Chainsaw Man

Manga Review: Chainsaw Man Volume Five

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Chainsaw Man Volume Five sees a major development happen for Denji.

Chainsaw Man Volume Five
Written by: Tatsuki Fujimoto
Publisher: Shueisha Inc.
English Publisher: VIZ Media
Release Date: June 1, 2021

The volume opens with Aki up against Himeno’s Ghost Devil. At first, it seems like it’s going to choke Aki to death, but he remembers a memory of Himeno, which causes him to forget his fear. Himeno once told him that because the Ghost Devil doesn’t have eyes, what it sees is fear. By dissipating his fear, he’s able to defeat it. But there’s another surprise in store: Kobeni, the timid new recruit, comes up from behind and takes Akane Sawatari hostage. Unfortunately, we later learn that Sawatari committed suicide, which may have been involuntary due to a contract with the Gun Devil.

Meanwhile, Denji and Power come across a group of zombies, and Power takes them down. But Denji finds himself coming face to face with Samurai Sword, the grandson of the yakuza who drove Denji into a debt trap. Since they both have Devil powers, there’s an epic fight between these two characters. But in the end, Denj is able to overpower Samurai Sword. There’s a scene after Samurai Sword is captured and restrained, where Denji offers Aki the chance to beat him up since Samurai Sword was the one who killed Himeno. Denji and Aki are beating up on Samurai Sword together, and you can see that this was a cathartic release that Aki needed. Normally, I wouldn’t advocate beating the living crap out of someone, but this was something that Aki needed in order to start the healing process.

After such an action-packed fight, the manga slows things down a bit with Makima asking Denji to go out on a “date.” It turns out it’s a theater-hopping movie marathon. We see them watch a few films, and they both have the same reactions to each one. After watching the final film, Denji asks Makima if she thinks he has a heart, since this was something that was bothering him earlier in this volume. She reassures him that he does. After this “date,” Denji declares to himself that he’ll never fall for anyone besides Makima.

Well, let’s just say that Denji finds himself being put to the test after making this declaration. When he’s caught in the rain and finds shelter, he meets a high school girl named Reze, who invites him to the coffee shop where she works. After interacting with her, Denji gets the feeling that she likes him… and he realizes that he falls for girls who are nice to him, which causes him to struggle with his feelings for Makima and his potential attraction to Reze. Most of the rest of the volume focuses on Denji hanging out with Reze, and the two of them having a good time together. However, the reader learns that Reze isn’t who she appears to be, and that she’s not being honest with Denji. As I was seeing Denji and Reze having a good time, it felt like something was off. So when it was revealed that Reze has a secret that she’s hiding from Denji, it didn’t take me by surprise.

There’s also a section where we see that Aki is now partnered up with Angel Devil, and the two just don’t seem to be working together well because of Angel Devil’s laziness. After having some issues, Aki declares to Angel Devil that he can’t even pretend to get along with him. We don’t get much of these two in this volume, so hopefully their dynamic will be explored more in the next volume of the series.

After reading Volume Four, it really felt like the tone for Chainsaw Man had changed drastically, and I was concerned about what kind of tone the series would have going forward. Well, I’m happy to report that Volume Five returns to the tone that readers have come to expect from this series. I’m guessing the tone of Volume Four felt so different because of how much focus was on the changes in the cast due to death, as well as resignations in Special Division 4. Volume Five did have some serious moments, but the action and comedy outweighed the serious events, which is what readers of this series expect.

I’m very curious to see what kind of impact Reze will have, both on Denji and on the series as a whole. It will also be interesting to see if Aki can ever truly work well with Angel Devil.

