Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man is a popular Japanese manga series created by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The first part of the series was published in the Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from December 2018 to December 2020. The second part started in July 2022 on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ app and website. As of August 2024, the series has been compiled into 18 volumes.

Chainsaw Man tells the story of Denji, a poor teenager who merges with a dog-like Devil named Pochita, giving him the power to turn parts of his body into chainsaws. Denji eventually joins the Public Safety Devil Hunters, a government agency that fights Devils threatening Japan. The story’s second part shifts to Asa Mitaka, a high schooler who makes a pact with Yoru, the War Devil, who wants her to hunt down Chainsaw Man to reclaim what he took from her.

In North America, Viz Media holds the English license for the manga in both print and digital formats, and it’s also available on Shueisha’s Manga Plus platform. The anime adaptation, produced by MAPPA, aired from October to December 2022, and an upcoming film titled Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has been announced.

By August 2024, Chainsaw Man had over 28 million copies in circulation, ranking it among the best-selling manga series ever. The series won the 66th Shogakukan Manga Award in the shōnen category in 2021 and received the Harvey Award for Best Manga three years in a row, from 2021 to 2023. Critics have praised Chainsaw Man for its compelling storytelling, strong characters, dark humour, and intense, well-crafted action scenes that enhance the story’s impact.

Synopsis

Chainsaw Man is set in an alternate 1997, where the Soviet Union still exists. In this world, Devils (悪魔, Akuma) are supernatural beings born from human fears. Specialized hunters called Devil Hunters (デビルハンター, Debiru Hantā) are trained to hunt these creatures and often form contracts with them for additional powers. Devils have a unique ability to reincarnate—if they die on Earth, they return to hell, and if they die in hell, they return to Earth. However, if a Devil is devoured by the Chainsaw Devil, its associated fear is erased from human memory, resulting in its permanent death. Because of this, horrors like the Holocaust, AIDS, and nuclear weapons have faded from memory and existence.

Manga Plot

Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a teenager stuck in poverty, trying to pay off his late father’s debt to the yakuza by working as a Devil Hunter with his dog-like companion, Pochita, who is also the Chainsaw Devil. However, the yakuza betrays him, killing him in exchange for power from the Zombie Devil. In a last act of loyalty, Pochita makes a contract with Denji, merging with him as a Devil-human hybrid. In return, Pochita asks Denji to live out his simple dreams, like enjoying jam on bread or experiencing love. Now, by pulling a cord in his chest, Denji can transform into Chainsaw Man, enabling him to fight back and annihilate the yakuza.

After this battle, Denji is recruited by the government’s Devil Hunters, known as the Public Safety Division, led by Makima. She assigns him the mission of killing the powerful Gun Devil. Partnered with Aki Hayakawa, a skilled Devil Hunter, and Power, the Blood Fiend, Denji begins intense training under veteran Hunter Kishibe. Together, they face numerous enemies, including yakuza, other Devils, and assassins from various countries, all vying for Denji’s unique power.

It’s later revealed that Makima is the Control Devil, aiming to take control of Pochita because of his unique power to erase concepts from existence by devouring their respective Devils. The Gun Devil, whose body parts have been secretly divided among different countries as a superweapon, is sent by the United States to kill Makima. However, she overpowers it and forces it into Aki’s body, turning him into the Gun Fiend. In self-defence, Denji is forced to kill Aki.

Makima later kills Power in front of Denji, leaving him devastated. This trauma causes Pochita to temporarily take control of Denji’s body. Devil Hunter Kishibe arranges a rescue operation, bringing Denji and the reluctant operative Kobeni Higashiyama together. With Kobeni’s help and Power’s last bit of blood, Denji can defeat Makima. Later, Kishibe entrusts Denji with the reborn Control Devil, now a young girl named Nayuta, to care for her. In a dream, Pochita thanks Denji for fulfilling his wishes and encourages him to live a full life. Denji then starts attending high school while continuing to fight Devils as a vigilante.

