Chainsaw Man: The Importance of the Aging Devil Arc in Denji’s Journey

Chainsaw Man: The Importance of the Aging Devil Arc in Denji’s Journey

Warning: Contains spoilers for Chainsaw Man Chapter #190Chainsaw Man has wrapped up its most recent arc, which stands out as one of the series’ most unique and ambitious segments yet. The narrative journey took place across various environments—from a prison to a sushi restaurant—and culminated in an alternate dimension. In this arc, protagonist Denji withdraws from the central storyline, allowing Pochita the opportunity to emerge, while Asa and Yoru acquire formidable new weapons in place of their arms.

The Aging Devil arc has proven to be the most eventful segment of Part Two. Yet, a significant portion of the fanbase finds itself divided over whether its conclusion meets expectations, given the arc’s intensity. In a notable shift, author Tatsuki Fujimoto again chose a more subdued end for this arc, diverging from the typical explosive climax. His decision to conclude major storylines anticlimactically continues to challenge readers’ preconceptions in this second part of the series.

Regardless of the arc’s unconventional ending, it’s undeniable that Chainsaw Man’s main character, Denji, experienced significant growth throughout the Aging Devil arc. His journey oscillated between profound despair, where Pochita had to assert control over his body, and moments of bravado showcasing Denji’s unwavering resolve to keep fighting for life. Although his ‘normal’ life eludes him, Denji, the titular Chainsaw Man, appears to have finally reached a new level of maturity.

The Aging Devil Forced Chainsaw Man’s Dual Protagonists to Mature

Asa and Denji Emerge Transformed by the Arc’s Conclusion

Chainsaw Man in action
Worthy and friends
Denji and Asa confronting enemies
Denji with Asa and Yoru
Denji and Asa together

Despite seeming victorious against Makima at the end of Part One, Denji’s character didn’t evolve as much as fans had hoped. His experiences in the Public Safety arc opened his eyes to the value of family and resisting control, but it took some time for him to apply these lessons, and he continued to deal with the pain of losing Aki and Power.

When the Aging Devil sent Denji and Asa to a separate world devoid of Devil powers, both characters found themselves enveloped in despair and inactivity. However, through Pochita’s relentless fight against Devils, Denji confronted his unresolved grief. This gave him clarity, allowing him to recognize that life continues to hold value despite inevitable suffering and loss. His interactions with Asa marked a turning point; for the first time, they communicated openly, which helped reorient them toward their battle.

Denji ready to save himself and Asa from Aging's World in Chainsaw Man.

In grappling with the embodiment of aging, Chainsaw Man’s main characters managed to mature before rejoining the tumult of their world. While fans critique the conclusion for reverting characters to their status quo, this interpretation overlooks the subtle changes within Asa and Denji, who emerge as distinctly different individuals by the end of the arc.

Chainsaw Man Part Two Approaches the Length of Part One

Unresolved Plot Threads Loom Before Chainsaw Man’s Conclusion

Denji poses with Makima and Fumiko
Image created by Zach Zamora

As the story neared the climax of the Aging Devil arc, it appeared that Chainsaw Man was heading toward its conclusion. The arc boasts significant character development, highlights Pochita’s erasure capabilities, features crucial confrontations, and introduces the formidable Primal Aging. However, the latest chapter, #190 titled “To Their Respective Worlds,”underscored that Part Two is not yet prepared for a resolution.

Although the main characters celebrated their latest victory, the overarching narrative remains stagnant, with many essential plot elements yet to see meaningful advancement. Antagonists responsible for Nayuta’s demise remain at large, Public Safety’s mysterious intentions for Denji continue to unfold, and Yoru’s objectives have not been achieved. With Denji’s return to form, the strategy to utilize Pochita for global salvation has also failed.

Pochita's Hero of Hell transformation
Panel colored by X user @eliasdessin

While the precise length of Part Two remains unconfirmed, it currently spans 93 chapters, closely trailing Part One’s total of 97 chapters. Given the myriad plotlines requiring resolution, it appears inevitable that Chainsaw Man’s second part will surpass the chapter count of its predecessor. Tatsuki Fujimoto has yet to craft a narrative as lengthy as Chainsaw Man Part One, leaving fans curious about how far he will push the story.

What Lies Ahead for Denji?

Denji unleashing his power
Denji discussing with Pochita
Denji reveals his secret to Asa
Shocked Denji
Denji and Asa together in Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man’s unpredictable nature complicates forecasting future developments. However, with pressing arcs ahead, several crucial plot threads need immediate attention. Notably, Denji and the audience remain oblivious to the dubious strategies unfolding behind the scenes. The recent chapter concluded with the main trio—including Fami and Fumiko—sharing a meal, a situation that likely would not have transpired if Denji had been aware of Public Safety’s sinister intentions involving him prior to the events of Aging World.

Continuing the narrative with Denji and Asa collaborating would be beneficial. Despite their shared experiences in Aging Devil’s dimension, Asa has yet to disclose Yoru’s existence, leaving Denji under the illusion that Asa is merely a girl with extreme mood swings. The series must delve into this secret before it can reach a satisfying conclusion, regardless of how many chapters may remain in Part Two.

The conclusion of Chainsaw Man’s latest arc presents Denji as a character who has finally attained the maturity to recognize that even a seemingly normal life comes laden with its own struggles. The journey ahead for this iconic hero remains uncertain, but fans can trust that with Tatsuki Fujimoto at the helm, the destination is bound to surprise.

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