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Discover the ranking of every Chainsaw Man Part 1 arc from worst to best, exploring the factors that determine their placement.
As one of the most popular anime and manga series ever made, Chainsaw Man is an emotional rollercoaster of action, comedy, and emotional depth. The story is divided into two parts, titled the Public Safety Saga and the Academy Saga.
While the second part is currently ongoing with full force, the first concluded amidst widespread praise from fans and critics. Here is a closer look at the quality of the different storylines covered as we rank every Chainsaw Man Part 1 arc.
8) Bat Devil Arc
The Bat Devil Arc features the first battle Denji faces after becoming a Public Safety Devil Hunter. Having teamed up with the fiend Power, Denji resolves to save her cat Meowy from the dangerous Bat Devil.
This results in an exciting fight filled with betrayal, emotional stakes, and memorable devil powers. Denji’s attempt to save Power and Meowy despite the fiend double-crossing him gives us a glimpse of his recklessness.
The Bat Devil Arc is an enjoyable storyline that introduces us to Chainsaw Man’s main trio. We are charmed by the fascinating Power while Aki displays his skills through Kon. However, when compared to the others, the Bat Devil Arc is simply too short and mainly acts as a set-up for future events. Hence, it is not one that particularly sticks out to fans.
7) Introduction Arc
A major reason for Chainsaw Man’s popularity is its ability to hook audiences right from the very beginning. The Introduction Arc, as the name suggests, gives us an excellent taste of the series by showcasing the dark world plagued by devils as well as the tragic protagonist Denji.
While working for the Yakuza, Denji is betrayed and nearly dies at the hands of the Zombie Devil. However, his pet Pochita saves him by giving him supernatural powers and turning him into Chainsaw Man. This results in the extremely hype battle where Denji destroys the Zombie Devil.
Soon after, the protagonist is recruited by Makima. Denji’s induction into the Public Safety Hunters and his banter with Aki serve as highlights of the arc. At the same time, it is still the basic foundation of the series and is not meant to depict the heights of storytelling. Thus, it is at the lower end of this list.
6) Eternity Devil Arc
Every Chainsaw Man Part 1 arc acquaints us with a creative new devil that is both intriguing and terrifying. The Eternity Devil Arc shows the main cast as they are trapped in an endless loop inside a hotel controlled by the Eternity Devil.
While those such as Denji and Power care little about their situation, Kobeni and other Devil Hunters soon fall prey to their anxieties. This results in an intense psychological thriller with moments of comedy, culminating in a brutal final fight between Chainsaw Man and the Eternity Devil.
The Eternity Devil Arc also has the infamous celebratory party where Himeno kisses Denji. This subplot highlights the uniqueness of Chainsaw Man’s world and the interesting dynamics between the characters. However, it remains lower than others because it lacks the major narrative shifts that define the top arcs.
5) Katana Man Arc
The Katana Man Arc is the first major escalation of stakes in Chainsaw Man, featuring an assault on the main characters by Katana Man, Sawatari and other enemies. The ensuing battle has tragic results, including the heartbreaking death of Himeno.
Aki’s development takes center stage while Denji’s battle against the memorable Katana Man is explosive and exhilarating. The climax of their fight is extremely satisfying as the main trio grows closer. Additionally, Makima is hinted to be the antagonist of Chainsaw Man as she comfortably heals from bullet wounds and is confronted by Kishibe.
The Katana Man Arc is a shocking and exciting arc that is engraved in the minds of fans. It makes viewers feel a plethora of emotions and gives a sample of the chaos to follow.
4) Control Devil Arc
Chainsaw Man Part 1’s final arc, titled the Control Devil Arc, helps cement its status as an iconic shonen series. Acting as the sum of all the development up to that point, it showcases Denji’s stand against Makima, whose true nature is revealed.
As the Control Devil, her manipulative powers emotionally crush Denji and nearly make him lose. However, thanks to the help of Power, Pochita, Kishibe, and other allies, Denji comes up with an ingenious scheme to kill Makima.
This finally allows him to escape her domineering control and live life on his own terms. While shonen series don’t have the best reputation for endings, Chainsaw Man proves this notion wrong. Its conclusion ends the tale of its entire cast and sets up the next saga.
3) Bomb Girl Arc
Considered by many to be the most impactful arc for Denji, the Bomb Girl Arc follows the protagonist’s relationship with an enigmatic girl named Reze. Her brightness captivates him, leading to what seems to be the start of an innocent romance.
Unfortunately, Denji faces heartbreak yet again as Reze is revealed to be an assassin aiming for his life. This results in a cinematic clash with an emotionally charged ending. While Reze initially puts on a facade for Denji, she grows to care about him.
When aiming to express her true feelings, Makima intervenes and ends the potential couple’s story before it can ever begin. Reze is a fan-favorite character who greatly helps Denji’s development and significantly grows herself. Her death leaves an indelible mark on fans and solidifies Makima as a detestable person. Therefore, fans have a good reason to look forward to the upcoming movie adaptation of the Bomb Girl Arc.
2) International Assassins Arc
Chainsaw Man first showcases the global scale of devils and their hunters through the International Assassins Arc. As news of Denji being Chainsaw Man spreads, organizations from all across the world aim to possess his heart and control Pochita.
This leads to an intense set of chapters with electrifying and devastating battles. The cast significantly expands through the introduction of characters such as Quanxi, Santa Claus, Yoshida, and more. There are highlights in nearly every moment, ranging from Kishibe’s impressive fight to the threatening presence of the Darkness Devil.
The International Assassins Arc stays true to what Chainsaw Man does best—chaotic excitement. The constant fights, the involvement of more dangerous devils, and the high stakes place it near the top of this list.
1) Gun Devil Arc
Most fans will agree that the best Chainsaw Man Part 1 arc is the Gun Devil Arc. This heart-wrenching storyline has gone down in manga history for the impression it leaves on viewers. It brings the spotlight to Denji and Aki’s dynamic, as the latter is transformed into the Gun Fiend due to Makima’s schemes.
The snowball fight sequence between Aki and Denji shatters most fans as they see the protagonist forced to fight his best friend in the story. Aki’s tragic ending creates a void inside Denji, nearly making Makima’s machinations succeed.
The Gun Devil Arc, though having only 9 chapters, perfectly encapsulates Chainsaw Man’s themes of manipulation, loss and fleeting happiness. It is one of the few times a series has dared to kill off its deuteragonist, elevating its impact. Therefore, it is rightfully considered as the pinnacle of storytelling in the series.
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