School Arc

Asa Mitaka, a quiet high school student struggling to fit in after her mother’s death by the Typhoon Devil, makes a life-saving contract with the War Devil, Yoru. Yoru inhabits Asa’s body with one goal: to kill Chainsaw Man. After Asa defeats the Typhoon Devil, she wants to break her contract with Yoru, but Yoru has other plans, aiming to use Asa’s body to revive the Nuclear Weapons Devil.

At the same time, Denji, now attending the same school as Asa, is balancing life as Chainsaw Man, raising Nayuta, and hoping his fame will attract a girlfriend. His classmate, Devil Hunter Hirofumi Yoshida, prevents Denji from revealing his identity, monitoring him on behalf of the government. Yoshida introduces Asa to Denji, who claims to be Chainsaw Man, though Asa doesn’t believe him. Meanwhile, a fake Chainsaw Man appears in the city, ultimately killing Asa’s friend, Yuko.

After narrowly escaping a trap set by the Famine Devil, Fami, at an aquarium, Yoru attempts to turn Denji into a weapon using Asa’s body but fails. Asa, feeling rejected by boys she once trusted, is attacked by the Falling Devil, who tries to cook her. Chainsaw Man, along with a fake Chainsaw Man, comes to her rescue, helping her escape. In the background, Fami and Nayuta manipulate events. Asa begins to develop feelings for Chainsaw Man after realizing he has saved her life several times.

Fami wants Yoru to survive to change the Prophecy of Nostradamus and protect humanity from the Death Devil, but Nayuta is more focused on innocent things like attending school and eating snacks. After the Falling Devil’s attack, Denji, Nayuta, and their dogs are captured by Yoshida’s organization. Meanwhile, the Chainsaw Man Society for World Peace, led by Haruka Iseumi from the Devil Hunter Club, is formed by Chainsaw Man’s supporters. Yoshida threatens to kill Nayuta if Denji ever transforms into Chainsaw Man again, as tensions rise between his supporters and critics.

A conflicted Denji decides to give up being Chainsaw Man to protect his normal life. However, the Chainsaw Man Society for World Peace is revealed to be working for Fami, and they introduce an imposter Chainsaw Man, much to Denji’s disappointment. Fami reveals that both Yoru’s goal of killing Chainsaw Man and Asa’s wish to save him is possible, as there are two Chainsaw Men: the “red” (Denji) and the “black” (the original form of Pochita).

Denji then meets Miri Sugo, a Longsword hybrid who had previously fought Denji/Pochita under Makima’s control. She tries, unsuccessfully, to persuade Denji to join the Chainsaw Man Church. Later, when the Church tries to launch a public attack, it’s stopped by Quanxi and Katana Man. Barem Bridge, a member of the Church, reveals that many Church followers have made mass contracts with the Fire Devil, allowing them to become Devils resembling Chainsaw Man. This plan is designed to spark a war that would increase public fear of both Chainsaw Man and Yoru, ultimately making them powerful enough to battle the Death Devil.

Quanxi rescues Denji, Nayuta, and fellow student Fumiko Mifune from the Church, bringing them to Public Safety officials who explain that the Church Devils can be killed by cremation. Meanwhile, Asa and Yoru are confronted by Yoshida, who hesitates to kill them, allowing them to escape. Asa and Yoru realize that, due to the growing fear of war, their powers have increased, allowing them to create weapons without touching the original objects.

Denji tries to return to his normal life, but Barem, who managed to escape Public Safety, burns down his apartment and kills Denji and Nayuta’s pets. Devastated, Denji transforms into Chainsaw Man and attacks Barem and Miri. Nayuta seemingly sacrifices herself to save Denji, who is then taken by Yoshida and Fumiko.

With Denji no longer needed, Public Safety imprisons him at the Tokyo Devil Detention Center, where they use his body for experiments. A week later, Asa, Yoru, and Fami rescue Denji and are joined by Haruka, Seigi Akoku, and Nobana Higashiyama—former Church followers now labelled international terrorists—along with Katana Man and the Nail Fiend. Denji agrees to join them, but only if they first help him find Nayuta.

