MAPPA's Chainsaw Man takes a different direction from most shonen anime: film-like staging, less flashiness and emotion and violence that arrive unexpectedly. Ryū Nakayama directed 12 episodes airing on TV Tokyo from October 12 to December 28, 2022, produced by MAPPA alone without a typical production committee.
The series holds 97% on Rotten Tomatoes from 89 reviews and won the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Award for Best New Series.
Quick Facts
- Studio: MAPPA (produced alone, without a production committee)
- Broadcast: October 12–December 28, 2022, 12 episodes, TV Tokyo; Crunchyroll worldwide (outside East Asia)
- Source: Manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto (Part 1: Weekly Shonen Jump, 2018–2020)
- Reception: Rotten Tomatoes 97% (89 reviews)
- Awards: Best New Series at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards
Story
Denji is an impoverished teenager who fuses with Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil, and becomes Chainsaw Man. He joins the Public Safety Devil Hunters, where his handler Makima leads him into dangerous missions alongside teammates such as Power and Aki Hayakawa.
The anime adapts Part 1 (the Public Safety Arc) of the manga and stops at a logical point, with the next chapter told in the film Reze Arc.
Behind The Scenes
MAPPA produced the anime alone, with director Ryū Nakayama, chief episode director Makoto Nakazono and action director Tatsuya Yoshihara. Kensuke Ushio composed the music and character designs are by Kazutaka Sugiyama.
The opening "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu ranked second in Billboard Japan's Hot Animation category and fourth on the Hot 100. Twelve different ending songs, one per episode, were performed by artists such as Maximum the Hormone, Aimer and Eve.
Experience
Cinematic style
The series achieves a distinctly cinematic quality: camerawork, lighting and editing rhythm feel closer to film than typical TV anime. This also divided some viewers who expected a more traditional action shonen anime.
Action and tone
IGN and Polygon highlighted the sudden tonal shifts between emotional and comedic moments, along with excellently choreographed action. Rotten Tomatoes described the series as distinguished by rip-roaring animation and a serrated sense of humor.
Music and voice cast
Kikunosuke Toya voices Denji, Tomori Kusunoki voices Makima, Fairouz Ai voices Power and Shogo Sakata voices Aki. Kensuke Ushio's music and ending songs that change each episode give every episode its own identity.
Strengths
- Cinematic staging with fierce animation
- Distinctive shifts between emotion and humor
- Kensuke Ushio's music and twelve different ending songs
- Rotten Tomatoes 97% and a Best New Series award
Weaknesses
- The cinematic style may not suit those seeking traditional action shonen
- Adapts only Part 1, with the story continuing in the film Reze Arc
- Violence and a dark tone are not for every audience
What Critics Say
Rotten Tomatoes lists 97% from 89 reviews, with the consensus that the series is distinguished by rip-roaring animation and a serrated sense of humor. IGN and Polygon highlighted sudden tonal shifts and excellent action.
The anime won Best New Series at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and the opening "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu ranked second in Hot Animation and fourth on the Hot 100 of Billboard Japan.
Who Is It For
For fans of cinematic-style anime, dark humor and violence. If you want to continue the story, move on to the film Reze Arc after watching all 12 episodes.
OtaHub Score
Verdict
Chainsaw Man is a distinctive anime, strong in staging, music and tone, though its cinematic style will not suit everyone. OtaHub scores it 9.0/10.
FAQ
How many episodes does the Chainsaw Man anime have?
12 episodes, aired October 12 to December 28, 2022.
Where do I continue?
The film Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, released September 19, 2025.
Who performs the opening?
Kenshi Yonezu with "Kick Back".