I thought Denji was the worst anime protagonist, but the Chainsaw Man manga changed my mind

Denji from Chainsaw Man is a deeply intriguing character and a unique protagonist in Shonen animanga. Not quite what one would expect, he starts off as crude, considerably immature, and quite inappropriate. Many would categorize the orange-haired teen as a mix of the worst traits a Shonen hero could possess.

However, as the story progresses, Denji shows growth and evolves beyond his baser instincts. While he still retains his childish nature and may sometimes act oblivious, he does exhibit emotional growth and maturity when situations become serious. Currently, he is facing off against Fakesaw Man, an imposter claiming to be Chainsaw Man, while coming to terms with the realization that Yoru is a Devil after all.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion.

Chainsaw Man: Manga shows that Denji is more than what meets the eye

To begin with, Denji does not paint a great introductory image of himself. Left to bear the burden of debt to the Yakuza left by his late father, the boy hunts Devils and sells his organs to make ends meet. His goals are rather simple: enjoy jam and bread for breakfast and find a girlfriend who will love him. A twist of fate leads him to contract with Pochita, transforming him into Chainsaw Man.

However, that's where his life takes a chaotic turn, as Makima enters the fray. Knowing what he is, she manipulates him, getting him to dirty his hands for her while promising physical intimacy in return. He is so captivated by her that he even agrees to become a dog for her and serve her every wish. This continues until he realizes her true nature and fights back, ultimately killing her.

In essence, Part I does little to improve Denji. Instead, it focuses on the cost of survival in an exploitative and controlling world. There is emptiness in chasing base desires (comfort, physical intimacy, etc.) when deeper emotional needs are neglected. Manipulation and power dynamics are emphasized through the Denji-Makima relationship. Part 1 is a coming-of-age story about trauma, desire, and the painful process of discovering what it truly means to live.

But Chainsaw Man Part II is where the story dives deep into making Denji a real protagonist. His superficial exterior is gradually peeled back through various situations, revealing a painful inner world of emotional trauma.

Denji isn't just immature—he has been deprived of the emotions someone his age should experience. For the longest time, he knew neither love, care, nor a sense of belonging. Each time he felt those emotions, they were taken away.

His responsibility for Nayuta and his struggle between his own identity and that of Chainsaw Man symbolize his growth. Labeling Denji as the worst anime protagonist misses the point—his simplicity conceals profound trauma and emotional neglect. His laziness stems from exhaustion caused by the constant fight for survival. The manga is a story of identity, loneliness, and the struggle to feel anything realgenuine.

Tatsuki Fujimoto has, through Chainsaw Man, subverted the typical Shonen formula regarding heroes. Denji isn't a savior destined to save the world—he is simply trying to make ends meet against overwhelming odds. In a genre filled with morally ideal and upright heroes, Denji's quiet resilience stands out. His immaturity marks deep emotional deprivation, and while he often falters, his persistence adds a human touch.

Final thoughts

Not the worst anime hero, Denji is revealed to be quite a complex character beneath his seemingly simple and naive surface. His crude and immature behavior isn't a poor writing decision but a purposeful reflection of a life marked by poverty, neglect, and manipulation. Part I depicts the themes of control and emotional deprivation through Makima.

However, Part II is where his character's external layers are peeled away, revealing the boy grappling with grief, identity, and responsibility. His care for Nayuta and attempts to balance his dual identities as both Denji and Chainsaw Man showcase an emerging sense of self-awareness and morality. Rather than saving the world, he seeks to survive in it; that is Tatsuki Fujimoto's protagonist.

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About the author

Casey has been an anime writer at Sportskeeda since almost a year. Being drawn into the world of animanga after watching the Dragon Ball series almost a decade ago, Casey's interest in the genre, along with his love of crafting plot theories influenced his writerly endeavors. Presently pursuing a Master's degree in International Business, Casey worked for Uneake and FootballExpress for 1.3 years before joining Sportskeeda.

Casey's writings reflect his commitment to producing the most reliable content, evidenced by his flair for in-depth reporting. He places a high value on meticulous research and complete factual accuracy.

Although it was legendary Akira Toriyama’s magnum opus that influenced his love of animanga, Casey soon branched out and explored other titles. The unique ways in which mangakas express ideas, as well as their far-reaching effects, have inspired Casey in his creative pursuits.

When not busy writing, Casey enjoys working out, listening to music, strumming the guitar, and playing football.

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Edited by Casey Mendez