I didn’t remember having any major grievances against the manga or problems with the plot. But still, something was bothering me. So after some contemplation I found these major problems with the manga that do not allow me to regard it higher.
The protagonist
I’m surprised I’m writing this. I found him to be really well written and compelling… well, at least at first. You see, we are given a satisfying backstory right from the start that explains why he acts the way he does. Sure the perversion was annoying, but a character can be unlikeable and yet well written. And he does have his moments that allow me to root for him. Denji is also downright hilarious. “What a mood,” I found myself saying. Moreover, his character held my interest. His internal monologues give hints of him perhaps growing as a person after meeting other with different perspectives and further explains why he acts the way he does. But… it was misleading. He doesn’t change at all. He’s still a hyper sexual idiot who doesn’t value connections with others outside of sex. That would be fine if that was more clear and other characters acknowledge that as fundamentally warped. You know, like in Evangelion, which actually explores its characters and how their worldviews and dispositions clash with expectations of others and of themselves. But CSM throws in some scenes of self reflection and proceeds to never address them again. Oh yeah why is he so warped anyway? Nobody bothers to delve deeper into if Denji really has a heart or not. So are fiends supposed to be sociopaths? They are fused with demons in the first place. Aren’t they supposed to want humans to die and suffer? What about pochita? Why is he a hero?
See? I got off track because the major problem I have with this manga is that it generates more questions than answers then proceeds to never answer them. It is a disorganized mess. I only thought it was good because I dismissed all those questions at the back of my head hoping they would be answered later. But CSM’s fast pace makes it clear that it will never have the time to do any of that.
As always I must see this from a feminist perspective. I appreciate that none of the female characters dress like strippers. Although they do get their clothes ripped to shreds. That would be fine since they don’t dress like prostitutes so they are basically half naked all the time, however it is unfair that the men hardly suffer clothing damage.
Also Jesus Christ. Of course a girl has to use her uniform as a weapon Kill la Kill style.
And most women just HAVE to seduce Denji don’t they?
One nitpick. Art suffers too much from same face syndrome, making introducing many new characters seem pointless.
That’s it. At least I found a manga as disorganized as I am.
