'Chainsaw Man' has finally come to an end with the final episode leaving the fans divided. So, if you haven't watched the show yet, here's what you need to know.
Chainsaw Man is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto. Its first arc was serialised in Shueisha's Shonen Manga magazine, Weekly Shonen Jump. The second arc of the same was serialised in Shueisha's Shonen Jump+ app and website. The manga series was later adapted into a TV show produced by MAPPA and directed by Hiroshi Seko.
Chainsaw Man was streamed in the United States on Crunchyroll with an English dub and was also available on platforms such as Hulu. However, now, after a lengthy run, the show has come to an end. While fans were disheartened to say goodbye to their favourite show, they were satisfied with the ending. So, as fans enjoy the finale, let's take a look at how the makers decided to end the story. Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
Chainsaw Man became one of the most loved action, comedy, horror and dark fantasy series post its premiere in 2022. The story follows the tale of a young man named 'Denji' who shared his life with 'Pochita', a chainsaw devil. He is forced to survive by killing devils and selling their parts to pay off the debt he inherited after his father passed away. His existence has been tainted with hardships until a fatal betrayal takes his life. However, in an unexpected turn, 'Pochita' makes a pact with him, allowing him to resurrect as 'Chainsaw Man', a hybrid entity who has the heart of a demon.
After eight years and two much-loved seasons, Chainsaw Man has finally come to an end. For some, it might have been abrupt, given that fans were expecting the show to return for Part 3. However, instead of an announcement, the Season 2 finale brought a bittersweet ending to the show. Nonetheless, considering how the story ultimately ended, it's hard to say if that's a good thing or a bad thing. For the unversed, in the climax of Chainsaw Man, after the insect 'Devils' devoured 'Denji' before he could get intimate with 'Yoru', 'Pochita' realised that 'Denji' would have been happier if he had never existed. To end 'Denji's' misery, 'Pochita' takes a drastic step and kills himself to erase himself from existence, and time is suddenly rewound to when 'Denji' was still in debt to the 'Yakuza'.
Chainsaw Man chapter #232 begins by running through most of the events of chapter #1. However, when 'Denji' is attacked by 'Zombie Devil', he is saved by 'Power' instead of 'Pochita'. This sequence of events leads 'Nayuta' to make the duo 'Devil Hunters', who somehow replace 'Makima'. 'Denji' and 'Power' step into their new role and start the new chapter of their lives, that is, until the day that once again changes everything.
Everything seemed to be going fine, that is, until the day 'Denji' ran into 'Asa' while she was with 'Bucky the Chicken Devil'. The former saved her from tripping and squishing him. Something sparked between the duo and resonated within 'Denji' when 'Asa' called him "Chainsaw Man" because he was holding a chainsaw. However, it didn't last, and the series ended with 'Denji' and 'Power' going out to eat as 'Denji' looked at 'Asa' wistfully.
While the show has come to an end, a question has been plaguing every viewer: Was the ending of Chainsaw Man good or bad? Well, unfortunately for the fans, the answer is not as simple. Given how terrible the world of Chainsaw Man had become, there was no clear way for things to end on a good note without a massive change. Hence, it makes sense for 'Pochita' to feel like it was for the best to wipe the slate clean and get rid of himself, adding to the meta element to his sacrifice. The final chapter of Chainsaw Man, itself, also worked as a good send-off for the series. While the world has not become a better place, 'Denji' regained two of his closest relationships in 'Power' and 'Nayuta'.
Additionally, 'Asa' finally got a chance to have friends, and it all does wonders in bringing the story to the bittersweet end that Chainsaw Man concludes on. Nonetheless, most of that only worked out as a poetic final chapter. However, it doesn't change the fact that much of the story before it was meandering and often nonsensical. It is also worth noting how many old and new characters were wasted and underdeveloped in part 2, and how 'Denji' never received any lasting or meaningful character development.
The emotions tied to the manga series have made it hard for fans to be fully satisfied with Chainsaw Man's ending. However, given that it was not the worst send-off, fans are able to accept the finale. Nonetheless, the lingering sense that certain aspects were better leaves fans feeling that much of what happened was not earned.
What are your thoughts on the Chainsaw Man finale? Let us know
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