Chainsaw Man Part 2 Isn’t "Worse", You’re Just Reading It Wrong

Tatsuki Fujimoto’s work, Chainsaw Man, is generally regarded as a masterpiece in modern shonen manga. Despite its seemingly absurd premise (a young man who can grow chainsaws from his head battles Devils, with the ultimate goal of kissing a girl), this manga stands out for its exceptional narrative complexity. The story has progressed beyond 100 chapters into its second half, often called “CSM Part 2”. However, for many readers, the series reached its peak by the end of Part 1.

A significant portion of the CSM fandom tends to perceive Part 2 as less favorable, a viewpoint that appears to strengthen over time. Although personal opinions about art can vary significantly, the widespread dissatisfaction among readers calls for careful consideration. Upon closer examination, however, it appears that those who criticize Part 2 of Fujimoto’s masterpiece may be mistaken in their appraisal, and possibly misunderstanding the manga altogether.

Chainsaw Man Part 2’s Release Schedule is At Least Partially to Blame For The Hate

It Might Seem Like “Nothing is Happening” From Week to Week, But Part 2 Has Accomplished A Lot in Hindsight

Among frequent readers of the manga, a recurring comment about Chainsaw Man Part 2 is that it seems as if “not much is happening” in each chapter. The pace appears unusually slow for a shonen manga, and fights are less frequent. This sentiment is particularly strong during the first half of Part 2, where Denji cannot transform into Chainsaw Man due to threats from Public Safety. However, it’s important to note that the impression of nothing happening in Part 2 is actually quite misleading.

In the second half of Chainsaw Man (CSM), numerous characters have been developed and become as adored (if not more so) as those in the first part. Throughout this journey, Denji has gained new companions, faced tremendous struggles, and battled some of his toughest adversaries yet. Moreover, Asa, the significant character introduced in Part 2, has gradually transformed into a sympathetic and endearing figure, thanks in large part to her complex bond with Yoru, the War Devil. It may seem like these changes took a while to unfold, but upon reflection, it’s surprising just how much ground was covered.

In just Part 2 of the story, Denji encountered two possible romantic figures (Fumiko and Asa/Yoru), battled a fierce devil, formed a connection with his younger sister, was apprehended and dismembered by Public Safety, transformed into the Chainsaw Man following news of his sister’s demise, uncovered the secret behind Pochita’s power to eliminate devils – all these events took place while Denji wasn’t even the main character in this segment of the comic.

In contrast to the fast-paced, urgent tone of Chainsaw Man Part 1, Fujimoto seems to take a more relaxed approach in Part 2, which leads to a distinctly different narrative style compared to the manga’s initial half. This shift makes Part 2 of Chainsaw Man more satisfying when read all at once rather than chapter by chapter each week. The pace of Part 2 is slower than that of Part 1, and the main storylines and characters necessitate a more gradual development compared to their counterparts in Part 1. Upon re-reading, though, fans of Chainsaw Man will likely find that Part 2 lives up to the greatness promised by Part 1.

CSM Part 2 Takes a Different Approach to Its Storytelling Than Part 1 Did

Essentially, Part 2 of “Chainsaw Man” deviates from the storyline presented in Part 1. In Part 1, the narrative followed a more conventional (yet still unconventional) style typical of shonen battle manga, featuring a protagonist trio reminiscent of series like Naruto, Bleach, or Jujutsu Kaisen. Denji was integrated into a large crime-fighting organization and dispatched on missions to vanquish villains. However, what truly made Part 1 stand out was its gradual abandonment of traditional elements as the story progressed, culminating in the destruction of everything familiar by the end, leaving Denji only with Makima’s remains to cook into food.

In contrast to the conclusive ending of Part 1, Part 2 of CSM began anew, establishing a fresh narrative with a new protagonist introduced right from the first chapter. The storyline expanded to include a diverse cast, weaving a more intricate web of events. Unlike Part 1, where a single villain orchestrated events from behind the scenes, Part 2 presents numerous factions all seeking power, making it challenging to distinguish who is good and who is bad. Public Safety, which had been Denji’s pathway towards his desired “normal life” in Part 1, became one of the main antagonists in Part 2. Denji has always been a morally ambiguous character, but the lines between right and wrong become even more blurred in Part 2. The villain from one chapter may transform into a hero in the next, and Denji’s allegiances are consistently unclear.

Reading just one chapter of Chainsaw Man Part 2 at a time might lead to feelings of confusion due to the numerous interwoven storylines. These intricate elements can be hard to keep track of, and key plot points may slip your mind over the course of a week (or, more frequently, two weeks). Tatsuki Fujimoto isn’t crafting a tale designed to captivate readers on a weekly basis; instead, he’s weaving an intricate narrative that unfolds gradually over time, featuring thoughtfully developed character arcs and unexpected twists that require hundreds of chapters to execute effectively.

