English Dub Review: Chainsaw Man: “Bruised and Battered”

Overview: Aki (Reagan Murdock) recovers from his injuries following the savage attack on various Tokyo Divisions as Makima (Suzie Yeung) introduces Denji (Ryan Colt Levy) and Power (Sarah Wiedenheft) to their newest brute of a trainer in Kishibe (Jason Douglas). 

Our Take: Coming off of the huge casualties that Tokyo Division Four took, how everyone deals with that grief is the engrossing crux of the aftermath. Aki’s despair is deeply harrowing in not only his two year life span, but dealing with his grief following Himeno’s death and how to move forward without having a contract to a Devil. It makes his dedication to his revenge equal parts admirable and insane in how he chooses to spend the last bit of time he has left. 

It is interesting how Denji’s experiences as a Hunter have shaped him in how he deals with his emotionless disposition on account of Himeno, pushing away the dread before it can truly set in. It is engaging to dissect how that lack of regard applies even to Power and Makima, seemingly. With how alone and impoverished he has been throughout his life, it is understandable how Pochita and his dream are the only things he cares for. The intrigue lies in how he grows deeper connections along with greater empathy towards his friends and more than just his self-serving aspirations. 

Kishibe, Himeno and Aki’s old trainer and team leader, is the definition of hardened in how toughened and blunt he is. He has a similar demeanor to Denji, albeit with more intensity in his brutal attitude and murderous training he puts the Devils through. He is a firm, unhinged hand and a tough wall for them to overcome that makes their chemistry entertaining in the harsh tutelage they receive. How they take their ass wooping is a surprising development in choosing to think smarter, not harder, a clever advancement versus that of brute force. Watching them fail spectacularly is equally enjoyable in learning the faults of their strategy from Kishibe, displaying himself as a smart, seasoned instructor. 

The visit from Himeno’s sister pours salt on a rough wound for Aki in it harkening back to when Himeno wanted them to go private for a painful ordeal as it is a decision that might have saved her. This comes as he makes a pact with a new Devil in the Future Devil. Aki’s position is nail-biting in the extent of the Future Devil’s time abilities, but most critically, the steep price that he will be forced to pay.