Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
Volume 2 of Chainsaw Man kicks off right where Volume 1 left us, throwing us straight into the chaos of Denji’s battle against the Bat Devil. And once again, Denji proves he’s not your typical hero—he’s not fighting for some noble cause; he’s chasing whatever wild, self-serving goal pops into his head, plain and simple. If people get saved in the process? Cool. If not? Oh well. Power’s backstory adds an interesting layer to this, showing that the only thing she really cares about is Meowy, her cat. It’s weirdly endearing to see such an over-the-top character have such a simple yet meaningful bond, making her more than just an unhinged lunatic.
Meanwhile, Aki is forced to suffer through the nightmare of having both Denji and Power living under his roof. Their antics are absolute chaos, and Aki’s barely holding on. Watching him struggle to keep them under control is hilarious, and their dynamic is easily one of the best parts of this volume. But let’s talk about Denji’s big "moment"—he finally achieves his long-awaited dream of touching boobs… and it’s about as thrilling as a lukewarm cup of instant noodles. The guy’s been dreaming about this for so long, and when it finally happens, it’s just… meh. But then, Makima swoops in and plays him like a fiddle. She gives him a new, bigger goal—kill the Gun Devil, and she’ll grant him any wish. And knowing Denji, you just know he’s going to take that bait and run with it.
Speaking of the Gun Devil, this volume really cranks up the stakes. Up until now, devils have been strong but manageable. But the Gun Devil? That thing is a nightmare, responsible for one of the most devastating attacks in history. Aki’s backstory hits hard—losing his family to the Gun Devil explains why he’s so serious about this mission. It also sets him up as a perfect contrast to Denji. Aki is all about revenge and purpose, while Denji is just in it for himself.
This volume also introduces the rest of Special Division 4, and they’re an interesting bunch. There’s Kobeni, who is somehow both timid and terrifying when under pressure; Arai, the overly serious rookie trying to prove himself; and then there’s Himeno, who immediately stands out with her teasing, laid-back attitude and unique bond with Aki. They all have distinct personalities and powers, but Himeno steals the spotlight. She’s got a fun dynamic with Aki, and her way of motivating Denji—promising him a French kiss if he takes down their next target—is exactly the kind of ridiculousness that makes Chainsaw Man so entertaining. But she’s not just comic relief; her backstory adds some depth, especially in how she became Aki’s partner and influenced who he is now.
As the tension ramps up, Special Division 4 finds themselves trapped inside a hotel by the Eternity Devil, a twisted entity that isn’t letting them go without a price. The Eternity Devil demands that the hunters sacrifice Denji, in exchange for their freedom. And of course, some of the hunters, like Kobeni, are way too eager to make that deal. Poor Denji can’t catch a break.
Volume 2 does a great job of building on what came before—more world-building, more character development, and even crazier situations. From Aki’s heartbreaking past and his connection to Himeno to the sheer madness of Special Division 4 being stuck in an endless time loop at the hands of the Eternity Devil, every moment adds something fresh to the story. It’s the perfect mix of action, comedy, and surprisingly emotional moments, all wrapped up in that signature Chainsaw Man insanity. I’m giving it a solid 4/5 and diving straight into Volume 3.
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