The reviewer was provided a review copy by VIZ Media

Additional posts about Chainsaw Man:

My Hero Academia Is #1 on the NPD BookScan Adult Graphic Novels List for April 2021

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Manga volumes occupied all 20 spots on NPD BookScan’s Top 20 adult graphic novels list for April 2021:

  1. My Hero Academia Volume 27 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  2. Chainsaw Man Volume 4 by Tatsuki Fujimoto
  3. Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 9 by Gege Akutami
  4. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  5. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 2 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  6. Chainsaw Man Volume 2 by Tatsuki Fujimoto
  7. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 21 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  8. Attack on Titan Volume 1 by Hajime Isayama
  9. My Hero Academia Volume 2 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  10. Spy x Family Volume 1 by Tatsuya Endō
  11. Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 1 by Gege Akutami
  12. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 3 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  13. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 8 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  14. Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 7 by Gege Akutami
  15. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 4 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  16. Tokyo Ghoul Volume 1 by Sui Ishida
  17. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 9 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  18. My Hero Academia Volume 26 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  19. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 7 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  20. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 10 by Koyoharu Gotouge

Source: The Fandom Post

VIZ Media Announces August 2021 Manga and Anime Releases

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

VIZ Media has announced the company’s manga and anime releases for August 2021.

Shonen Jump

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 5—Golden Wind Volume 1
By Hirohiko Araki

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA$19.99

Golden Wind is here. The highly-acclaimed fifth arc of Hirohiko Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure shifts the action from Japan to Italy, as Koichi Hirose heads to Europe to find an aspiring gangster named Giorno Giovanna, the secret son of Dio Brando, scourge of the Joestar family. Organized crime meets family drama and unbelievable enemy Stands in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Part 5—Golden Wind.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 23 (FINAL VOLUME)
By Koyoharu Gotouge

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$9.99

In an epic confrontation, Tanjiro and his fellow Demon Slayers have fought on through the night, suffering terrible losses against the King of Demons, Muzan Kibutsuji. Dawn is breaking soon, and if they can keep Muzan at bay just a little longer, it will be the end of the centuries-long struggle. But Muzan will stop at nothing to destroy the Demon Slayers and unleash his most terrible powers. And if he can’t defeat them, he may even be able to cause the Demon Slayer Corps to destroy itself from within. All fates and destines will be decided as the sun begins to rise…

Haikyu!! Volume 45 (FINAL VOLUME)
By Haruichi Furudate

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$9.99

With the Adlers and Black Jackals match in full swing and years of rivalry and friendship thrown out into the open, Hinata and Kageyama continue to duke it out on the court. Will Hinata finally get to declare a major victory over Kageyama? Don’t miss the exciting finale.

We Never Learn Volume 17
By Taishi Tsutsui

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA$9.99

Of all the girls Nariyuki Yuiga tutors, Uruka Takemoto is the one who has known him (and had a crush on him) the longest. Despite her outgoing personality, she’s surprisingly shy when it comes to expressing her feelings for Nariyuki. And with her upcoming enrollment at a university overseas, it seems like all hope is lost when it comes to love…

Chainsaw Man Volume 6
By Tatsuki Fujimoto

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA$9.99

A new girl named Reze has shown up and swept innocent Denji right off his feet. But is Reze exactly what she seems? (Spoiler: Nope.) Is Denji about to find happiness once and for all? (Spoiler: Nope.) Prepare for the storm of all storms when Chainsaw Man looks for true love.

Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 11
By Gege Akutami

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA$9.99

The Shibuya subway station is teeming with civilians and transfigured humans. Despite this dire circumstance, Satoru Gojo defeats the cursed spirits there. However, the cursed spirits possess a special item that can even seal the all-powerful Gojo. Meanwhile, an unlikely ally suddenly contacts Yuji Itadori, who is on his way to the station.

One Piece Volume 97
By Eiichiro Oda

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$9.99

The battle for Wano commences for real as the Straw Hats and their allies invade Kaido’s base on Onigashima. Luffy may have gotten stronger, but he’s gonna need all the help he can get against Kaido’s powerful forces.

