Demon slayer vol 5 by Koyoharu gotouge

Volume five continues the storyline we had in volume four, where Tanjiro and Inosuke are battling a family of spider demons. Father has gotten into the fight, and neither slayer can cut this demon with their katanas. Tanjiro and Inosuke get separated, and Tanjiro finds himself face to face with one of the Twelve Kizuki, the most powerful demons. Nezuko, in an effort to save Tanjiro, discovers a special power she has with her demon blood. Rui, the most powerful of the spider demons, becomes jealous of the familial bond between Tanjiro and Nezuko, and it angers him even more. Tanjiro’s katana breaks, while both of Inosuke’s katanas break battling Father. Giyu, the slayer from volume one, makes a triumphant comeback and saves Tanjiro from certain death. We also meet a new slayer, Shinobu, whose breathing methods take inspiration from insects, and who uses poisons to take down powerful demons.

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If Zenitsu is your favorite character, this volume is going to be disappointing; he’s not in this one at all. However, we do get some other great things in this volume. Tanjiro takes us on a trip down memory lane as he recalls his father, some of the lessons he imparted on Tanjiro, and where the earrings Tanjiro wears comes from. One of the endearing things about this series is the balance of action and character development. This arc, known as the Natagumo Mountain Arc, is a little bit long because Gotouge mixes in different side stories or these moments of flashbacks that make the series rich and textured.

It is also interesting reading this around the excitement and "Anime Bump" currently happening, as I am starting to meet some beloved characters, and others are excited for my reading journey. The community around Demon Slayer is very energetic and vibrant. 

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

Publisher: VIZ Media
Publication Date: July 1, 2020​
ISBN: 9786076348499 (Paperback)

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