Chainsaw Man Episode 1 Review: Dog & Chainsaw, Denji and Pochita

Full spoiler and content warning: Michelle recaps Chainsaw Man Episode 1, "Dog & Chainsaw," from its opening hallway to Makima’s final offer. Expect discussion of blood, dismemberment, body horror, exploitation and zombie violence in this sampler for Michelle Explains Anime, Poorly.Denji is buried under impossible Yakuza debt, selling pieces of his body and hunting devils with Pochita just to keep a roof over his head. Michelle follows his miserable routine through the Tomato Devil job, the cigarette stunt, his coughing fit and the all-important slice of white bread he shares with his chainsaw-dog companion. She also asks the practical question the anime refuses to answer: how is that lonely shack connected to public utilities? Her cat, meanwhile, is sleeping upstairs and contributing exactly nothing.The story turns brutal when the Yakuza betray Denji and reveal their contract with the Zombie Devil. Michelle walks through the stabbing, the dumpster reunion, Pochita and Denji’s new contract and the first full Chainsaw Man transformation. The recap ends with Makima recognizing that Denji is not an ordinary devil and offering him a choice that is caring, controlling and extremely Makima.This is also an animation review. Michelle examines MAPPA’s CG hallway, cars and chainsaw work; the opening theme "KICK BACK" by Kenshi Yonezu; and the ending song "CHAINSAW BLOOD" by Vaundy. She singles out Shinsaku Kozuma and Moaang among the episode’s animators, compares the production with Jujutsu Kaisen and Bocchi the Rock!, and gives the premiere the painstaking, funny scene-by-scene treatment promised in the original notes.LinksEmail Michelle: [email protected]