At a restaurant, the group encounters Barem, who shows Denji what seems to be Nayuta’s severed head. Overcome with rage, Pochita takes control of Denji’s body and goes on a rampage, attacking both his allies and Public Safety. As Pochita devours Devils, he erases the concepts of Snow, Octopus, Bitterness, and Mouth. With the aid of the newly introduced Aging Devil and Yoshida’s powers, Public Safety realizes they can restore erased concepts by making Chainsaw Man vomit the Devils he has consumed.

The Japanese Government and Public Safety strike a deal with the Aging Devil: in exchange for the lives of 10,000 children, the Aging Devil will allow itself to be consumed by Chainsaw Man, erasing the concept of ageing. Yoru, Katana Man, and the Aging Devil attack Pochita but are defeated, losing their arms in the process. In response, Yoru transforms her “children,” the Tank and Gun Devils, into weapons and unleashes a “Gun Goddess” in New York City.

After being severely injured by Yoru, Pochita retreats to find blood to heal himself, refusing help from the Aging Devil. The Aging Devil, deeming the conflict between Yoru and Pochita “immature,” sends them both to a pocket dimension to “grow up.” Upon arrival, Yoru attempts to use her new Gun Devil Arm to kill an unconscious Denji, but the arm is ineffective in the Aging Devil’s domain. A trapped citizen informs them that many others who have entered the dimension have gone mad, and only one person has ever escaped.

Production

Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man, always dreamed of serializing in Weekly Shōnen Jump, but he felt that if he created a typical Jump manga, his work would be overlooked. So, he aimed to maintain his unique style as a creator while ensuring the structure and characters had a Jump-like feel. Despite the success of Chainsaw Man in the magazine, Fujimoto wanted to write the second part of the series on Shōnen Jump+, as he desired to create something entirely different from the first. He mentioned that the difference in working between Weekly Shōnen Jump and Shōnen Jump+ was minimal, with only a few edits on rough drafts, allowing him greater freedom with the story’s logic.

Fujimoto found inspiration from various sources. Although he was busy during the Chainsaw Man serialization, he tried to watch and absorb as much new media as possible, incorporating elements into his work. On Twitter, he shared that he was a fan of the 2016 Kizumonogatari film trilogy, particularly the final battle in Part 3: Reiketsu, which inspired the final battle of the first part of Chainsaw Man. Fujimoto also described the series as a “wicked FLCL” and a “pop Abara.” Some elements of the series were planned from the start, while others were added as the story developed. He didn’t aim to provide an immediate payoff for everything that seemed significant, leaving certain aspects vague to give more flexibility for the second part.

Anime Adaptation

Fujimoto expressed that he was comfortable with the anime adaptation of Chainsaw Man and trusted the production team to handle it. When the anime was officially announced, he humorously commented, “Chainsaw Man is like a copycat of Dorohedoro and Jujutsu Kaisen, and the studio behind them is making the anime!? I have nothing to say! Please do it!”

The manga’s editor, Shihei Lin, revealed that Fujimoto was closely involved in the anime’s production. He reviewed all the pitch documents, story structure, scripts, and storyboards, maintaining close contact with MAPPA’s team throughout the process. MAPPA’s producer, Makoto Kimura, added that Fujimoto was also involved in casting, planning, and music, ensuring the anime stayed true to the manga’s original vision, especially in terms of its violence and gore. MAPPA first approached Shueisha with the idea to pitch the project.

Manga

Chainsaw Man is a manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The first part, known as the “Public Safety Arc” (公安編, Kōan-hen), was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from December 3, 2018, to December 14, 2020. After completing this arc, a second part was announced, focusing on Denji’s life at school. This second part, the “School Arc” (学校編, Gakkō-hen), began serialization on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ platform on July 13, 2022. The chapters are collected into individual tankōbon volumes, with the first volume released on March 4, 2019. As of August 2, 2024, there are 18 volumes in total.

In North America, Chainsaw Man was initially published digitally by Viz Media as part of their “Jump Start” initiative, featuring the first two chapters. The series continued on the Shonen Jump digital platform following the conclusion of Weekly Shōnen Jump. Shueisha also simultaneously published the series in English on the Manga Plus app and website starting in January 2019. In February 2020, Viz Media announced both digital and print releases of the manga. The first volume was released on October 6, 2020, and as of September 3, 2024, there are 16 volumes available.