Black Clover Volume 26
By Yūki Tabata

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$9.99

The battle to protect the Heart Kingdom continues. The Clover Kingdom knights may have won round 1, but Vanica and her minions won’t go down quietly. Just what is the secret to her power, and is there a way to counter it?

Kaguya-sama: Love Is War Volume 20
By Aka Akasaka

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$9.99

Will Tsubame tell Yu she returns his affections on graduation day? Unfortunately, Yu’s gaming addiction may have an impact not only on his grades but on how Tsubame views him. Hopefully his ruthless academic coach Kaguya’s diabolical plan will keep him from failing. On the other hand, someone else gets unexpectedly low marks this exam period. Then, on Valentine’s Day, which of the gang will give or receive romantic chocolates, friendship chocolates or obligatory
chocolates?

Fight rumors with rumors.

Shojo Beat

The King’s Beast Volume 3
By Rei Toma

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$9.99

Rangetsu hasn’t given up on vengeance, but nothing about the imperial palace is simple. Now that she knows and trusts Prince Tenyou, she has come to see that her most important duty is to keep him alive for the sake of all Ajin—even at the cost of her own life.

Yona of the Dawn Volume 31
By Mizuho Kusanagi

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$9.99

The Kingdom of Kohka triumphs over Sen Province, but Hak is gravely injured and Yona is unable to speak. Meanwhile, while tending to injured soldiers, Yun shows interest in the Sky Tribe’s medical techniques. Advisor Keishuk invites him to Hiryuu Palace to learn more, but what is Keishuk’s true motive?

Kaze Hikaru Volume 29
By Taeko Watanabe

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA$9.99

After attempting to seduce Sei, the aristocrat Yoshinobu begins to tell her about his past. With Sei’s support, Yoshinobu makes up his mind to take on the role of shogun. However, his decision to call off the Choshu expedition and request an imperial order to stop the fighting enrages Councillor Ito to the point that he decides to overthrow the Bakufu. Nakamura Goro, who is on Ito’s side, has always had feelings for Sei, and he comes up with his own plans to separate her from troop captain Soji, who is the love of her life.

VIZ Media

Star Wars: Guardians of the Whillis
Adapted by Jon Tsuei, Illustrated by Subaru

On Sale Date: August 10, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$14.99

The Force is with me, and I am one with the Force.
– Chirrut Îmwe

Presiding over the Kyber Temple on Jedha, the Guardians of the Whills, Baze Malbus and Chirrut Îmwe, had hoped to maintain a peaceful balance despite the growing presence of the Empire in their Holy City. Yet they struggle to stay true to the Force as stormtroopers threaten to take over. When a rebel named Saw Gerrera appears offering them a chance to help Jedha, Baze and Chirrut must decide if they’re willing to compromise for peace, or if Saw’s plan is too dangerous to risk?

Star Wars: Guardians of the Whills introduces Baze and Chirrut before they meet the Rebellion members who turn the tide in the fight against the Empire in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Writer Jon Tsuei and manga artist Subaru bring the origin story of this fan favorite duo to life in a new manga adaptation based on the novel by Greg Rucka.

© & TM 2021 LUCASFILM LTD Copyright © 2021 Disney
Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disney Cruella
Story by Hachi Ishi

On Sale Date: August 3, 2021
Age Rating: All Ages
Price: USA$14.99

You don’t become a legend by being nice,

She wasn’t born Cruella. Gifted with talent, innovation, and ambition, Estella dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, but the world seemed intent on making sure her dreams would never come true.

The life of an amateur thief is hardly a glamourous one, but in 1970’s London, at the crossroads of fashion, Estella has a vision for herself and her designs, if only she can afford it. Witness Estella’s life on the streets with her best friends and partners in (petty) crime, Horace and Jasper, before the infamous diva Cruella emerges to make sure no one gets in her way.