It can be disappointing when a big plot twist occurs without showing how other characters respond or the consequences of that twist, as readers may have to wait through many previous chapters to fully understand it. This could take years if the series is released weekly in a manga format. However, despite the claim that nothing significant is happening in the current storylines of Chainsaw Man, this statement is far from accurate given the catastrophic events depicted in Part 2.

Asa and Yoru Alone Have Already Made CSM Part 2 a Masterpiece

Chainsaw Man Part 2’s Main Characters Are Shaping Up to Be Better-Developed Than Those in Part 1

Tatsuki Fujimoto has penned some striking narratives and deeply emotional storylines, notably in Fire Punch and various other critically lauded works. Some of his standalone stories are even more revered than Chainsaw Man, despite the latter being his most widely recognized creation. However, this balance might shift post Part 2. The character dynamics in Chainsaw Man Part 2 between Asa and Yoru, specifically, represent some of Fujimoto’s finest writing to date.

Regarding character development, it’s challenging to find fault with Asa and Yoru as among the most impressive characters in contemporary shonen manga. Their relationship is frequently underestimated due to Asa often being considered secondary to Denji. However, those who believe there’s no significant progression in Part 2 should take a closer look at Asa and Yoru’s personal growth arcs. These two characters, who were initially polar opposites sharing one body, have grown in ways that complement each other exceptionally well, resulting in a storyline unlike any other within the series. Over time, they’ve developed a profound understanding of one another that resembles the bond between sisters who know each other intimately.

In the same way that two siblings often argue and have their differences, Asa and Yoru are no exception, particularly when dealing with their intricate love triangle involving Denji. A notable instance of Chainsaw Man exploring uncharted waters is the notorious scene where Yoru recalls a past kiss from Denji that Nayuta made her forget. In this scene, Yoru’s inquisitiveness leads her to perform an act that has stirred controversy within the realm of shonen manga. The War Devil engaging in intimate acts with Denji in an alleyway would have been a shocking plot twist for any other manga. However, the fact that it was Yoru occupying Asa’s body added an extra layer of complexity to the situation.

Due to Yoru living inside Asa’s body, the question of consent and whether Yoru unintentionally exploited Asa sparked a significant debate within the fandom. The chapter like Chainsaw Man 167 wasn’t merely created for shock value; instead, it stemmed from an intriguing concept that was meticulously crafted across numerous chapters. Although Aki’s storyline was as poetic and heart-wrenching as any, no character in Part 1 (apart from Denji himself) received as much careful development and complexity as Asa/Yoru did.

Nayuta Deserves More Respect as an Already-Iconic Chainsaw Man Character

If Asa resembles Aki, it could be intriguing to explore if another character from “CSM” Part 2 has a parallel with Power, who is one of the most notable personalities in the first half of Fujimoto’s manga. Remarkably, Denji’s new sister, Nayuta, bears a striking resemblance to Power in terms of her character. Fans find themselves deeply attached to Nayuta and would go to great lengths to safeguard her. This attachment makes the uncertain (and frequently discussed) fate of Nayuta even more emotional and poignant.

In contrast to being the reborn embodiment of Denji’s most formidable foe, Nayuta stands out as one of the kindest and most lovable demons found within the entire manga series. This tenderhearted nature is a major reason why fans continue to speculate about her eventual comeback. It’s challenging for readers to accept that Nayuta might not be around forever, yet the latest developments in the manga seem to hint at a viable route leading to her return (though she may serve Death as a minion). However, even those who are not fond of “Chainsaw Man” Part 2 couldn’t help but feel a strong urge to jump into Chapter 155 when they witnessed the anti-demon mob assaulting Nayuta in the manga.

I’m struck by how much Nayuta embodies the ardent protector role for every “Chainsaw Man” enthusiast, a testament to Fujimoto’s meticulous character development. Initially, in the second part of “Chainsaw Man,” Nayuta appears as a reserved girl harboring mistrust towards Denji and all mankind. Yet, she gradually warms up to her brother, even embracing things that bring joy to Denji – sometimes beyond her own control. This is quite a leap for the very embodiment of Control in the Devil realm, marking a poignant culmination to a character journey that actually commenced with Makima in Part 1. This intricate connection between Part 1 and Part 2 suggests they are so interwoven that it’s hard to appreciate one without the other. To deem either superior is to overlook the essence of Fujimoto’s narrative tale.

