| Author | Year | Language | Pages |
| Tatsuki Fujimoto | 2018 | English | 230 |
The first ten chapters of Chainsaw Man, created by Tatsuki Fujimoto, introduce us to Denji, a young man burdened with insurmountable debt inherited from his deceased father. Denji’s only companion is Pochita, a small devil with chainsaw abilities, whom Denji uses as a weapon to hunt down other devils for meager earnings. This grim existence portrays Denji’s desperation and the lengths he will go to achieve even the simplest dreams, like eating well or dating a girl.
The Transformation
The story turns dark when Denji is betrayed and killed by the Yakuza, who have made a pact with a Zombie Devil. In a heart-wrenching twist, Pochita sacrifices itself by merging with Denji, reviving him and giving him the powers of the Chainsaw Devil. This transformation allows Denji to exact brutal revenge on the Yakuza, marking the beginning of his life as a hybrid with the ability to transform his limbs into chainsaws.
Joining the Public Safety Bureau
After his resurrection, Denji is discovered by Makima, a high-ranking officer in the Public Safety Bureau, an organization dedicated to hunting devils. Recognizing his potential, she offers him a choice: work for the Bureau or be exterminated as a devil. Denji, motivated by the promise of a better life and attracted to Makima, agrees to join, setting the stage for his integration into the dangerous world of professional devil hunting.
New Allies and Enemies
As Denji adapts to his new life, he meets other devil hunters, including Aki Hayakawa, a stern and disciplined hunter, and Power, a fiend with a chaotic personality. These early chapters explore the dynamics between these characters, particularly the tension between Denji’s impulsive nature and Aki’s strict sense of duty. Meanwhile, the series introduces various devils that Denji and his new team must confront, each battle testing Denji’s resolve and the limits of his new powers.
Thematic Elements
The first ten chapters of Chainsaw Man are a mix of horror, action, and dark comedy, with underlying themes of poverty, desperation, and the search for purpose in a cruel world. Fujimoto’s storytelling is fast-paced, and his characters are instantly compelling, drawing readers into a world where survival often comes at the cost of humanity.
These chapters lay the foundation for Denji’s complex and violent journey, which is filled with moral ambiguities and unpredictable twists that challenge both the characters and the readers.
