Chainsaw Man is brimming with a multitude of adversaries. From Devils hell-bent on wreaking havoc to vengeful Yakuza members plotting against the protagonist, Denji, numerous villains are determined to go after the lovable troublemaker and his loyal companions. However, it becomes evident that only one mastermind is orchestrating the majority of these schemes.
Initially introduced as the Gun Devil, a formidable creature born from the terror surrounding firearms, this antagonist committed a heinous act that left thousands of lives in ruins mere moments after its emergence. Its destructive rampage spanned across the United States, Japan, and even Russia. Nevertheless, despite numerous adversaries proclaiming their allegiance to the Gun Devil, the situation may not be as straightforward as it seems.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Chainsaw Man manga.
The main villain of Chainsaw Man exposed
The Gun Devil, depicted in the image by Tatsuki Fujimoto, serves as Chainsaw Man's primary antagonist. From the early stages of the story, it emerges as a formidable and ultimate adversary that Denji must confront. The Gun Devil's initial onslaught caused immense destruction across numerous countries, prompting a worldwide ban on firearms due to the fear of a potential future assault.
Once Denji becomes a Devil hunter, he becomes the target of relentless pursuit due to his coveted 'Chainsaw heart' by none other than the Gun Devil. Among those who aim to obtain it is the Eternity Devil, who meets a gruesome fate at the hands of Denji. However, this is just the beginning, as more individuals claim to be affiliated with the Gun Devil.
The subsequent adversaries sent by the Gun Devil appear to be the yakuza, launching an assault on Denji and his colleagues at the Public Safety Devil Hunters. This brutal attack results in the death of several supporting characters, led by the infamous 'Katana Man,' also known as 'Samurai Sword' among fans. Armed with weapons procured directly from the Gun Devil, it becomes evident that this too is the Gun Devil's machination.
However, the subsequent threats appear to have little connection to the Gun Devil. One such threat is Reze, an assassin from Russia, who is rumored to serve the Gun Devil but likely only has allegiance to the USSR.
The intense battle between Reze and Denji garners attention from various countries, including America, Germany, China, and an unaligned party, who all make their moves to obtain the heart. This development may lead readers to question the true nature of the Gun Devil, as it may not be the strategic mastermind it was initially portrayed as.
The manipulator in the shadows
Makima is more sinister than she appears. (Image via Studio MAPPA)
Following the disastrous turn of events during the International Assassins arc, which included an unexpected journey to the depths of hell, readers are confronted with a jaw-dropping revelation about the Gun Devil. On the same fateful day it struck, the Gun Devil disintegrated into fragments, its incredible speed causing it to burn up. This sets the stage for a global cold war, as every nation strives to obtain a portion of its remains. However, if the Gun Devil is currently scattered, then who is responsible for orchestrating the unsettling havoc that ensues?
The answer lies with Makima. Soon after, the true identity of Makima as the Control Devil is unveiled. When the United States seeks to utilize their share of the Gun Devil to eliminate Makima, she effortlessly obliterates it. In a chilling twist, she allows the decaying body of Aki, Denji's dear friend, to become the vessel for the dying form of the Gun Devil, resulting in the creation of the monstrous Gun Fiend.
Makima orchestrated the events surrounding the Gun Devil, including the yakuza attack and framing Reze's initial assault as a Gun Devil problem. She deliberately built a seemingly happy life around Denji only to cruelly snatch it away, manipulating him to eliminate the Gun Fiend and then murdering his friend, Power, right before his eyes.
Nevertheless, Denji ultimately defeats Makima, putting an end to her reign of terror. In the process, he gains public acclaim for slaying the Gun Devil. This marks the conclusion of Part 1 of Chainsaw Man, though Denji's journey continues with new adventures and adversaries. Makima emerges as the true villain in this first installment.
Future villains of Chainsaw Man
Denji and Katana Man may not have seen the last of one another. (Image via Studio MAPPA)
However, the demise of Makima does not mark the conclusion of Chainsaw Man. Devotees of the manga are aware that Chainsaw Man continues to progress, introducing a fresh ensemble of characters and adversaries. While a prominent overarching antagonist has yet to emerge, there have been vague references to various impending threats. Of great significance is the mention of the Death Devil, also known as the 'Great King of Terror.'
At present, enthusiasts of Chainsaw Man must patiently anticipate the plans of author Tatsuki Fujimoto. Whether it entails the introduction of a villain as cunning and manipulative as Makima or a villain as direct and merciless as the Gun Devil remains to be seen.
Editor's P/S
Chainsaw Man is a manga series that is full of action, suspense, and gore. The story revolves around Denji, a young man who is transformed into a chainsaw-wielding devil hunter. Denji must use his new powers to fight against the forces of evil, including the Gun Devil, a powerful and mysterious being that is responsible for the deaths of millions of people.
The Gun Devil is a truly terrifying villain. It is a being of pure destruction, and it seems to take pleasure in causing pain and suffering. The Gun Devil is also incredibly powerful, and it has proven to be a formidable opponent for Denji and his friends. However, despite its power, the Gun Devil is not invincible. Denji and his friends are determined to defeat the Gun Devil, and they will stop at nothing to protect humanity from its evil.