Anime

Chainsaw Man received an anime television adaptation produced by MAPPA, officially announced on December 14, 2020. The announcement was followed by a stage presentation at Jump Festa ’21, which took place online on December 19–20, 2020. The first trailer for the anime was revealed at the “MAPPA Stage 2021 – 10th Anniversary” event on June 27, 2021.

The anime is directed by Ryū Nakayama, with Makoto Nakazono as the chief episode director. Hiroshi Seko wrote the scripts, while Kazutaka Sugiyama designed the characters and Kiyotaka Oshiyama designed the devils. The action direction was handled by Tatsuya Yoshihara, and Yūsuke Takeda directed the art. Naomi Nakano served as the colour key artist, and Yohei Miyahara designed the screens.

The series aired on TV Tokyo and other networks from October 12 to December 28, 2022. Crunchyroll licensed the series outside of Asia and began streaming an English dub on October 25, 2022. The anime was released on home video in the United Kingdom on December 18, 2023, and Medialink licensed it for the Asia-Pacific region.

Film

At the Jump Festa ’24 event on December 17, 2023, it was announced that an anime film titled Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is in production.

Music

The music for Chainsaw Man is composed by Kensuke Ushio. The soundtrack was released in multiple parts: the first EP (for episodes 1–3) on October 26, 2022, the second EP (for episodes 4–7) on November 23, and the third EP (for episodes 8–12) on December 28, 2022. The complete original soundtrack, Chainsaw Man Original Soundtrack Complete Edition – Chainsaw Edge Fragments, was released on January 23, 2023. The opening theme song, “Kick Back,” is by Kenshi Yonezu, with each episode featuring a unique ending theme song.

Novel

A novel titled Chainsaw Man: Buddy Stories (チェンソーマン バディ・ストーリーズ, Chensō Man Badi Sutōrīzu) written by Sakaku Hishikawa and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto was published on November 4, 2021. The novel tells three stories centred around the theme of “buddies,” focusing on Power and Denji, Kishibe and Quanxi, and Himeno and Aki during their early partnership. The novel was licensed by Viz Media and released on July 25, 2023.

Stage Play

On December 29, 2022, it was announced that Chainsaw Man would be adapted into a stage play. The production was directed and written by Fumiya Matsuzaki, with music composed by Shunsuke Wada and choreography by Hidali. Titled Chainsaw Man The Stage, the play ran in Tokyo from September 16 to October 1, 2023, at The Galaxy Theatre, and in Kyoto from October 6–9, 2023, at the Kyoto Theater. The cast featured Naotake Tsuchiya as Denji, Mizuki Umetsu as Aki Hayakawa, Mahiru Coda as Power, Minami Tsukui as Himeno, Haruki Iwata as Kobeni Higashiyama, and Aya Hirano as Makima.

Other Media

• A Chainsaw Man Manga Exhibition was held at the Space Hachikai gallery area of Tower Records in Shibuya from June 12 to July 4, 2021.
• Good Smile Company released Nendoroid figures of characters from the series in October 2021, including Denji, Pochita, and Power.
• Denji made a cameo appearance in the My Hero Academia manga, Chapter 259, as part of the hero raid during the Paranormal Liberation War arc.

• A browser game was released on August 4, 2023, to commemorate the fifteenth volume of the manga.
• From September 6 to November 4, 2024, Universal Studios Japan hosted the Chainsaw Man × Hollywood Dream – The Ride (Kick Back) attraction as part of its Halloween Horror Night event. This attraction was joined by the Hollywood Dream – The Ride (Backdrop) reverse-facing roller coaster.

Reception and Popularity

Chainsaw Man has garnered significant popularity since its release. It ranked 4th on Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! List of best manga for male readers in 2020 and claimed the top spot in 2021. The series also ranked 12th on Freestyle magazine’s The Best Manga 2020 Kono Manga wo Yome! List and 16th in 2021 alongside Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba. It secured 2nd place, just behind Spy x Family, in the “Nationwide Bookstore Employees’ Recommended Comics of 2020” poll by the Honya Club online bookstore.

