Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto is one of the most acclaimed manga of the decade, and MAPPA's anime adaptation is a visual landmark. This guide covers the current watch order, what's coming with the Reze Arc film, where to continue in the manga and where to stream legally.
Complete Watch Order
- Chainsaw Man Season 1 (2022) · 12 episodes. Covers the Public Safety Arc (Part 1, volumes 1-11). Denji becomes a Devil Hunter for the Public Safety Division, battles demons and navigates complicated relationships with Makima, Power and Aki. MAPPA production; cinematic direction by Ryū Nakayama.
- Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc (theatrical film, upcoming). Covers the Bomb Girl Arc (volumes 8-11 in the manga). Introduces Reze, a Devil with bomb powers, who disrupts Denji's life. MAPPA confirmed this as a theatrical film. Essential viewing once released — it is the direct next chapter.
- Manga Part 2: Chainsaw Man — School Arc (2022–ongoing). Not yet animated. Picks up after the events of Part 1 with Chainsaw Man reappearing in a school setting. A fresh cast alongside returning characters.
Season 1 Arc Summary
| Episodes | Arc | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Introduction | Denji's life as a debt-slave devil hunter, Pochita, transformation |
| 3–4 | Bat Devil Arc | Power and the bat devil; first major battle |
| 5–8 | Eternity Devil Arc | Trapped in a hotel loop; Denji vs the Eternity Devil |
| 9–12 | Katana Man Arc | Betrayal, Aki's backstory, Makima's true nature hinted |
Where to Continue in the Manga
If the anime left you wanting more, the manga is the direct next step:
- Part 1, volumes 11–11 — the Reze Arc, covered by the upcoming film. You may want to wait for the film and then read to confirm the adaptation.
- Part 1, volumes 12+ (Control Devil Arc, Gun Devil, Dark Ocean Arc…) — all of the dramatic conclusions that the anime hasn't reached yet. Spoiler-heavy: proceed carefully if you prefer to wait for animated adaptations.
- Part 2 (School Arc, from vol. 1) — safe to read anytime; it's a fresh start with minimal Part 1 spoilers if you've already seen Season 1.
Chainsaw Man Part 1 is complete (11 volumes). Part 2 is ongoing. Available in English from Viz Media.
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Where to Watch Chainsaw Man Legally
| Platform | Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Crunchyroll | Season 1 | Most reliable; sub + dub |
| Amazon Prime Video | Season 1 | Available in most regions |
| Disney+ | Season 1 | Available in select regions |
Japanese Folk Horror and Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man draws heavily from yokai (妖怪) tradition — Japan's rich mythology of supernatural creatures — and reinterprets it through an ultra-violent, postmodern lens. The Devils of the series are embodiments of human fears (the Darkness Devil, the Gun Devil, the Bomb Devil), echoing the Japanese folk belief that formless anxieties manifest as physical monsters.
Fujimoto's storytelling also reflects a deeply Japanese narrative sensibility: tragedy is not avoided but embraced, and characters carry the weight of irreversible choices. The series' subversion of shonen tropes — where the hero's power comes from a literal devil dog, not training — is a deliberate deconstruction of the genre's conventions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What order should I watch Chainsaw Man in?
Season 1 (2022) first, then the Reze Arc film when released. For more, continue in the manga from Part 1 volume 11 or dive into Part 2 (School Arc).
Is Chainsaw Man anime faithful to the manga?
Yes, very faithfully. MAPPA's Season 1 adapts Part 1's Public Safety Arc (volumes 1-11) with high production values and minimal deviations.
Where can I stream Chainsaw Man legally?
Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video carry Season 1. Disney+ also has it in select regions.
What is the Reze Arc film?
A theatrical film covering the Bomb Girl Arc (volumes 8-11). Introduces Reze, the Bomb Devil. MAPPA confirmed it as a film rather than a Season 2. Essential next step once available.
Should I read the Chainsaw Man manga?
If you want more story now, yes. Part 2 (School Arc) starts fresh enough to be readable after Season 1. Part 1 volumes 12+ contain major plot reveals — proceed with awareness of spoilers.