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Chainsaw Man (2022) ~ Anime Talk

I finished watching the anime, but I don't really have the time to actually write down how I feel about it. I don't know where I should start, honestly, but here we go...

Manga Cover Design 

Before talking about the anime, I would like to take a moment to appreciate the manga cover.

Story & Art : Fujimoto, Tatsuki
Serialization : Shounen Jump+ 

As someone who self-learned 'some' graphic design back in my college days, I've got an eye for these things. And let me tell you, the cover of Chainsaw Man...It's a thing of pure beauty.

I've always love neon colors for as long as I can remember, and when I first stumbled upon this series (we're talking way before the series got adapt into anime), I was absolutely mesmerized by the manga cover.

It's one of those covers that make you want to reach out and grab the book, even if you have no idea what's inside. A visual treat for my eyes. So, hats off to the creative minds behind that eye-catching cover!

Anime Character Design 

The second is, of course, the CHARACTER DESIGN. Look at these...

Title : Chainsaw Man
Studios : MAPPA
Premiered : Fall 2022
Total Episodes: 12
MAL Score : 8.55⭐

Now, let's shift our gaze to the anime poster. Sure, the colors might be a bit more grounded in reality compared to the vibrant manga cover, but one thing's for certain – MAPPA studio did an excellent job of bringing this manga to life on the screen.

The poster itself is a work of art. It's a visual invitation to dive into the world of Chainsaw Man. The attention to detail, the way they've captured the essence of the series, it's all there, and it's no small feat. Kudos to the talented team at MAPPA for their outstanding work in adapting this remarkable manga into an equally remarkable anime series.

The Mangaka is a Tarantino Fan 

I feel like I will always love someone who also loves Tarantino's movies. The Mangaka, Fujimoto-sensei, is a Tarantino movie fan, just like me. From one of the articles that I read, they said that the Public Safety Devil Hunter's uniform was inspired by Reservoir Dog. They look so cool, so I'm not complaining...

The Animation 

Let's talk about Studio MAPPA for a second – they know a thing or two about the art of blending 2D and 3D CGI. They've got an impressive track record with series like Inuyashiki, Dorohedoro, and the final season of Shingeki no Kyojin.

Now, you might be wondering why 3D CGI is even a thing in anime. Well, here's the deal – 3D CGI models can be a real game-changer. They're versatile, you see. They can be used over and over again, and the camera angle? Well, that can be taken from a whole different perspective. This not only makes life a tad easier for the hardworking anime staff but also does wonders for the overall cost of anime production.

As for me, I'm not particularly bothered by 3D CGI in anime. It's all about how skillfully the team blends it with the 2D elements. When it's done right, it can truly enhance the viewing experience, and Studio MAPPA is definitely no stranger to this art.

Now, let's dive into the nitty-gritty – the fight scenes. Have you ever noticed the 3D CGI in action? It's hard to miss in some instances, but here's the thing, they've done a darn good job of making it work seamlessly with the 2D background and elements. It's like they've got this magical ability to blend it all together, and it's nothing short of impressive.

Take, for example, this clip from one of the fight scenes. Sure, the 3D CGI is clearly visible, but it doesn't overshadow the awesomeness. Instead, it's part of the grand spectacle. The rubble, the smoke, the blood effects – all flawlessly integrated. And let's not forget about the camera angles. Oh boy, they've nailed it in every single fight scene. 

It's moments like these that remind me why I'm totally on board with Studio MAPPA's approach. They know how to make it all work, and the result? Well, it's pure anime magic!

Not Just the Fight Animation 

Again, I wanna thank the anime production staff for giving us Aki's daily routine scene. It was, well, chef's kiss perfect.

Now, I get it – it's not one of those heart-pounding, intense fight scenes with blood splatters and all. But here's the deal – sometimes, in the midst of all the chaos and heartache, we all need that peaceful daily life moment. It's like a gentle breeze for the soul, a moment to catch our breath before the anime decides to pull our heartstrings and leave us in emotional turmoil once more.

So, let's take a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the team behind the scenes for recognizing the importance of these serene interludes. They're the breath of fresh air that keeps us grounded amidst the chaos, and for that, we say thank you.

The Opening and Ending Theme Song

For the love of God, they did not only have one of the best animation and character design but also one of the best Theme Song of all time. Imagine having a banger OP Song but also 12 ED Song for every episode. They even animate every song with a different story that match the lyric and the story of each episode.

OP Theme Song : "KICK BACK" by Kenshi Yonezu

First...THE OPENING ANIMATION IS A F-ING COMBINATION OF ICONIC MOVIE SCENES. The staff was so creative when they said that they wanna put a lot of movie reference on a single animation sequence just because they thought that it would be fun and unique. Once again. thank you for doing this MAPPA because IT LOOKS FUN.

