5 best chapters in Chainsaw Man part 2 so far (& 5 that didn't live up to the hype)

Chainsaw Man part 2 chapter 173 was released on August 6, 2024, and revealed the actual plan of the Public Safety Department in testing the possibility of Chainsaw Man throwing up devils.

While the recent few chapters have managed to become some of the most hyped and well-received chapters of the manga, Chainsaw Man part 2 itself has had mixed reactions throughout its serialization.

Taking note of the overall reactions and actual content of the chapter along with the payoff, makes it possible to separate the best chapters from the ones that weren't up to the mark.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Chainsaw Man part 2 and reflects the author's opinion.

Chapter 106, Chapter 172, and 3 other best Chainsaw Man part 2 chapters

1) Chapter 106

Chainsaw Man as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

The beginning of Chainsaw Man part 2 was rather tumultuous due to its receiving numerous mixed opinions. Many older fans stated how the overall tone of the entire story had shifted from the lingering horror-like tone of Part 1 to a more active and slightly comedic horror in Part 2.

Although the initial chapters of Part 2 were spent establishing the new cast of characters, Chapter 106 had the sudden twist of Yuko turning into a devil, managing to bring back the dreadful and unexpected storytelling that was prevalent throughout Part 1.

2) Chapter 172

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The entire fandom was being teased with another one of Denji’s breakdowns, similar to the one in Part 1 where he turned into the Hero of Hell and defeated Makima multiple times. Chapter 172 similarly revealed Denji sinking into the depths of hell and releasing the Hero of Hell itself into the public.

It also depicted the actual existence-erasing power of the Black Chainsaw Man that was only teased in Part 1. It managed to become one of the best-received chapters of the manga simply due to its focus on action and the fact that the Hero of Hell was now being fleshed out.

3) Chapter 143

Kishibe as shown in the anime (Image via Studio MAPPA)

The return of fan-favorite characters like Kishibe, Power, and Reze was being discussed ever since the beginning of Part 2. The main reason behind the hype of this chapter was the atrocities committed by the Chainsaw Man Church.

Quanxi’s abrupt return and quick neutralization of the Devil Hybrids opened up numerous theories about Reze being alive and possibly working with the Public Safety Department. This chapter was also the first instance of a character from Part 1 returning in Part 2.

4) Chapter 155

The character dynamic between Nayuta and Denji ended up becoming a core part of the Chainsaw Man Part 2 story. While the entire dynamic was being explored from Denji’s point of view, Nayuta’s entire character and her change of heart towards humanity after living with Denji was unveiled in Chapter 155.

Chapter 155 singlehandedly pushed the sibling dynamic between Denji and Nayuta to new heights.

5) Chapter 141

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Chapter 141 was one of the most unique chapters from Tatsuki Fujimoto, supported by its being dialogueless throughout the entirety with the exception of the last few pages. The entire chapter depicted Denji’s struggle in leaving a life as Chainsaw Man and accepting his new life with Nayuta as his family, which he wanted ever since his beginnings.

While the entire Chainsaw Man Part 2 was deemed by many fans to have a slower and different tone and pacing compared to Part 1, Chapter 141 was also one of the most prominent sections that foreshadowed the dread and tragedy approaching, similar to Part 1.

Chapter 156, Chapter 140 and 3 other Chainsaw Man Part 2 chapters that did not live up to the hype

1) Chapter 156

Fami as shown in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Many fans were hoping for Reze to break into the detention center to rescue Denji in Chapter 156, but it ended up being Fami and Asa, leading to another letdown for fans hoping for Reze’s return.

Chapter 156 also introduced the fact that Asa could not turn anything into her weapon as long as she believed the said object belonged to her. However, this wasn't explored much, and the chapter wasn’t very action-centric despite being a literal jailbreak chapter.

2) Chapter 140

Reze as shown in the anime (Image via Studio MAPPA)

Chapter 139 was the chapter in Chainsaw Man Part 2 to actively foreshadow the return of the Devil Hybrids. While Chapter 140 gave everyone hope for Reze’s return, it simply revealed Barem’s survival and the unfortunate state of Kobeni’s brother.

While the entire chapter teased the involvement of Reze and Kobeni, it was simply abandoned, with both of them not appearing at all.

3) Chapter 101

Denji as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Chapter 101 was the first chapter that marked Denji’s return to the story, along with the return of the Bat Devil. While the entire chapter almost mimicked Power’s introduction in Part 1, the entire premise was soon abandoned without revisiting Power’s character.

4) Chapter 98

Chapter 98 was the first chapter of Chainsaw Man Part 2. While many fans expected the return of the Part 1 characters, Chapter 98 solely introduced Asa while disregarding every older character.

Although Chapter 98 has aged very well considering the storyline of Part 2, the beginning of Part 2 did manage to make a huge part of the fandom furious due to the actual protagonist not appearing.

5) Chapter 154

Makima as shown in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Mifune was being built up as a recurring and important character throughout Chainsaw Man Part 2. Chapter 154 revealed her true colors as she simply abandoned Nayuta and Denji, whom she was supposedly allied with. This further proved the decline of the Public Safety Department after Makima’s death.

Final Thoughts

Chainsaw Man chapter 173 was released on August 6, 2024, and revealed the existence of a new devil being used by the Public Safety Department to fight against the Hero of Hell.

Many fans expected Yoru to fight Chainsaw Man in Chapter 173 and make him throw up the devils he had consumed, but this was done by Yoshida remotely. Chapter 174 is scheduled for release on August 13, 2024, and will be available for reading on Shueisha's MANGA Plus platform.

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Edited by Ameen Fatima