In 2020, Chainsaw Man placed 10th in the “Most Wanted Anime Adaptation” poll by AnimeJapan and ranked 45th on Da Vinci magazine’s Book of the Year list, improving slightly to 43rd in 2021. It also made it to 58th place on TV Asahi’s Manga Sōsenkyo 2021, a poll where 150,000 people voted for their top 100 manga. Additionally, the series placed 12th in Twitter Japan’s Trend Awards in 2021, marking its significant presence in social media trends that year.

Manga Sales

By August 2020, Chainsaw Man had surpassed 3 million copies in circulation, and by October 2020, that number had risen to over 4.2 million. The series continued to gain popularity, reaching 5 million copies by December 2020, 6.4 million by January 2021, and 9.3 million by March 2021. By June 2021, over 11 million copies were in circulation, and by December 2021, that number grew to 12 million. By 2022, Chainsaw Man reached even higher milestones, with over 13 million copies in circulation by June 2022 and 15 million by August 2022. By the end of 2022, the series had surpassed 20 million copies. As of August 2024, Chainsaw Man has over 28 million copies in circulation.

The series was the fifth best-selling manga in the first half of 2021, with over 4 million copies sold, and ranked seventh in 2021 with 5 million copies sold. In the first half of 2023, Chainsaw Man was the second best-seller, moving 4.4 million copies. Volumes 12 to 14 were some of the best-selling manga volumes during that period, with Volume 14 being the sixth-highest first-print manga volume in 2023-2024, with 800,000 copies printed.

In North America, Chainsaw Man has consistently ranked on Circana’s (formerly NPD) monthly top 20 adult graphic novels list since October 2020. The series also appeared on The New York Times Graphic Books and Manga bestseller list since April 2021. Chainsaw Man was the 10th best-selling manga franchise in the U.S. for Q4 2021 and ranked third for retail efficiency based on sales per volume. In 2021, the first three volumes ranked among the top 20 highest-selling manga volumes, and the series was the top-selling manga in 2022, with eight volumes making the top 20. In 2023, four volumes were in the top 20. The first volume sold 18,000 copies in 2020, and the first eight volumes sold a total of 623,000 copies in 2021.

Critical Reception of Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man has received overall positive reviews from critics, with many praising its unique mix of dark humour, action, and character development. James Beckett from Anime News Network rated the first volume B+, highlighting the series’ combination of “goofy, kinky, dark, and bizarre” elements and its compelling world-building. He also appreciated the series’ commitment to its unique, violent brand of storytelling. Nicholas Dupree, also from Anime News Network, described the series as “bizarre, unpredictable, and undeniably unique,” noting that it offers a thrill ride like no other.

Hannah Collins of Comic Book Resources gave the series a positive review, noting that while Chainsaw Man fits the mould of a supernatural action series, its quieter moments reveal its darker core. Polygon’s Julia Lee agreed, calling Chainsaw Man one of Shonen Jump’s best new series, praising its graphic action and the blend of humour in the story. Sheena McNeil from Sequential Tart also gave the first volume a 9/10, stating that although she didn’t expect to enjoy the manga, she was pleasantly surprised, comparing it to series like Army of Darkness, Devilman, and Dorohedoro.

Anna Neatrour from Manga Report found the first volume to be exciting, with “buckets of gore” and humour that entertained, while describing Denji as an “incredibly damaged but potentially powerful hero.” Danica Davidson from Otaku USA described the series as “creepy” and “bizarre,” but noted its action-packed nature and heart beneath the strange surface, highlighting its success in Japan. Katherine Dacey from The Manga Critic had mixed feelings, stating that the series entertained her, but also repelled her in equal measure. She ended her review with “grudging respect” for the manga’s absurdity. Ian Wolf of Anime UK News gave the first volume a 6/10, praising the action but critiquing the lack of depth in the writing, concluding that the series has the potential to improve.

