Chainsaw Man
A visceral symphony of roaring chainsaws and fragile dreams, this dark fantasy anime bleeds chaotic energy, embodying the desperate, primal scream for a normal life amidst a world teeming with monstrous fears.
Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man

チェンソーマン

"He's a devil who doesn't deserve human rights."

12 October 2022 — 28 December 2022 Japan 1 season 12 episode Ended ⭐ 8.5 (1,895)
Cast: Kikunosuke Toya, Tomori Kusunoki, Shogo Sakata, Fairouz Ai, Mariya Ise
Animation Sci-Fi & Fantasy Action & Adventure
The Pursuit of a Normal Life Manipulation and Control Found Family and Alienation The Nature of Fear and Power

Chainsaw Man - Episode Highlights

Episode Highlights

Dog & Chainsaw

S1E1

This episode masterfully establishes the brutal, depressing world Denji inhabits. It introduces his crushing debt, his bond with Pochita, and his desperate will to survive. The climax, where Denji is betrayed and reborn as Chainsaw Man in a gory explosion of violence, is a shocking and powerful series premiere.

Significance:

It sets the dark, violent, and emotionally raw tone for the entire series. It establishes Denji's core motivations and origins, and the sacrificial pact with Pochita serves as the emotional bedrock of his character. His first meeting with Makima immediately introduces the theme of control that will define their relationship.

Meowy's Whereabouts

S1E3

This episode focuses on the introduction of Power and her selfish manipulation of Denji to save her cat, Meowy. Denji's decision to help her, despite her betrayal, culminates in a brutal fight with the Bat Devil and showcases his burgeoning capacity for empathy.

Significance:

It solidifies the dysfunctional dynamic between Denji and Power, laying the groundwork for their sibling-like relationship. It's a crucial early moment of character development for both, showing that Denji is more than just his base desires and that Power is capable of forming attachments.

The Gun Devil

S1E8

A sudden and shocking attack by the Katana Man and his associates devastates the Public Safety Division. Key characters, including Himeno, are killed in a brutal, coordinated assault. Denji is seemingly defeated and captured in a visceral and chaotic battle sequence.

Significance:

This episode dramatically raises the stakes of the series and reinforces the theme that no character is safe. Himeno's death is a major emotional blow, particularly for Aki, and it shatters the brief period of normalcy the characters had found. It marks a major turning point in the season's narrative from monster-of-the-week to a direct conflict with a human-led conspiracy.

From Kyoto

S1E9

Following the devastating attack, the surviving members of the squad are reeling. Makima survives a seemingly fatal gunshot wound through mysterious means, demonstrating the true extent of her power by remotely killing her attackers from a Kyoto shrine. Aki makes a new, dangerous contract with the Future Devil to gain an edge.

Significance:

This episode reveals the terrifying and supernatural nature of Makima's abilities, cementing her as an immensely powerful and inhuman figure. Aki's new contract further pushes him down his tragic path of self-sacrifice, highlighting his desperation for revenge. It expands the lore of devil contracts and shifts the power dynamics of the series significantly.

Katana vs. Chainsaw

S1E12

The season finale features the climactic rematch between Denji and the Katana Man. Denji, having been trained by Kishibe, showcases a more strategic and brutal fighting style, culminating in a humiliating and darkly comedic defeat for his opponent. The episode ends with a cryptic conversation hinting at future threats.

Significance:

This episode demonstrates Denji's growth as a fighter and his hardening resolve. The brutal and almost casual way he and Aki torture the defeated Katana Man shows how the violence of their lives is affecting them. It concludes the first major arc of the series while setting up future plotlines, including the overarching goal of defeating the Gun Devil and the mysteries surrounding Makima.