Pokemon: Sword & Shield Volume 1
Story by Hidenori Kusaka, Art by Satoshi Yamamoto

On Sale Date: August 10, 2021
Age Rating: All Ages
Price: USA$4.99

Excitable Casey and easygoing Henry share a dream of participating in gym battles. For Casey it’s a chance to become reunited with her missing Pokemon. For Henry, it’s a chance to search for the legendary Rusted Sword and Rusted Shield.

Radiant Volume 14
By Tony Valente

On Sale Date: August 10, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$9.99

Relentlessly hunted by antagonists known as Domitors, Seth tries to fend off his pursuers and ends up discovering a new and surprising ability. Meanwhile, after being rescued by the alchemist Hurlä and the cheerfully oddball kids of the Droplet Gang, Seth’s friends Mélie and Ocoho set out to find him and their other missing friend, Doc, who has been taken in by the Inquisition after being mistaken for a kidnapped child. Unfortunately Doc’s lousy luck lets him down even more when he meets up with an old and not at all welcome acquaintance.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Fullmetal Edition Volume 14
By Hiromu Arakawa

On Sale Date: August 10, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$19.99

In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. With long-sought answers in hand, all that remains in the brothers’ quest to restore their bodies and save their country is to prepare for the reckoning looming on the Promised Day.

VIZ Signature

Sensor
By Junji Ito

On Sale Date: August 17, 2021
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA$19.99

Did she wander in? Or was she drawn in?

A woman walks alone at the foot of Mount Sengoku. A man appears, saying he’s been waiting for her, and invites her to a nearby village. Surprisingly, the village is covered in hairlike volcanic glass fibers, and all of it shines a bright gold. At night, when the villagers perform their custom of gazing up at the starry sky, countless unidentified flying objects come raining down on them, the opening act for the terror about to occur.

Urusei Yatsura Volume 11
By Rumiko Takahashi

On Sale Date: August 17, 2021
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA$19.99

Once again, Lum has introduced a bizarre menace to Earth, causing her classmates to quake with fear—a judge who “vanishes” performers whose New Year’s Hidden Talent Show acts are deemed subpar. Later, Mendo is shocked by the
sudden announcement of his arranged marriage to a bride so secret even members of her own family don’t know her.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Volume 3
Story by Haro Aso, Art by Kotaro Takata

On Sale Date: August 17, 2021
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA$12.99

One by one, Akira has been checking little items like cleaning his room and snagging a new TV off his bucket list. Now, having grown weary of the hotbed of infection that is Tokyo, Akira makes the decision to head to his parents’ home in Gunma. But to get there, he needs to get past his former boss.

Assassin’s Creed: Blade of Shao Jun Volume 2
By Minoji Kurata

On Sale Date: August 17, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$14.99

Shao Jun, the last Assassin in China, has returned to her homeland with vengeance on her mind. The Templar Order’s machinations must be stopped, and only Shao Jun stands ready for the battle to come. As she eliminates her foes one by one, the Templar Order’s plans for the Great Ming Empire begin to come to light.

Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt Volume 16
Story and Art by Yasuo Ohtagaki
Concept by Hajime Yatate and Yoshiyuki Tomino

On Sale Date: August 17, 2021
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA$14.99

Daryl Lorenz and his support crew have made it back into space, but they’ve got the entire Earth Federation fleet between them and the Nanyang Alliance rendezvous point. Renegade Zeon General Galle can help, but his assistance comes at a price, and getting through the blockade will require an audacious plan that only Daryl Lorenz can pull off-stealing an advanced Mobile Armor equipped with the advanced Psycommu control system right out from under the Federation’s nose.

Shonen Sunday

Komi Can’t Communicate Volume 14
By Tomohito Oda

On Sale Date: August 10, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$9.99

Komi and her brother, Shosuke, are in the country visiting their grandmother, and even the company of their younger cousin Akira can’t save them from one dismal fact—they’re bored. The visit is salvaged, however, when they run into Inaka, who knows all about having a good time in the country. It’s friendship to the rescue.

