Manjirou

I am extremely happy with this adaptation so far!

The characters have great fluidity in the way they are animated and are very expressive. The backgrounds are beautifully drawn and detailed. They mix 2D and 3D very well, even doing some very cinematic camera movements to shift the perspective. The sound design is AMAZING and really captures the eerie summertime atmosphere that the story is set in. The horror elements were done really well this episode too.

Most importantly - Yoshiki and Hikaru. I love the VAs that were chosen for them. They really capture the spirit of each of the characters. Their relationship is very nuanced and complex, and the anime is doing a really good job at expressing that.

The only issue I had with the first episode, though minor, was how they shoehorned quite a few plot points and characters into the episode that are supposed to get introduced later in the story. I understand the intention, but it caused the pacing to be slightly hurt in the process, since the episode holistically felt rushed, like we were going from plot point to plot point rather than really being in the moment.

Overall, at least as of Episode 1 - this is a really good adaptation that's worth watching. If you're a reader of the manga, I think this is a really high quality adaptation you'll enjoy. If you've never read the story, it's incredibly beautiful and is definitely worth your time.

Exactly as the title says, I'm relatively speechless here - but I need to fill out the required amount of characters to post this review.

Regardless of the animation quality, this episode has just been a masterclass at building stakes, emotion, character motivations, and hype. Every second of watching this episode was absolutely riveting. From simple conversation, to the crescendo of the OST, to heavy bouts of action and fighting, to every twist and turn and unexpected event. This truly was an explosive episode.

This episode has been the culmination of every thing this story has set into motion since the very beginning - yet it feels like we've only just started. The Infinity Castle Movie Trilogy has been officially confirmed and announced. This episode is the beginning of the end. And I am just as ready as I am reluctant to get to it.

A slightly extended episode with the purpose of giving us one of the most cinematic and hyped moment of the series.

Gyomei seems like a really cool and strong guy. His backstory wasn't as emotionally resonant as others, but I do really appreciate how he treated Tanjirou in their moment together. And there seems to be a familiar face among the lineup of orphans...

I'm also very intrigued to find out what's going on with Zenitsu. He seems to have become completely determined and focused on completing the training after receiving that letter. Whatever was in that letter must have really shocked him back into a serious tone.

There's a really nice comradery between our main characters: Tanjirou, Inosuke, and Genya here. Also seeing Tanjirou more with Giyuu and their shared social ineptitude was really cute.

We end the episode with one of the most dramatic and theatrical scenes ever to grace this series. This event will set the tone for the rest of the series, and I'm glad for this major shift.