AI
Advertisement
Introduction: The Rise of a New Dark Shonen Era
The anime landscape has changed dramatically in the past few years, thanks in large part to two explosive series—Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man. Both shows are not only redefining the traditional shonen formula but are also shaping the future of dark fantasy anime. With cursed energy battles, heart-wrenching deaths, supernatural horror, and morally gray characters, these two titles have taken the anime world by storm.
Jujutsu Kaisen, written by Gege Akutami and animated by Studio MAPPA, follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes entangled in a world of cursed spirits after ingesting the finger of Ryomen Sukuna, the King of Curses. His journey leads him to Tokyo Jujutsu High, where he trains to become a sorcerer under the mentorship of the all-powerful Gojo Satoru. With layered characters like Megumi, Nobara, and chilling villains like Mahito, the show balances philosophical depth with jaw-dropping action.
Meanwhile, Chainsaw Man, based on the manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto, tells the story of Denji, a poverty-stricken teen who merges with his devil dog Pochita to become the titular Chainsaw Man. Denji is recruited into Public Safety by the enigmatic Makima, and he’s thrown into a chaotic world where devils feed off human fears. The series is gritty, unpredictable, absurdly funny, and emotionally devastating all at once.
While both shows share similar production studios and darker tones, they’re entirely different in narrative approach and emotional impact. Jujutsu Kaisen leans more toward traditional shonen storytelling with intricate world-building and classic arcs, whereas Chainsaw Man is a chaotic, genre-bending rollercoaster full of satire, tragedy, and raw brutality.
In this article, we’ll compare Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man across themes, character development, animation quality, emotional stakes, and cultural impact to determine: Which cursed world truly reigns supreme in modern anime?
Themes and Narrative Depth
Jujutsu Kaisen builds a clear but complex system of curses based on negative human emotions, giving the series a supernatural yet philosophical layer. It tackles themes of morality, death, grief, and what it means to die with purpose—exemplified in arcs like the Shibuya Incident and the Death Painting Arc. The cursed energy system mirrors the emotional burdens characters carry, and every battle is a test of character, not just strength.
Chainsaw Man, on the other hand, dives into existential horror and nihilism. It uses devils as metaphors for fear, trauma, and societal decay. Where Jujutsu Kaisen is structured, Chainsaw Man is chaotic. Its themes are more raw and subversive: loneliness, manipulation, toxic love, and the cost of desire. There’s no grand mission—just survival, pain, and fleeting moments of happiness in a collapsing world.
Winner: Chainsaw Man for its bold, unfiltered exploration of humanity’s darkest emotions.
Characters and Protagonist Appeal
In Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji Itadori is a classic shonen protagonist with a twist—he’s optimistic yet deeply burdened by existential questions about death and legacy. His dynamic with Sukuna offers internal conflict, while his bonds with Megumi and Nobara add layers of teamwork and emotional growth.
Meanwhile, Chainsaw Man’s Denji is unlike any shonen protagonist before him. He’s crude, selfish, simple—and incredibly real. His desires are base (food, sleep, affection), yet his emotional evolution is profound. Characters like Power, Aki, and Makima bring out the best and worst in him, culminating in some of the most gut-wrenching anime moments in recent years.
Winner: Chainsaw Man for having one of the most original, painfully human leads in anime history.
Villains and Antagonists
Jujutsu Kaisen offers a rich gallery of villains like Mahito, Jogo, and Suguru Geto, each representing different philosophical extremes. Mahito, in particular, stands out as a sadistic reflection of the worst kind of cursed spirit—born from human hatred and curiosity.
Chainsaw Man’s villains are abstract, terrifying manifestations of fear. From the Eternity Devil to the Gun Devil, each antagonist is conceptual and horrifying. But it’s Makima who steals the spotlight as one of the most manipulative and enigmatic figures in anime. Her psychological control over Denji elevates her to god-tier villainy.
Winner: Chainsaw Man—Makima alone is reason enough.