Call of the Night Volume 3
By Kotoyama

On Sale Date: August 10, 2021
Age Rating: Teen+
Price: USA$9.99

Nazuna isn’t the only one who thinks Ko is a delicious snack. And Ko isn’t the only one who gets jealous. When Ko draws the attention of four other vampire girls with nefarious intentions, he must fight for his life—even though he wants to give it up to become a vampire. But only to a certain special someone. Unfortunately, there’s a time limit on being “turned,” which raises the…uh…stakes. Then, Ko follows some dating advice that backfires. Undeterred, he tries to help another vampire and mortal mend their love/hate relationship.

Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle Volume 15
By Kagiji Kumanomata

On Sale Date: August 10, 2021
Age Rating: Teen
Price: USA$9.99

The sun shines on the Demon Castle… but it’s supposed to be perpetual night in the Demon World. Then Zeus—Poseidon and Hades’ little brother—joins the Demon Castle staff. Everyone is in awe of him except the princess, who quickly finds ways to use the most powerful of the mythological gods to help her achieve her ongoing and current personal goals of sleeping better and opening a cat cafe. Then, in a stunning reversal of fortune, an important castle inhabitant is taken hostage. Will Syalis help the rescue team’s efforts or hinder them? Plus, a very special Sleepy Princess/Doraemon crossover episode.

Home Video

Naruto: Set 4 BD
Shonen Jump

On Sale Date: August 10, 2021
Age Rating: TV-14
Price: USA$39.99

There’s a storm brewing and its name is Akatsuki. Sasuke has a chance run-in with the murderer of his entire clan, his brother Itachi. Can he avenge the Uchiha? Meanwhile, young Naruto begins training with Jiraiya to master the powerful Rasengan. Before long a battle among legends erupts when Orochimaru dares to confront Lady Tsunade and Jiraiya, while Sasuke, burning with angst, makes a terrible choice to travel down a path of darkness. Can his friends stop him?

Inuyasha Set 6 BD
VIZ Media

On Sale Date: August 10, 2021
Age Rating: TV-14
Price: USA$39.99

No description was available for this set because the press release included the write-up for the Naruto set with this Inuyasha release.

Top 20 Selling Manga for March 2021

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

NPD BookScan has published the top 20 selling manga in the United States for March 2021:

  1. Chainsaw Man Volume 1 by Tatsuki Fujimoto
  2. My Hero Academia Volume 1 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  3. My Hero Academia Volume 2 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  4. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  5. Attack on Titan Volume 1 by Hajime Isayama
  6. Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 1 by Aidairo
  7. My Hero Academia Volume 26 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  8. My Hero Academia Volume 3 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  9. The Promised Neverland Volume 1 by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu
  10. Haikyu!! Volume 1 by Haruichi Furudate
  11. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 2 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  12. Spy x Family Volume 4 by Tatsuya Endō
  13. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 3 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  14. Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 1 by Gege Akutami
  15. Chainsaw Man Volume 3 by Tatsuki Fujimoto
  16. My Hero Academia Volume 24 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  17. The Promised Neverland Volume 2 by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu
  18. Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 2 by Aidairo
  19. My Hero Academia Volume 4 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  20. Uzumaki (Hardcover) by Junji Ito

Source: The Fandom Post

Chainsaw Man Is #1 on the NPD BookScan Adult Graphic Novels List for March 2021

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

19 manga volumes appeared on NPD BookScan’s Top 20 adult graphic novels list for March 2021:

  • Chainsaw Man Volume 1 by Tatsuki Fujimoto (#1)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 1 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#2)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 2 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#3)
  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge (#4)
  • Attack on Titan Volume 1 by Hajime Isayama (#5)
  • Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 1 by Aidairo (#6)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 26 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#7)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 3 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#8)
  • The Promised Neverland Volume 1 by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu (#9)
  • Haikyu!! Volume 1 by Haruichi Furudate (#10)
  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 2 by Koyoharu Gotouge (#11)
  • Spy x Family Volume 4 by Tatsuya Endō (#12)
  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 3 by Koyoharu Gotouge (#13)
  • Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 1 by Gege Akutami (#15)
  • Chainsaw Man Volume 3 by Tatsuki Fujimoto (#16)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 24 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#17)
  • The Promised Neverland Volume 2 by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu (#18)
  • Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 2 by Aidairo (#19)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 4 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#20)

The BookScan rankings collect data sales from more than 16,000 locations including Barnes & Noble and other book chains, independent bookshops, and online purchases — but not sales at comic book stores, Walmart.com, and some other venues.

Source: ANN

Manga Review: Chainsaw Man Volume Four

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Chainsaw Man Volume Four reveals a plot to capture Denji and gives the reader a little more insight into Makima.

Chainsaw Man Volume Four
Written by: Tatsuki Fujimoto
Publisher: Shueisha Inc.
English Publisher: VIZ Media
Release Date: April 6, 2021

Two new characters are introduced in Volume Four: Samurai Sword and Sawatari (a girl who wears a hoodie). It turns out Samurai Sword is the grandson of the yakuza member that drove Denji into the debt trap that he was stuck in at the beginning of the series. Samurai Sword wants to capture Denji for revenge, but he also wants to get Makima out the way because of the power that she possesses. In addition, attacks are launched against Special Divisions 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Early on in Volume Four, we get to see a lot more of Makima than we have previously in the series. At the end of the previous volume, we saw her getting shot, but it turned out she survived the attack. Kurose and Tendo, the associates that Makima is meeting in Kyoto, get quite the shock when they see that Makima is still alive. I have to admit that I was so sure that Makima was killed in the previous volume, that I was also surprised to see that she had survived. It’s even more surprising later in the volume when it’s revealed Makima knew that this attack was coming. By the end of the volume, the reader can definitely see that Makima isn’t the person that Denji thinks she is. If I had been shipping these two prior to this volume, I would definitely not be at this point.

The next section of the manga focuses on Makima while she’s in Kyoto. The biggest thing that happens here is that the reader gets to see just what kind of power Makima really has. To be honest, it’s actually quite frightening. She gathers some convicts together at a temple, blindfolds them, and then orders each convict to say a name. It turns out these are the names of people who are involved in the attacks in Tokyo, and having these names said causes these people to die. Like I said, the idea of this is frightening. It reminds me a lot of the power of the Death Note, except the person’s name is said out loud instead of being written down in a book. After seeing this, it’s understandable why Samurai Sword would want to see Makima dead.

When Makima returns to Tokyo, she learns that there have been mass resignations from the four Special Divisions. With these resignations, the other three Special Divisions will be merging with Special Division Four, and Makima will be in charge of this merged division. It’s going to be interesting to see how this major change will impact the story of the series as a whole.

There’s also a section that focuses on Aki, who is recovering in the hospital. He’s greatly affected by Himeno’s death, and also learns from the devil he has a contract with that he only has two more years left to live. His thoughts are interrupted by the arrival of Kurose and Tendo, who are there to help train Special Division 4 at Makima’s request. As part of the training, they want Aki to make a contract with a stronger devil. We see the devil that Aki makes a contract with… and this devil is one with the power to see the future. Sure enough, this devil confirms that Aki is going to die, and hints that it’s going to be… interesting. The devil likes what it sees so much, that it agrees to make a contract with Aki.

Denji and Power are also getting training from a new character named Kishibe, who was a Devil Hunter with Special Division 1. But his training is anything but kind. Denji and Power get so annoyed with him that they try to use their brains to outsmart him. Which is an amusing thought, since neither of these characters are exactly the sharpest tools in the shed. So it’s not surprising when their attempt to use their brainpower on their instructor doesn’t work as expected.