And let's not overlook something I mentioned earlier – those 12 ending (ED) songs, one for each episode. These little musical gems were meticulously crafted, not just as an afterthought but as a crucial part of the storytelling.

The magic lies in how each song seamlessly aligns with its respective episode. The lyrics, animation style, and the overall mood are all perfectly synchronized. It's like they have a song for every emotion, every twist, and every turn in the story.

These ED songs aren't just a pleasant way to wrap up an episode; they're an integral part of the whole experience, enhancing our connection to the anime in ways words can't fully describe. It's just another testament to the attention to detail and dedication of the creative team behind the series.

ED Theme Song 1 : "CHAINSAW BLOOD" by Vaundy

ED Theme Song 2 : "残機" by ZUTTOMAYO
Romaji/English Title : Zangki/Time Left

ED Theme Song 3 : "刃渡り2億センチ" by Maximum the Hormone
Romaji/English Title : HAWATARI NIOKU CENTI/2-hundred‐million‐centimeter‐long blades 

ED Theme Song 4 : "錠剤" by TOOBOE
Romaji/English Title : tablet

ED Theme Song 5 : "インザバックルーム" by Syudou
Romaji/English Title : In the Back Room

ED Theme Song 6 : "大脳的なランデブー" by Kanaria
Romaji/English Title : Rendezvous

ED Theme Song 7 : "ちゅ、多様性。" by ano
Romaji/English Title : Chu,Tayousei.

ED Theme Song 8 : "first death" by TK from Ling Tosite Sigure

ED Theme Song 9 : "Deep down" by Aimer

ED Theme Song 10 : "DOGLAND" by PEOPLE 1

ED Theme Song 11 : "バイオレンス" by QUEEN BEE
Romaji/English Title : VIOLENCE 

ED Theme Song 12 : "ファイトソング" by Eve
Romaji/English Title : FightSong 

Now, if you're anything like me and have a soft spot for Vocaloid, you're in for a treat. When I first got wind that Kanaria and Kenshi Yonezu, alongside other sensational utaite like Eve and Syudou, were onboard to produce the music for this anime, I couldn't contain my excitement.

It's a dream team of talents coming together to create the soundtrack for our anime journey. Kanaria, Kenshi Yonezu, Eve, and Syudou – these names alone are enough to send shivers down the spine of any Vocaloid enjoyer. Their work isn't just about melodies; it's about emotions, and it's bound to add a layer of depth and resonance to the series.

So, for all of us who appreciate the magic of Vocaloid and the artistry of these music maestros, this anime's soundtrack promises to be something truly special.

The Story itself

Alright, let's get a few things straight here. Just because I admire the Manga cover doesn't automatically make me a Manga reader. No, no, for now, I'm only an Anime watcher (for now). 

Now, onto the story. It's actually quite good. One thing I noticed early on, like in the first three episodes, is this distinct formula where you've got your male-female-male lead characters, which seems to be a recurring theme in Shounen Manga. Naruto and Jujutsu Kaisen have used a similar pattern. But you know what? It's like a formula that just works. It doesn't bother me because despite the familiar structure, each story manages to bring something unique and different to the table.

Now, here's the kicker – I'm a sucker for dark-fantasy gore anime, and this one really hits the spot. Denji, he's a goofball number one. Power? Well, she's goofball number two. And then there's Aki, who's like the responsible mom trying to keep these two in line. But, above all, Makima, she's the real 'Mommy.'

Fun fact : Makima's name comes from the word Ma-ki-Ma ~ MaMa acording to Tatsuki Fujimoto

I've always had a soft spot for – calm yet mysterious characters. You know the type, right? The ones who often turn out to be the villain, the most sinister figures, or even the masterminds behind it all. There's something about those wtf moments when their true motives are unveiled, that's incredibly satisfying to me. Those shocking plot twists make every ounce of attention and time I invest in watching anime or movies truly worth it.

Summary

Now, onto my overall thoughts about Chainsaw Man. It's a good series, no doubt about it. The animation is top-notch, and that theme song? A hit! no question. But here's where I stand – it's a solid 8/10 for me.

Yes, it's a fantastic show, but I can't overlook some of the 3D CGI moments I mentioned earlier. Not every scene, mind you, but there are bits that bother me. And then there's the pacing, which at times feels a bit too slow for my liking. Maybe it's just me, but I can't help but wish we had a full 24 episodes instead of the 12 we got. It feels like the ending barely scratched the surface of the main conflict and problems lurking within the world of Public Safety Devil Hunter.

But credit where credit's due, the MAPPA team deserves a perfect 10/10 for their unwavering effort in bringing this series to life. Good job, folks! Your hard work and dedication certainly didn't go unnoticed.

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