Koyoharu Gotouge is the anonymous, visionary creator of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, one of the most successful media franchises in history. Known only by their signature bespectacled crocodile avatar, Gotouge became the first manga artist named to the Time 100 Next list in 2021. Their work is celebrated for its emotional depth and distinct art style, which blends traditional Japanese motifs with visceral action.

By April 2026, the Demon Slayer phenomenon has transitioned into a record-breaking cinematic trilogy. The first film, Infinity Castle, released in July 2025 and earned over $778 million globally, becoming the second-highest-grossing film of all time in Japan. While Ufotable recently confirmed that the highly anticipated sequel will arrive in 2027 to ensure production quality, Gotouge remains an active supervisor of the franchise. Looking ahead, the author has expressed interest in departing from dark fantasy to create a science-fiction romantic comedy, marking an eagerly awaited “Second Phase” for the “Crocodile-sensei.”