Chainsaw Man's lack of grandiose is a key to its popularity among the present generation 

Chainsaw Man is undoubtedly turning into a masterpiece that will eventually earn a spot among the top modern-day series. With its unique concept, intense action, organic characters, mind-blowing storytelling, and a penchant for exceeding expectations, Tatsuki Fujimoto's series has consistently surprised and impressed at every turn.

Another major reason Chainsaw Man resonates so deeply is the relatability of its characters, particularly the protagonist, Denji. Among the animanga landscape, the teen stands out as one of the more human heroes, fraught with flaws and shortcomings, not always making the right decisions, but one who learns and grows each time he falls. Moreover, his desires are akin to what the younger generation wants.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion.

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Chainsaw Man is so appealing to the masses given its lack of splendor

Denji (Image via MAPPA)

As mentioned in the title, one of the aspects that makes Fujimoto's series unique is the near absence of grandeur or splendor. This is seen in the form of Chainsaw Man protagonist Denji's wants and desires. Despite his identity as a protector and the Hero of Hell, he is nothing but a simple teenager compelled to fight for survival in a dark, cruel, and chaotic world.

To begin with, his early life lacked so much quality that he was prepared to go to any length to make it through a day. He continued Devil Hunting with Pochita despite losing multiple organs and sustaining a fair bit of damage. But everything changed when he formed a contract with Pochita and later met Makima, events that set off the chaotic dance that is Chainsaw Man.

Even so, at its crux, Denji's dreams have been awfully simple: food to eat, shelter from the elements, and someone to love. This is what sets him apart from traditional Shonen heroes, who bear grand or lofty ambitions like becoming Pirate King or Hokage, or the strongest to live. Denji doesn't see great dreams like these but desires mundane, everyday comforts.

Denji (Image via MAPPA)

This is akin to what the younger generation of today also wants. At heart, they too wish to be free from modern-day political tensions, economic difficulties, social bindings, and a repetitive series of global crises. True enough, they do wish to possess financial freedom and peace of mind, but even that ultimately boils down to simply living with comfort and tranquility.

When linking all this to Chainsaw Man, it makes Denji out to be so much more relatable and, most importantly, human. He is, by no means, a perfect hero, and he likely knows that too. The fact that he sorely regrets the poor decisions he makes upon realizing them testifies to this. A recent example of this is his reaction upon finding out about the duo of brothers through the Fire Devil.

Essentially, the series revels in its emotional rawness and unfiltered portrayal of the human condition. It does away with the usual glamor of heroism and, in its place, showcases real struggles like isolation, pain, longing, and survival. Denji personifies the paradox of being powerful yet powerless against life. This fine balance is what makes the series so brilliant.

As Denji fights his way through the disorderly world of Devils, readers witness him slip up, rise, and grapple with his inner demons. This isn't a Devil Hunting chronicle; it is a tale of adolescence, identity, and a quest for meaning.

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In Conclusion

Power (Image via MAPPA)

To conclude, Chainsaw Man stands distinct within its genre, engaging with the audience's emotional and existential core. It forgoes traditional tropes or over-the-top fantasies in favor of powerlessness, fault, and the daily struggles of being human. Denji's relatability fuels the narrative, echoing the fears and uncertainties faced by modern youth.

Tatsuki Fujimoto uses Denji to paint a painfully straightforward coming-of-age tale, filled with chaos and carnage, but never devoid of soul. With a plot as unpredictable as ever, the series does what it has been doing best: embolden its storytelling, push boundaries, and adhere to its raw authenticity. Onward, Chainsaw Man is slated to become a one-of-a-kind work of art, unique and resonant.

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Also read:

• Not only Denji, but Asa also grew emotionally in Chainsaw Man
• Chainsaw Man never gave Denji a proper character arc, and that's the entire point
• I thought Denji was the worst anime protagonist, but the Chainsaw Man manga changed my mind

Edited by Casey Mendez