How Demon Slayer , Jujutsu Kaisen, and Big-Budget Anime are Breaking (and Saving) Fandoms
Let’s face it—anime visuals are on another level right now. With shows like Jujutsu Kaisen, Chainsaw Man, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan: The Final Season, and even One Punch Man raising the bar, it’s easy to see why fans are hooked. These shows are redefining what anime can look like, combining cutting-edge technology with artistic mastery.
But there’s a flipside. For newcomers who start with these visually stunning works, anything that doesn’t hit the same high standard gets dismissed as “mid.” This mindset, while understandable, misses so much of what anime truly offers. Let’s talk about how this obsession with high-budget visuals is affecting the fandom—and why it’s time to embrace the broader beauty of anime.
The Rise of High-Budget Anime
When you think of visually stunning anime, Demon Slayer often comes to mind. Ufotable’s breathtaking work on the Mugen Train arc made headlines worldwide. The final battle between Rengoku and Akaza? Pure art. Similarly, Attack on Titan: The Final Season brought some of the most intense fights ever animated, with MAPPA’s seamless use of CGI elevating the experience.
Then there’s Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works and the Heaven’s Feel trilogy, which set the gold standard for combining 2D and 3D animation. Even Vivy: Flourite Eye’s Song stands out as an underrated gem with gorgeous visuals and choreography.
While these series deserve their hype, they’ve created a new norm in the fandom. Shows that don’t match this level of animation are often unfairly dismissed.
If you’re curious about how Ufotable and MAPPA revolutionized anime production, you can learn more from this deep dive.
The “Mid” Problem in Fandoms
Here’s where things get tricky. Shows that don’t hit the same visual high points as Demon Slayer or Jujutsu Kaisen often get labeled as “mid.”
Take Sakamoto Days as an example. Its manga is known for dynamic action scenes, so fans had high expectations when one of its key fights was animated. While the scene was well-crafted, it didn’t match the blockbuster-level visuals of Attack on Titan or Fate. Instead of appreciating the effort, fans compared it to these outliers and labeled it “underwhelming.”
It’s not just Sakamoto Days. Even popular shows like Vinland Saga, which prioritizes storytelling over flashy animation, have faced similar criticism. And let’s not forget how One Piece was often criticized for its animation before the Wano arc took things to a new level.
I break this down further in my video: Why Sakamoto Days Deserves Respect. You can also read more about how fans react to anime adaptations here.
Why Animation Isn’t Everything
Great animation is amazing, but it’s not the only thing that makes an anime worthwhile. Some of the most beloved series of all time didn’t rely on flashy visuals.
Take Hunter x Hunter (2011). While its animation was solid, it became a classic because of its storytelling and emotional depth. Or look at Ping Pong the Animation, which had an unconventional art style that elevated its narrative.
Even older classics like Cowboy Bebop and Neon Genesis Evangelion—which didn’t have today’s technology—still stand tall as masterpieces because of their characters and themes.
If you’re looking to explore anime where story trumps visuals, check out this curated list.
A Balanced Perspective
Let’s give credit where it’s due: high-budget anime has done a lot for the medium. Shows like Demon Slayer, Fate, and Attack on Titan have drawn millions of new fans to anime. But that doesn’t mean every show has to be a visual spectacle to be great.
Smaller studios are working with limited budgets but still produce incredible series. Take Erased or Made in Abyss, for example. They might not have Ufotable-level polish, but they deliver unforgettable experiences with their stories and world-building.
For more insights into how smaller studios are making their mark, check out this feature on underrated anime.
Closing Thoughts
We’re in an exciting era for anime, but let’s not lose sight of what makes the medium truly special: its diversity. Not every anime will look like Demon Slayer, and that’s okay. There’s room for flashy visuals and heartfelt stories alike.
Instead of branding shows as “mid” for not being MAPPA-level, let’s take a step back and appreciate the variety. After all, it’s this diversity that makes anime such a unique art form.
And if you’re curious about why Sakamoto Days deserves more respect, don’t forget to check out my video: Why Sakamoto Days Deserves Respect. You can also explore more about high-budget anime trends and their impact here.
Let’s celebrate everything anime has to offer—the blockbuster spectacles, the smaller gems, and everything in between. After all, isn’t that what makes being part of the fandom so much fun?
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