When Tatsuki Fujimoto published the final chapter of Chainsaw Man in March 2026, he didn’t just end a manga — he ignited one of the most heated debates in anime and manga history. Eight years after the series first captivated readers with its wild blend of horror, dark comedy, and genuine emotional depth, the ending left the global fanbase stunned, heartbroken, and in many cases, absolutely furious.
This isn’t your typical “I didn’t like the ending” reaction. We’re talking fans staging mock funerals for the series creator (who is very much alive), Reddit threads with tens of thousands of comments, and comparisons to the most controversial manga endings of the decade. Here’s everything you need to know about why Chainsaw Man‘s finale became a cultural lightning rod — and why there might still be hope for redemption.
What Actually Happened in the Final Chapter?
Without spoiling every detail for readers who haven’t caught up yet, the core issue is this: the ending effectively resets much of the narrative. After two parts and years of character development, major plot threads and relationships that fans had invested countless hours into were essentially brushed aside. The final chapter transported Denji back to a state resembling the opening of the series, with many of the connections he had painstakingly built over eight years simply erased or unresolved.
For a series known for its unpredictable storytelling and emotional gut punches, even longtime readers felt blindsided — not because the twist was shocking, but because it felt like the journey didn’t matter anymore.
Fan Reactions: From Grief to Outrage
The internet’s response was immediate and visceral. Here are the main threads of criticism that emerged:
“Fujimoto Quit Mid-Arc”
The most common complaint wasn’t that the ending was inherently bad — it was that it felt premature. Many fans pointed out that Part 2 was clearly building toward something much larger, and the final chapter read like Fujimoto had grown tired of writing the series and rushed to a conclusion he had planned from the beginning. As one Reddit user put it: “I feel like I would have really loved this ending, but it feels like Fujimoto got bored with writing and just skipped to the planned ending in the middle of an arc.”
Worse Than Jujutsu Kaisen?
For context, that’s a serious claim. Jujutsu Kaisen‘s ending was already one of the most divisive in modern manga history, with fans criticizing its pacing and unresolved plot threads. The fact that Chainsaw Man was being unfavorably compared to it speaks volumes about how deeply the finale disappointed some readers.
The “Fujimoto Funeral” Phenomenon
In perhaps the most bizarre and touching response, fans organized real-world “funeral” events for the series — and, symbolically, for Fujimoto himself as a creative force. These weren’t protests against the creator personally; rather, they were elaborate, emotional tributes to a story that fans felt deserved a better sendoff.
Why This Ending Matters Beyond One Series
What makes the Chainsaw Man ending controversy particularly significant is what it reveals about the broader manga industry. The series had become a flagship title — the Reze Arc movie grossed over $163 million worldwide and opened at #1 in North America. The anime adaptation was a global phenomenon. And yet, the manga itself ended in a way that left even the most devoted fans questioning whether the medium’s storytelling structures serve creators and audiences well.
Some critics have framed the ending as a case study in why shonen manga needs structural reform — arguing that the pressure to maintain long-running series, combined with unclear communication between creators, editors, and fans, can lead to conclusions that satisfy no one.
The Expanded Final Volume: A Second Chance?
But here’s the twist that has the fandom cautiously optimistic: Chainsaw Man‘s final volume is expected to include an expanded ending. Publisher Shueisha has hinted that the collected volume will contain additional content that could provide more context, resolution, or even alternative scenes to what appeared in the serialized final chapter.
If true, this could be the difference between a disappointing ending and a redemption arc. Expanded volumes have historically allowed mangaka to revisit and refine their conclusions — and given Fujimoto’s track record for unexpected narrative choices, there’s every reason to believe the final volume could recontextualize the ending in ways the weekly serialization simply couldn’t accommodate.
Meanwhile, the Reze Arc Movie Is Still Dominating
Amid all the manga controversy, there’s some good news: Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has now arrived on streaming platforms via Crunchyroll. The film, which adapts one of the most beloved arcs in the entire series, has been praised as a masterclass in action animation and emotional storytelling — arguably the best version of Chainsaw Man that most viewers will experience.
For fans still processing the manga’s ending, the Reze Arc movie offers a powerful reminder of why the series became a cultural phenomenon in the first place. And with MAPPA’s stunning animation bringing the story to life, it’s a must-watch regardless of where you stand on the finale debate.
So, Was the Ending Really That Bad?
The honest answer: it depends on what you valued most about Chainsaw Man. If you were invested in the long-term character arcs, the intricate world-building, and the slow-burn mysteries that Fujimoto planted across hundreds of chapters, the ending will likely feel like a betrayal. But if you appreciated the series for its raw, unpredictable energy and its willingness to subvert expectations — well, the ending might be the most Chainsaw Man thing Fujimoto could have possibly done.
What we do know is this: Chainsaw Man mattered. It pushed boundaries, influenced a generation of creators, and proved that manga could be both brutally violent and deeply tender. The ending controversy, as painful as it is for some fans, is itself proof of how deeply this series resonated with millions of readers worldwide.
What Do You Think?
Are you Team “Fujimoto Rushed It” or Team “The Ending Is Genius and You Just Don’t Get It”? And are you hopeful that the expanded final volume will fix what went wrong — or make it worse? Drop your take in the comments below, because this debate is far from over.
Want more anime news and hot takes? Check out our coverage of the biggest anime drops on Netflix this May and why KPop Demon Hunters overshadowed Chainsaw Man at the awards.
