Demon Slayer is one of the most popular anime series of recent years that has managed to amass a huge fanbase in just a few years, with its compelling storylines, brilliant characters, and out-of-the-world animation. Many theories have been formed around the series as it grows rapidly, however, the biggest one yet is that it is similar to another anime series: Dororo.
In both, the protagonist must kill the demons that are endangering human lives in a historical Japan where demons are at large. Comparing Demon Slayer and Dororo reveals both striking differences and fascinating similarities even though both films deal with themes of demons, swordsmen, and a historical Japanese setting.
They both ponder what it means to be human and feature protagonists who are motivated by sorrow. The plots of Dororo and Demon Slayer are undoubtedly similar, as is the world in which they are set, but the contrasts or differences are far more striking. Among those differences, the biggest is one of the key elements of Vin Diesel’s Fast and Furious: Family.
Similarities Between Demon Slayer and Dororo
Demon Slayer and Dororo have much more similarities than any ideal anime series which makes fans question whether they are the copy of both. However, Dororo manga was released way before Demon Slayer was even written. Still, some too many similarities and parallels connect both stories with similar elements.
The protagonists of Demon Slayer and Dororo are both on a mission to destroy demons. In Demon Slayer, Tanjiro Kamado aims to eliminate his sister Nezuko’s demonic possession and bring about vengeance for his family, while in Dororo, Hyakkimaru wants to retrieve the body parts he gave up as a child to placate wicked demons. The settings of both anime are feudal Japan, where Samurai, conventional structures, and social stratification are prevalent in the stories.
Although Tanjiro and Hyakkimaru both experience emotional hardships, physical constraints, and ongoing threats, fans are deeply moved by their unwavering determination to overcome these setbacks and realize their objectives. However, there is one element of the story that separates the two stories distinctly and that is their love for their family.
The Love For Family Separates Demon Slayer and Dororo
Although there are some general similarities between these two anime series, the theme of family distinguishes both of their narratives on a much deeper level. Tanjiro’s character is heavily influenced by his family, but as the story goes on, Hyakkimaru vigorously disapproves of his family for the things they did to him and must come to terms with it.
Tanjiro’s love for his family and particularly his sister Nezuko is one of the main reasons why the story of Demon Slayer is much more connected with the audience than Dororo’s. Demon Slayer’s familial bond makes the story much more appealing and less dark as compared to Dororo.
While both stories are intriguing and follow a similar concept in terms of storyline and development, Dororo takes a dark turn as the plot proceeds, while Demon Slayer’s family element keeps him much more emotional and loving.
You can watch Demon Slayer on Hulu and Dororo on HIDIVE.