The art style, created by Tatsuki Fujimoto, also received praise. Collins noted that the thickly sketched lines used for the characters convey the “rough edges” of the world. Dupree lauded the series’ imaginative and unsettling visual storytelling, especially as the devils grow more powerful. Beckett found the character designs and linework initially “generic,” but he appreciated the clarity and consistency of the style during action scenes. McNeil found the character designs forgettable, except for Pochita and Chainsaw Man, but praised the artwork in the depiction of creepy devils, action, and gore. Dacey felt that while some of the devils’ designs were uninspired, the most memorable ones succeeded in evoking an “ew” reaction. Wolf noted that while the writing was lacking, the art, especially the action scenes, made the manga visually appealing.

Themes in Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man is known for its intense violence and gory scenes, which critics have highlighted as both a defining feature and a thematic element of the story. Nicholas Dupree noted that the series’ “irreverent tone and deliciously gory violence” set it apart from other series right from the start. Hannah Collins agreed, stating that the gore, rather than feeling excessive, adds to the story’s “refreshingly unfiltered” feel. Sheena McNeil described the series as “wonderfully absurd,” combining humour, violence, and gore while also featuring an underlying layer of humanity at its core.

Danica Davidson found the violence to be “casually gruesome,” but noted that it aligns with the overall themes of the manga. Julia Lee also remarked on the series’ extreme levels of gore, calling it “pretty gross,” but fitting for a dark manga about slashing devils with a chainsaw. Katherine Dacey described Chainsaw Man as a “blood-and-testosterone-soaked battle manga,” emphasizing that its main appeal lies in the outrageous levels of gore and violence. She also noted that Tatsuki Fujimoto goes to great lengths to push the boundaries of taste.

James Beckett wrote that the “delightfully ridiculous and bloody” premise of Chainsaw Man leads the story in fascinating directions, but cautioned that the crude humour and violence might turn off some readers. Despite this, the series’ combination of gore, humour, and dark themes has made it stand out, with many readers appreciating its unapologetically brutal approach.

The characters in Chainsaw Man have been described as “sad, broken people” who live outside societal norms and struggle with basic social interactions. Adi Tantimedh of Bleeding Cool explained that the series explores themes of abuse, degradation, and dehumanization, with characters often becoming mere objects or tools. He suggested that while the manga never directly criticizes capitalism or Japanese society, it implicitly addresses the alienation individuals face within it, making it one of the more unique manga series.

Hannah Collins compared the premise of Chainsaw Man loosely to Jujutsu Kaisen but emphasized how Denji, the protagonist, may appear to fit the typical shōnen hero mould but ultimately breaks it. She likened his life on society’s fringes to a “Dickensian parable about the plight of the working class.” Katherine Dacey, while acknowledging Denji’s realism, called him a more honest shōnen hero compared to other Jump leads, noting his self-absorption and objectification of women. She admitted that she never fully warmed to him as a lead character.

Julia Lee highlighted the “goofy contrast” between the characters and the chaotic events happening around them. She noted that Denji’s “kind-of-horny instincts” could become tiring, but appreciated how the introduction of side characters like Power and Makima helped the story take a more interesting turn. Despite Denji’s flaws, the series offers depth through its secondary characters and the exploration of darker, more complex themes.

Comedy in Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man has drawn attention for its distinctive approach to comedy. Adi Tantimedh praised the series for its “deadpan comic timing,” which, combined with slapstick humour, helps it stand out. He suggested that the series’ deadly earnest tone might have made it difficult to enjoy if not for its humorous elements. James Beckett, upon first encountering the series, saw it as “goofy nonsense” and a parody of shōnen manga, noting its mix of “raunchy teen sex comedies, Hellboy, and The Evil Dead.” This perspective highlights its ability to blend humour with grotesque violence, presenting an offbeat comedic style.

Nicholas Dupree described the humour as “crass, crude, and purposefully lowbrow,” emphasizing how it contrasts with the “bleedingly sincere and family-friendly” tone of other popular shōnen like One Piece and My Hero Academia. He pointed out how part of the humour’s impact lies in its blatant disregard for typical manga norms.

