Gotouge's Original Demon Slayer Design for Tanjiro Kamado Was Unbelievably Dark
Given that the show centers on man-eating demons and heroes defeating them with Nichirin swords, Demon Slayer can occasionally be really sinister. Though its predecessor, Ka Gari Gari, was even more melancholy with even more heavy and tragic themes than Demon Slayer, the show is clearly not unusual for brutal and grim moments. Inspired by this comic, Gotouge developed the first ideas for Demon Slayer—originally known as Kisatsu no Nagare. But editor Katayama recommended a lighter vibe and more energetic main character instead since she felt this initial manga idea was a touch too emotional for viewers.
According to Katayama, Demon Slayer could only shine with "a brighter, more normal character" that viewers would relate with better. With his typically upbeat and cheery style, X user @the16thhokagae starkly contrasts these images of how Tanjiro would have looked with The youthful hero is shown in one of the pictures drawing a Nichirin sword from its holder and staring forward with a menacing look. With a similar austere look on his face, the second picture portrays the hero not to be messed with as the character is gripping a sword at his side as a crow flies overhead.
Despite his terrible circumstances, Tanjiro Is Optimistic Almost to a Fault.
It is difficult to believe that the solemn and somewhat horrific character in these pictures could have been the primary character of Demon Slayer. The boy's outward look does, however, have certain resemblance to Tanjiro's. Though it is indisputable that Tanjiro is a considerably more cheerful and bouncy version of this more serious character, elements including their hairstyles appear almost exactly and plainly come from the same creator. Imagine how different Demon Slayer's whole narrative and mood would have been had Gotouge stayed with this early main character notion, therefore giving the series a far more depressing aura.
Since Tanjiro has grown to be among the most adored heroes in anime because of his upbeat and hopeful disposition, Katayama's advice to design a more fun and lively main character was wise. Though he has surely gone through dreadful occurrences that would shatter anyone's spirit, his hope is a continual presence no matter what terrible situation he comes into. Like everyone else in such a terrible world full of death and misery, he does have times of anguish and devastation; but, he mostly serves as a dazzling light of inspiration and hope for the other characters and is even gentle to villainous actors.
Among anime heroes, Tanjiro's resilience and positivism set him apart.
Although Tanjiro's initial gloomy design is definitely cool, the infectively friendly and caring character of the revised design seems totally at home in Demon Slayer, therefore giving an edge of cheerfulness to the generally sad subject matter of the series. There are other dark Shonen shows available, hence Demon Slayer is especially original in showing a protagonist who is friendly and positive nearly to a fault. For those who can follow his positive attitude even under trying circumstances, his manner inspires them. Tanjiro is unique among other anime heroes as few others possess in this sense.
Gotouge has proved that they are clearly gifted in developing both serious and cheerful characters, but following Katayama's advise to veer more humorous when developing Tanjiro was clearly a smart choice for this particular manga series. Many people find Tanjiro's heroic character and inspirational guidance across the series to be quite motivating and relevant to their own life as a source of hope and direction. Gotouge has created among the most resilient and upbeat characters in an anime. Sometimes a darker Shonen series needs an overly cheerful hero to liven it; Tanjiro Kamado's role in Demon Slayer illustrates this.
Lovable Hero for Demon Slayer
Without its charming and upbeat main character Tanjiro Kamado, Demon Slayer would most likely be different. Though his past is dark and full of loss and pain, he approaches every obstacle with hope and tenacious effort. Though his spirit is never completely broken, he has lost family members, seen deaths before his eyes, and gone through physical and psychological challenges beyond comprehension. Fans might be surprised to learn, though, that Tanjiro's early designs reflect the exact opposite of his series persona.
Before they arrived on the Tanjiro design fans know so well today, Koyoharu Gotouge, Demon Slayer's mangaka, went through several prototypes. More specifics about Tanjiro's initial look were unearthed during a MANGA Plus interview with editor Katayama of Demon Slayer.
The Actual Inspiration for Demon Slayer
Gotouge had produced other manga series prior to Demon Slayer, one of which being Ka Gari Gari and was rather famous. With an early sketch that remarkably resembles the hero, this manga would become Tanjiro Kamado's main source of inspiration. Fascinatingly, in the first sketches, the character's appearance was far darker and more somber.
Surprising fans who really adore the hero, Gotouge, the developer of Demon Slayer, has said Tanjiro is "too normal" and not "interesting".
