In the first two episodes of Agatha All Along, the sharp and cunning Agatha Harkness (played by Kathryn Hahn) gathers a group of witches to face the challenges of the Witches’ Road.
Disney+’s latest Marvel series, created by WandaVision showrunner Jac Schaeffer, introduces several new characters, all drawn from Marvel Comics’ collection of powerful female magic users.
Most of Agatha’s recruits are hesitant about joining her, except for Teen (played by Joe Locke), but one of the more resistant members is Alice Wu-Gulliver (played by Ali Ahn). Alice, the daughter of a mystical musician, claims not to believe in magic.
With the group now stepping onto the Witches’ Road, Alice will soon have to accept the supernatural world and show her potential as a sorceress. Her character in the series is inspired by a Marvel Comics figure with an important legacy. So, who is Alice’s counterpart in the comics, and how does Agatha All Along change her?
Who Is Marvel Comics’ Alice Wu-Gulliver?
In the comics, Alice Gulliver was created by writer James Robinson and artist Mike Perkins during a storyline from the 2016 Scarlet Witch comic series. As a child, Alice witnesses the death of her mother, August Wu, who was a witch and the protector of Hong Kong.
August dies while battling a demon, and her magical powers, along with her unique pink hair, are passed on to Alice immediately after. Alice’s father, Detective Sergeant Adam Gulliver, is also killed not long after, leaving her an orphan.
Despite her grief, Alice chooses to honor both her parents’ legacies. She blends her mother’s sorcerer guardian role and her father’s law enforcement work to become the Wu, Hong Kong’s only witch detective. To keep her magical identity secret, Alice enhances her firearms and gadgets with magic.
She also wields a magical sword that, similar to Doctor Strange’s Sling Ring, allows her to open portals to different dimensions. This comes in handy as she fights against various demons.
Alice partners with Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) when Wanda visits Hong Kong to track down an evil magician named Tongji. Alice’s bullets prove useful, and after dealing with Tongji, she and Wanda share a peaceful tea break before parting ways as allies.
How Is Alice Wu-Gulliver Different in ‘Agatha All Along’?
In Agatha All Along, Alice Wu-Gulliver makes her debut in Episode 2. While similar to her comic book counterpart, this version of Alice is reimagined.
Agatha introduces Alice as a Protection Witch but adds that she’s also a Blood Witch due to her mother being Lorna Wu, a famous rock singer from the band Lorna Wu and the Coral Shore.
Still from Agatha All Along (Credit: Disney+)
Lorna is the creator of the “most famous version” of the “Ballad of the Witches’ Road,” the song sung by Agatha’s new coven during the episode’s final moments.
When Agatha mentions Lorna, Teen becomes excited, revealing that his mother attended Lorna’s last concert before the singer’s mysterious death. This small detail hints at a deeper connection between Teen and Alice. Agatha also adds more mystery to Alice’s backstory by stating that Lorna might have died on the Witches’ Road.
Why Does Alice Join Agatha Harkness’ Coven in ‘Agatha All Along’?
Agatha and Teen find Alice working as a security guard at the Westview mall, a far cry from her past as a police officer. Alice’s boss quickly fires her after Agatha tricks him with a shoplifting incident, calling her “nothing but bad luck.” This implies that Alice has faced a difficult life.
When Agatha and Teen first talk to Alice about the Witches’ Road, she dismisses it as just a song that sparked a “cult.” However, curious about her mother’s disappearance, she reluctantly decides to meet Agatha.
In an exclusive interview with media, Ali Ahn shared insights into Alice’s internal conflict: “I think the difference with Alice is that she’s really hiding from being a witch. She’s sort of disconnected with that part of herself, and I think Agatha coming to find her is genuinely surprising.”
The mysterious reputation of the Witches’ Road, combined with Alice’s desire to understand what happened to her mother and her unfamiliarity with her own powers, suggests that Alice’s journey will be filled with self-discovery and danger.
In the Demon Slayer world, fans are introduced to numerous unforgettable characters who each bring their unique strengths, backstories, and personalities into the fold.
One character who stands out significantly in the series is none other than Muichiro Tokito, a member of the prestigious Hashira.
The Hashira, as fans know, are the highest-ranking warriors within the Demon Slayer Corps, a group feared and revered for their unmatched strength, exceptional combat techniques, and relentless determination to defeat demons.
Muichiro Tokito’s rise to popularity skyrocketed during the Swordsmith Village Arc.
When this arc was brought to life in the anime, viewers got a closer look at his incredible swordsmanship, but more importantly, they were treated to a character who broke through expectations in ways that few others could.
Muichiro Tokito – Mist Breathing (Ufotable)
There’s a certain aura about Muichiro that makes him stand out whether it’s his calm and somewhat detached demeanor or his extraordinary ability as a swordsman.
But it’s safe to say that fans were blown away by his feats on the battlefield, many of which left lasting impressions that continue to fuel discussions within the fanbase.
However, beyond the fanfare, there’s something remarkable about Muichiro that deserves recognition.
