MAPPA's anime adaptation of Chainsaw Man was a highly popular hit in the anime community and part of the reason why is the stellar writing of the manga it is based on. Even before the anime adaptation got the public interested in Chainsaw Man, series creator Tatsuki Fujimoto's unique style of storytelling had already won over Shonen Jump's reader base.
Fujimoto's writing has been noted as being simplistic and easy to follow yet retaining a semblance of deeper meaning by the time a reader has finished his works. The acclaimed mangaka itted as much when discussing his creative process with fellow mangaka Samura Hiroaki, author of Blade of The Immortal in a collaborative interview on JUMP+. For its success so far, Chainsaw Man is easily Fujimoto's most quotable work yet, and the eleven-volumed Part One is riddled with fantastic quotes. Ranging from their absurdity to their surprise poignancy, Chainsaw Man does not disappoint in its dialogue.
"Thanks to You Guys, I Get to Be Chainsaw Man"
Denji
Denji is a complicated, multifaceted protagonist in Chainsaw Man, and especially by Part 2, it's clear that he's never been perfectly sympathetic. A specific example of this shows up in chapter #152 when, after Barem Bridge and the Chainsaw Man Church burn Denji's apartment building, with his pets inside. Denji, in the face of incredible loss, can't help himself, even acknowledging how terrible it is, yet also relishing the liberating feeling of unleashing his Chainsaw Devil persona for vengeance.
This is the case, as shown in chapter #150, when, seemingly living a happy, normal life with Nayuta, Denji finds himself needing a new dream. Instead of vast fortunes or multiple girlfriends, his desire is simple: to be Chainsaw Man, as he's been forcibly subdued while the masses manipulate his image. In the heat of battle, dominating his adversaries, he feels the most at home, even at the price of what Nayuta loves the most.
"I'll Turn You Into The Baddest Of The Badasses"
Kishibe
Every Shonen deserves a training arc, and Chainsaw Man is no different. After the events with the Katana Man, Denji and Power are assigned to train under the strongest Devil Hunter in all of public safety, Kishibe. An alcoholic middle-aged man who closely resembles a particularly famous Danish actor, Kishibe is blunt to a point and is not one to be trifled with.
His training of the hybrid and fiend is the most brutal form of education one can get. It is he who instills in Denji the idea to think more outside the box and to not always rely on intellect. But what he truly succeeds in is making Denji the toughest devil hunter there ever was, which allows him to defeat Chainsaw Man's real villain.
"The World Re Me At Long Last!!"
Yoru
The War Devil of Chainsaw Man, Yoru, is an intriguing character whose powers are limited at the beginning of the Academy Saga. By chapter #148, the next visible stride she takes is by turning the room surrounding her, Apartment 606, into a massive sword without touching it, an important improvement signaling her power is returning. However, as per Chainsaw Man lore, this means the fear of war is coming back, which is the furthest from a cause for celebration.
Thanks to Fami's scheming, this is all the more possible, with the War Devil and the Chainsaw Devil intended to become stronger. The goal is to kill the Death Devil, a lofty ambition, yet it's sure to be a visually spectacular development when it occurs. This quote creates a morbid fascination for the readers, concerned by what it could mean for the story's world, yet excited to see how it'll manifest in Chainsaw Man.
"All Devils Are Born With A Name"
Makima
Sometimes a little expositional dialogue is needed for a story as expansive as Chainsaw Man is, and there is no better character to exposit than Makima herself. The power of devils in the realm of Chainsaw Man are basic at best compared to the curses/villains of Jujutsu Kaisen, yet they all represent humanity's biggest fears: "The More That Name Is Feared, The More Powerful The Devil Itself." Sea Cucumber and Tomato Devils are more than likely to be on the weaker side, while more dangerous weapons like chainsaws would tend to instill the most fear, as the manga has shown with its eponymous protagonist. This also foreshadows the existence of Chainsaw Man's terrifying Primal Devils, which are playing a larger role in Part 2.
"I Love Me Some Bad Guys!"
Denji
"Cuz Nobody's Gonna Complain When I Murderize 'Em!" Denji isn't known for mincing words, and his lack of tact when dealing with the enemy can sometimes be hilariously on-the-nose. This is part of what makes him one of Shonen Jump's most unique heroes. Denji is the definition of a character who speaks before they think and acts before they speak, so it's only fitting that they're the one character to add an "ize" anywhere they see fit in the most 90s action star way possible when delivering a funny one-liner. This makes the way in which he gleefully tears into the series' various villains even more entertaining.