Hannah Collins found the offbeat humour endearing, while Katherine Dacey noted that the series’ humour often centres around Denji’s quest for a girlfriend, further emphasizing the crude and juvenile tone. Ian Wolf acknowledged that the absurdity of the story adds comedy but described the humour as “rather base at best.”

Overall, the humour in Chainsaw Man mixes irreverence and dark absurdity, offering a unique, albeit often crude, comedic experience that complements its violent and unpredictable narrative.

Emotional Depth in Chainsaw Man

While Chainsaw Man is often celebrated for its chaotic action and humour, reviewers have also highlighted the series’ emotional complexity. Katherine Dacey noted that the series unexpectedly presents moments of “genuine pathos,” especially in the relationship between Denji and Pochita, which she compared to Denji’s evolving connection with Makima. This emotional undercurrent adds depth to the otherwise wild and violent narrative.

Danica Davidson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the heart of the series lies in the love between Denji and Pochita. Despite the manga’s often absurd and gory nature, these moments of tenderness provide a stark contrast and humanize the characters.

Nicholas Dupree observed that the series’ “bombastic” and nihilistic tone is partly a reaction to its “absurd and illogical world,” but it is balanced by a “proudly beating heart.” He acknowledged that Chainsaw Man conveys a sense of empathy for those struggling to find meaning in a cruel world, offering a cynical yet heartfelt perspective.

In a more reflective review of the series’ final chapter, Reiichi Narima of Real Sound commented that Denji’s emotional growth, particularly his experience with loss, aligns more with themes often explored in seinen manga rather than shōnen. He expressed being “deeply moved” by how the story blended this emotional depth with its violent narrative, ultimately calling it a masterpiece. Narima concluded that, at its core, Chainsaw Man is not just a bloody action series but a poignant “sad love story” about a boy navigating hardship.

Anime Critical Response

The first season of Chainsaw Man has received a highly positive reception, holding a 97% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 89 reviews, with an average score of 8/10. The consensus on the site praises the anime for its bold animation and sharp sense of humour, describing it as an action-packed series that truly stands out. Mónica Marie Zorrilla from Inverse highlighted Chainsaw Man as the top “demon-fighting anime” of 2022, noting how Denji’s simple desires for “girls and food” set him apart from other typical shōnen protagonists. Rafael Motamayor of IGN also commended the anime for its striking cinematography, strong character dynamics, and emotional depth, while appreciating its unique blend of workplace comedy, horror, and action. Both IGN and Polygon praised the action sequences and the show’s ability to shift between emotional moments and “juvenile, 2000s sex comedy humour.” Polygon further noted the anime’s creative touch with twelve different ending sequences.

FAQ,s

Is Chainsaw Man a dirty anime?

Chainsaw Man has a reputation for being edgy, gritty, and occasionally explicit, but it’s not necessarily classified as “dirty.” The anime (and manga) contains adult themes, including graphic violence, crude humour, and some sexual content. The protagonist, Denji, is driven by basic desires like food and girls, which leads to some raunchy jokes and situations. However, these moments are often played for comedic or satirical effect rather than being the focus of the series.

Who is Denji in love with?

Denji is primarily infatuated with Makima, his superior at the Public Safety Bureau, whom he admires and sees as an idealized figure. His feelings are complicated by her manipulative nature, but he desires her approval and affection. Denji also has a deep bond with Pochita, his pet devil, and a growing connection with Power, his fellow devil, though his love for these characters is more rooted in companionship and loyalty.

Why is Chainsaw Man so famous?

Chainsaw Man is famous for several reasons: its unique blend of gory action, dark humour, and emotional depth. The series stands out with its unpredictable plot, where shocking twists, intense battles, and quirky characters keep readers and viewers hooked. Its protagonist, Denji, is a relatable and flawed character, breaking away from typical shōnen heroes with his simple desires for food and women. Additionally, the series’ exceptional animation, especially in the anime adaptation, and its bold exploration of themes like society’s struggles and humanity’s darker sides, have gained widespread praise. It also pushes boundaries with its ironic humour, mixing absurdity with moments of genuine emotion, making it a unique experience in the anime and manga world.