Chainsaw Man Part 2 is Building on The Series’ Lore in Exciting Ways

Characters and Concept CSM Part 1 Only Hinted At Are Being Explored in Part 2

In addition to enhancing the narrative and character development, a significant improvement in “Chainsaw Man” Part 2 lies in expanding the richness of the CSM universe’s lore. While Part 1 subtly hinted at this aspect, Part 2 has been progressively unveiling it in more intricate ways. For instance, we learn about Pochita’s powerful ability to eliminate Devils by consuming them, but it is only in Part 2 that the full implications of this power are disclosed. Similarly, Makima introduced her Four Horsemen sisters in Part 1, but it is Part 2 that makes them the central focus of its ongoing conflict.

In the manga, Pochita’s unique ability to eliminate Devils added a great deal of suspense. Moreover, it subtly unveiled an intriguing truth about Chainsaw Man’s Devils: their mere presence significantly affects their environment. This became evident when Pochita erased the Ear and Mouth Devils, resulting in the loss of everyone’s ability to hear or speak. Additionally, Part 2 has introduced Denji to several powerful primal Devils, significantly escalating the power dynamics.

Despite the extensive coverage of Chainsaw Man’s world in Part 2, there remains a vast expanse for creator Fujimoto to delve into, areas that Part 1 barely touched upon. One such unexplored territory is the origin of all Devils, Hell, which has only been grazed by our exploration so far. However, in recent developments of Part 2, Denji has hinted at his intention to search for the Blood Devil, as he promised Power at the end of Part 1. This pursuit could potentially take us deeper into Chainsaw Man’s Hell than ever before, making a strong case for Fujimoto’s continued exploration in upcoming arcs. This prospect alone makes it worth trusting that Part 2 will deliver more intriguing insights into this captivating world.

Chainsaw Man Part 2 is Worse Than Part 1 in Some Ways – But It’s Also Better in Others

CSM Fans Who Prefer Part 1 Are Better Off Binge-Reading Multiple Chapters of Part 2 Than Following Its Weekly Release

The second part of “Chainsaw Man” has been praised more than it deserves by some fans, but that doesn’t make it flawless. There are aspects that, in comparison to Part 1, fall short, such as the art style in the later arcs, which is more sketchy and less detailed. Although Fujimoto’s character and facial expressions remain exceptional in Part 2, there are moments where the decline in artwork is validly criticized.

The shift in narrative approach from Part 1 to Part 2 of CSM is undeniably polarizing. While Part 1 captivated a broader audience with its thrilling sequences and engaging battles, Part 2 delves deeper into character development, notably Yoru and Asa, whose intricate relationship has been skillfully constructed.

Reading “Chainsaw Man” (CSM) Part 2 week by week might not provide the optimal experience compared to reading multiple chapters at once. This idea that CSM Part 2 benefits more from binge-reading or even a monthly release schedule instead of weekly has been discussed within the fandom. Some believe that the demanding nature of a weekly manga release could contribute to the perceived decline in art quality observed in Part 2, although it’s worth noting that early Part 2 had some of the best artwork in the series. As the story progressed, a drop-off in art quality became more noticeable, which might suggest that creator Fujimoto may have been experiencing fatigue.

It’s quite plausible that a monthly publication schedule could alleviate the pressure on Fujimoto regarding his manga production. Maybe he simply needs additional time to focus and perfect his work as desired. However, there’s also a possibility that he’s growing weary of illustrating manga and prefers to concentrate more on story development. This is often the case for mangaka who have been in the industry for a long time, and this shift in focus can be observed in Fujimoto’s art from Part 2. Despite the fact that the technical aspects of his artwork might not be as polished, the complexity of the story seems to be at its zenith.

Essentially, releasing new chapters monthly could exacerbate the problem, not because the manga’s quality is in question, but due to the manner in which fans consume it. A longer gap between chapters might make things more intricate instead. The most feasible approach for fans finding it hard to appreciate Chainsaw Man Part 2 seems to be waiting for complete volume releases. Although this implies a longer wait, it offers a comprehensive version of the narrative that allows readers to absorb more at once, thereby providing a broader perspective on the overall story arc.

The first part of “Chainsaw Man” stands as one of the most remarkable feats in shonen manga, deserving of recognition. However, it’s significant to note that some of its most impactful scenes occurred closer to the end. Without Aki’s demise as the Gun Fiend, Denji’s transformation into Black Chainsaw Man, or Denji consuming Makima in the final chapters, “Chainsaw Man” might not have garnered such acclaim. The second part has already produced memorable scenes, and there’s no sign it will end soon. Even with the Death Devil unveiled, much story remains for Part 2 to unfold. It’s plausible, even probable, that the series’ most astonishing twists are yet to come in “Chainsaw Man” Part 2. Patience is required from fans; these surprising developments won’t occur within a week.

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2025-05-22 04:20

Chainsaw Man Part 2 Isn’t “Worse”, You’re Just Reading It Wrong