Chainsaw Man's Conclusion Sparks Industry-Wide Pacing Debate
By Published Apr 12, 2026, 10:00 AM EDT Hannah is a senior writer and self-publisher for the anime section at ScreenRant. There, she focuses on writing news, features, and list-style articles about all things anime and manga. She works as a freelance writer in the entertainment industry, focusing on video games, anime, and literature.
Her published works can be found on ScreenRant, FinanceBuzz, She Reads, and She Writes.
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The conclusion of in March 2026 should have been a defining moment for modern shonen. Instead, it has become a lightning rod for criticism, with many fans calling its ending abrupt and underdeveloped. Despite spanning 232 chapters, the series left behind unresolved plot threads and sidelined characters, raising concerns about pacing in contemporary manga storytelling.
What makes this more significant is that Chainsaw Man is not alone. A growing number of high-profile “new-gen” titles, including Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, Tokyo Revengers, and Kaiju No. 8, have faced similar critiques. These series aren’t failing because of weak concepts, but because they rush toward conclusions that don’t fully capitalize on their expansive worlds.
The Overcorrection Problem in Modern Shonen
Modern shonen appears to be and Dragon Ball, which ran for 700 and 500+ chapters respectively. While those series were often criticized for dragging arcs, they allowed time for world-building, character growth, and emotional payoff. Today’s manga seem determined to avoid that mistake, but in doing so, they’ve swung too far in the opposite direction.
Chainsaw Man exemplifies this overcorrection. With 232 chapters, it had room to breathe, yet its final arc compressed major developments into a limited space. Key narrative turns, including timeline shifts and character resolutions, felt rushed rather than earned. The result is a finale that feels more like a summary than a culmination.
This pacing issue isn’t just structural, it’s emotional. When stories accelerate too quickly, readers lose the chance to connect with characters’ journeys. Instead of a gradual build to a satisfying ending, audiences are left processing sudden conclusions that lack the depth they were expecting after years of investment.
A Bad Pattern Across New-Gen Hits
The same pattern can be seen in Jujutsu Kaisen, which concluded after 271 chapters. While its central conflict was resolved, numerous subplots and character arcs were left hanging. Fans widely questioned why a series with such a rich power system and cast didn’t extend its run to explore these elements more fully.
Even Demon Slayer, often praised for its cohesive ending, faced similar discussions. Its story wrapped up in 205 chapters, delivering strong emotional beats but leaving parts of its world underexplored. Many readers felt that its lore and supporting cast could have justified at least another 50 to 100 chapters.
Meanwhile, . Despite introducing a compelling world of monster defense forces, its rapid progression left little room for deeper exploration. And even the ending to Tokyo Revengers felt rushed. These examples highlight a broader industry trend: compelling ideas are being introduced, but not fully developed before the story ends.
Why Shonen Needs a New Middle Ground
The issue isn’t that . Instead, the industry needs to find a sustainable middle ground, where stories are allowed to reach their natural conclusions without overstaying or cutting themselves short. A range of 300 to 500 chapters could offer enough space for depth while maintaining momentum.
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This balance is crucial for building lasting legacies. Series like Bleach (686 chapters) and Naruto achieved cultural longevity not just because of their popularity, but because they had the time to fully realize their worlds. In contrast, many newer titles risk being remembered for their potential rather than their execution.
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After almost eight years of taking the world by storm, Chainsaw Man seems to have finally come to an end, and here's how it all went down.
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Ultimately, Chainsaw Man’s ending serves as a warning sign. When even one of the most successful modern manga struggles to stick the landing, it signals a systemic issue. If shonen wants to evolve, it must prioritize pacing that respects both the story and its audience, not just the pressure to finish quickly.
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