Demon Slayer Season 3 Episode 3 Review:

 Demon Slayer Season 3 Episode 3 Review: A Sword from Over 300 Years Ago

The Swordsmith Village’s Demon Slayers spring into action once Upper Demon Hantengu and his horrific doppelgangers launch a sneak attack.

When it comes to anime, the term "demon" is frequently used, but Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba takes a unique approach to these monsters right from the beginning. Unlike many other battle shonen series, where defeating various tiers of demons is the clear trajectory, Demon Slayer's monsters are not just frightening foes, but vexing villains that pose a legitimate challenge. As the series has evolved, it has moved beyond battles ending with decapitations or blade impalings, and instead, these acts have become a prelude to the greater difficulties posed by the Upper Rank Demons. In "A Sword from Over 300 Years Ago," the audience is reminded of the eclectic evils of these monsters, as unprecedented power puts pressure on some of Demon Slayer's strongest characters.

In the conclusion of "A Sword from Over 300 Years Ago," Tanjiro is in dire need of a special blade, but the titular sword of the episode ends up being more of a distraction than a solution. Although Tanjiro discovers sacred steel from the Sengoku era, it is not in good condition and requires several days of repair before it can be used effectively. As Tanjiro attempts to restore the sword's former glory, the episode provides bursts of history and exposition, which are lightened up by Demon Slayer's clever use of visual gags. For example, Kotetsu struggles to maintain focus while flinging rocks, while Nezuko's cute antics add levity to Muichiro Tokito's somber speech.