Right at the end of the volume, an operation is launched on Samurai Sword’s hideout. What awaits are zombies… and a terrible surprise for Aki. The volume ends as this operation is just getting started, so I have a feeling that Volume 5 will be focusing a lot on this operation.

Whew! Volume Four was quite a whirlwind. There’s so much upheaval that takes place within this volume that it took me a little while to entirely follow what was happening, It took a second skim through this volume for me to pick up on some of the things that I missed the first time around. And with these changes, I thought the tone of the series changed drastically. Right now, I really can’t say whether I like this change in tone or not. Hopefully things will settle down in the next volume, so I can adjust to Chainsaw Man‘s new tone.

The reviewer was provided a review copy by VIZ Media

Additional posts about Chainsaw Man:

Top 20 Selling Manga for February 2021

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

NPD BookScan has published the top 20 selling manga in the United States for February 2021:

  1. My Hero Academia Volume 1 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  2. The Promised Neverland Volume 1 by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu
  3. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 20 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  4. My Hero Academia Volume 26 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  5. Chainsaw Man Volume 3 by Tatsuki Fujimoto
  6. Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 8 by Gege Akutami
  7. Attack on Titan Volume 1 by Hajime Isayama
  8. Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 1 by Gege Akutami
  9. My Hero Academia Volume 2 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  10. Haikyu!! Volume 1 by Haruichi Furudate
  11. The Promised Neverland Volume 2 by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu
  12. Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 4 by Gege Akutami
  13. My Hero Academia Volume 3 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  14. Given Volume 5 by Natsuki Kizu
  15. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  16. Uzumaki by Junji Ito
  17. Tokyo Ghoul Volume 1 by Sui Ishida
  18. Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 1 by Aidairo
  19. Attack on Titan Season 1 Part 1 Manga Box Set by Hajime Isayama (#20)
  20. Spy x Family Volume 1 by Tatsuya Endo

Source: The Fandom Post

My Hero Academia Is #2 on the NPD BookScan Adult Graphic Novels List for February 2021

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

19 manga volumes appeared on NPD BookScan’s Top 20 adult graphic novels list for February 2021:

  • My Hero Academia Volume 1 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#2)
  • The Promised Neverland Volume 1 by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu (#3)
  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 20 by Koyoharu Gotouge (#4)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 26 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#5)
  • Chainsaw Man Volume 3 by Tatsuki Fujimoto (#6)
  • Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 8 by Gege Akutami (#7)
  • Attack on Titan Volume 1 by Hajime Isayama (#8)
  • Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 1 by Gege Akutami (#9)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 2 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#10)
  • Haikyu!! Volume 1 by Haruichi Furudate (#11)
  • The Promised Neverland Volume 2 by Kaiu Shirai and Posuka Demizu (#12)
  • Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 4 by Gege Akutami (#13)
  • My Hero Academia Volume 3 by Kōhei Horikoshi (#14)
  • Given Volume 5 by Natsuki Kizu (#15)
  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge (#16)
  • Uzumaki by Junji Ito (#17)
  • Tokyo Ghoul Volume 1 by Sui Ishida (#18)
  • Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 1 by Aidairo (#19)
  • Attack on Titan Season 1 Part 1 Manga Box Set by Hajime Isayama (#20)

The BookScan rankings collect data sales from more than 16,000 locations including Barnes & Noble and other book chains, independent bookshops, and online purchases — but not sales at comic book stores, Walmart.com, and some other venues.

Source: The Fandom Post

Manga Review: Chainsaw Man Volume Three

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Chainsaw Man Volume Three follows Denji and his companions, who are trying to hunt down the Gun Devil.

Chainsaw Man Volume Three
Written by: Tatsuki Fujimoto
Publisher: Shueisha Inc.
English Publisher: VIZ Media
Release Date: February 2, 2021

The first three chapters in this volume continue the story where it left off in Volume Two, with Denji, Aki, Power, Himeno, Arai, and Kobeni stuck on the eighth floor of the building. The demon that’s trapped them there offers to make a contract: let it kill Denji, and it will let the others go free.

