▲ This photo provided by SMG Holdings show the animation film, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train." (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

 

SEOUL, May 18 (Yonhap) -- Japanese cartoon series "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba" (hereinafter referred to as "Demon Slayer" appears to be continuously popular for a long time, despite the cultural stagnation around the world due to COVID-19.

 

The animation film version "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train" has surpassed 2 million viewers since its release on Jan. 26th until May 16th. It is the second movie to make this record after the Disney Pixar animation movie, "Soul."

 

In addition, the final edition of the comic series "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol.23" has been widely popular since it was published on April 26th. According to Kyobo Bookstore's online and offline bestseller rankings, "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba, Vol.23" has topped the list for four consecutive weeks since its publication.

 

"Demon Slayer" is the work of a popular Japanese cartoonist Koyoharu Gotouge, and tells the story about Tanjiro, the male protagonist, going on an adventure to fight various Demon Slayers to bring his sister back as a human being, after she turned into a man-eating Demon Slayer.

 

When the original manga series became popular, it was aired as a TV series, which led to a movie version to be released. The movie set a new record by topping Japan's all-time box office and beating Japanese animation director, Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away."

 

One of the main reasons for the movie to achieve such popularity for a long time is due to the solid fan base created through the original comics and TV series.

 

The "Demon Slayer" sensation has continued not only in Asia but also in the U.S.. When the animation film was introduced under the title of "Demon Slayer" in theaters in the U.S. and Canada on April 23rd, the movie topped the box office within the second week of its release.

 

The success of the movie is also predicted to have increased people's interest for the final edition of the manga series.

 

According to SMG Holdings, a film importer, "The film has been in the top five rankings for the weekend box office for 17 consecutive weeks since its release. We will continue to provide long-term screenings in the future."

 

 

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