Chainsaw Man [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

Chainsaw Man Season 1: A Bloody, Beautiful Ride That Lives Up to the Hype

When Chainsaw Man finally hit screens in October 2022, the anime community collectively lost its mind. And for good reason. Adapted from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s wildly popular manga, the series promised a brutal, chaotic, and oddly heartfelt story about a debt-ridden kid named Denji who merges with his pet devil, Pochita, to become the titular Chainsaw Man. Produced by MAPPA—the studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan: The Final Season—the anime had sky-high expectations. And guess what? It delivered.

The Premise: A Devilishly Good Start

The first episode, Dog & Chainsaw, wastes no time throwing us into Denji’s miserable life. He’s broke, exploited by the yakuza, and barely surviving by hunting devils with Pochita, his adorable chainsaw devil companion. The betrayal that follows is gut-wrenching, but it’s also the catalyst for Denji’s transformation into something far more powerful.

Fans were quick to praise the adaptation’s faithfulness to the manga’s tone. The dark humor, the gore, and the emotional punches all hit just as hard in animated form. One Reddit user put it perfectly: “It’s beautiful how they handled the premise. The visuals are outstanding, and the sound design is next-level.”

Animation: A Feast for the Eyes (and Ears)

MAPPA’s animation style has always been divisive, but Chainsaw Man might be their best work yet. The blend of 2D and CGI is seamless, with Denji’s chainsaw transformations being a standout. Some fans noted the CGI was noticeable but praised its fluidity, calling it “god-tier” compared to other anime’s clunky attempts.

The fight scenes are where the animation truly shines. The first episode’s brutal showdown between Denji and the zombie devil is a visual spectacle, with every slash and spray of blood feeling visceral. One MyAnimeList user gushed, “The action was awesome. MAPPA truly used the best CGI and 2D, blending them together for perfect animation.”

And let’s not forget the music. Kenshi Yonezu’s opening theme, “Kick Back,” is an instant banger, while the ending song by Vaundy wraps up each episode with a melancholic yet catchy vibe. The fact that there are 12 different EDs—one for each episode—only adds to the show’s unique flair.

Characters: Denji and Pochita Steal the Show

Denji is a protagonist unlike any other. He’s not a hero; he’s just a guy who wants to eat bread with jam and maybe touch a boob. His voice actor, Kikunosuke Toya, nails the balance between Denji’s desperation and his childlike optimism.

But the real star? Pochita. Fans couldn’t get enough of the little chainsaw devil’s adorable noises and heartbreaking sacrifice. “Pochita is so freaking adorable,” one fan wrote. “I was not ready for him to speak. That scene destroyed me.”

Makima, the enigmatic devil hunter who recruits Denji, also sparked heated discussions. While some loved her voice acting (calling it “innocent yet seductive”), others felt it didn’t match her intimidating presence. Still, her introduction left everyone intrigued—especially with that eerie smile.

The Verdict: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

Short answer: Hell yes.

Long answer: Chainsaw Man isn’t just another shonen anime. It’s raw, unapologetic, and packed with personality. The first season covers the manga’s initial arcs, setting up bigger conflicts and introducing fan-favorite characters like Power and Aki.

Fans who went in with sky-high expectations weren’t disappointed. “This is the best thing I’ve ever seen,” one viewer raved. Another added, “The hype is unreal, and it’s justified. MAPPA stayed delivering.”

Of course, no show is perfect. Some critics felt the pacing was slow compared to the manga, and the CGI, while well-done, still divided opinions. But these are minor gripes in an otherwise stellar adaptation.

Final Thoughts

Chainsaw Man Season 1 is a wild, bloody, and emotional rollercoaster that proves why the manga took the world by storm. With stunning animation, a killer soundtrack, and characters you can’t help but root for, it’s a must-watch for any anime fan.

And if the first season is any indication, the future of Chainsaw Man is even brighter—and bloodier. As one fan perfectly summed it up: “Damn, this was a start and a half right here!”

Now, excuse me while I go rewatch Denji’s transformation scene for the 50th time.