Demon Slayer Vol 1 by Koyoharu GOtouge

Tanjiro is a hard working young man, forced into a surrogate father role for his younger siblings after their father passed away.  After selling charcoal to villagers down the mountain,  he arrives back at his home to find his entire family has been killed by demons, and his younger sister has been turned into one! Through the force of his will and the bond he has with his sister, Nezuko, she overpowers her primal urges to eat him. Tanjiro is determined to help heal Nezuko, and to that end he seeks out Master Urokadaki to become a great demon slayer.

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This story has a really classic feel, both in art quality and plot. The illustrations are less polished than most manga around, but it adds an element of grittiness to the story, giving it more seriousness without the heightened age rating.  While the trope of hunting demons is pervasive in shonen manga, Tanjiro is certainly a character readers can sympathize with and root for.

VIZ’s rating is Teen, which seems appropriate.  The only thing elevating this from Everyone is there is some bloody scenes of families who have been murdered by demons, and blood when demon slayers get knocked around fighting demons.

Sara’s rating: 9/10
Suitability level: Grades 7-12

This review was made possible with a digital reader copy from the publisher through Edelweiss.

Publisher: VIZ Media
Publication Date: July 3, 2018
ISBN: 9781974700523 (Paperback)

Tags: Rating: 9/10, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Manga, Demons, Action Adventure, VIZ Media​