The Difference Between Denji and Pochita's Chainsaw Man

Key Takeaways

Denji as the Chainsaw Man can use Pochita’s physical powers, but can’t erase Devil names like the original Chainsaw Man.
Pochita’s Chainsaw Man has the ability to erase Devil names and concepts, unlike Denji who can only use physical skills.
Denji can potentially transform into the Black Chainsaw Man by inciting fear and unhappiness, unlocking a new level of power.

Hybrids in Chainsaw Man have the ability to use the powers of the Devil they have merged with to a certain extent. These powers consist of transforming into that respectful Devil and using their skills in battle. However, in the case of Denji and Pochita, there is one ability Denji cannot use as the Chainsaw Man, and it may solely be the power only the original Devil can use.

Unfortunately for Denji, many individuals are actively seeking out the Chainsaw Man, who can erase Devil names. So, what is the difference between Denji’s and Pochita’s Chainsaw Man? What makes them different, and can Denji become the original Chainsaw Man?

Chainsaw Man: The Prophecy, Explained

Chainsaw Man isn’t only about Denji’s quest for normalcy or a woman’s touch. A foretold Prophecy is predicted to occur, but what is this Prophecy?

Denji’s powers as Chainsaw Man

Denji is the Chainsaw Man hybrid wanting to live out his dream

Denji is what is known as the Chainsaw Man Devil Hybrid. All Hybrids have a human consciousness and appearance. However, they can transform and use the power of the Devil they have contracted with. Pochita, the original Chainsaw Man Devil, has fused with Denji’s heart, allowing him to use the Chainsaw Man’s power.

When Denji uses this power, he semi-transforms into the Chainsaw Man, with two chainsaw arms and a head as a chainsaw. If need be, Denji can also make chainsaws on his feet. During this hybrid transformation, Denji’s, strength and durability will increase, as seen in the episodes with the Eternity Devil. As a Hybrid, and due to his contract with Pochita, Denji is unable to die and can be seen as immortal. If Denji is seriously injured, to bring him back to life, one needs to pull the chainsaw cord on his chest to revive him.

Chainsaw Man: Denji’s Struggle With Morality

Given his traumatic childhood, Denji has always lived life at his own pace. However, he has always struggled with what is right and morality.

Denji is known as the “Red” Chainsaw Man, as dubbed by Fami, the Famine Devil in Chapter 135. This allows for a separation between Denji and Pochita. Denji can use all the physical powers Pochita gives him. These abilities mainly consist of his fighting abilities and regeneration. This is likely the extent of Denji’s abilities in his hybrid form, as in Chapter 170, Mr. Barem confirms that Denji’s transformation as the Chainsaw Man is incomplete. However, Denji remains a formidable foe once he uses his chainsaws. His only weakness is that he becomes anemic, which can be cured by drinking the blood of his enemies.

Pochita’s powers as Chainsaw Man

The Hero of Hell has a soft spot for Denji

Pochita is the original Chainsaw Man Devil, also known as the Hero of Hell, amassing countless fans and enemies. Pochita’s Chainsaw Man is also called the Black Chainsaw Man, differentiating the Devil from Denji. This version of Chainsaw Man is Black, with intestines protruding from its belly and wrapping itself around its neck. It also has four arms with chainsaws attached to them. These intestines could also be used in battle. Pochita’s Chainsaw Man can erase concepts and Devil’s names from reality in the series.

When this version of Chainsaw Man appears, it will rampage, killing all within its vicinity if they appear hostile. It’s likely that when this happens, Pochita will take over Denji’s body and act of his own accord. The first time this version of Chainsaw Man appears is in Chapter 83. During the Control Devil Arc, Pochita’s Chainsaw Man could be seen responding to any person who calls for help. However, after assisting that person, he disappears. This version of Chainsaw Man also aligns with Denji’s desires, seeking ham burgers and wanting to go on dates.

Chainsaw Man: Why Denji and Power’s Relationship is So Important in Season 1

While the relationship between Denji and Power started off hostile, its development throughout the first season is very important in the series.

In Chapter 170, Denji denies the ability to erase Devil names, stating that Chainsaws are mainly used for cutting down trees. However, to counter this, Mr Barem theorizes that chainsaws could have a variety of uses, and the Chainsaw Man erased this from existence until only cutting trees remained. As mentioned previously, Pochita’s Chainsaw Man can erase concepts and Devil’s names from existence. However, it was also theorized that Pochita’s Chainsaw Man could throw up these concepts and reinstate them into existence. This was later confirmed in Chapter 173 when the Black Chainsaw Man threw up the Ear Devil after eating it.

The Difference Between These Two Powers

Rampage awaits those who seek the original Chainsaw Man

It’s clear to see there’s a vast difference between Denji’s Chainsaw Man and Pochita’s Chainsaw Man. In the case of the former, Denji has the ability to use many of Pochita’s abilities when it comes to physical skills. It should also be noted that Denji can not use Pochita’s ability to erase Devil names. During the Eternity Devil arc, Denji consumed the flesh and blood of the Eternity Devil. However, this did not erase it from existence. It could be possible that Denji needed to consume more of the Devil itself to erase it from existence; however, that has yet to be seen.

We don’t want just any Chainsaw Man.

Contrary to Denji, Pochita can erase Devil names in the series when transformed into the Black Chainsaw Man, as confirmed in Chapter 172. However, Denji cannot transform into this version of Chainsaw Man whenever he pleases. Two conditions are needed for Denji to transform into the Black Chainsaw Man.

First, everyone needs to fear the Chainsaw Man Devil; this has already been accomplished after the Chainsaw Man Church Arc. The second condition that is required is Denji’s unhappiness, something that can throw Denji into despair. In Chapter 170, Denji sees Nayuta’s decapitated head on the sushi conveyor belt; this shock then throws Denji into a rage, turning him into the Black Chainsaw Man.

Chainsaw Man is an Untapped Gold Mine for Video Games

Chainsaw Man is a popular anime with a hefty appetite for extreme violence, and it’s about time the series receives a video game adaptation.

Overall, Denji can use many of Pochita’s abilities within this Hybrid form, likely due to their contract as Pochita is fused with Denji’s heart. However, Denji is not the Chainsaw Man Devil; as a result, certain aspects of Pochita’s ability Denji may not have access to. However, after it is found that Denji can transform into the Black Chainsaw Man using the method above, those seeking the original Chainsaw Man can draw him out and make use of the ability to erase or reinstate Devil names from existence.

Chainsaw Man is now available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Chainsaw Man

Chainsaw Man is an action-heavy shonen anime that follows Denji, a guy who fuses with a devil called Pochita. The show is based on a manga by Tatsuki Fujimoto.

Release Date: October 12, 2022
Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 12