Demon Slayer's Elegant Storytelling - What's in an OP? 

"Inosuke is a best boy who wouldn't actually hurt Zenitsu" Inosuke's intro: literally beating Zenitsu close to death

I really like how Zenitsu moves, very rigid but also extremely fast and each movement with a purpose. The way he tilts his whole body into the strike gives an extremely contrasting view compared to him running away flailing his body.

“Or maybe it’s just a hint that we’re going to space one day” Demon Slayer pulls a Darling in the Franxx

"Inosuke meanwhile is all too eager to be the danger." Inosuke: I am not in danger, Monjirou. I am the danger! A guy opens his door and gets slashed and you think that of me? No. I am the one who slashes!

Imagine how much would’ve changed if Tanjiro actually ended up killing Giyo with the axe he barely missed.

"inosuke is a harmless good boy" dang right he is

I love the changes in the "What's in an OP" process! The pause button, zoom-in effects, and cutting to points in the series that flesh out what the OP touches on all work really well. The series has always been great, but these slight modifications add a lot of flavor to the visual experience. Also, hugs and support Geoff

I love how if you pause the opening in the Muzan shot, you can actually identify which upper moon is which, despite them not appearing in this season. The details in this opening are insane.

Demon Slayer? You mean Nezuko’s Bizarre Adventure?

Your praise of Inosuke catching Zenitsu is far too relatable. He's such a good boy.

The beginning shot that highlights Tanjiro's back also highlights his earrings, which become more important later on in the series. Something that's not a spoiler (but was often overlooked) was that his father said that they would be passed down to him along with the dance of the Fire God--if nothing else.

Can't wait for the SPACE arc of Demon Slayer.

I'd never thought about right-to-left movement being tied to heroicness, I'm going to keep an eye out for that now!

9:50 One neat detail about this part is that once the hashiras are introduced, the intro shows all of them as clearly as Giyuu and no longer in the shadows.

What about how the shadows over the hashiras lift as they're revealed in the show

I just noticed that when Zenitsu uses thunderclap and flash near the end his eyes aren't visible

Geoff, it is admirable that your commitment to quality content has not suffered despite your, presumably, incredibly mentally and emotionally taxing circumstances. I always appreciate the level of critical analysis in your videos, and that's more true now than ever.

I feel so bad. I didn't know that the channel was kinda going through something right now. It looked just about as fine as I was use to but I guess I didn't really look into it. I keep wondering if you'll do a jjba part 5 what's in an OP but this makes a little more sense now. Keep up making the great content and I look forward to anything that you post whether I actually watch it or not

MEDIUM LEVEL MANGA SPOILER Literally finished the manga yesterday, just realized Genya is pictured in a sunset lit area because he eats demon parts and has been undergoing demonization - he’s between Kanae, a demon slayer in the sun, and Tamayo and her assistant, a demon of the night.

One thing you forgot, in the opening as you meet the Hashira more and more the revealed ones aren’t hidden by shadow anymore which is cool.

"He (Urokodaki) cares for the boy. He knows what horrors he'll face as a demon slayer" ... Yeah agreed. Sure. But it was two maids in a house Tanjiro barely knows that teaches him how to properly use the breathing technique.

I feel like the Moon is just representing the Demon Moons and that last shot of Tanjiro and Nezuko looking to the Moon is just a representation of how it will be an uphill battle to win. Lol let's hope it's not telling us that they are going to space

Now having finished the manga, there is one thing I'd like to point out in the OP that I feel you either missed or left out to avoid spoilers (SPOILERS FOR MANGA AFTER E.D. ARC FOLLOW): The transition shots with Kanao, Genya, and Tamayo/Yushiro is twofold. Yes, it does make a nice transition from day to night, like you said, BUT it also is a transition from human to demon. We know that Kanao is human, we know that Tamayo and Yushiro are demons. But what we don't find out until the Swordsmith Village Arc is that Genya is something in between, able to consume demon flesh in order to temporarily gain their strength and powers. So the transition from Kanao in the daylight, to Genya at dusk, to Tamayo and Yushiro at night is actually a brilliant bit of foreshadowing if you can read the context clues at the beginning and end of that sequence.

