Demon Slayer Season 4 Let Us All Down: Check Out These 9 Shonen Anime Instead

The fourth season of Demon Slayer has just ended – and it didn't quite get the rave reviews it usually does. The entire season felt like one big filler, and the action that fans loved about the title was kept to a minimum.

While you wait for the three feature films that will wrap up the Demon Slayer story, here are nine outstanding shonen anime to cure your disappointment.

1. Trigun Stampede, 2023-...

A mysterious gunman nicknamed Vash the Stampede travels through a post-apocalyptic world. There is a huge reward for the man's head, but he himself cannot stand the sight of blood and refuses to kill even the most dangerous criminals. Young journalist Meryl Stryfe and her experienced partner Roberto De Niro decide to find Vash and find out who he really is.

This is the second adaptation of the famous 90's manga Trigun. But unlike the 1998 series of the same name, Trigun Stampede is rather a new work with a different mood. The plot develops faster and the mystery of the gunman fades into the background. Instead, viewers' attention is captured by detailed and dynamic action.

2. Mashle: Magic and Muscles, 2023-...

The world is ruled by magic, and people without it are killed. But a boy named Mash manages to survive – even though he has no magical powers at all. He lives in the forest with his adoptive father, training his muscles. One day, other people learn of his existence, and Mash must enroll in a magic academy in order to change the entire world order.

Mashle is a mix of Harry Potter and One Punch Man. The authors mock the clichés of the main franchise about wizards and add an all-powerful character who solves problems with the help of muscles.

Mash can't fly on a broom? Then he will throw it and jump very far. Someone wants to cast a spell on him? He will break the enemy's magic wand. Mash needs to get out of the maze? He will just break through the walls.

3. Soul Eater, 2008-2009

There are two types of students at Death Weapon Meister Academy – Meisters and Weapons. The latter can turn into weapons and the former can control them. The main goal of the Academy is to fight evil and to take countermeasures in case the absolute evil returns to life. But some people just want it to come back.

This anime is probably the most light-hearted one here. Some of its episodes can be included in the list of the funniest moments in the history of anime. However, dramatic moments are also woven into the main, dynamic plot. So be prepared for an emotional rollercoaster.

4. Ranking of Kings, 2021-2022

The mighty King Bosse, descendant of giants and a glorious warrior, is dying. The throne is to be inherited by his eldest son, Bojji. The problem is that the potential successor still looks and behaves like a child: he is small, weak and naive. Even Daida, who was born later and of a different mother, is a much more suitable heir – and the people and the court agree on this.

As a result, the younger brother does indeed ascend to the throne, and the distraught Bojji embarks on a journey that will lead to the salvation of the kingdom.

The unhappy prince is caught up in a series of intrigues that will decide the fate of entire kingdoms. The events take a rather dark turn, and the characters, which at first seem too simple, pleasantly surprise with their development. This makes it very interesting where the story will go next.

5. Hell's Paradise, 2023-...

Shogun Tokugawa's scouts discover a mysterious island from which no one returns alive. Rumor has it that the elixir of immortality can be found there. In an attempt to explore this place, the Shogun decides to send the most dangerous criminals in Japan to the island – promising them pardon in exchange for the elixir.

Hell's Paradise, which debuted last year, caught the attention of viewers with its unconventional approach. The royal battle of the strongest killers and their executioners quickly turns into a battle with the eerie nature and inhabitants of the island, full of beauty, horror and mysticism.

The unpredictability of the plot and the feeling of constant danger make Hell's Paradise an exciting series that will keep you glued to the screen.

6. Hunter x Hunter, 2011-2014

In this universe, there is a prestigious profession called the Hunter. In order to become a Hunter, you have to pass an incredibly difficult test, as a result of which you receive a number of privileges.

The main character Gon Freecss wants to become such a Hunter, but his goal is simple – to find his father. The latter, by the way, is not eager to meet his son, which only complicates their cat-and-mouse game.

The anime turned out to be a rare shonen in which the battles themselves are not the main focus. In Hunter x Hunter, more emphasis is placed on the feelings and experiences of the characters, which force them to fight even at great risk to their lives. In addition, the fights themselves are well thought out, focusing on the specifics of the setting and environment, rather than simply exchanging special techniques.

7. Undead Unluck, 2023-...

18-year-old Fuuko Izumo has a terrible ability – touching her brings bad luck and even death. But one day she meets an immortal man who calls himself Undead and dreams of dying.

After realizing the nature of the girl's gift, the immortal becomes her companion to finally end his life's journey. And then Izumo and Andy (as the girl nicknamed him) decide to join the Union – a secret organization whose members hunt down those who violate the laws of the universe.

Undead Unluck is reminiscent of the recent hit Chainsaw Man – both in its visuals, its action, its meaning, and even its moments of transition from cynical humor to poignant sadness in the blink of an eye.

8. My Hero Academia, 2016-...

The main character is a schoolboy named Izuku Midoriya, born without any superpowers in a world where 80% of the population has them. But meeting the greatest superhero All Might changes everything.

The guy gets enormous power, which is capable of tearing his body to pieces, and enters the Academy to become a real superhero. But the villains will not sit idly by, so studying alone will not be enough.

My Hero Academia is not only a great option to start watching shonen titles, but also anime in general. However, this does not mean that hardcore fans should ignore it – this is a popular and even mainstream project, but it is still one of the best representatives of the genre.

9. Ragna Crimson, 2023-...

The young Ragna is the assistant of the famous dragon hunter Leonica, but one day she dies. Ragna spends several decades acquiring a monstrous power – the Silver Aura, which allows him to turn a person's body into a weapon.

He is aided in his quest by the Dragon King Crimson, who for some unknown reason has decided to destroy his own kind. Finally, Ragna transfers incredible power to his younger self – to save Leonica and all those who died at the hands of the monsters.