The scene where the group debates about making the contract with the demon highlights their personalities. Well, except for Arai and Kobeni, since they’ve gone crazy out of fear. We get to see more of their personalities later in the volume. Aki is the most level-headed and realizes that Denji’s death would somehow benefit the devils, so he refuses to make the contract.

In the end, it surprisingly ends up being Denji who comes up with the plan to defeat the devil and help the others escape. I don’t think he truly knew whether or not it would work, but he decided to jump into action with it anyway, since he felt he had nothing to lose. In the end, they manage to escape and get a piece of the Gun Devil.

This section also provides us another flashback for Himeno and how, as his mentor, tries to keep Aki from going after the Gun Devil. While her attempts don’t work, these flashbacks clearly show how she feels about him.

After this, we get roughly three chapters that help to develop the characters some more, as well as providing the reader a “breather” between the action that took place in the earlier chapters in the volume and the events that happen right near the end of the volume. It’s basically a “calm before the storm,” if you will. Like I said earlier, we got some more development for Arai and Kobeni, but there’s also more of a focus on Himeno. I should have suspected that something important would happen to Himeno, considering how much focus she was getting in this volume, but I didn’t. All I will say is that during the last bit of this volume, Himeno plays a very pivotal role and something happens to her.

Makima appears during these three chapters, and we see Denji feel conflicted, since he’s about to get the kiss Himeno promised him in the previous chapter if they escaped when Makima joins the group for their celebration. We later see an interaction between Makima and Denji, and in some respects, Makima almost comes across as a mother figure with some advice she has for him. Almost, anyway. In some respects, it’s still a mystery to the audience what kind of feelings or relationship that Makima feels she has with Denji.

The last three chapters see Makima, Denji, and the others coming under attack at various locations. It’s obvious why Denji is being targeted, but not so much for the others. My guess is that they’re being targeted since they have connections to Denji. As I alluded to earlier, something major happens to Himeno during these attacks, and it’s going to have a lasting impact on the characters. Between this volume and the previous volume of Chainsaw Man, Himeno was given enough development to give some weight to this event for the reader as well. Volume Three ends with a cliffhanger that will make readers wants to come back for the next volume in order to find out what happens.

Chainsaw Man continues to be an interesting read, and I believe that like me, other readers of the series will be riveted by the events in the final chapters of this volume and want to continue the series in order to find out how the story continues, as well as to see how Denji continues to develop as a character.

The reviewer was provided a review copy by VIZ Media

Additional posts about Chainsaw Man:

Top 20 Selling Manga in the United States for December 2020

Posted on by Lesley Aeschliman

Here are the Top 20 selling manga in the United States for December 2020 according to NPD BookScan:

  1. My Hero Academia Volume 1 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  2. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  3. My Hero Academia Volume 2 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  4. My Hero Academia Volume 3 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  5. My Hero Academia Volume 4 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  6. Uzumaki (Hardcover) by Junji Ito
  7. Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun Volume 1 by Aidairo
  8. My Hero Academia Volume 24 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  9. Remina by Junji Ito
  10. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 2 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  11. Haikyu!! Volume 1 by Haruichi Furudate
  12. Attack on Titan Volume 1 by Hajima Isayama
  13. My Hero Academia Volume 25 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  14. My Hero Academia Volume 5 by Kōhei Horikoshi
  15. Tokyo Ghoul Volume 1 by Sui Ishida
  16. Death Note Black Edition Volume 1 by Tsugumi Ohba
  17. Chainsaw Man Volume 2 by Tatsuki Fujimoto
  18. Naruto (3-in-1 Edition) Volume 1 by Masashi Kishimoto
  19. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 3 by Koyoharu Gotouge
  20. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Volume 19 by Koyoharu Gotouge

Source: The Fandom Post