In 2018, manga writer/artist, Tatsuki Fujimoto published a manga for Shonen Jump titled, “Chainsaw Man.” It’s about a guy named, Denji who’s forced to pay his father’s debt to the Yakuzka by working as a devil hunter upon discovering a chainsaw who’s part puppy part chainsaw creature. After Denji’s set up getting killed by zombies, the chainsaw puppy merges with Denji bringing him back to life as the titular character. Denji’s recruited by a government agency tasked to hunt down devils roaming Japan. He squabbles with Power & Aki. Denji’s goal in life is to touch or score a woman. I’m not kidding. Denji stumbles upon deadlier devils he’s never faced before.
Japanese animation studio, MAPPA (Jujutsu Kaisen) produced an adaptation of Chainsaw Man. Crunchyroll & Funimation translated every episode in English. Season 1 officially streamed in 2022 (same year Everything Everywhere All at Once came out) on Crunchyroll. It received critical acclaim from critics and streamers alike. Chainsaw Man’s success spawned merchandise, action figures, t-shirts, cosplay, a stage play, collectibles and Funko Pops. A movie titled, “The Reza Arc” will be released in the future. It’s supposed to take place after Season 1.
Today’s review contains no crucial SPOILERS whatsoever. Which anime series or movie should I review next? Please leave a comment.
Brave & Cowardly Qualities
Brave: Voice Actors all did a superb job for their respective voiceover performances.
Animation brings several elements to life including character models, fluid movement, lighting, environmental locations etc.
Action Sequences are filled with blood and gore.
Humor has a few hilarious moments.
Denji’s chemistry with Power is funny as heck. Both loose cannons bicker with each other, yet they work as a formidable team.
Pacing didn’t take forever getting in from Point A to Point B. I was invested since the first episode.
The show/manga takes place in alternate timeline set in 1997 where the Soviet Union’s still around due to devils and devil hunters interfering with history. Kinda like “Watchmen” when superheroes alter history.
Opening Credits references movies listed below. To put the icing on the cake, “Kick Back” is the theme song. Admit it, you can’t skip the Opening Credits. It earns Bonus Points. I take Kick Back over anything by Taylor Swift.
- Reservoir Dogs
- True Romance
- Pulp Fiction
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
- The Big Lebowski
- No Country for Old Men
- Constantine (2005)
- Jacob’s Ladder
- Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
- Fight Club
According to Tatsuki Fujimoto, he stated Chainsaw Man’s influenced by “The Evil Dead” series, “The Raid,” “South Park” and the works of Quentin Tarantino. Speaking of South Park, Power’s inspired by Eric Cartman. You can tell she’s a bloodthirsty fighter with the ability to manipulate blood like Skarlet off of “Mortal Kombat.”
Denji’s personality is a cross between Mineta from “My Hero Academia” & Ash Williams from The Evil Dead. Denji kind of reminds me of Trevor Philips from “Grand Theft Auto V.”
A powerful demon named, Gun Devil plays a key role. He’s wanted by Public Safety Devil Hunters. Don’t forget a guy with samurai swords also factors in.
Flashbacks give us a more insight of the main characters.
Linda Young (OG Frieza, Genkai from YuYu Hakusho) voices Zombie Devil.
The Season Finale’s ending sets up the Reza Arc.
Cowardly: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving MAPPA an Extra Point for making a flawless anime as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Chainsaw Man’s first season was awesome. I like it better than “SpyxFamily.” Don’t get me wrong, I don’t hate it. I find Chainsaw Man crazier and nuttier. I haven’t seen anime like this in recent years cranking up the wackiness to another level. If you haven’t seen Chainsaw Man, watch Season 1 immediately on Crunchyroll or Hulu.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 