If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably devoured both the anime and the manga of this incredible series. While the anime brings the story to life with stunning animation and epic fight scenes, the manga has its own charm. But did you know there are quite a few differences between the two? Here are 9 differences you might have missed!
9. Tanjiro’s Scar
In the manga, Tanjiro’s scar undergoes a more gradual transformation. It starts off as a simple burn mark and slowly evolves into a more intricate flame-like design as he grows stronger. In the anime, this change happens more quickly and is slightly less subtle. It’s a small detail, but it adds a layer of development to Tanjiro’s character in the manga.
Also Read: 30 Things You Never Knew About Dragon Ball
8. Nezuko’s Bamboo Muzzle
The anime gives us a little more backstory on Nezuko’s bamboo muzzle. There’s a brief scene showing Tanjiro putting it on her to prevent her from biting anyone, which isn’t explicitly detailed in the manga. This extra scene adds more depth to their sibling bond and Tanjiro’s protective nature.
Also Read: Best Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba Video Games You Need to Play
7. Fight Scenes
The anime takes some creative liberties with fight scenes, often extending them to add more drama and excitement. For example, the battle between Tanjiro and Rui, the Spider Demon, is much more intense and drawn-out in the anime. These changes make for more thrilling viewing, but if you’re a purist, you’ll notice the differences.
Also Read: The Origin of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
6. Zenitsu’s Backstory
Zenitsu’s backstory is touched upon a bit more in the manga. We get a deeper look into his training and the struggles he faced before joining the Demon Slayer Corps. While the anime does cover his story, it doesn’t delve as deeply into his past fears and growth.
Also Read: Dragon Ball: 20 Things You Didn’t Know About Lord Beerus
5. Inosuke’s Soft Side
Inosuke’s character is more fleshed out in the manga, especially his softer, more vulnerable side. The anime focuses a lot on his wild, boar-like persona, but the manga shows more moments of his insecurity and the reasons behind his tough exterior.
4. Character Interactions
There are a few character interactions in the manga that don’t make it into the anime. These little moments, like conversations between the Hashira or casual banter between Tanjiro and his friends, help build relationships and add more depth to the story.
3. Art Style Differences
The manga’s art style, while beautiful, is more raw and less polished compared to the anime’s stunning visuals. Some fans love the manga’s unique, hand-drawn feel, while others prefer the polished look of the anime. It’s a matter of personal preference, but it’s definitely a noticeable difference.
Also Read: 6 Things You Should Never Say to a Dragon Ball Fan, According to Experts
2. Pacing
The pacing between the manga and the anime can feel quite different. The anime sometimes condenses or stretches certain scenes for dramatic effect. For instance, some training arcs feel longer in the manga, giving more insight into the characters’ development and struggles.
1. Additional Scenes
The anime adds a few scenes for comedic relief or extra context. For example, the butterfly Mansions episodes in the anime include more lighthearted moments with Aoi and the other girls, which aren’t as detailed in the manga. These additions make the anime a bit more fun and give a break from the intense action.
| # | Difference | Manga | Anime |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Tanjiro’s Scar | An extra scene showing Tanjiro putting it on her, highlighting their bond and his protective nature. | Quicker, less subtle change, adding character development. |
| 8 | Nezuko’s Bamboo Muzzle | Less detailed backstory on how Tanjiro puts it on her. | An extra scene shows Tanjiro putting it on her, highlighting their bond and his protective nature. |
| 7 | Fight Scenes | More straightforward, sometimes shorter. | Extended for more drama and excitement (e.g., Tanjiro vs. Rui). |
| 6 | Zenitsu’s Backstory | More detailed look into his training and struggles. | Covers his story but less in-depth on his past fears and growth. |
| 5 | Inosuke’s Soft Side | Shows more of his vulnerability and reasons behind his tough exterior. | Focuses more on his wild, boar-like persona. |
| 4 | Character Interactions | Includes more casual banter and conversations between characters. | Some interactions are omitted, lessening relationship depth. |
| 3 | Art Style Differences | Raw and hand-drawn feel, less polished. | Stunning, polished visuals. |
| 2 | Pacing | Some arcs, like training, feel longer and more detailed. | Condenses or stretches scenes for dramatic effect. |
| 1 | Additional Scenes | Fewer lighthearted moments, more direct storytelling. | Adds scenes for comedic relief or extra context (e.g., Butterfly Mansion episodes). |
