Review of Chainsaw Man

I have to give credit where credit is due; I remember reading Chainsaw Man back in 2020 and honestly, it had some cool concepts but wasn't overtly engaged. I even watched the anime back when it was airing, and again, better, but not impressed. Until I rewatched it. Perhaps I had dabbled in a hypercritical lens that said: "This anime, has cool concepts, but that is the extent. People hype it up.. it ain't allat.." - now, do I still think it's overhyped? yah. ☠️ BUT!! Do I still think it is a very good anime? Now, the answer is yes! My favorite thing with ChainsawMan, despite knowing some major things that happened beforehand, the story still managed to be refreshing and the characters are multifaceted. You know in this dangerous line, while you can love characters, you truly do not know who will live, who will die. The story begins with Denji, who starts off as essentially homeless and doing dangerous deeds in an attempt to pay off the debt his deadbeat and cowardly father had him inherited, just wanting a normal life having his first shot at that. Yes, there were some cliches, but you always oughta give leeway for a story's beginning, because however unlikely, it isn't nil - and that's the point of a story of growth, change, or anything: that there is some loose rope to grabble on. That is also the way of life too. One thing is that: Denji's wishes aren't honorable, he knows it, we know it. He simply wishes for a normal life: to eat, to drink, to sleep, to bathe, to love. But the focus isn't his or others wishes, but the dynamics the characters manage to create for one another. How their wishes, way of life, and desires propel them forward; and despite it all, they continue forward.

There is something about this show that allows you to be interested. Don't care for Denji or his wishes? What about the contracts characters have with devils, what it entails, and why? What about how fiends work, how they managed to get their contract or powers? What is Makima up to, what is her powers or contract? How does the political structure exist and operate? How the character psychologies interact, affect, and exist with each other; their dynamics? I cannot honestly say I remember all that from my initial readings and viewing, but I have a renewed interest and genuine care to figure out that information.

This review is not my best, it is simply a reflection I wished to write. The characters of Aki, Kishibe, Makima, Kobeni, Angel, are all fascinating, they are all interesting. While I find Denji funny and likeable, there are interesting elements that pertain to him outside of his character, such as his power and his importance. In terms of characters, there's just something about the others that invoke greater interest. This season, unfortunately, just feels as if they are establishing something greater - which well, that is what a show oughta do, but it moved fast. This isn't inherently a negative, but I find myself caring more about the story and elements of characters and questions because of things with them rather than me actually caring about the characters themselves. I cannot care as deeply when.. you really just don't know them yet, such as Himeno.

Given the sequel is the movie with Reze, I understand the decision to end where they had, but on my personal basis, I would've appreciated more time of letting the plot thicken and settle while giving you ample time to truly appreciate and bond with the characters. Overall, just give animes more shots instead of some pseudointellectual "its mid cause ppl hyping it up too much", appreciate a show for what its worth. Additionally, just wish the pacing allowed for more knowledge and care of the characters. Great show, worth the watch, and cannot wait to see all the future adaptations!