In the Chainsaw Man manga, fans have been introduced to multiple versions of the iconic titular character —specifically the Red, the Black, and even a fake Chainsaw Man.
With these different forms appearing in the series, especially part 2 of the manga, it can be challenging to distinguish between them and understand their unique attributes.
In this article, I’ll point out the differences between the Red and Black Chainsaw Man, exploring their abilities, and significance in the story.
Red vs Black Chainsaw Man explained:
We have seen the Red Chainsaw Man from the very first chapter of the manga. However, the Black Chainsaw Man, or the Chainsaw Devil, first made its appearance in chapter 83 of the manga, heeding to Makima’s call for help.
The primary distinction between the Red and Black Chainsaw Man lies in their origins and appearances. As revealed by Fami in chapter 135 they can be classified as two different entities.
Explaining the difference, she mentions that the “red” Chainsaw Man is Denji’s familiar hybrid form, and the object of Asa’s affection.
In contrast, the “black” Chainsaw Man represents the former form of Pochita, the Chainsaw Devil, who has devoured the Nuclear Weapons Devil and is the target of Yoru’s revenge.
But here’s the catch. Fami is not exactly a reliable narrator. While yes, the red and black forms are different, they both are essentially the same person.
The Black Chainsaw Man simply appears when Pochita take control of Denji’s body. But more on that later.
The visual differences between the two are quite obvious and notable:
Denji’s Red Chainsaw Man form is the one fans recognize with his red chainsaw head. Apart from the chainsaws sprouting from the head and his arms and sometimes legs, this form retains Denji’s human features.
In contrast, the Black Chainsaw Man is more sinister and devilish. It does have a humanoid body with four chainsaw arms below the elbows and another chainsaw protruding from the front of its head.
However, it’s significantly larger than regular humans and has dark armored plates or scales covering its entire body. A distinctive feature is the intestine wrapped around its neck like a scarf.
Another interesting detail is that the appearance of the Black Chainsaw Man thematically marks the ending or the culmination of a saga. It represents Denji’s catharsis after going through unspeakable events for an extended period of time.
Difference in abilities:
The most significant difference between the Red and Black Chainsaw Man lies in their respective powers.
The Red Chainsaw Man, embodied by Denji, possesses the usual powers of a hybrid.
This includes superhuman strength, regeneration abilities, and the iconic chainsaws that can be summoned from various parts of his body.
Denji’s form is powerful and has allowed him to face various devils and enemies throughout the series. However, his abilities pale in comparison to the Black Chainsaw Man.
The Black Chainsaw Man possesses a unique and terrifying ability that sets it apart from Denji’s form. This version can erase the very names of the devils it consumes.
This power is more profound than simple physical destruction—it removes the existence of these devils from the collective memory of humanity.
It possibly indicates a connection to a more primordial and feared aspect of the Chainsaw Devil’s powers. Notably, Denji, as the Red Chainsaw Man, does not have this ability, which is a key distinction between his form and Pochita’s original, more destructive nature.
On top of that, Denji’s hybrid form’s speed and destructive abilities are also not a match for Pochita original devil form.
How does Denji transform into Black Chainsaw Man?
Denji’s transformation into the Black Chainsaw Man occurs under specific and -let’s say- emotionally intense circumstances.
At first glance, it seems that Denji turns into the Black Chainsaw Man when he is extremely dejected or depressed, but the true explanation runs much deeper, rooted in the contract between Denji and Pochita.
In the very first chapter of Chainsaw Man, Pochita, before becoming Denji’s heart, asks Denji to live a normal life and show him his dreams.
This moment is more than just a heartwarming exchange; it essentially forms a contract between the two. Pochita’s request was not a mere wish—it was a binding agreement that defines their relationship.
When Denji reaches a point where he is so emotionally broken that he can no longer live the normal life he promised to Pochita, this contract comes into play.
Pochita, sensing that Denji is no longer capable of fulfilling his end of the bargain, takes over, probably in an effort to preserve their agreement.
It’s at this critical juncture that Denji’s transformation into the Black Chainsaw Man occurs.
Physically, this transformation is marked by a grotesque and sudden change: a gut-like appendage emerges from Denji’s stomach, wraps around his neck, and knocks him out.
With Denji incapacitated, Pochita assumes control, and the Black Chainsaw Man emerges. This form is a manifestation of Pochita’s original, more fearsome power, taking over when Denji’s will to continue is shattered.
This transformation raises intriguing questions: Is this a unique feature of Denji and Pochita’s bond, or do all hybrids possess a similar fallback form when pushed to their limits?
As of now, the series hasn’t provided a definitive answer, leaving one more aspect of the hybrid devils shrouded in mystery.
But here’s an interesting thing. Barem mentions that Denji’s transformation into the Chainsaw Man was “incomplete”, right before we see Nayuta’s head on the sushi conveyer belt!
Now, we don’t exactly know what he meant by that. It could simply be Barem suggesting that he wanted to break Denji more so that Pochita would take over.
It could also suggest that Denji can eventually gain control over the Black Chainsaw Man or Pochita’s devil form.
What are your thoughts on the Black Chainsaw Man? Let me know in the comments.