Why Chainsaw Man Rewrites the Shonen Rulebook
If you've been reading manga or watching anime for years, you've probably felt the formula fatigue. Hero trains, hero powers up, hero wins. Rinse and repeat. Then Fujimoto Tatsuki came along and threw a chainsaw through all of it.
Chainsaw Man doesn't just subvert expectations—it devours them. And that's not just metaphor. It's literally how the universe works.
The Devil System: Fear as Currency
Here's what makes this world genius: devils aren't just monsters. They're manifestations of human fear. The more people fear something, the more powerful its devil becomes. The Gun Devil is apocalyptically strong because humanity fears firearms. The Darkness Devil is nearly invincible because primal fear of the dark is hardwired into our DNA.
This creates fascinating power dynamics. The Chainsaw Devil (Pochita) is feared by devils themselves—because chainsaws represent the horror of dismemberment. But here's the twist: Pochita's true power isn't just combat. Devils eaten by the Chainsaw Devil are erased from existence. Not killed. Erased. Even the concept they represented disappears from human memory.
- Implication: There are fears humanity has forgotten because Chainsaw Man ate them
- Theory: This might explain why certain historical horrors feel oddly absent from collective memory
Makima: The Perfect Villain for Modern Readers
If you loved antagonists like Johan from Monster or Light Yagami from Death Note, Makima will break your brain in the best way. She's the Control Devil—and she doesn't just control bodies. She controls perception, loyalty, and love itself.
What makes Makima terrifying for Western readers specifically? She's a commentary on parasocial relationships and blind loyalty. In an era where we worship influencers and politicians, Makima is the ultimate warning: charisma is a weapon.
Denji: Anti-Hero Perfection
Forget tragic backstories and noble motivations. Denji wants breakfast, physical affection, and maybe a date. That's it. He's poverty incarnate—someone so beaten down by life that his dreams are achingly small.
This is Fujimoto's thesis: humanity isn't about grand ambitions. It's about simple desires. Denji isn't fighting for justice. He's fighting for the right to exist with basic dignity. And somehow, that hits harder than any 'save the world' plot.
Why Western Comic Fans Should Care
If you're coming from Marvel, DC, or indie comics like Saga or Invincible, Chainsaw Man offers something rare: a superhero deconstruction that doesn't feel cynical. It's brutal, chaotic, and weirdly hopeful.
Available on Viz Media, Manga Plus (free), and Crunchyroll for the anime. Part 2 is ongoing and somehow even wilder than Part 1.
Similar Reads If You're Hooked
- Fire Punch - Fujimoto's earlier work, equally unhinged
- Jujutsu Kaisen - Similar energy, different flavor
- Dorohedoro - Chaos incarnate with incredible worldbuilding
- Dandadan - Fujimoto's assistant went solo and it shows