You have got to admit that the hashiras' shot infront of the goldenish moon is seriously the most badass shots in this OP

Who else is pumped for Demon Slayer 2: Zenitsu in space?

"UFO-shaped table" Have a like, sir

I always assumed the first shot was Tanjiro's father. The camera cuts to Tanjiro symbolising how he inherited his father's breathing technique, earrings and with Nezuko the fight against Muzan. Or something like that, at least that is my interpretation. It would make the odd camera angles and lack of Nezuko/Box/sword make sense.

Emotional undertones ✅ Fantastic action✅ A song you can dance or workout to ✅✅ - - Yup... Demon Slayer has it all

I'll be honest, when I first saw this OP, I thought you were going to tear it apart for not doing anything particularly special. My own analysis lead me to see it as pretty bog standard for a Shonen OP. But, as always, you analyzed it on a higher level and had some stellar insights. Awesome as always, Jeff.

This is a comment so that Geoff feels better and the algorithm is happy

I would like to point out in that every episode when a new Hashira is introduced, in the following intro their silhouette against the moon is very clear. So in the last couple of episodes all the hashiras lack a silhouette in that shot in the intro.

After meeting the Hashiras. In the OP their scene, they’re shadows have been lifted and can now see them.

The moon could be a reference to one of the most powerful demons in the series, while I won't spoil it. He is heavily associated with the moon, just lie Tanjiro and the Demon Slayer's are associated with the sun, which will extinguish the demons.

you didnt mention that the first time tanjiro appeared alone and the first time nezuko appeared alone the song said (I must become stronger) both have to became stronger to protect each other. they are both the main character. you can say the Demon and the Slayer

The still shots with Kanao, Genya and Tamayo might have some really neat symbolism in regards to the day/dusk/night transition, but it's a spoiler, so be cautious. I believe the reason that they're each in those times reflects something about them. Kanao uses the insect breath style, which comes from the breath of the sun. Tamayo is night because she's a demon. And the most interesting, in my opinion, is Genya, because he can't use a breath style, but eats parts of demons to power himself up, essentially being between the two worlds.

good touch on the green pause symbol. really helps differentiate the current scene being analyzed as opposed to the stock frames strengthening whatever it is your saying in that point. works well

That right to left thing is insane, I would never notice that but you explained it so well - well done MB 👏

I'm still waiting "What is an op? : Golden Wind"

As always, your analysis has revealed themes and subtext I never even considered. Thanks for analyzing things and helping me develop my own analytical eye

I am late to the Demon Slayer fandom. I watched the movie, and went on to watch the entire anime. I can't get enough of it... And just want to say, this analysis is *chef's kiss*.

your videos are always so detailed, interesting and well-scripted i'm honestly impressed keep it up!! :)

Geoff really jumped right into this one. It set up a sense of hype/tension as you waited for him to eventually zoom out and drop his thesis for the vid.

(minor spoilers for Genya's powers) Could the Tamayo, Yushiro, Genya and Kanao scenes be representing their powers? Tamayo and Yushiro are seen at night as they're demons, Kanao is seen in day as she's a demon slayer and Genya is seen in dusk (SPOILERS) because of his eating demons shenanigans, gaining demonic properties, while still being a demon slayer.

This video analyzed the OP better than any essay I wrote for AP literature

My money is on them going to space, watch the demons actually be aliens.

More Demon Slayer content, yeah! Love the new stylistic changes to What's in an OP too. And, I appreciate your commitment to getting Kamaboko Kentaro's name wrong at every opportunity.

Demon Slayer's anime is probably one the few that's better than the manga

One detail Jeff neglected (as per usual, cuz he rarely pays attention to lyrics) is that "SUZUMEEEEEEEE" seems to translate to "march onward" and it just to happens that Tanjiro starts moving when she sings that. (Also during the transition to Nezuko and Tanjiro's back to back shot, which is when the fighting montages trully begin)

Never knew even just the way people are facing could mean so much. Thanks for allowing me to enjoy every OP you disect even more than I already did!

