China’s Super Cube has quickly risen in popularity, cementing its place among the standout donghua of 2025. Episode 7, in particular, received glowing praise from fans for its fluid animation, fast-paced battles, and eye-catching design. Viewers highlighted its vibrant sequences and high production value as a sign that Chinese anime can now rival its Japanese and Korean counterparts.
However, not everyone shares that enthusiasm. In a viral post on @jumpaoki , Kenichiro Aoki—the animation director behind One-Punch Man season 2—criticized Super Cube ’s direction. While he acknowledged its technical brilliance, Aoki said the episode lacked emotional depth due to overly fast pacing and repetitive visual cues. His blunt remarks have sparked heated debate within the anime industry.
A New Force in Chinese Animation
Saitama (Credits: Viz)
Episode 7 has been hailed as a milestone for Chinese animation, with many praising its crisp fight choreography and cinematic atmosphere. Part of a broader push to raise the donghua industry, Super Cube shows China’s commitment to competing on a global animation stage. The episode’s polish suggests a shift in narrative ambition, with the potential to draw international audiences well beyond its domestic fanbase.
Still, despite the overwhelming praise, a faction of viewers agrees with Aoki. Some argue that the storytelling moved too quickly, barely allowing emotional beats to register before the next flashy sequence took over. As a result, character development suffered, and key moments felt rushed, leaving little time for the tension to build or resonate.
Criticism from a Veteran Director
Saitama (Credits: ONE)
Kenichiro Aoki’s statement struck a chord across social media. “It’s a great anime, but I don’t feel drawn to it,” he wrote, explaining that the anime’s direction lacked breathing room. He also called out what he saw as overreliance on a specific animator’s signature style—suggesting the show borrowed too heavily instead of innovating.
His remarks added fuel to an ongoing discussion about direction versus spectacle. In an industry increasingly defined by high-budget visuals, Aoki’s critique of Super Cube raises questions about what makes an anime truly great: is it eye-catching animation, or the pacing and emotion that raise a story?
One Punch Man follows Saitama, a hero so powerful he defeats any enemy with a single punch, leaving him bored and searching for a true challenge. He joins the Hero Association and faces increasingly strange and powerful foes, while remaining largely unrecognized by the world. The story parodies typical superhero and shonen tropes with satire and brilliant action.
Five years after redefining anime cinema, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is returning to theaters with a visual upgrade fans won’t want to miss. The record-breaking film will hit English-speaking territories in glorious 4K on May 14 , just months before Infinity Castle premieres in September. For both longtime viewers and newcomers, this re-release offers a rare chance to re-experience the film’s heart-wrenching story and jaw-dropping animation on the big screen.
The movie is more than just a recap or nostalgia trip. As Crunchyroll’s official YouTube confirms, Mugen Train has been remastered to deliver even sharper visuals and more cinematic impact. With tickets going on sale April 30, anticipation is building for what may be the definitive viewing experience of this emotional masterpiece. It’s a visual celebration of Demon Slayer’s artistic heights—and a crucial rewatch ahead of what’s next.
Why Mugen Train Still Matters
Demon Slayer Season 4 (Credits: Ufotable)
Despite the anime’s explosive growth over multiple seasons, Mugen Train remains the emotional anchor of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba . The film’s tragic conclusion and Rengoku’s noble sacrifice remain unmatched in emotional depth. Whether you’re revisiting the story or diving in for the first time, the 4K release is poised to make an already gut-wrenching experience even more powerful.
More importantly, this re-release is a strategic refresher. Rengoku’s climactic showdown with Akaza doesn’t just define Mugen Train —it directly informs what’s expected in the Infinity Castle trilogy. Fans know Akaza will return, and with Tanjiro and Giyu likely squaring off against him in the first Infinity Castle film, the emotional payoff will be even greater for those who just revisited his origin.
A Perfect Prelude to Infinity Castle
Tanjiro | Demon Slayer Season 4 (Credits: Ufotable)
Japan is already setting the tone by re-releasing Mugen Train and the series’ other compilation films ahead of Infinity Castle ’s launch. If Western territories follow suit, the full saga may return to the big screen in chronological order, making Mugen Train’s re-release more than just a remaster—it becomes required viewing. As Tanjiro’s journey ramps up toward its climax, this film reaffirms the heart of the story: resolve, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of justice.
Even if the film weren’t tied to upcoming battles, the sheer beauty of Mugen Train in 4K is reason enough to watch. With its elevated frame rate, enhanced clarity, and emotional storytelling, this version promises a cinematic experience worthy of the Demon Slayer legacy.
Set during Japan’s Taishō era, Demon Slayer follows Tanjiro Kamado, whose family is killed by demons and whose sister Nezuko becomes one. To avenge his family and find a cure, Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps alongside allies Zenitsu and Inosuke, battling demons with unique “Breathing”-based swordsmanship. The series intensifies through televised seasons and films like Mugen Train, adapting arcs through Swordsmith Village and Hashira Training, leading up to the final Infinity Castle arc.
