hero-image

Fujimoto's obsession with films could explain Pochita's true powers in Chainsaw Man

The Chainsaw Man author's obsession with films is pretty renowned in the community, as the opening song of his magnum opus's anime adaptation was inspired by his favorite movies.

Even though there were only a few horror movies in the author's favorites, this genre might play a big role in the series, and it has to do with the powers of the Chainsaw Devil, Pochita. The recent talk among fans is that Pochita isn't the Chainsaw Devil in the true sense, and this might be the case if the concept of chainsaws from horror inspires his character.

In the horror genre, chainsaws are just a tool used to evoke emotions in the viewers during the movie. However, as soon as the movie ends, the horror disappears, explaining Pochita's powers to eliminate devils from existence.

Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers from the Chainsaw Man manga series and has the author's opinion.


Chainsaw Man: Exploring the relationship between Pochita and chainsaws in filmography

The devil form of Pochita (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto/Shueisha)
The devil form of Pochita (Image via Tatsuki Fujimoto/Shueisha)

During the final fight against Makima in the Control Devil arc of Chainsaw Man, Denji gives up his will to live and surrenders his life to the Control Devil. However, Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil, took over his host's body in time, and Denji transformed into the devil in the form of his chainsaw man transformation.

In this transformation, any devil Denji killed was removed from existence. While some fans think a sinister devil from some mythology might inspire this power, a film genre might also play a role, and the author's obsession with films proves it.

The first season of Chainsaw Man featured an anime opening that combined references from Tatsuki Fujimoto's favorite movies. Some of these movies include Jacobs Ladder, Constantine, and Pulp Fiction.

Another favorite from this set of movies was The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a horror movie explaining the terror of a chainsaw. This terror might explain the logic behind the true powers of the Chainsaw Devil.

Pochita as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)
Pochita as seen in the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Horror movies create fear of trivial things that only last until the movie is over. A prime example is chainsaws, which are typically used to cut wood. Even though this terror might be limited to the movie's span, it could return if it is rewatched. This description of how chainsaws create horror might be the true way of how Pochita's powers as a chainsaw devil exist.

Just like the terror created through horror movies that only lasts for the movie's span, the lives of devils only last until they don't cross paths with the Chainsaw devil. Similarly, as the temporary terror of the chainsaws can return on rewatching a movie, the Chainsaw Devil can recover from any injury as long as enough blood is at its disposal. So Pochita might be the Fear Devil in reality.


Final thoughts

Horror movies are always a hit or miss among the fans, given how most watchers don't think of terrors created by things like chainsaws. This might also be why this genre is still considered niche to this day. However, if Tatsuki Fujimoto actually utilized this concept to create the Chainsaw Devil, it might be a good throwback to the media the Chainsaw Man author loved his whole life.


Related Links

  • Pochita may not be the Chainsaw Devil after all
  • Chainsaw Man: Why Pochita is the key to everything, explained
  • Pochita might eat the Eye Devil next, and Chainsaw Man fans fear how the chapter will look
You may also like