You know that feeling when a show, movie or book is hyped up to a point where it feels impossible to live up to? Well, the new “Chainsaw Man” anime is one of those rare occurrences where it actually does. The manga, written by Tatsuki Fujimoto and released in 2019, shook readers around the world with its blood-pumping and mind-bending storytelling, killer illustration and monstrously overpowered yet relatable characters. I mean, the protagonist’s main driving force is literally just to touch a girl’s boobs. Yet somehow, these desires, mixed with a tiny round dog with a chainsaw for a nose, lead the young boy to be the one who can potentially save humanity.
In Fujimoto’s world, devils are the antagonists, taking shape as hostile demons that feed off of human fear. A group of brave souls called Devil Hunters have taken it upon themselves to combat these villains—but there’s a twist. Devil Hunters can actually form alliances with devils, furthermore gaining the ability to use their supernatural powers in exchange for something of the person’s value. Thus, we encounter endless scenarios of humans using devils to fight other devils, resulting in some epic fight scenes. It must also be noted that some of these devils are the embodiments of the most violent and frightening things imaginable, from the Katana Devil to the Spider Devil, Ghost Devil and even the ballistic Gun Devil.
Beyond showcasing a universe of devils with unique powers, “Chainsaw Man” allows us to empathize with its wide array of characters on a deep level, appreciating each one’s idiosyncrasies. Our main character Denji is driven simply by his desire for a love interest. Aki, a Devil Hunter, displays a cold exterior, but is really a softie on the inside who is quick to shed a tear. Makima is the unfathomably strong leader of the Devil Hunters, but does she have an ulterior motive? And Power, the current incarnation of the Blood Devil, is… something. She’s chaotic but definitely provides much needed comic relief, and is a true comfort character. My only warning before you start the manga or anime is… don’t get too attached to anyone. That’s all I’ll say.
“Chainsaw Man”’s relatively short manga has covered a plethora of human emotions and societal ills from lust to betrayal, rampant gun violence and political corruption. The story is truly not for the faint of heart. While the anime continues to roll out, now is absolutely the perfect time to don yourself with a new piece from the show. Whether it be the badass Fox Devil, bisected astronaut or a cute little Pochita, fans of the series will recognize your dedication right away, and then you both can proceed to have a never-ending debate about whether you’re team Power or Makima. We wish you the best of luck in that.
Source: www.inkedmag.com