Summary
- Makima's manipulation tactics create emotional dependence and instill fear in characters.
- Makima's calculated control is slowly revealed, blurring the line between villainy and altruism.
- Fujimoto's portrayal of Makima as a charismatic and terrifying figure makes her a deeply unsettling antagonist.
Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man, crafts an intricate narrative of chaos, loyalty, and control, with Makima as its centerpiece. From her introduction, Makima exerts a gravitational pull—not only on the series’ protagonist, Denji, but on readers as well. While her chilling control over other characters is evident, what sets Makima apart as a truly compelling antagonist is her ability to manipulate the audience.
Through calculated dialogue, unnerving composure, and moral ambiguity, Fujimoto ensures that Makima is as much a psychological force on the reader as she is within the world of Chainsaw Man. However, that’s not all Makima amounts to, and while her antics might seem tailor-made for anime, they work in real life just as well, making her arguably one of the scariest anime characters.
Chainsaw Man: The Unsettling Mystery Surrounding Makima
The fans were under the assumption of Makima was eccentric, albeit interesting. However, recent events have shown an unsettling, brutal side to her.
The Power of Perception and How it Affects the Watcher
Makima’s First Impressions
Makima’s introduction in the first chapter is designed to elicit a complex reaction. Her calm demeanor and gentle smile contrast sharply with the brutal violence surrounding Denji’s world. Her striking ringed eyes and formal attire exude authority, while her seemingly kind gestures—feeding and clothing Denji—present her as a savior.
Currently I’m Into Denji Type Boys.
Yet, her words, “If you’re my pet, I’ll give you food,” hint at the coercive power dynamic that defines their relationship. For readers, this mix of warmth and dominance plants an early seed of suspicion while lulling them into a false sense of security. Is she simple, or does she just want to appear simple?
A Masterclass in Manipulation
There's Alot Happening Behind the Scenes
Makima’s behavior aligns closely with psychological manipulation tactics. Below is how she wields her power over characters—and by extension, the reader.
| Manipulation Tactic | Makima’s Actions | Psychological Effect |
| Love-Bombing and Flattery | Makima promises Denji affection and rewards him for obedience (e.g., letting him touch her chest, offering dates). | Creates dependence; Denji feels validated only through her approval. |
| Gaslighting and Guilt | She blames Denji for Aki and Power’s deaths, making him question his worth and responsibility. | Undermines Denji’s confidence, leaving him emotionally vulnerable and compliant. |
| Dehumanization | Refers to Denji as her “dog,” reinforcing his subservience and eroding his sense of self-worth. | Normalizes a master-pet dynamic, reducing resistance to her control. |
| Fear and Threats | Threatens to kill Denji if he disobeys orders (e.g., chapter 2’s ultimatum about fighting a devil). | Instills fear, ensuring compliance through coercion. |
| Isolation | Positions herself as Denji’s sole source of affection and stability, discouraging his reliance on others. | Deepens Denji’s emotional dependence on her. |
| False Promises | Claims she will make the world a better place, but her actions (e.g., mass destruction) reveal ulterior motives. | Confuses the reader and characters, creating doubt about her true intentions. |
Makima’s Hold on the Reader
Slow-Acting Poison is Less Lethal
What makes Makima particularly chilling is her ability to manipulate the reader’s perception. Her actions are undeniably cruel, yet her calm demeanor and cryptic justifications allow her to evade outright villain status for much of the series. Even when her methods become increasingly ruthless—such as presenting a bag of severed eyeballs or coercing Denji into killing Aki—there is always a lingering question: Is she really evil, or is she pursuing a greater good?
This ambiguity mirrors real-life manipulation tactics, where perpetrators often mask their true intentions with charm and authority. Makima’s unsettling lack of emotional expression further disorients the audience. Her few moments of apparent vulnerability, such as crying during a movie, feel almost inhuman—eliciting both pity and unease.
The Turning Point of it All
When the Mask Falls and The Puppetmaster is Revealed
The revelation that Makima is the Control Devil recontextualizes her every action. What appeared as kindness is exposed as calculated control. Her ultimate goal—to use the Chainsaw Devil for her own desires—shatters any illusions of altruism. Yet, this revelation is not a traditional “twist.”
Fujimoto expertly plants clues throughout the narrative, from Makima’s ominous dialogue to the fear she inspires in characters like Kishibe.
Dogs who don’t obey are euthanized
The reader’s realization mirrors Denji’s: a slow, dawning horror that they, too, have been under Makima’s spell. By aligning the audience’s journey with Denji’s, Fujimoto ensures that Makima’s manipulation extends beyond the page.
The Psychological Depth of Makima
A Masterful Antagonist
Makima’s character is rooted in psychological realism, drawing parallels to abusive relationships and authoritarian control. Her methods—flattery, fear, and gaslighting—are disturbingly relatable, reflecting tactics used by real-world manipulators. This realism amplifies her impact, making her not only a memorable villain but a deeply unsettling one.
Makima’s power lies not only in her supernatural abilities but in her mastery of psychological manipulation. Through controlling the perceptions of both characters and readers, she transcends the traditional antagonist role, becoming a symbol of dominance and deceit. Fujimoto’s portrayal of Makima as both charismatic and terrifying ensures her place as one of the most interesting villains in modern manga.
Ironically, Makima’s greatest triumph—and tragedy—is her desire for love. Her manipulation ultimately stems from her inability to form genuine connections, making her downfall both fitting and poignant. As Denji defeats her not with brute force but with empathy, the story of Chainsaw Man delivers a powerful message: even the most fearsome control can be broken by understanding and humanity.
Chainsaw Man
Display card tags widget Display card community and brand rating widget Display card main info widget- Release Date
- 2022 - 2022
Chainsaw Man is an action-heavy shonen anime that follows Denji, a guy who fuses with a devil called Pochita. The show is based on a manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto.
- Cast
- Kikunosuke Toya, Tomori Kusunoki, Shogo Sakata, Fairouz Ai, Mariya Ise, Karin Takahashi, Taku Yashiro, Kenjiro Tsuda, Haruo Satou, Eri Saito, Kouki Miyata, Mitsutoshi Shundo, Yuhko Kaida, Takehiro Hasu, Maaya Uchida, Natsuki Hanae, Yamato Kinjo, Ayumu Murase, Chikahiro Kobayashi, Kozue Saito, Yuuya Uchida, Hironori Kondo, Yoshihito Sasaki, Hitomi Ueda, Sara Matsumoto, Motoki Sakuma, Kousuke Oonishi, Tadashi Muto, Takashi Uezumiya, Masao Komaya
- Writers
- Hiroshi Seko
- Seasons
- 1
- Studio
- MAPPA
- Based On
- Manga
- Creator
- Tatsuki Fujimoto
- Story By
- tatsuki fujimoto
- Number of Episodes
- 12
- Streaming Service(s)
- Hulu, Crunchyroll
- MyAnimeList Score
- 8.47
