Genre: Fantasy | Writer: Tatsuki Fujimoto | Artist: Tatsuki Fujimoto | Release Date: 2019
Publisher: VIZ Media
In Chapters 1–7 of Chainsaw Man Vol. 1, Denji, a debt-ridden devil hunter, is betrayed and killed—only to be resurrected by his pet devil-dog, Pochita. Now fused together, Denji becomes Chainsaw Man, a brutal new force against devils.
Writing
Chainsaw Man Volume 1 wastes no time establishing its grimy, chaotic tone. The story follows Denji, a young devil hunter saddled with crippling debt to the yakuza. He lives in near-starvation with only his pet devil Pochita—an adorable chainsaw dog—for companionship. From page one, Fujimoto creates a world of desperation, violence, and strangely heartfelt moments that quickly distinguish Chainsaw Man from other shōnen series.
Denji is a refreshing protagonist in the genre. He’s not driven by lofty ideals or dreams of justice—he just wants food, a girlfriend, and a decent place to sleep. These goals are hilariously low-stakes, but they humanize him deeply, making his suffering resonate. I do like really like this about his character as I'm so tired of the good guy trope. His relationship with Pochita is surprisingly emotional, and their bond gives the series an early dose of bittersweet heart. When Denji is betrayed and hacked to pieces by the very yakuza he serves, it’s Pochita’s sacrifice that resurrects him as the titular Chainsaw Man. That twist is both narratively satisfying and grotesquely fun, setting the tone for the gory, punk-rock vibe that defines the series.
The introduction of Makima—a government devil hunter who treats Denji like both a pet and a potential weapon—adds layers of tension and manipulation. Her dominance over Denji is unsettling, and you’re never quite sure if she’s a savior or a devil in disguise. The supporting cast also makes a strong first impression, especially Aki Hayakawa (Denji’s uptight partner) and Power, the violent and hilarious blood fiend who’s all chaos and ego.
Fujimoto’s writing cleverly weaves absurd humor into the horror, often jumping between existential dread and slapstick in the same breath. The pacing is relentless, but that works in its favor. Volume 1 ends with enough blood, mystery, and character potential to keep readers hooked. While not heavy on complex plot threads yet, the themes of poverty, control, and identity are layered underneath the carnage, teasing a much deeper story to come.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Art Style
Tatsuki Fujimoto’s artwork in Chainsaw Man Volume 1 is as raw and anarchic as the story itself. The visuals embrace imperfection, with rough linework and gritty textures that emphasize the world’s ugliness and instability. This style suits the bleak setting, filled with slums, dirty alleys, and grotesque devils. It’s a world that looks diseased and dangerous, and Fujimoto draws it with full intent.
Character design is one of the biggest standouts. Denji’s disheveled look reflects his broken life, while Pochita—small, round, and equipped with a chainsaw nose—is simultaneously cute and haunting. Makima is drawn with a soft beauty that makes her calmly manipulative demeanor all the more unsettling, and Aki’s clean, professional appearance contrasts perfectly with Denji’s ragged energy. Power, however, steals the visual show: from her wild hair to her fangy grin, she’s like a walking explosion of personality.
The action is a violent ballet of chaos. When Denji transforms into Chainsaw Man, the pages erupt with splatter and speed. The chainsaws on his arms and head create messy, jagged frames that carve through enemies and panels alike. Fujimoto favors dynamic, irregular panel layouts during combat, enhancing the unhinged feel. You can almost hear the buzzing blades and guttural screams.
Despite the often-grotesque imagery, the expressions and body language are deeply human. Denji’s wide-eyed desperation, Aki’s stoic disgust, Power’s gleeful bloodlust—Fujimoto communicates emotion with gritty authenticity. Backgrounds are intentionally sparse at times, forcing focus on the characters or their conflicts. This creates a claustrophobic, cinematic feel, especially in cramped fights or eerie devil-hunting missions.
There’s also symbolic resonance in the art. Pochita fusing with Denji is not just a plot device—it’s rendered in a strangely tender, almost spiritual way. The violence, while outrageous, often mirrors emotional trauma or loss. That balance between absurd, terrifying, and intimate is something only a creator like Fujimoto can pull off.
Rating: 4 out of 5
The Verdict
In the end, Chainsaw Man, Volume 1 is a chaotic, blood-soaked ride full of absurd humor, tragic characters, and raw emotional undercurrents. Denji’s underdog story is equal parts disturbing and endearing, while the art style perfectly captures the grim, offbeat tone. With unique characters, unpredictable pacing, and a gritty punk aesthetic, this first volume marks the beginning of a manga that defies traditional shōnen expectations. If you like weird, wild, and emotionally raw storytelling, Volume 1 earns a 4 out of 5.
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