Muzan is going to space to use his most powerfull ability: MOONWALKING.

Okay, amazing video as always. But I need to say two things: The editing style in this one was SOOOOO good. And watching this made me realize how good and efficient of a music Gurenge is.

The "What's in an OP" series of videos is sooo good. You put so much effort to go really deep in what the images symbolize. Big thank you for your work!!

That right to left/left to right thing. Wow so damn subtle. How do people even notice those tiny touches.

The editing of these videos are great. I always enjoy your "What's in an OP" videos

The Full Moon for some reason represents the demons: The Upper Moons and The Lower Moons

The point you made about characters facing left or right is also to some extent applicable on the supporting characters in the still shots: First time we see Kano (who is facing right) interact with the main characters she beats down Tanjiro and tries to kill Nezuko; Genya (who is facing right) is shown to be kind of an asshole; Lady Tamayo and Yushiro (both facing left) are shown to be really kind. Really nice details!

When you write a resume of a book that is longer than the book itself 😂😂😂👍

I pressed like right from the start of the video, because I was waiting for this one. Then I laughed so hard at "you did it Inosuke" that I literally tried to press like button second time. Took me some time to process it. Geoff, buddy, you just made my evening!

I'm absolutely living for Demon Slayer videos!

your videos have been a great source of enjoyment for me for years. i hope that youtube gets their act together and backs off sooner rather than later.

I'm not a big fan of the what's in an opening, I'm here for the animelee, PSAs and misc. other videos. But damned if I'm not gonna like and comment on an what's in an OP video, because I want to show my support for you and your channel when YT is doing its content creators dirty.

I feel like the Scene with the Hashira demonstrate their Power levels starting from closest Aka the Weakest to the Strongest.

JOJO PART 5 WHAT'S IN AN OP, WHEN?!?!?!

You know I can never get enough of you talking Geoff, even for serious subjects. It reminds us all that you're human, relatable & not a cold soulless robot. 💜 That being said I actually haven't finished the first season of Demon Slayer so thanks for all the spoilers you fuck!😊 But also I couldn't wait to watch this, as soon as I saw the OP I was excited for your analysis! I played myself.

Demon Slayer? Never heard of it, I've only heard of That One Time Micheal Jackson Got Reincarnated As A Demon Lord And Turned My Sister Into A Demon

Your channel lights up my day whenever I see new posts, and you bring a lot to the discussion table! I really love Demon Slayer and I was so sad when I thought you wouldn't be able to do this, but I hope that RU-vid won't take this one down

RU-vid is turning into more of a hell-on-earth than it was before. Good luck with your channel, Iʼm sticking with you, the Anime Pope

In some ways, this anime can be viewed as a metaphor. It shows that, no matter how much pain anyone goes through, how harsh things can seem in the moment, it doesn't prevent them from showing kindness and sympathy. The demon slayers can be seen as people who seek to remove and/or prevent pain in ways that may be violent. The demons can be viewed as people who have let the pain of things that have affected their lives consume them. It shows the different ways in which people deal with trauma. Tanjiro, shows those who don't let the pain consume them and instead use what they've gone through to help others, and the demons, who let the pain of what they've gone through consume them in a way that makes them appear as heartless monsters, when, under the surface they're just people who have been hurt and couldn't find another way to deal with it. It's subtle enough but if you actually notice it, it makes the show a million times better than it already is.

You rock Jeff, and I hope this video stays up as it's another example of your excellent work. Also, I am now super excited for the Space Exploration Arc of Demon Slayer.