Is Chainsaw Man getting a season 2?

Yes, Chainsaw Man is getting a season 2! It was officially confirmed that the second season of the anime will adapt the Gun Devil arc from the manga, which is a major storyline in the series. The first season, which aired in 2022, was a huge hit, and fans have been eagerly awaiting the continuation of Denji’s journey. As of 2024, the production for season 2 is underway, with fans excited for more of the series’ action, dark humour, and emotional depth.

Is Makima bad?

Yes, Makima is considered one of the main antagonists of Chainsaw Man and is widely regarded as a villain. While she initially appears calm, mysterious, and alluring, her true nature is revealed over time. Makima manipulates those around her, including Denji, to achieve her own hidden goals, often using deception, control, and even violence to get what she wants. Her actions are driven by a desire for power, and she has no hesitation in using others as mere tools to further her ambitions. Despite her charm and intelligence, her cruelty and ruthlessness make her a dangerous and morally corrupt character in the series.

Is Chainsaw Man a sad anime?

Yes, Chainsaw Man does have sad and emotional moments, despite its primarily action-packed and darkly comedic tone. The series explores deep themes of loss, struggle, and the search for meaning in life, often highlighting the characters’ pain and emotional growth. For instance, Denji’s bond with Pochita is heart-wrenching, and the loss of loved ones or allies plays a significant role in shaping the character’s motivations and growth. Additionally, Denji’s complicated relationships with characters like Makima and the hardships he faces add layers of sadness to the story. While it’s not a purely “sad” anime, the emotional depth and tragic elements make it impactful and poignant.

Is a Chainsaw Man good or bad?

Chainsaw Man is considered good by many for its unique mix of action, dark humour, and emotional depth. It features an unconventional protagonist, Denji, who is driven by simple desires, making the story stand out from typical shōnen anime. However, its graphic violence and crude humour might not appeal to everyone. If you enjoy intense action and complex characters, it’s a great watch, but it’s not for those who prefer lighter or more traditional anime.

How old is Denji?

Denji is 16 years old at the beginning of Chainsaw Man.

Has Chainsaw Man ended?

No, Chainsaw Man has not ended. The first part of the manga, which focuses on Denji’s journey with the Public Safety Devil Hunters, concluded in December 2020 with Chapter 97. However, the story continues with the second part, which began in July 2022 and focuses on Denji’s life as a high school student while dealing with new challenges. The anime adaptation is also ongoing, with a second season confirmed.

Who killed Makima?

Makima was killed by Denji in the final chapter of Chainsaw Man Part 1. After a dramatic confrontation where Denji learns the truth about Makima’s manipulative and controlling nature, he ultimately kills her. Denji uses the Chainsaw Manpower to sever her head, ending her life. This event marks a significant moment in the series, as it also represents Denji’s emotional growth and the resolution of his complex relationship with Makima.

Who is stronger, Makima or Denji?

Makima is initially stronger than Denji due to her powerful control over devils and her manipulation abilities. However, by the end of the series, Denji surpasses her in strength, using his connection to Pochita and his unique abilities to defeat her in their final confrontation.

Who is Denji’s crush?

Denji’s main crush is Makima. He is infatuated with her throughout much of the series, admiring her beauty and authority. However, his feelings become more complicated as he learns the true nature of Makima’s intentions and their relationship.

Who can beat Denji?

Makima, Kishibe, and powerful Devils like the Gun Devil could potentially beat Denji.

Does Denji marry?

In the Chainsaw Man manga, Denji does not marry anyone. His relationships are more complex, and while he shows interest in women like Makima and others, he does not settle down or marry during the series.

Is Makima a villain?

Yes, Makima is a villain in Chainsaw Man. While she initially appears to be a calm, composed, and seemingly benevolent figure, it is later revealed that she has sinister intentions. She manipulates those around her, including Denji, to achieve her own goals, and her desire for power and control makes her one of the primary antagonists of the series.