On Tuesday, October 31, 2023, chapter 147 of Tatsuki Fujimoto's popular manga series, Chainsaw Man, was released across various digital Shueisha platforms. Despite the anticipation leading up to its release, the chapter left most fans feeling disappointed. This disappointment can be attributed to the fact that the previous installment of Chainsaw Man was both thrilling and informative, revealing the plans and allies of the Chainsaw Man Church. In particular, the revelation of the Fire Devil sparked great intrigue among readers, who were hoping for further development of their identity and motivations in chapter 147.
Chainsaw Man fans claim Fujimoto is setting the series up for downfall after the latest issue
Despite fans' high hopes, the latest installment of Chainsaw Man failed to deliver in terms of dialogue and important lore details. While some may argue that fans' expectations were too unrealistic, there is a valid case to be made for the disappointment the issue brought.
Fan reaction
Fans are displeased with the latest issue's quality (Image via X/Twitter user @MMaystorm)
Fan reception towards Chainsaw Man chapter 147 and the subsequent two-week break has been predominantly negative. The dissatisfaction is mainly due to the fact that another two-week break had preceded the release of the latest issue, which turned out to be viewed by some as a filler chapter.
It is important to highlight that it is not solely the content of the issue or the presence of the back-to-back breaks that has upset many fans. It is the combination of both factors that has led to their disappointment. If chapter 147 had provided significant information or if there had not been a two-week break before the release of chapter 148, fans would probably be much more satisfied with the overall outcome.
The latest chapter of Chainsaw Man has garnered various fan reactions, with some expressing disappointment in the perceived decline of Fujimoto's artwork. These fans suggest that the artwork in this issue appears more sketch-like compared to previous releases. While many fans are focused on the lack of substantial story content, it is evident that both the visual and narrative aspects of the issue have received criticism.
Are fans right or wrong?
Having said that, this recurring pattern has been observed multiple times in the past, particularly since the second part of the manga started being serialized. Fujimoto's storytelling has often faced criticism from fans, only to be praised later on when the current, crucial plotlines are skillfully woven together and concluded. While this doesn't necessarily dismiss readers' concerns, it does shed light on the level of significance these concerns hold (which is to say, not very much).
Additional fan responses to today's chapter (Image via Our Website)
Determining whether fans are correct or incorrect in their evaluation of Fujimoto’s recent work is a challenging task. One could argue that Chainsaw Man belongs to Fujimoto, granting him the freedom to shape and illustrate it according to his preferences, without question. Conversely, numerous Japanese and international fans invest their money in obtaining official copies of Fujimoto’s manga, giving them the right to critique as consumers.
In general, fans may be exaggerating the issue at hand. The Academy saga is about to reach its most significant storyline, bringing together the overarching plot of the entire series. Although slow chapters like this may be frustrating, it is advisable for fans to remain patient before forming opinions on the current state of the series.
Stay updated on the latest news for Chainsaw Man anime and manga, as well as general updates on anime, manga, films, and live-action adaptations as 2023 continues.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about the latest chapter of Chainsaw Man. On the one hand, I understand the disappointment of many fans who were expecting more action and plot development. The previous chapter left us with a lot of unanswered questions, and it's frustrating to have to wait two weeks for the next installment. On the other hand, I appreciate the fact that Fujimoto is taking his time to develop the story and characters.
I believe that the slow pacing of the recent chapters is necessary to build up to the climax of the story. I'm confident that Fujimoto has a plan for the series, and I'm willing to be patient to see how it all unfolds. In the meantime, I'll be re-reading the earlier chapters and trying to figure out what's going to happen next.