Hi, I’m Kenta, a huge manga fan from Japan! Chainsaw Man has captivated many fans with its unique world-building and distinct characters. Among them, the most enigmatic and terrifying figure is Makima. She plays a crucial role in the story and ultimately leads to a shocking turn of events. In this article, we’ll delve deep into Makima’s character, her hidden identity, her abilities, and the complex background surrounding her.
Before we begin, please be aware that this article covers the events up to the final chapter of Part 1 of Chainsaw Man, so if you haven’t read it yet and want to avoid spoilers, it’s best to stop here.
Let’s dive into the full picture of Makima’s character!
1. Makima’s Basic Information and Her Allure
1-1. A Kind and Caring Heroine
On the surface, Makima might give off a cold, detached impression, but within the story, she surprisingly shows a caring, nurturing side. She expresses kindness toward the protagonist, Denji, and goes out of her way to support him whenever he is in trouble.
For instance, when Denji first meets Makima, she gently catches him in her arms. Later, when Denji is feeling down, she comforts him by offering him udon and comforting words. Through these interactions, Makima reveals a motherly side to her character, and the bond between her and Denji deepens as the story progresses.
1-2. The Allure of a Femme Fatale
On the other hand, Makima also fully embraces her role as a “femme fatale,” showing her seductive charm in various scenes, especially when teaching Denji about intimate matters. Her allure is striking, particularly in the way she teaches Denji that “the more you know about your partner, the better it feels,” and she even lets him touch her body. This is an example of her bold behavior.
One memorable line from her is when she says, “Even if my eyes are blinded, I’ll be able to tell by the strength of my bite.” This line later becomes a significant foreshadowing in the story and deepens the relationship between Makima and Denji, tying into key plot points.
2. Makima’s True Identity and Powers
2-1. The Control Devil: The Final Boss
As the story unfolds, it’s revealed that Makima is actually the Control Devil. She serves as the mastermind behind much of the plot and ultimately assumes the role of the final antagonist. Devils, in general, are known for their influence over humans, but Makima’s actions make it clear that she views humans only as tools for her purposes, showing no real care for them.
In the series, it’s mentioned that Makima treats humans like dogs, and her cold nature becomes evident. For instance, she can’t remember human faces and only recognizes them by scent. This aspect of her character is foreshadowed when she confuses Denji’s face with that of a shark demon, symbolizing that she sees humans as mere objects.
2-2. Terrifying Abilities of the Control Devil
Makima’s powers reflect her nature as the Control Devil. She possesses the ability to command others, compelling them to obey her will. She can give orders and have her targets obey them without question. For example, she orders Aki (the Angel Devil) to do her bidding, and even after death, she can continue controlling humans and devils alike.
Moreover, Makima can form contracts with the humans and devils she controls, allowing her to harness their powers as well. This enables her to combine the abilities of multiple devils during combat, making her an incredibly dangerous adversary.
3. Makima’s Combat Style and Her Abnormal Power
3-1. Remote Control and Pressure from Her Gaze
Makima’s fighting style is heavily reliant on her remote control abilities. She can use names to exert pressure on others, inflicting physical damage from a distance. This power becomes terrifying for the other Devil Hunters, including characters like Kobeni and Yutaro Kurose, who fear her immense power.
Additionally, Makima possesses the ability to defeat her targets simply by looking at them. This power is reminiscent of the Darkness Devil’s ability and is believed to be a trait of devils who have reached a certain level of power.
3-2. The Use of Animals for Intelligence Gathering
Makima also possesses the ability to use animals for intelligence gathering. She is able to eavesdrop on conversations worldwide using animals like rats, crows, and cats. This power makes her an expert in information warfare, allowing her to manipulate situations from the shadows.
4. Makima’s Death and the Events that Follow
4-1. The Contract with the Japanese Government
Despite how powerful Makima is, she has one significant weakness: her contract with the Japanese Prime Minister. Makima has the ability to resurrect as though she is immortal, by sacrificing Japanese citizens. To defeat her completely, one would need to kill more people than the number of Japanese citizens, a difficult condition that makes her nearly impossible to defeat.
Because of this contract, Makima functions as a deterrent for the Japanese government, making it difficult for other nations to attack Japan. Her very existence is a threat.
4-2. Her Final Defeat and the Role of Denji
In the climax of the story, Denji is the one who ultimately defeats Makima. Despite Makima’s desire to be consumed by Pochita (the Chainsaw Devil), Denji outsmarts her by using the same technique to eat her, effectively erasing her from existence.
This marks the end of Makima’s influence. Denji’s ability to overcome her Control powers and destroy her marks the final resolution of her character arc.
5. The Meaning Behind Makima’s Name
The origin of the name “Makima” comes from Tatsuki Fujimoto, the author, who revealed that the name is derived from “maki” (巻), meaning “巻き,” or “to roll,” implying that Makima is a force that unwinds everything in her path. This reflects her role as a powerful figure who twists and controls events to her advantage.
Though the full meaning behind her name remains a subtle part of the story, it undoubtedly symbolizes her overwhelming power and the “control” she exerts over everyone around her.
6. Conclusion
Makima is one of the most powerful and captivating characters in Chainsaw Man. Her cold, calculating nature and her ability to control others make her an overwhelmingly dominant force in the story. Though she is ultimately defeated by Denji, Makima’s influence persists throughout the series, leaving a lasting impression on readers.
Her character goes beyond just being a villain; she drives much of the narrative, and understanding the depth of her control over the events in the story makes her presence even more significant.
At MangaZamurai, we love analyzing Japanese manga like Chainsaw Man and sharing our insights with manga fans worldwide. We hope you found this analysis of Makima’s character fascinating, and we look forward to bringing you more in-depth discussions of the incredible world of manga! Be sure to check out our other articles and join us as we explore the depths of these captivating stories!
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