Is Chainsaw Man’s New Animation Style a Smart Move? Exploring Its Impact on the Series

The anime adaptation of Chainsaw Man generated immense anticipation prior to its release, largely due to the stellar reputation of the MAPPA studio and the beloved original manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto. Following the journey of Denji, a devil hunter striving to fulfill his dreams, the first season of the anime succeeded in delivering a visually rich experience and received significant acclaim from both fans and critics.

Despite a successful launch and an influx of new viewers, the series fell short of making a lasting cultural impact, especially when compared to other modern hits like Demon Slayer and Jujutsu Kaisen. Over the two years since the anime concluded, fans have speculated the reasons for this, with many pointing to the visual approach as a primary factor. Critiques have focused on the CGI elements and an overall color palette that some felt detracted from the darker themes of Fujimoto’s narrative.

As attention shifts to the upcoming film titled Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, the project promises a significant visual transformation. Directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara, known for his work on Black Clover, the film aims to reconcile the visual style with the essence of Fujimoto’s manga. The newly released trailer at Jump Festa 2025 has stirred excitement, particularly among fans who were dissatisfied with the initial anime adaptation. However, mixed opinions have emerged, with some asserting that the new aesthetic represents a decline in quality. Balancing fan expectations seems to be a challenging endeavor.

Chainsaw Man’s New Movie Introduces a Fresh Visual Style

A New Creative Team Takes a Different Approach to Chainsaw Man

Promotional image from Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc

Notably, the first season of Chainsaw Man was helmed by director Ryu Nakayama, who infused the series with cinematic elements that paid homage to Fujimoto’s passion for film. While this resulted in a visually stunning adaptation, it also garnered significant criticism from a vocal segment of the fanbase.

Since the conclusion of Season One, Nakayama has departed MAPPA to establish his own studio, allowing Tatsuya Yoshihara to take over. Early glimpses from the new trailers reveal that the visual direction has shifted dramatically, moving away from the subdued tones and instead embracing a brighter, more vibrant palette. Moreover, character designs appear to reflect Fujimoto’s original style more faithfully, albeit with a simpler aesthetic.

The action sequences, although challenging to evaluate due to the rapid pacing in the trailer, suggest a reduction in CGI usage. While the first season incorporated CGI heavily, drawing mixed responses from fans, the current trailer hints at a transition towards hand-drawn animation, reminiscent of the style seen in the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen.

The Reze Arc Movie Aims to Embrace Fujimoto’s Distinct Style

The Latest Trailer Appears to Showcase Fujimoto’s Unique Artistry

Watch the trailer here

A key point of contention among fans was that the first season of Chainsaw Man struggled to encapsulate the essence of Fujimoto’s source material, particularly in sequences dominated by CGI. This sentiment is valid; Fujimoto’s art is characterized by a rough and chaotic style that adds depth to action scenes with intricate line work and aggressive impact. However, the almost flawless and polished nature of CGI often detracted from this rawness, leading to criticism.

Director Tatsuya Yoshihara has emphasized that his team is dedicated to preserving the spirit of Chainsaw Man. The new trailer exemplifies this commitment, featuring a busier animation style that highlights the intensity and weight of the battles through intricate hand-drawn techniques rather than relying on CGI. It remains to be seen how much CGI will play a role in the film’s action, yet indications point toward a purposeful restraint in its use.

The Reze Arc Promises Epic, Large-Scale Action Sequences

Action Reaches New Heights in the Reze Arc

Intense action from Chainsaw Man's Reze Arc

Action plays a significant role in defining Chainsaw Man, and the Reze Arc features some of the most chaotic and spectacular battles in the entire narrative. Positioned relatively early in the storyline, it poses a considerable challenge for MAPPA to animate, especially with complex scenes involving major characters like the Bomb Devil and unique combat scenarios inspired by Denji’s fearless heroics. This arc presents a prime opportunity for the adaptation to win over fans who were less than pleased with the earlier series.

If the film can authentically reflect Fujimoto’s artistic vision, it is likely to attract a fresh wave of fans. After a prolonged hiatus, the Chainsaw Man anime is poised for a comeback, with promising changes that may enhance its appeal. While some long-time viewers may remain fond of Season One’s visual style, the new trailer indicates an exhilarating action experience that is sure to resonate with audiences. Currently, no official release date has been announced for the film, but enthusiasts are encouraged to stay tuned for updates.

Source & Images