In Dr. Stone, the long-awaited revelation uncovers the mystery behind Earth’s petrification, a pivotal moment in this science adventure drama from Shonen Jump.
The enigmatic Why-man’s identity and their link to the petrifying Medusa devices are at last unveiled.
The answer is beyond shocking!
In chapter 228 of the Dr. Stone manga, it is revealed that Why-man is the mass of Medusa devices on the Moon. These mechanical sentient lifeforms seek out intelligent organic life through electromagnetic waves. They need someone to perform maintenance on them. So, they work as catalysts for intelligent life to progress and better itself.
Does The Dr. Stone Series Reveal Who Is Why Man?
In the world of the “Dr. Stone,” series authored by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Boichi, humanity faces an unprecedented catastrophe when a “petrifying beam” blankets the Earth, turning all living beings into stone statues.
Surprisingly, this mysterious energy not only transforms people into statues but also grants them immunity to aging and death.
After a mind-boggling 3700 years, Senku Ishigami, a brilliant scientific prodigy and the son of Japanese astronaut Byakuya awakens from his stone prison due to a fortuitous accident.
Senku embarks on a monumental mission to rebuild human civilization, starting from the Stone Age, and assembles a group of friends and foes along the way.
Their journey leads them to the discovery of the source of the petrification beam, a highly advanced technological device they aptly name “Medusa.”
It becomes evident that the petrifying beam was not a random occurrence but the deliberate work of an unknown adversary of humanity.
The “Kingdom of Science,” founded by Senku and his companions, stumbles upon the existence of this enigmatic foe when they activate a potent radio tower, receiving a Morse code signal repeatedly spelling “Why?”
They christen the source of this signal as “Why-man” and confirm their adversary’s identity when they attempt to use their radio devices to activate another Medusa, posing a grave threat to humanity.
The most significant challenge yet confronts the Kingdom of Science is when they learn that the source of Why-man’s signal is on the Moon.
They now face the daunting task of constructing a space travel vehicle with their limited technology to counteract the looming threat.
The specter of Why-man remains too colossal to disregard, as all their efforts to rebuild civilization would be in vain if the petrification beam is unleashed once more.
Over the years, Senku forms an alliance with Dr. Xeno, an American scientist of equal intelligence, and they gather resources by traversing the globe.
Finally, a team consisting of Senku, Kohaku, and Stanley makes its way to the Moon, where they uncover a startling truth.
On the Moon’s surface, Kohaku identifies a “black spot” using a satellite built by the Kingdom of Science. Upon arrival, they find a colossal mass of writhing, swirling Medusa devices.
In chapter 228 of the manga, it is revealed that Why-man is, in fact, the embodiment of these Medusa devices.
These nanomechanical parasites possess sentience and seek out intelligent organic life through electromagnetic waves, with the capacity to traverse the universe.
Centuries ago, several Medusas fell from the sky above Treasure Island. All were destroyed, save for one. Individuals like Ibara and Kirisame later employed this lone device.
Their purpose revolves around having someone perform maintenance on them, including the replacement of their diamond batteries.
By granting everlasting life, the Medusas serve as a catalyst for intelligent life to progress and better itself—a hypothesis posited by Senku and Xeno, later corroborated by the Medusas.
This revelation sheds new light on the intricate web of mysteries that encompasses the world of “Dr. Stone.”
How Did Senku Save Humanity From Why Man?
Dr. Stone’s final chapter (#232) concluded on March 7, 2022, marking a significant moment in the series.
Senku successfully established communication with the Medusa devices, still bearing the name “Why-man.”
Through his persuasive efforts, Senku managed to convince these machine lifeforms that petrifying humanity would not fulfill their true desires, which were centered around maintenance and the production of additional Medusa units.
Senku extended an offer to assist them if they ceased their petrification activities.
However, the mechanical parasites, deeming humans inadequate for their needs, chose to depart the Solar System in pursuit of life elsewhere.
The petrification method they employ appears to be the result of extensive trial and error, indicating that humans or the Earth may not have been their initial targets.
Remarkably, one unit remained behind, volunteering to study and explore humanity’s true potential.
With the imminent threat averted, Senku embarked on his most audacious endeavor yet – the creation of a time machine.
Driven by the desire to rescue those who had been petrified, destroyed, or unable to return, Senku harnessed the knowledge gleaned from the Why-man unit.
The story concluded with the hope of eventually traveling back to prevent the initial petrification event, even if this endeavor might span decades or centuries.
What do you think of the reveal of Why Man? Was it satisfactory? Or was it just meh to you? Did it become too absurd?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