Unlike any other Hashira, Muichiro Tokito managed to achieve something so profound that it solidifies his place in the upper echelons of the Demon Slayer universe.
What is even more fascinating is that Zenitsu Agatsuma , another character with a vastly different personality and fighting style, will eventually match Muichiro’s feat.
Zenitsu Training With His Grand Father (Ufotable)
Though they are drastically different characters, their individual journeys converge in a way that improves their significance in the series.
Muichiro Tokito’s Journey: The Prodigy Hashira
Before jumping into the specifics of Muichiro’s historic achievement, it’s crucial to understand just how remarkable this young Hashira truly is.
Muichiro is not just any demon slayer he is the Mist Hashira, a title that not only indicates his immense strength but also symbolizes the elusive and confusing nature of his combat style.
Mist Breathing, the technique he employs, involves swift movements and disorienting patterns that leave opponents struggling to keep up with him.
What is truly astonishing about Muichiro is his age. At only 14 years old, he became the youngest person to ever ascend to the rank of Hashira.
This is no small feat. For perspective, reaching the Hashira rank often takes years of training, numerous battles, and a remarkable level of dedication.
The Hashira are the elite of the elite, the best that the Demon Slayer Corps has to offer.
The Mist Hashira – Muichiro Tokito (Crunchyroll)
Yet Muichiro managed to climb these ranks in just two months, a testament to his natural talent, fierce determination, and exceptional abilities.
Muichiro’s past is one filled with tragedy and hardship. He lost his family at a very young age, a trauma that led to memory loss and a detachment from his emotions.
This emotional detachment, however, became both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, it made him a more calculated and efficient fighter, as he didn’t let emotions cloud his judgment.
On the other hand, it also led to a lack of empathy, making it difficult for him to connect with others.
This emotional distance is a recurring theme in his character arc, and his journey throughout the series is as much about reclaiming his lost memories and emotions as it is about defeating demons.
Muichiro’s Historic Achievement as a Hashira
What makes Muichiro Tokito truly legendary in the eyes of both the characters within the Demon Slayer universe and the audience is his singular achievement defeating an Upper Moon demon on his own.
The Upper Moons, for those unfamiliar with the series, are the strongest demons in Muzan Kibutsuji’s ranks.
They are not just ordinary demons; they possess immense power, have unique abilities granted by Muzan, and are responsible for some of the most devastating attacks on humanity.
The Upper Moons are feared by even the most skilled of demon slayers, and it typically requires teamwork and strategy to take one down.
Muichiro, however, was able to do what no other Hashira had done before defeat an Upper Moon demon in a one-on-one battle. His opponent was Gyokko, the Upper Moon Five.
Gyokko was no ordinary demon. His Blood Demon Art allowed him to manipulate water in various deadly ways, and he had the ability to teleport using pots that he created.
These pots acted as portals, allowing him to move instantaneously from one location to another, a tactic that made him a frustrating and dangerous adversary.
Muichiro Tokito And Other Hashiras (Crunchyroll)
Gyokko’s abilities were challenging to deal with, but his Water Prison Pot technique was particularly lethal.
This attack trapped Muichiro inside a sphere of water, cutting off his air supply and leaving him on the verge of drowning.
To make matters worse, Gyokko’s attacks were laced with poison, which began circulating through Muichiro’s body as soon as the battle began.
Most people in this situation would have been done for, but not Muichiro.
The Battle with Gyokko: A True Testament to Muichiro’s Strength
Muichiro’s fight with Gyokko was nothing short of intense. The Upper Moon Five demon unleashed his full range of abilities, creating an onslaught that would have overwhelmed most opponents.
Yet, despite being poisoned and trapped, Muichiro did not falter. He demonstrated not only immense physical strength but also incredible mental fortitude.
He was able to control the poison in his body, slowing its spread just enough to keep himself in the fight.
This level of control over his own body speaks to Muichiro’s mastery of his craft. The ability to fight while poisoned and severely injured is not something that just any fighter can do.
It requires years of training, a deep understanding of one’s physical limits, and a willpower that refuses to give in, even when the situation seems hopeless.
However, what truly turned the tide of the battle was Muichiro’s development of a new technique in the heat of the moment.
This technique, called Obscuring Clouds, allowed Muichiro to create an illusion of mist by fluctuating his speed.
At times, he moved so slowly that it seemed as though he had disappeared entirely, while at other times, he moved with such speed that he became a blur.
This disoriented Gyokko, who found it nearly impossible to track Muichiro’s movements. Before Gyokko even realized what had happened, Muichiro had decapitated him, ending the fight in a single, swift motion.
Muichiro vs Gyokko pic.twitter.com/FXgD3IOOyf — Demon Slayer (@DemonSlayerPS) November 12, 2023
Muichiro’s victory over Gyokko was groundbreaking. It was the first time in the series that a Hashira had defeated an Upper Moon demon without any assistance.
This alone is enough to place Muichiro among the greatest demon slayers in history.
The Upper Moons are terrifyingly powerful, and defeating one typically requires the combined efforts of multiple skilled fighters.
