Demon Slayer: Every Upper Moon, Ranked from Worst to Best Designed

The Upper Moons are surely some of the most dangerous and terrifying characters in Demon Slayer. But putting their powers aside, they are also the most visually striking characters in the series. Each Upper Moon brings something unique to the table in terms of design. That being said, not every design stands out equally.

For this ranking, we’ll see how memorable and creative each design is for the character. We’ll also consider how well each Upper Moon’s appearance reflects their personality and past. From the least impressive to the most iconic, here are all the Upper Moon designs ranked.

9 Kaigaku Has a Forgettable Design for a Surprisingly Important Demon

Kaigaku is one of the most important characters in Demon Slayer, especially for Zenitsu’s story. But for some reason, his appearance doesn’t leave a lasting impression as an Upper Moon should. Sure, his appearance retains some traits from his time in the Demon Slayer Corps, which fits his backstory perfectly. But that’s the very reason Kaigaku’s design is less distinct than that of other demons in his category.

The markings across his face and his emerald-green eyes do give him a sinister look, but even then, it feels like the bare minimum for an Upper Moon. To sum it up, Kaigaku seems like an imposter when standing alongside every other Upper Moon in Demon Slayer.

8 Nakime Looks Creepy, But Her Design Lacks the Upper Moon Flair

Without a doubt, Nakime’s sophisticated yet eerie look instantly makes her feel like she belongs in the Infinity Castle. Her unsettling pale complexion and long black hair perfectly complement her mysterious personality. On top of that, the design of her single large pink eye and the bulging veins on her face give off a ghostly vibe that’s tough not to appreciate.

But even with all that, Nakime’s overall design feels restrained compared to other Upper Moons. She lacks any elaborate markings or monstrous features to make her stand out. While still great, Nakime’s design makes it evident that she’s a side character in this story.

7 Daki’s Design Is Beautiful and Flashy But Lacks Depth

Daki’s design is clearly the most glamorous one among the Upper Moons. Her white hair, over-the-top makeup, and flower-patterned Obi fit her identity as an Oiran in the Entertainment District. Daki’s design brings a colorful flair with a hint of demonic darkness, making her eye-catching as a demon.

All that being said, Daki’s appearance lacks the depth or layers that other Upper Moons bring to the table. Her look is undoubtedly memorable, but it doesn’t reflect her tragic past as strongly as some other Upper Moon designs. Overall, Daki’s design is more about who she wants to be than who she really is, which, honestly, is underwhelming.

6 Gyokko Is Unsettlingly Unique, But Still Hard to Love

It goes without saying that Gyokko has the most grotesque design in the series, even for a demon. His lower serpent-like body emerges from a pot decorated with green leaves. Also, his pale skin, mouths for eyes, and mismatched facial features make him look like a twisted piece of artwork. That’s unlike any other character design we’ve seen in Demon Slayer. On top of that, the tiny infant-like hands emerging from his body give an uneasy feeling that is tough to shake off.

There are so many layers to Gyokko’s appearance that it’s tough to pinpoint every single one of them. That’s the biggest strength of Gyokko’s design, but also its weakness. There’s so much going on with his character, but it all lacks depth and says nothing about Gyokko’s backstory.

5 Hantengu Has a Bizarre Design That Gets Better With Every Form

Sure, Hantengu’s base form comes across as timid, weak, and unimpressive, but all of that is deliberate. That’s because this demon has different physical manifestations, and each one brings forward a distinct visual identity.

From Sekido’s lightning to Urogi’s bird-like features, every form adds a unique layer without feeling disconnected from the character. It’s the variety that makes Hantengu one of the best character designs in the series, even though his base form is totally unlikable.

4 Gyutaro’s Disturbingly Brilliant Design Gets Everything Right

Gyutaro’s flimsy body, pale skin, and, of course, the twisted expressions make him truly disturbing to look at. On top of that, his green hair and striking eye color make him recognizable from miles away.

But what’s really impressive about his appearance is that it speaks to his tragic backstory in the series. His thin frame and scars constantly remind fans of the difficult life he had as a human. Gyutaro’s design is truly heartbreaking yet beautiful at the same time.

3 Akaza Has a Striking Design That Is Instantly Recognizable

Akaza clearly has the most recognizable design in Demon Slayer, and for the right reasons. The detailed, blue tattoo-like markings all over his body feel nothing short of art. Also, his sleeveless look perfectly fits his identity as a close-range fighter.

Basically, Akaza’s design deliberately puts his impressive physique at the forefront. And that’s something that aligns with his overall personality, regeneration ability, and fighting style. Akaza’s design not only tells us about his human life but also his reason for becoming a demon.

2 Doma Is Beautiful and Unsettling at the Same Time

Doma’s design is basically a mix of elegance and monstrosity. On the surface, Doma looks way too beautiful to be a demon with his long hair and rainbow-colored eyes. There isn’t a single feature of Doma that would make anyone run away from him, even though he’s one of the most evil Demon Slayer characters. And that’s exactly what’s best about his design.

The contrast between this charming personality and the horror behind it makes Doma really unique as a character. The unavoidable spark of mystery in his design makes you feel uneasy and curious at the same time.

1 Kokushibo’s Design Is Fitting for His Upper Moon One Rank

Kokushibo has the kind of design you’d expect from the Upper Moon One and the best-written character in Demon Slayer. Everything from his six eyes to his long hair to samurai-like clothing oozes perfection. Kokushibo’s design stands above the rest because it tells us something about who he is. His samurai-like appearance, for instance, tells us about his past as a swordsman. The Six Eyes, on the other hand, are there to enhance his vision and help him surpass Yoriichi, which he never actually did.

In a way, Kokushibo’s design keeps the very essence of his past as a human. At the same time, every demonic feature feels purposeful, not simply there to make him look intimidating.

Which Upper Moon Design do you think is the best? Do let us know in the comments!

Demon Slayer is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll in the U.S.