internet, netizens often rank him second or third on the list of the strongest Hashira. Calling him the second most powerful Hashira in Demon Slayer is certainly a stretch. When comparing characters, it is important to take a look at their feats in the animanga series. Obanai’s best feats are in the Infinity Castle arc.
Obanai Iguro managed to take on Kibutsuji Muzan and stood his ground. Furthermore, he unlocked the Demon Slayer Mark and landed a few clean hits on Muzan. At this point, Tamayo’s drug has been circulating in the Demon King’s body for a while. That being said, his most impressive feat was being able to stand his ground despite being blinded mid-fight.
He used Kubarumaru to gauge the space around him and move accordingly. Fans tend to overestimate this one feat during various discussions. Barring these, Obanai doesn’t have many impressive feats in the Demon Slayer manga.
It is also noteworthy to mention that Tanjiro Kamado assisted Obanai in this fight. The overestimation of these feats often puts Obanai in the top 2 or top 3 spot on various fan-based rankings. However, there are a few candidates who outshine Obanai purely based on the feats that we have witnessed in the Demon Slayer manga.
Demon Slayer: Hashira who have performed better than Obanai in the manga

It’s clear that Gyomei Himejima is the most powerful Hashira in the Demon Slayer series. However, the remaining order hasn’t been determined in the show. There are two Hashiras in particular who seem to be stronger than Obanai Iguro - Sanemi Shinazugawa and Giyu Tomioka.
The Wind Hashira took on the Upper Moon 1 demon. He had Gyomei’s help, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that he played an important role in Kokushibo’s death. Moments later, he was forced to take on Kibutsuji Muzan. With little to no time for him to recover, he managed to land a few clean hits as well. Up next, we have Giyu Tomioka, who played a crucial role in defeating Akaza, the Upper Moon 3 demon.
Shortly after defeating the demon, he was forced to join his comrades and take on Muzan. The Water Hashira stood his ground the entire time and avoided being on the receiving end of fatal attacks. He landed a few blows on the Demon King and managed to live after Muzan’s defeat. He also had a brief exchange with Tanjiro, who was turned into a demon in the end. Both these characters have more impressive feats in comparison to Obanai Iguro.
Obanai Iguro is indeed overrated in the animanga series. As mentioned earlier, Sanemi and Giyu have performed exceptionally well, and their feats seem to be better in comparison to the Serpent Hashira. That being said, Obanai is an exceptional swordsman who was a valuable asset to the Demon Slayer Corps.