Sword of the Demon Hunter [Season 1 Episode 1]

Sword of the Demon Hunter – Season 1, Episode 1: A Brutal and Promising Start

The highly anticipated premiere of Sword of the Demon Hunter (also known as Kijin Gentosho) dropped with a bang, delivering a dark, action-packed introduction to a story that spans centuries. Set in the Edo period, the first episode introduces us to Jinta, a wandering orphan turned guardian for a shrine maiden named Itsukihime. When a demon foretells the rise of a future Demon God tied to their era, Jinta’s life takes a violent turn, setting the stage for an epic revenge saga.

A Strong but Controversial Premise

The episode wastes no time diving into the brutality of its world. Within the first few minutes, we witness a shocking beheading mid-hug—a moment that left many viewers stunned. The pacing is relentless, blending intense action with emotional gut-punches. However, the animation quality has been a point of contention. While some praised the fluid fight scenes, others criticized the “janky” art and underwhelming facial expressions, especially compared to the manga.

One of the biggest talking points is the episode’s ending, which hints at a 170-year time skip. Fans are divided: some love the bold narrative twist, while others feel it was poorly executed. As one Reddit user put it, “The last 10 minutes were kinda questionable, but it’s only the first episode.”

Characters: Love Them or Hate Them

Jinta, the protagonist, has already sparked debates. Some find him compelling—a man consumed by rage yet bound by duty. Others call him “slower than 10-day-old bread,” criticizing his lack of emotional depth. His relationship with Shirayuki, the fortune-telling demon, is another hot topic. Her abrupt death left many mourning the loss of the “most interesting character” in the show.

Then there’s Suzune, Jinta’s sister, whose actions in the finale have polarized the audience. Some sympathize with her, arguing that Jinta never listened to her side. Others see her as a one-dimensional villain, calling her motivations “stupid and poorly written.”

Comparisons and Expectations

Fans have drawn parallels to Berserk (for its grim tone) and Demon Slayer (for its supernatural elements). However, Sword of the Demon Hunter carves its own identity with its time-hopping narrative and morally gray characters.

Despite its flaws, the premiere has left viewers hungry for more. As one MyAnimeList user raved, “This was one of the best premieres I’ve seen in a long time. I LOVE hour-long first episodes that suck you in.”

Final Verdict: A Rocky but Intriguing Start

Sword of the Demon Hunter isn’t perfect, but it’s far from boring. With its brutal fights, shocking twists, and complex characters, it has the potential to be one of the season’s standout shows—if the studio can maintain the quality.

For now, fans are cautiously optimistic. As one viewer wisely put it: “It’s worth waiting and seeing a few more episodes.”

Rating: 7.5/10 – A flawed but promising debut that leaves you wanting more.

What did you think of the first episode? Let us know in the comments!