Why Chainsaw Man Became a Phenomenon Even Before the Anime

Tatsuki Fujimoto blessed the anime community with an interesting manga. This article talks about why Chainsaw Man is popular.

Denji Chainsaw Man form
Denji in his Chainsaw Man form (Image via MAPPA Studio)

Before its anime release, Chainsaw Man was already a fan favorite. With its intense action, emotions, and unpredictable plot, it captured readers’ attention in a manga world where many stories do not stand out. The manga was regarded as a contemporary classic long before Studio MAPPA made it into a movie. 

What makes Chainsaw Man so loved? Its combination of interesting characters, unexpected twists, and a weird and emotional world. Let’s examine why Chainsaw Man is popular, from the manga’s early days to the anime adaptation.

The Popularity of the Chainsaw Man Manga

Denji as Chainsaw Man saves Asa Mitaka
Denji as Chainsaw Man saves Asa Mitaka (Source: Viz)

Most manga in Weekly Shonen Jump are usually overlooked, especially new ones. But when Chainsaw Man first appeared in the weekly release in December 2018, it stood out among the other manga. The protagonists in most shonen shows fight for more holistic goals, like protecting their friends or fulfilling a dream. Chainsaw Man‘s protagonist, Denji, is unique. He is an underprivileged teen who simply wants to live a basic life, which includes enjoying delicious meals, a comfortable bed, and love.

Denji’s relatable goals made readers connect with him. Unlike most heroes who aim to save the world or become the best, Denji just wants to be happy. This made him feel real and fresh compared to other characters.

The manga’s art style also helped it stand out. Tatsuki Fujimoto’s rough and energetic drawings made every battle feel intense and every emotion hit harder. The art didn’t look like the polished styles of other shonen manga, but that only added to its charm. Fans loved the raw and chaotic feel of the story. That is one of the reasons why Chainsaw Man is popular.

Readers appreciated the dramatic turns and pacing. Fujimoto didn’t mind taking the plot in unexpected directions or killing off significant characters. This created a lot of online debates and conjectures about what would happen next, and it made fans excited for every new chapter. Chainsaw Man had already established itself as a must-read manga before the anime.

How Tatsuki Fujimoto Mixed Gore With Shonen Style

Chainsaw Man and Katana Man as seen in the Chainsaw Man anime (Image via Studio MAPPA)

Chainsaw Man‘s success can be attributed in large part to Tatsuki Fujimoto’s skill in writing. He excelled at combining emotional storytelling with graphic violence. Blood is almost constantly spilling everywhere, and demons are torn to pieces in the battles. However, beneath all the blood, there is a heartwarming tale of love, grief, and discovering what counts as a proper dream.

Fujimoto took common ideas from shonen manga and gave them a darker twist. For example, most shonen heroes gain power by making sacrifices for a noble cause. Denji, on the other hand, gets his powers by making a desperate deal with a devil. His relationship with Pochita, the chainsaw devil, is both sweet and sad. This sets the stage for a story that mixes chaos with emotion.

The supporting characters also add to this balance. Power, a devil with a wild personality, and Aki, a serious devil hunter with a tragic past, bring depth to the story. Their relationships with Denji are sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking. Even in the middle of all the violence, moments of friendship and humanity shine through. This makes the blood and action feel meaningful instead of just shocking.

Additionally, the story doesn’t hold back when discussing sensitive subjects like trauma, loneliness, and purpose-finding. It shows these struggles in a plain and clear way that some viewers can relate to. The combination is a major factor in Chainsaw Man‘s popularity.

Is the Chainsaw Man Manga Better Than the Anime?

Pochita Denji
Denji and Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil (Image via Studio MAPPA)

This is a tough question, and people have strong views on both sides with valid reasons. The Chainsaw Man anime, made by MAPPA, brought Fujimoto’s imagination to existence. The animation is smooth and crispy with some exceptional voice acting. However, some fans think the manga’s raw energy and unique pace are hard to match in animation.

In the manga, Fujimoto’s rough and sketchy art style perfectly fits the story’s wild tone. His creative use of space and panel patterns creates tension and energy that are hard to imitate in a show. Many fans think the manga’s flaws make it more personal and unique.

On the other hand, the anime’s smooth graphics and big fight scenes offer a different kind of thrill. Seeing Denji in action, with chainsaws screaming and blood flying, is an experience that only animation can provide. The voice acting also adds depth to the characters, making their personalities even more engaging. Plus, the anime has brought the story to a whole new audience who might not have read the book.

In the end, it depends on what you prefer. The manga gives you a raw and powerful experience, while the anime provides a finished and visually beautiful version. Both have their strengths, and fans of the series are lucky to have both choices. This is one of the main reasons why Chainsaw Man is popular. Either mode of entertainment is awesome.

What To Expect (and What Not to) When You Read or Watch Chainsaw Man

Makima Chainsaw Man
Makima in the Chainsaw Man anime intro (Image via MAPPA Studio)

Whether you pick up the manga or watch the anime, Chainsaw Man is definitely going to leave a lasting impression. Before diving in, here is what you need to know: 

What to Expect:

  • Surprising twists: The story has a bunch of twists that keep the story interesting. 
  • Interesting Characters: From Denji’s basic aspirations to Makima’s questionable personality, each character has depth and individuality.
  • Action-Packed Battles: In the manga, the battles are well-drawn and beautiful, making it easy to read. While in the manga, the choreography is smooth and well put together, making it nice either way.
  • Emotional Moments: The story talks about some very important and relatable subjects, such as love, grief, and discovering one’s purpose in life, despite all the blood and gore.

What Not to Expect:

  • A Typical Shonen Story: Chainsaw Man takes general concepts and themes from mainstream Shonen manga but adds a darker and more unpredictable twist.
  • Lighthearted Fun: The series has a couple of funny and bizarre moments, but it is generally dark and intense.
  • Clean, Polished Art: While the manga’s rough style is beautiful and feels appealing, it might not be for everyone.

Should You Watch and Read Chainsaw Man?

Makima and Denji
Makima and Denji as seen in the Chainsaw Man anime (Image via Studio MAPPA)

The answer is simple: yes! Chainsaw Man provides a unique experience, whether you like shonen anime or are seeking something different. The anime’s high-quality production makes it simple for new viewers to get started. The manga goes deeper into the crux of the plot. However, Chainsaw Man is not for everyone. Its extreme violence and dark topics may turn some individuals off.

At its heart, Chainsaw Man is more than simply fighting and carnage. It’s a story about what it means to live, love, and chase your dreams from the point of view of a chainsaw-fused boy. Whether you read the manga, watch the anime, or do both, you’re in for an awesome experience.

Conclusion

Why is Chainsaw Man so popular? Because the series gives viewers what they want. It combines beautiful animation with awesome fight choreography. The story is also brilliant and has relatable emotion behind it. The idea of a character fusing with another entity in the show is not a new concept in anime. But Tatsuki Fujimoto’s combination of bloody combat and sad moments has resulted in a series that fans can’t stop talking about. Whether via manga or anime, Chainsaw Man has proved to be a show that has what it takes to keep fans entertained.


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