Chainsaw Man is ready to adopt a new animation style, but is the change really for the better?

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Chainsaw Man is ready to adopt a new animation style, but is the change really for the better?

The anime adaptation of chainsaw man It was one of the most anticipated of all the months leading up to its release. Produced by the famous studio MAPPA, the series that follows the main demon hunter Denji on his dream-chasing journey came with built-in enthusiasm, due to the extremely popular original manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto. The first season of the anime has finally arrived and delivered an incredibly cinematic adaptation, while also receiving great fanfare and critical acclaim.

However, the anime did not have the cultural impact that fans expected, performing well and bringing new perspectives to chainsaw man, but ultimately lacks the overwhelming success of other modern adaptations as Jujutsu Kaisen or Demon Slayer. In the two years that have passed since the anime's final episode, fans have debated what exactly held the series back, and the most popular belief is that the visual style simply wasn't suitable for a Fujimoto story. Some point to the CGI sequences, while others disagree with the anime's color palette.

Now the next movie, Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Arco Reze will enjoy a complete visual overhaul utilizing the talents of Tatsuya Yoshihara (Black Clover) as director. The recent trailer that debuted at Jump Festa 2025 shows a glimpse of these updated visuals, generating applause from fans who were dissatisfied with chainsaw manfirst season. On the other hand, another vocal section of the fanbase has begun to claim that the new style is a downgrade. It seems that not everyone can be satisfiedbut there is merit to the argument that the newer style is better for the series.

The new Chainsaw Man movie comes with an all-new visual style

New folks are approaching the Chainsaw Man anime a little differently

chainsaw man The first season was directed by Ryu Nakayama, who paid homage to creator Tatsuki Fujimoto's love of cinema in his adaptation of the series. The anime's introduction filled with film references, as well as the overall cinematic tone of the show, led to one of the most visually stunning products anime fans have seen in recent years. The only problem is that a very large and vocal portion of the fanbase did not agree with this approach.

Since the anime's premiere, Nakayama has left MAPPA to start his own animation studio, leaving an opening for Tatsuya Yoshihara to step in and take the reins of the anime. chainsaw manIt's anime. From what little was shown in the recent trailer, the differences in approach between the two directors are very noticeable. Gone are the dark and faded colors chainsaw manfrom the cold, unforgiving world and instead have been replaced by bright, vibrant tones. The characters themselves are also quite different, looking a little flatter but also similar to Fujimoto's original designs.


Denji takes a wet flower out of his mouth while giving a goofy smile as if it were a magic trick.

The action although difficult to judge given the frantic trailer that was released appears to feature slightly less use of CGI. While some defended its strong inclusion in the anime's first season, others vehemently disagreed with its use, believing it to be little more than an eyesore. It's largely subjective whether the series' CGI is done well, but the new trailer suggests it will play a less prominent role in the future, featuring a similar visual style to Jujutsu Kaisensecond season.

The film Reze Arc seeks to capture the spirit of Fujimoto's manga

The film's latest trailer appears to capture Fujimoto's style

One of the main criticisms chainsaw manSeason 1's was that it didn't quite capture the feel of the source material, especially during sections that featured heavy use of CGI. And this complaint has some truth behind it. Tatsuki Fujimoto's art style is generally roughnot for lack of skill, but as a stylistic choice. Many of the manga's action sequences feature obsessive hatching and line work, culminating in heavy blows exchanged between characters and chaotic movements.

The near-perfect fluidity and clean look of the CGI has an almost opposite effect to that of Fujimoto's art style, sacrificing signature chaos for clarity. The new director, Tatsuya Yoshihara, stated that he and the MAPPA team of animators "are all working hard to convey the charm of chainsaw man to as many people as possible", and this appears in the newest trailer.

Where the first season may have used its more elegant stylings or heavily incorporated CGI to bring the fight scenes to life, the latest trailer has a much 'busier' feel, making use of highly impressive, meticulously hand-drawn animations and hit frames. hand. sell combat weight. It remains to be seen whether the upcoming film will incorporate more CGI sequences into its action, although from what the latest trailer shows, it looks like its use will be greatly reduced.

The Reze Arc Features Chainsaw Man's Most Chaotic, Large-Scale Action

Chainsaw man action is never greater than during the Reze arc

Action is a big part of what you do chainsaw man special, although not necessarily the focal point of the series. AND the Reze Arc features the most chaotic final battle in the mangadespite occurring relatively early in history. MAPPA has their work cut out for them, having to animate the Bomb Devil himself, the typhoon, and Denji's eventual attack. Sharknadoinspired heroism. If there was any part of the story that could win over fans who were previously unsatisfied with the anime, it's the Reze Arc.

If the new animation style can effectively capture Tatsuki Fujimoto's style, the film will certainly win over some new and dedicated fans. THE chainsaw man The anime is finally ready to return after two long years of silence, and its internal changes appear to be positive for the series moving forward. There will certainly be fans who prefer the visual style of the first season, though it can't be denied that the most recent trailer featured some of the best, albeit brief, action scenes the anime has seen. No official release date for the film has been confirmed.although fans will want to keep an eye on the series for more news.