"This Is Downright Cruel Of Me, Isn't It?"
Barem Bridge
Chainsaw Man delivers the perfect, unflinchingly bold lines by which viewers will identify characters throughout the series. In Chainsaw Man chapter #171, this moment happens to Barem Bridge, the instant following the reveal of his horrific gambit to draw out the true power hosted by Denji, Pochita's true Chainsaw Devil form. It's a horrendously cruel deed that's the final straw, breaking Denji's heart and sending him over the edge, unlike any other moment.
This is hardly the only instance in Chainsaw Man where an antagonist makes an outwardly cruel, quotable remark, with others like Makima or Yoru having cold streaks too. But there's an undeniable self-awareness to Barem's delivery, signaling the worst possible shock and exactly what nobody ordered to come around the sushi conveyor belt. It's not just cruel to Denji, either, as the revealed victim will also break the readers' hearts.
"I'm Charming, Aren't I?!"
Asa
Chainsaw Man Part 2 is an interesting experience in how it reframes the story to expand beyond simply Denji's perspective. This gives readers Asa Mitai, who wrestles with her inhabiting War Devil in a society enamored with Denji's alter-ego. However, as she goes to the same school as Denji, she inevitably crosses paths with him, even beginning a controversial, messy relationship with the Chainsaw Man hero.
In Chainsaw Man chapter #116, though, Denji and Asa have some surprisingly entertaining moments where Asa discards her verbose, neurotic side. Stuck in an aquarium for an indeterminate amount of time, the pair resort to eating some of the creatures kept inside, Asa ditching her fish trivia and rigid plans to eat with Denji. When Denji warms up to her, she loosens up, affirming to herself that she's interesting enough, and for a few s, she becomes the spitting image of Power with her odd mannerisms, winning Denji over.
"It's So Great Having An Addiction"
Himeno
Everyone has a vice, whether it be something small and harmless or something more damaging. However, they all have one thing in common: they offer a temporary escape. In anime and manga, there is no shortage of chain-smoking characters, and Chainsaw Man is no different. In their dangerous lives, Devil Hunters sometimes need something to take the edge off.
When being a part of a profession that roughly has a thirty percent survival rate, it's easy to forgive people for indulging in a vice to alleviate fear and stress. However, Himeno may take it a bit far as she easily smokes a pack a day and is a sloppy drunk; she indulges where she can, and it's not always ideal. After seeing so many of her buddies drop like flies one after the other, it's a surprise that she never became like Kishibe. Her addiction may not be healthy, but it leads to one of the most tragic moments in Chainsaw Man's finale.
"Watch This Denji! And Tell The Tale!"
Power
There is no denying that the blood-fiend Power has a way with words. She's always managing to sound more "dignified" than she really is by shoving a "'tis" in every sentence she utters. Power is truly the personification of someone who picks up words randomly to make themselves sound smarter. Fujimoto actually based Power on South Park's Eric Cartman, and given her personality the resemblance is clear.
Yet the way she articulates her speech makes her more that of an amateur Dungeons & Dragons player, and readers wouldn't have it any other way. She is easily one of the best characters to be featured in the series and many viewers likely find themselves quoting her reciting of "how Power is the strongest of them ALL!"
I'm Tired...Of Eatin' Stuff Like Toast With Jam For Breakfast...!
Denji
The monologue Denji delivers in Chainsaw Man chapter #93 strongly counters everything he's felt beforehand. He's achieved fame, he's more powerful, yet he's feeling cooped up under the threat of being killed by Makima the moment he steps outside. Despite her worst manipulations, though, he still feels affection for her, and his desire, even if somewhat depraved, is understandable considering his plight in the moment.
The real truth is...I'm tired...of eatin' stuff like toast with jam for breakfast...! What I really want...is to eat steak for breakfast every morning! I know I shouldn't! I know it's terrible! But it's the same when it comes to girls too! Deep down...I want five!! No, ten girlfriends!! I wanna have tons of sex!! That's why...that's why I...I wanna be Chainsaw Man!
-Denji
It's not exactly a prime literary moment, but it encapsulates Denji's desperation while be begs to Kishibe. But his pleas fall on deaf ears, while he contemplates how he can take down Makima; not out of some desire to do good for society, but for him to have the freedom to embrace his celebrated status. Chainsaw Man chapter #93 is already exceptionally quotable, yet this entire exchange, as he screams into the TV screen, deserves the meme status it has attained, with readers everywhere relating to Denji's plight.