Muichiro, however, was able to accomplish this feat on his own, a testament to his extraordinary abilities as both a swordsman and a strategist.
Zenitsu Agatsuma: The Unlikely Hero
While Muichiro’s victory over Gyokko is an iconic moment in Demon Slayer, he is not the only character to have achieved such an incredible feat.
Zenitsu Agatsuma, a character who is often seen as cowardly and anxious, also defeats an Upper Moon demon later in the series.
However, the circumstances surrounding Zenitsu’s victory are quite different from Muichiro’s, and these differences highlight the unique strengths of each character.
Zenitsu’s opponent was Kaigaku, a former demon slayer who had betrayed the Corps and become a demon.
Kaigaku had once trained alongside Zenitsu under the same master, and the two had a strained relationship.
While Zenitsu had always admired Kaigaku, the latter had never shown him any respect.
This tension added an emotional weight to their eventual confrontation, making their battle not just a physical fight but also a deeply personal one.
Zenitsu Using Thunder Breathing (Ufotable)
Kaigaku had been transformed into the new Upper Moon Six, replacing the previous holder of that title. However, unlike Gyokko, Kaigaku was still relatively new to his demonic powers.
He had consumed far fewer humans than his Upper Moon counterparts, and as a result, his strength had not yet fully developed.
Additionally, Kaigaku had not yet mastered the full extent of his new abilities, which made him a less formidable opponent than someone like Gyokko.
Despite these factors, Zenitsu’s victory over Kaigaku is no less significant. Throughout much of the series, Zenitsu is portrayed as a coward, constantly running away from danger and only fighting when he’s unconscious.
However, during his battle with Kaigaku, Zenitsu fights consciously for the first time, showcasing his growth as a character and as a fighter.
Like Muichiro, Zenitsu also developed a new technique in the heat of battle. His Seventh Form of Thunder Breathing, called Flaming Thunder God, was a move he created on his own, much like Muichiro’s Obscuring Clouds.
This technique allowed Zenitsu to defeat Kaigaku in a single strike, ending their battle as quickly as it had begun.
Comparing Muichiro and Zenitsu’s Achievements
While both Muichiro and Zenitsu’s victories over Upper Moon demons are impressive, it’s important to note the differences between their respective battles.
Muichiro’s victory was against a fully-realized Upper Moon demon, one who had centuries of experience and had perfected his abilities.
Gyokko was a seasoned fighter, and Muichiro’s ability to defeat him without any assistance speaks to his unparalleled skill as a Hashira.
Zenitsu’s victory, on the other hand, was against a newly-turned demon who had not yet reached his full potential.
Zenitsu Using Thunder Breathing First Form (Ufotable)
Kaigaku, while powerful, was still adjusting to his new abilities and had not consumed enough humans to fully develop his strength.
This doesn’t diminish Zenitsu’s achievement by any means, but it does place it in a slightly different context from Muichiro’s victory.
Despite these differences, both Muichiro and Zenitsu accomplished something that few others in the series have managed they defeated Upper Moon demons without any help.
This sets them apart from many of the other characters in the series and cements their status as two of the most powerful demon slayers in the story.
The Infinity Castle Arc
As the Demon Slayer anime continues, fans are eagerly awaiting the Infinity Castle Arc, where both Muichiro and Zenitsu will have even more opportunities to showcase their skills.
This arc promises to be one of the most intense and action-packed in the series, with high-stakes battles that will push the characters to their limits.
For Muichiro, this arc will likely reveal even more of his incredible abilities as he continues to take on powerful demons.
His battle against Gyokko was just the beginning, and fans can expect to see even more jaw-dropping moments from the Mist Hashira as the story progresses.
Zenitsu, too, will have a significant role to play in the Infinity Castle Arc. His growth as a fighter, combined with his newfound confidence, will be on full display, especially in the aftermath of his victory over Kaigaku.
Fans who have watched Zenitsu’s journey from a cowardly, anxious boy to a brave and powerful demon slayer will undoubtedly be cheering him on as he faces new challenges in this arc.
Also im looking for Zenitsu Vs fake upper moon ( kaigaku) Zenitsu has always been great and I’m sure UFOTABLE will make his fight one of the best fights in Demon Slayer I’m sure my son will impress everyone #鬼滅の刃 https://t.co/J3ToFjThea pic.twitter.com/FqEdCeXN4F — Rino ⋆🦢 (@zennezudaughter) July 3, 2024
What makes Demon Slayer such a compelling story is its ability to balance high-stakes battles with deep character development.
Muichiro and Zenitsu’s victories over Upper Moon demons are prime examples of this.
Their journeys are about more than just defeating powerful enemies they are about personal growth, overcoming fear, and discovering one’s true potential.
As the anime continues to attract the audiences around the world, Muichiro Tokito and Zenitsu Agatsuma will remain two of the most memorable characters in the series.
Their respective victories serve as milestones in their development, and they will undoubtedly continue to inspire fans as the story moves forward.
Stay tuned for more anime and manga news as 2024 progresses.
