As a long-time fan of Chainsaw Man, I eagerly awaited the return of the series after Part 1 concluded. Denji’s new life, taking care of Makima’s reincarnation Nayuta, left a lot of potential for exciting developments. However, Part 2 has been a significant letdown for me. Everything seems to be a major downgrade from the first part, from the art and characters to the pacing of the story.
A Disappointing Continuation
After years of anticipation, the excitement I had for Chainsaw Man Part 2 quickly diminished. The art, which was dynamic and engaging in Part 1, feels lackluster and less polished in this new arc. The characters, once vibrant and full of life, now seem flat and uninspired. The pacing, which kept me on the edge of my seat before, has become sluggish and drawn out.
The New Characters
One of the major introductions in Part 2 is Asa Mitaka, a new female character and a potential love interest. Unfortunately, her story arc has been anything but captivating. While I hoped for a character that would add depth and intrigue to the narrative, Asa’s storyline has been underwhelming and, frankly, boring. Her presence does little to enhance the story, making it hard to stay invested in the series.
In addition to Asa, the side characters introduced in Part 2 are equally disappointing. They lack the depth and complexity that made the characters in Part 1 so compelling. Where Part 1 offered a cast of rich, multi-dimensional characters, Part 2 gives us a slew of bland and uninspired ones. The new side characters fail to evoke the same emotional investment, making their stories feel insignificant and forgettable.
Lack of Progress
It’s been 76 chapters since Part 2 began, and I still feel like barely anything has happened. The plot meanders without clear direction, lacking the urgency and excitement that made Part 1 so compelling. Each chapter feels like a slog, with minimal developments and a lot of filler content. This slow pacing has been one of the most frustrating aspects, making it difficult to maintain any enthusiasm for the series. Part 1 managed to tell a better story in its first 10 chapters than Part 2 has in its 76 chapters.
A Cash Grab?
A part of me believes that Chainsaw Man should have ended after Part 1. The conclusion of Denji’s journey, starting a new life with Nayuta, felt like a natural and satisfying endpoint. Part 2, on the other hand, feels like a soulless cash grab, riding on the success of the original series without offering anything new or worthwhile. The magic that made Chainsaw Man special seems to have dissipated, leaving behind a hollow shell of what once was.
Conclusion
I have enjoyed all of Fujimoto’s works like Fire Punch, Look back, Goodbye Eri but I am not even sure if Fujimoto is even attempting to write a good story with Chainsaw man Part 2 anymore.