Animation and Visuals
Both shows are animated by Studio MAPPA, and both are visually stunning. Jujutsu Kaisen is known for its smooth choreography and incredible use of lighting and cursed energy effects. The fight between Gojo and Jogo, or Yuji/Nobara vs Eso & Kechizu, are visual spectacles.
Chainsaw Man, however, leans heavily into cinematic realism. Its muted color palette, hand-held camera feel, and violent realism give it a film-like texture. The 12 unique ending sequences, each with different animation styles and music, showcase unparalleled artistic ambition.
Winner: Chainsaw Man for innovation; Jujutsu Kaisen for combat choreography. Let’s call it a draw.
Sound Design and Music
Jujutsu Kaisen’s OST by Hiroaki Tsutsumi and the iconic opening “Kaikai Kitan” by Eve have become staples in the anime music world. The soundtrack complements the intense fights and emotional beats flawlessly.
Chainsaw Man takes things further. Its opening “Kick Back” by Kenshi Yonezu became an instant classic, and each episode’s ending song (by artists like Aimer, ZUTOMAYO, and syudou) created a different emotional mood. The sound design, from devil screeches to city chaos, is chilling.
Winner: Chainsaw Man for unmatched variety and musical creativity.
Emotional Impact and Deaths
Jujutsu Kaisen punches hard with deaths like Nanami, Kugisaki (ambiguous), and several students in Shibuya. These losses are sudden, brutal, and meaningful—but they’re still within the emotional rhythm of traditional shonen.
Chainsaw Man slaughters expectations. No character is safe. The deaths of Aki, Power, and Himeno leave emotional wreckage behind. The lack of fanfare makes it worse—it feels real, inevitable, and cruel.
Winner: Chainsaw Man. The emotional trauma is unforgettable.
World-Building and Lore
Jujutsu Kaisen provides a detailed magical system, history of sorcerers, and well-structured power scaling. Its world feels alive, from Tokyo Jujutsu High to the cursed zones. The lore is extensive and invites theories and exploration.
Chainsaw Man operates on a more metaphorical level. Devils appear as representations of fears—Gun, Eternity, Darkness. The logic is loose, but the metaphorical strength is unmatched. The ambiguity leaves room for interpretation.
Winner: Jujutsu Kaisen for structure; Chainsaw Man for symbolism.
Cultural Impact and Fandom
Jujutsu Kaisen exploded globally, winning Anime of the Year, topping streaming charts, and becoming a gateway anime for millions. It carries the torch of shonen legends like Naruto and Bleach with modern upgrades.
Chainsaw Man, though newer, inspired intense debate, fan theories, and cosplay—even before the anime aired. The manga had a cult following, and the anime’s unique approach brought a new kind of energy to fandom culture.
Winner: Jujutsu Kaisen for now; Chainsaw Man’s legacy is still building.
Conclusion: Which Cursed World Rules the Genre?
Choosing between Jujutsu Kaisen and Chainsaw Man isn’t easy—they represent two sides of the same cursed coin. Both shows are modern masterpieces in their own right, pushing the boundaries of what shonen anime can be.
Jujutsu Kaisen is the perfect evolution of traditional shonen. It has rich world-building, iconic characters, explosive battles, and a strong emotional core. It’s a polished, refined experience that caters to both newcomers and seasoned anime fans. With arcs like Shibuya Incident and the ongoing Culling Game, the series shows no signs of slowing down.
Chainsaw Man, however, is something different—something revolutionary. It’s a raw, chaotic, artistic exploration of trauma, desire, and existential despair. It throws out the rulebook and dares you to feel uncomfortable. It’s not always “fun,” but it’s unforgettable.
If you’re looking for a structured thrill ride with high-stakes action and a more classic anime feel, Jujutsu Kaisen is your best bet. But if you crave subversion, emotional risk, and narrative chaos, Chainsaw Man delivers like nothing else.
In the end, there is no true winner—only your personal taste. But one thing is certain: these cursed worlds have already left an eternal mark on anime history.