RU-vid's actually such a mess

12:37 the moon represent the 12 kezuki / moons of kibutsuji nezuko , tanjiro , innosuke and the hashiras are connected by the background moon scene as their goals are to defeat muzan , and the 12 moons of muzan kinda portraits himself . the reason i think zenitsu doesnt share the same background coz he actually didnt wanted to fight against any demons , but i might be wrong , as in this scene cut 11:31 was actually next to the scene where inosuke jumps with his blades to kill demon with the moon backgound , so it might be potraiting that zenitsu also posses strength like inosuke does when it comes of protecting nezuko . (note: this is my own opinion and theory so please dont hate me if u dont like it , just ignore )

Amazing video dude! made me appreciate the OP WAAAY more. I love this series (your "What's in an OP?" series)

next video : what is a character

The framing on the hashira shot was something I never thought about, but as of chapter 187, it still stands, especially giyu. I do like how the most story central ones are front and center, allowing you to make out almost all of their features even before they were filled in, the less important story central ones in the back but in similar positions to the four up front, and the ones that have no importance to the main plot line facing away from the camera, sanemi specifically has some major parts, but none that relate to tanjirou's quest at all

4:30 "Gonpachiro" haha

Thank you, Jeff. Very insightful. The left facing, right facing, part in particular was very interesting to me and something I doubt I ever would have noticed had you not pointed it out.

I didn’t know you were going through a rough patch. I will multiply my support levels now!!!!!!!!!!!!! *suuuuuPPOOOOOOOOORT* In all seriousness though, you’ll get through this. I believe in you.

Everything I press play on your videos I'm happy thanks bro

Nezuko isn’t a threat per say to Muzan. She’s closer to a key.

I don't usually like main character in a series. I mean i like them enough to watch the whole thing but my favourite usually someone from support cast. But Tanjiro is my favourite here. His flaws and determination is something to be reckon with and i like how animation shows that in every opportunity instead of shove it our throats -like Fairy tail friendship-

tbh I wasn't expecting a What's in an OP for this but man, your comments always make me look at every single OP much more closely

something else interesting is that in that shot with the demon slayers, giyu tomioka starts off facing right because in the first episode he was trying to kill nezuko but then he turns to face more forward showing his change of role in the story

Love the pauses and zoom ins. That was great details and effects! I love 'what's in an OP' series and hope we get more soon.

I really dug the Hashira members being colored in in the OP after their intro episodes. Just a neat little addition to that shot once we know who they are.

6:32 Akaza: **calmly waiting in the back for the train arc to begin ;-;* If you can't see him, he's standing on the left side balcony

First of all...massive support to you and your channel Jeff. I love all your videos and I am sure that these issues will indeed be behind you soon. Secondly, I love the film grain in the black and white opening of the OP, giving us a feeling that Tanjiro is a character in a great Samurai film of the past by Kurasawa, before being snapped into the sharp color of anime.

There's a lot to be said for checking the same old requisite boxes with everything you've got, and Demon Slayer exists as an example of the excellence that sort of smart effort can result in.

Thanks for another perceptive, well-scripted, articulately delivered video on why I am right that Demon Slayer is the best anime in at least a few years. (There. Left a comment & like and even said something supportive.)

Another small thing I noticed was that the spider clan members Tanjiro faces are all members he has interactions with: Rui, the sister, and the mother

I have no real comment, just trying to help boost engagement

Really enjoy these breakdowns. I usually skip the op but like knowing what I am missing

Love the green overlay stuff! Helps focus on what your talking about. Also I always thought Rui was the Big Bad, I don't really know why but I don't know. Am I the only one?

This vid came up on my home tab ang thought "why not? I love Demon Slayer" so here I am and impressed at what I saw. You just got yourself a new subber MB! 👋

The back to back Nezuko-Tanjirou shot is interesting, with how you barely see Tanjirou behind her, despite the rather distinct height difference. I don't know if there's anything to be taken from that, but I found it interesting.

you did a good job making 14 min feel like a entertaining hour

Only just really found this channel but good stuff. Working my way through all the decent ones I missed.

In Hikonin Sentai Akibaranger, they explain that super sentai uses the right facing leftward hero dynamic intentionally as an homage/convention inherited from Kabuki theatre. Its probably is ultimately derived from the right to left reading dynamic, but I thought it was a cool fact worth knowing about

im really excited to show my friends this video, they're huge fans of the show- one likes it cause its pretty and the other is a sucker for the story so i'm hoping i can also get them to watch your other videos since your "whats in a op" videos always give a nod to the animators and you tend to gush about the art. hype!

Been waiting for another one of these

LiSA is a musical goddess, I have decided. So many great pieces she has that have made for great openings and endings.