The creator of Chainsaw Man, Tatsuki Fujimoto, is celebrated as an extraordinary talent, yet he also recognizes himself as an avid fan of cinema, drawing inspiration from various sources that he encounters and absorbs. In essence, the work Chainsaw Man is infused with a multitude of diverse influences, merging into a unique creation.
If you’re curious why Chainsaw Man has gained such immense popularity, part of the answer lies in Fujimoto’s skillful integration of storytelling and visual artistry, which evokes an incredibly fresh and wild sensation.
Below are some of the key influences that Tatsuki Fujimoto drew upon to create Chainsaw Man:
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Fujimoto revealed during a presentation at the 10th anniversary event of MAPPA that the iconic horror film The Texas Chainsaw Massacre significantly inspired his interest in chainsaws. It’s entirely fitting that Chainsaw Man draws inspiration from the most famous chainsaw in film history, featured in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.
Kizumonogatari
The Monogatari series has been extensively praised for its distinctive narrative style and visual storytelling. The events of Kizumonogatari—a trilogy released in 2016—have had a profound impact on the crucial moments in the storyline of Chainsaw Man. Many other sources also suggest it draws inspiration from some of the series’ most notable battles, particularly the clash between Koyomi Araragi and Shinobu Oshino.
Abara
Abara is a shorter manga series compared to Chainsaw Man, consisting of only two volumes. However, its content is extremely unique and intense. This work was nominated for the Eisner Award and has distinct markings associated with Fujimoto.
Abara is set in a dystopian world characterized by towering skyscrapers. The story revolves around mysterious beings known as Gauna, who can transform their bodies into protective armor and engage in fierce battles. The transformation process begins when a Gauna’s body is formed into a protective layer with multiple levels. Abara commences with a creature that inhabits a city. A character named Kazuki Fuse has a significant encounter with this being…
The themes may seem familiar, particularly in relation to circumstances within Chainsaw Man. When Chainsaw Man surpassed 3 million copies in 2020, Fujimoto referred to his work as “Abara Pop.”
FLCL
Furi Kuri, or FLCL, is a distinctive anime series, especially popular in the United States. In 2020, Tatsuki Fujimoto described Chainsaw Man as “the FLCL of horror.” This suggests that the FLCL series not only inspired Chainsaw Man but also may have influenced certain key characters. Notably, Makima has similarities to Haruko Haruhara, a significant character from FLCL.
Jin-Roh
Jin-Roh: The Wolf Brigade is a lesser-known animated film from 1999, written by Mamoru Oshii, the director of Ghost in the Shell. This film dives deep into the psychological struggles of Kazuki Fuse, a soldier who becomes entangled in a tragic event involving a young girl. Fujimoto has explicitly stated that Jin-Roh was an influence on the character Reze in Chainsaw Man, showcasing his narrative style.
The Big Lebowski
Interestingly, one of the most beloved characters from Chainsaw Man draws direct inspiration from another classic film: Walter Sobchak from The Big Lebowski. Sobchak’s character, with his intense and aggressive demeanor, serves as a primary influence for the unique and fierce duo of Denji and Power. This was revealed in a conversation Fujimoto had during his interview at Jump Festa 2021.
