Series & First Appearance
Makima (マキマ) is a central character in the manga and anime series Chainsaw Man, created by Tatsuki Fujimoto. She first appears in Chapter 1 of the manga, which debuted in Weekly Shōnen Jump on December 3, 2018, and continues to play a significant role throughout the series. The anime adaptation premiered on October 11, 2022, produced by MAPPA.
Profile at a Glance
Makima’s age is ambiguous, but she appears to be in her mid-to-late twenties. She serves as a Public Safety Devil Hunter and operates as a key antagonist in the series. Makima is later revealed to be the Control Devil, possessing the power to manipulate and control others, which she seeks to use to bring the Chainsaw Devil, Denji, under her influence. Her ultimate goal is to eliminate fears from the world.
Personality & Motivations
Makima is depicted as calm, manipulative, and highly intelligent. She exhibits an unwavering and obsessive fascination with Denji, the Chainsaw Devil, and has grand ambitions of creating an "ideal" world devoid of fear and suffering. Notable quirks include her subtle yet powerful charisma, which allows her to command loyalty and submission from those around her. Her iconic line, “Chainsaw Man, you’re my pet,” encapsulates her possessive nature toward Denji and her overall worldview.
Abilities / Powers
Makima possesses a myriad of formidable abilities as the Control Devil. She can manipulate people and devils, forcing them to act according to her will. This includes resurrecting those who die under her control and erasing their memories, making her one of the most dangerous entities in the Chainsaw Man universe. Her combat style is strategic, utilizing her powers for manipulation rather than direct confrontation, although she is also able to exert considerable physical force if required. However, her powers are reliant on the belief and acceptance of those she controls, which can be a limitation if they resist or doubt her influence.
Major Story Arcs & Growth
A critical turning point for Makima occurs during the "Public Safety Arc," where her hidden agenda gradually unfolds. She manipulates alliances and betrayals while pursuing Denji, ultimately revealing her true identity as the Control Devil in later chapters. This culminates in intense confrontations that shape Denji’s character and challenge notions of freedom and control. Her unyielding pursuit of an ideal world at the cost of countless lives reveals her complex moral ambiguity, further enriching her character depth.
Notable Relationships
Makima’s relationships are pivotal to her character. Her dynamic with Denji is particularly significant; she views him as both a tool and an object of obsession. Additionally, her interactions with other characters like Aki Hayakawa and Power showcase her ruthlessness and the emotional turmoil she induces in them. Her manipulative relationships often leave emotional scars, illustrating her power’s psychological implications.
Iconic Moments & Quotes
One of Makima’s most memorable moments occurs in Chapter 83, where she effortlessly reaffirms her dominance by declaring, “I didn’t die,” after a shocking confrontation. This moment not only highlights her resilience but also her enigmatic nature, heightening the suspense around her character. Another iconic scene includes her interaction with Denji when she states, “You are my pet,” solidifying her possessive view of him and serving as a catalyst for Denji’s internal struggle throughout the series.
Trivia & Behind-the-Scenes
Makima has garnered significant popularity within the Chainsaw Man fandom, accumulating over 16,798 favorites on various platforms. Her voice in the Japanese adaptation is provided by Tomori Kusunoki, while Suzie Yeung voices her in the English dub, adding layers to her character through vocal performance. The stark contrast between her gentle demeanor and ruthless ambitions has made her a compelling figure in contemporary anime and manga. Additionally, her design reflects the classic “woman in control” trope, often drawing comparisons to other powerful female characters in anime history.
With her complex moral framework, emotional manipulation, and overarching narrative importance, Makima remains one of the most intriguing and enigmatic characters in Chainsaw Man, inviting fans to analyze the depths of her motivations and the consequences of her actions within the series.
