Chainsaw Man has rapidly gained prominence in the anime industry, particularly due to its innovative power system. In contrast to Jujutsu Kaisen, which focuses on a traditional conflict between sorcerers wielding curses and dark sorcery, Chainsaw Man introduces a vibrant and dynamic method through its devil-based abilities.
In Jujutsu Kaisen, protagonist Yuji Itadori joins an exorcist faction after consuming a powerful cursed object. Conversely, Chainsaw Man sets forth a parallel narrative featuring Denji, a young man who forms a bond with a devil and becomes a devil hunter to pay off his father’s debts.
This contrast illustrates how Chainsaw Man’s unique power system distinguishes it from other series and expands the limits of creativity, a feature that is somewhat lacking in Jujutsu Kaisen.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer’s opinion and contains spoilers from the manga.
Exploring the Creative Power System of Chainsaw Man Compared to Jujutsu Kaisen
In anime, power systems often dictate the creative possibilities of a series. The power system in Jujutsu Kaisen revolves around cursed energy. Characters utilize it to perform a myriad of techniques, ranging from basic attacks to intricate curses.
Sorcerers such as Yuji Itadori combat curses using their powers, which involve strength and manipulation of cursed energy. This framework relies on conventional notions of spiritual conflict, emphasizing a good versus evil battle through curses and exorcism.
In contrast, Chainsaw Man adopts an unconventional power system founded on the relationship between humans and devils. Individuals can acquire devil powers through agreements or transformations.
The main character, Denji, acquires abilities by merging with a devil, allowing him to convert parts of his body into chainsaws. This introduces a wide array of abilities stemming from the nature and strengths of the devils.
In Chainsaw Man, devils originate from human fears, and each devil embodies a specific concept such as blood, war, or death. The strength of a devil correlates directly with the intensity of fear linked to that concept. Devils regenerate by consuming blood, whether from humans or other devils.
Among the most formidable devils are the Four Horsemen: Control, War, Famine, and Death, who represent fundamental fears and wield influence over others. Additionally, there are the Primal Devils, which symbolize deep-seated anxieties inherent to human instinct and have never been slain. Fiends are devils that inhabit human corpses, granting them physical presence but constraining their full power.
The creative essence of its power system lies in its unpredictability and imaginative scale. For instance, in chapter 177, Yoru’s attack epitomizes this innovation by causing a massive and instantaneous loss of fingers for approximately 400,000 members of the National Pistol Association in the United States.
This imaginative scale transcends traditional localized effects, showcasing Yoru’s capability to impact a vast number of individuals through a singular action.
Final Thoughts
While Jujutsu Kaisen employs a more traditional cursed energy framework aligned with classic spiritual combat, Chainsaw Man presents a unique and refreshing approach through its devil-based abilities.
The power to influence substantial crowds with a single gesture, as seen in Yoru’s attack during chapter 177, highlights the wide-ranging and creative nature of the Chainsaw Man power system.
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