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Why sword man's cover puts barem and kishibe to shame

Controversy Over Volume Cover Choices | Fans Slam Creative Direction

By

Yuki Yamamoto

Mar 30, 2026, 03:26 AM

Edited By

Elena Rossi

Updated

Mar 30, 2026, 11:01 AM

2 minutes (approx.)

Sword Man's volume cover with dynamic action pose, showcasing the character's unique style against a colorful background.
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A heated debate is brewing among fans about the recent choice to feature Sword Man on a volume cover, leaving notable characters like Barem and Kishibe in the shadows. Many feel this decision overlooks characters with greater plot significance, leading to frustrations about the series' direction.

Fans Express Frustration

In various forums, people are vocal about their disappointment. One frustrated fan remarked, "Should have given the cover to Barem here instead, he at least had plot relevance." This sentiment underlines the dissatisfaction regarding Sword Manโ€™s rise to prominence over more impactful characters.

Another comment read, "Cool OC man," reflecting mixed feelings about Sword Manโ€™s design but also raising questions over the quality of the current character ensemble. This reflects deeper concerns about the character development in recent arcs, as many fans believe it lacks depth.

Unrecognized Characters Take Center Stage

While Sword Man has gained a spotlight, other characters like Kishibe remain sidelined. One user bluntly questioned, "He gets his butt kicked in every fight. How is he cool?" This highlights a noticeable disparity in character importance across the series with tangible connections to past arcs.

Key Themes from the Discussion

  • Discontent with Character Representation: Many fans feel the choice favors less relevant characters over established favorites.

  • Character Development Attacks: Concerns persist about the decline in quality, particularly with side characters.

  • Expectations for Future Covers: Fans express hope for future volume covers that spotlight more deserving characters.

"What does he even do?" - A questioning comment reflecting confusion about Sword Man's role.

What to Expect Going Forward

With ongoing backlash, thereโ€™s a chance the creators may reconsider their approach to character representation in upcoming volume covers. Many believe companies must pay attention to audience feedback to maintain loyalty. Analysts suggest thereโ€™s a good likelihood that future volumes may showcase a wider array of characters, perhaps featuring Barem or Kishibe prominently. This could bring back fan enthusiasm and ensure future character development aligns better with expectations.

Lessons from History

This isn't the first time creative choices have sparked discord. In 2011, a prominent band faced backlash for featuring a less favored member heavily in an album. The similar sentiment today suggests a need for creators to gauge fan expectations and sentiments more closely. The question lingers: Will this anime series adapt to fan needs, or continue down a less favorable path?

In summary, the clamor for better character representation reflects a longing for a richer narrative. Fans are clearly engaged, and only time will tell how the creators respond.