“He looks too much like a villain”: Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Editor Wanted Chainsaw Man to Never Be a Hero Because of a Looming Fear
- Chainsaw Man enjoys vast popularity among anime fans due to its quirky sensibilities.
- Shihei Lin did not want Denji to become the hero of Chainsaw Man.
- Chainsaw Man is ultimately human at its heart despite its unique and bizarre humor.
If there was one series last year that gained enormous popularity and dominated talk for several weeks at a time, it was Chainsaw Man. Tatsuki Fujimoto’s action series captivated fans and was one of the best anime releases of the year, after what seemed like an eternity of waiting. It shouldn’t come as a surprise given that Tatsuki Fujimoto is one of the most quirky and unconventional characters in the manga industry.
When one thinks of Chainsaw Man, the manga is simultaneously a bizarre comedy, an aggressive and harsh dark fantasy about a bleak world swamped by Devils, and a genuinely touching drama that makes fans cry their eyes out at every tragic event. It is these quirky, idiosyncratic sensibilities that make Chainsaw Man so unforgettable and impactful.
Much of the online presence of Chainsaw Man relates to the series’ wackier moments and the intense, gory action scenes. However, the narrative is much more than just silly characters, crude comedy, and intense fight scenes. The heart of the series is all too human if you scratch under the surface of the series, which has been fleshed out by Tatsuki Fujimoto himself.
Tatsuki Fujimoto And Shihei Lin Talk About The Birth Of Chainsaw Man
The emphasis of Chainsaw Man‘s first episode is not on showcasing the series’ signature exaggerated humor or intense action fight scenes. Rather, the story’s opening acts as a backdrop for the tragic life of Denji, the main character.
here’s the transcript (from fujimoto interview in jump festa: https://t.co/60ZpUybunI)
— Delta (@Chainsawpedia) August 6, 2023
In an interview from Fujimoto Jump Festa 2021, Tatsuki Fujimoto and Shihei Lin, the deputy editor-in-chief of Shonen Jump, talked about the birth of Chainsaw Man. Fujimoto explained that the character design came first, and he told Lin that he wanted to create a story with that particular character. Shihei Lin then said:
If remember correctly, I said he looks too much like a villain, so it might be difficult to make him the main character. At that point, I was worried that he would be CHAINSAW MAN all the time.
So, under the surface of a monstrous figure, Denji’s character is very human due to the way he has been fleshed out by Fujimoto.
Denji Is All Too Human Despite His Devilish Appearance
Even though Denji seems silly, his character is really based on a very real tale of development and self-discovery. Though absurd, his lofty goal of copping a feel is more than just a crude jest. He’s never had the chance to dream of something bigger because he’s lived his entire life fighting just to exist. But in the end, intimacy with someone else is what he really desires.
Naturally, as an immature and hormonal teenager, Denji’s need for physical intimacy—ideally with Makima—manifests this desire. Even while Denji isn’t aware of it yet, it gradually becomes apparent that what he really wants is emotional closeness.
The narrative of Chainsaw Man isn’t really about the humor or action, odd as it may be most of the time. Fundamentally, it’s the tale of a lost and lonely kid who, after everything, is attempting to find his place in the world. Beneath his silly exterior, Denji’s narrative is a real, heartbreaking coming-of-age tale, and it’s very endearing to watch him gradually learn to love his new team.
Ultimately, that’s a major factor in what makes Chainsaw Man so unique. Yes, a key component of the series’ identity is its unique blend of heart-pounding action and surreal humor. But what really elevates Chainsaw Man is ultimately its human heart.
You can watch Chainsaw Man on Crunchyroll.
