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Chainsaw Man

A dark action‑horror series by Tatsuki Fujimoto following Denji, a devil hunter who fuses with the Chainsaw Devil. The story blends brutal combat, black comedy, and existential themes around desire, control, and the cost of freedom.

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IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Chainsaw Man

Also Known As

CSM, Chainsawman

Format

Manga / Anime

Release Year

2018

Current Status

Active (Part 2 ongoing)

Country of Origin

Japan

Creator

Tatsuki Fujimoto

Publisher

Shueisha (Manga), MAPPA (Anime)

Original Work

Manga

Genre

Action, Dark Fantasy, Horror Comedy

Where to Start & Recommended Order

A beginner-friendly guide for starting Chainsaw Man without spoilers.

Best starting point

Start with the earliest core Manga (around 2018), then expand to other official releases as needed.

Recommended order

If multiple formats exist (anime, manga, films, games), follow the official release order within each format to avoid spoilers and missing context.

Fast-track option

To catch up faster, focus on the main canon storyline first, then return to side content later.

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Chainsaw Man.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

Denji is a teenage boy living with a Chainsaw Devil named Pochita. Due to the debt his father left behind, he has been living a rock-bottom life while repaying his debt by harvesting devil corpses wit...

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

A world where Devils are born from human fears. The more a specific concept is feared, the stronger the corresponding Devil becomes. Public Safety Devil Hunters protect civilians from these threats.De...

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Trauma, Found Family, Dreams vs. Reality, Control, Ignorance vs. Knowledge

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Chainsaw Man's global influence.

2018

Manga serialization begins in Weekly Shonen Jump

2020

Part 1 "Public Safety Arc" concludes

2022

Part 2 "School Arc" begins serialization; Anime adaptation by MAPPA premieres

Sales

Over 24 million copies in circulation

Awards

Shogakukan Manga Award (2021), Harvey Award (2021, 2022)

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Chainsaw Man.

Denji

“I'll grab happiness any way I can.”

A simple-minded teen turned devil hunter who fuses with his pet chainsaw devil, Pochita.View Profile

Pochita

“Denji... my dream was to see yours come true.”

The Chainsaw Devil who sacrificed himself to become Denji's heart.View Profile

Makima

“Good boys deserve rewards.”

The mysterious and manipulative leader of Public Safety Division 4.View Profile

Aki Hayakawa

“I’ll carry this burden to the end.”

A stoic devil hunter seeking revenge for his family's death.View Profile

Power

“Bow before Power!”

A chaotic, narcissistic Blood Fiend who loves cats and violence.View Profile

Himeno

“Live enough to regret something.”

A veteran hunter who mentors Aki, revealing the emotional toll and bonds within Public Safety.View Profile

Explore all Chainsaw Man characters

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chainsaw Man finished?▼

Part 1 (Public Safety Arc) is finished, comprising volumes 1-11. Part 2 (Academy Saga) is currently ongoing and being serialized in Shonen Jump+.

Who is Pochita?▼

Pochita is the Chainsaw Devil who embodies the fear of chainsaws. He saves Denji's life by becoming his heart, granting him the ability to transform into Chainsaw Man.

Is the anime faithful to the manga?▼

Yes, the anime adaptation by MAPPA is faithful to the manga's plot but adopts a more cinematic and realistic visual style compared to the rougher, chaotic art style of the manga.

What is a Fiend in Chainsaw Man?▼

A Fiend is a Devil that has taken over a human corpse as a last resort to survive. Fiends are generally weaker than their full Devil forms and have distinct heads (like Power's horns). Chainsaw Man (Denji) is a rare Hybrid, not a Fiend.

Why is Makima so interested in Denji?▼

Makima is interested in the Chainsaw Devil (Pochita) inside Denji, not Denji himself. She seeks to control the Chainsaw Devil due to its unique ability to erase Devils from existence by eating them.

Who are the Four Horsemen?▼

The Four Horsemen are powerful Devils representing Control (Makima/Nayuta), War (Yoru), Famine (Fami), and Death. They are among the strongest antagonists in the series and share a history with the Chainsaw Devil.

What is Denji's main goal?▼

Initially, Denji's goals are very simple and relatable, such as eating good food, sleeping in a bed, and touching a girl. As the series progresses, his desires evolve as he seeks true autonomy and happiness.

How do Devil contracts work?▼

Humans can make contracts with Devils to use their power in exchange for a sacrifice. The price can range from a body part (like an eye or skin) to a lifespan or even the person's life, depending on the Devil's terms.

What is the Gun Devil?▼

The Gun Devil is one of the most feared Devils in the world, born from the fear of guns. It caused a global catastrophe by killing millions in minutes, and its flesh is sought after by other Devils to increase their power.

Where can I watch or read Chainsaw Man?▼

The anime is available on Crunchyroll and Prime Video. The manga can be read digitally on the Shonen Jump app and VIZ Media website, or purchased in print.