Demon slayer vol 14 by koyoharu gotouge

Tokito, the Mist Hashira, continues to fight Gyokko, one of the Upper rank Kizuki demons, in his attempt to protect the swords smiths. During this fight, Tokito's memories return, and he remembers his twin brother, Yuichiro, and his parents. He remembers his path to becoming a Demon Slayer and the hatred he feels for demons fuels his attacks against Gyokko. Outside the village, Kanroji, the Love Hashira, has finally joined the fray with Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Genya in their battle against the many-bodied Hantengu. Kanroji takes a powerful physical attack head-on. As she’s stunned, her life flashes before her eyes and we get her backstory of how she became a Demon Slayer. Her life-long struggle revolves around her abundant strength, her insatiable appetite, her unrequited love for another Demon Slayer that she feels she will never be able to express, and never fully feeling like she will be accepted for all of her differences and perceived lack of femininity.

---

Gotouge continues the formula of breaking battles with backstories but brings some stereotype-questioning into this one with Kanroji. A hashira who has been bullied for not being feminine enough who also exudes feminine energy -- definitely sounds like a struggle that will resonate with some of our readers! Gotouge also loves to bring familial struggles into the backstories of slayers, and the Mist Hashira is another example of some family trauma that fueled a desire to become a demon slayer. 

Sara's Rating: 9/10
Suitability Level: Grades 7-12

Reviews of previous volumes in the series: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4, vol 5, vol 6, vol 7, vol 8, vol 9, vol 10, vol 11, vol 12, vol 13

Publisher: VIZ Media
Publication Date: July 7, 2020​​
ISBN: 9781974711147 (Paperback)
​
Tags: Rating: 9/10, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Manga, Demons, Action Adventure, VIZ Media