Chainsaw Man Vol. 3by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Publisher
Credits Grade: 8 Denji is just crazy enough to defeat the Eternity Devil, by creating a circle of pain and healing. Denji gets his first kiss, which turns gross. The Gun Devil sends powerful minions after all the Devil Hunters.If you've made it this far in this series, you'll love how Denji defeats the Eternity Devil. It's brutal and bloody; it's also a bit surreal, given how much time passes. I like how he learns something new about his own Devil powers, and I like the insight that explains how his craziness gives him an edge against Devils (and hope of a win against the Gun Devil). The first kiss starts off good for Denji, but it turns into what is easily one of the grossest things I've seen. The pacing to the reveal is well done, but a second, even worse reveal is made, with Power realizing what's going to happen before the reveal actually occurs, providing the right commentary for the scene. I appreciate the flashback that follows, showing us that Denji does have some standards that make this gross for him despite his body's reaction. It is traumatizing, but Makima is able to give Denji a small escape from that with an indirect kiss. The last third of this volume has the Gun Devil's minions striking back hard. I am definitely surprised by some of it; the shock is quite effective. I can't help but wonder about a certain character in particular and how they'll manage to survive despite what happens. But Denji is the real target. Those who are with him are forced to fight with all they've got against the foe before them. The reaction of Aki's Fox Devil sets the tone, and lets us know this is a foe similar to Denji in more than just design. Aki is forced to use his sword, which was teased at the beginning of this volume. The Curse Devil attached to it is scary, and the death that happens to this enemy is a gory piece of art. But wait. An unassuming girl shows up on the scene, resurrects the guy who was just killed, and strikes fear into Himeno's Devil. Himeno realizes what's at stake, and risks all to spur her Devil to action (making for more amazing imagery) -- but it's not enough! What a shocking development! To see the build of such powerful Devils, and them to have them all thwarted so easily -- it's mind-blowing! I like that Denji was out of commission till the end, allowing his battle (with the guy with swords coming out like Denji's chainsaws come out of him) to be a cliffhanger. I am definitely looking forward to what happens next. There's so much that has changed because of the events in this last third of the volume! Written: April 11, 2021
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