Makima stands as one of the most enigmatic and compelling figures in Chainsaw Man Part 1, initially appearing as Denji's stoic, seemingly benevolent boss within Public Safety. Yet, beneath her calm demeanor lies a calculating mind and an ancient, terrifying power that shapes the very fabric of her existence and her ambitious goals. She's not just a devil hunter; she's a force of nature, driven by desires that are both grand and tragically personal.
This super pillar hub article will unravel the intricate layers of Makima's past, present, and ultimate impact, guiding you through her true identity, the formidable abilities she wields, and the profound motivations that set her on a collision course with the world. Prepare to understand the entity behind the alluring gaze and the chilling smile.
Unveiling Makima: More Than Just a Devil Hunter
When we first meet Makima, she's the composed, charismatic leader of Special Division 4, offering Denji a lifeline and a purpose. She appears to be his savior, guiding him through the dangerous world of devil hunting. However, her actions quickly reveal a darker, more manipulative side, treating Denji less like a human colleague and more like a cherished, obedient pet. This initial facade is merely a glimpse into the sophisticated deception employed by a being with a far greater agenda.
Her age, estimated to be in her early to mid-20s, and her seemingly ordinary hobbies like enjoying movies, only add to the layers of misdirection. But the truth about Makima is far more ancient and powerful than any human could be.
The Control Devil: A Being of Dominance and Fear
Makima's true identity is that of the Control Devil, the embodiment of humanity's primal fear of dominance and subjugation. This fundamental fear grants her immense power and an inherent drive to control everything and everyone she encounters. This isn't just a title; it's her very essence, dictating her interactions and her worldview. To truly grasp the gravity of her existence, it's essential to understand her true identity as the Control Devil, a revelation that fundamentally shifts how we perceive her every action throughout Chainsaw Man.
Understanding Makima's Formidable Powers
As the Control Devil, Makima possesses a terrifying arsenal of abilities that allow her to exert unparalleled influence over the world around her. Her primary power is the ability to control anyone or anything she deems "lower" than herself, a command often delivered with a simple, chilling verbal instruction. This extends to humans, devils, and even corpses, making her an almost unstoppable force.
Beyond direct control, she demonstrates a chilling array of supernatural feats. She can conduct remote surveillance through animals like rats and birds, seeing and hearing everything through their senses. One of her most devastating techniques is the Pressure Death Ritual, where she sacrifices human lives to ritualistically kill targets from a distance, proving her willingness to pay any price for her objectives. Following her defeat of the Gun Devil, she gains an additional, terrifying ability: firing invisible bullets by merely uttering "Bang." Adding to her invincibility, Makima has a contract with the Japanese Prime Minister, which funnels any injury or death she sustains to a random Japanese citizen, granting her practical immortality. You can delve into the full extent of Makima's formidable powers to appreciate the sheer scale of her capabilities.
Makima's Vision: A "Better World" Forged in Control
At the heart of Makima's relentless pursuit of power lies a grand and terrifying vision: a "better world." She believes this world can only be achieved by eradicating concepts that bring humanity suffering, such as war, hunger, and death. She aims to achieve this utopia by harnessing the power of the Chainsaw Man, believing he has previously erased abstract concepts from existence, like the Nazis, World War II, and AIDS.
Paradoxically, despite her inherent nature as the Control Devil, Makima harbors a deep, almost tragic personal desire for an "equal" relationship—a connection based on love and understanding, rather than dominance. This is a profound contradiction, as her very being prevents her from forming such a bond without controlling the other party. To fully grasp the depth of her ambitions and the personal tragedy within her, it's worth exploring Makima's complex motivations and ultimate vision.
The Twisted Bond: Makima's Relationship with Denji
Makima's interactions with Denji are central to Chainsaw Man Part 1, forming the emotional core of the narrative. From the outset, she treats him less like a person and more like a pet, offering affection and rewards for obedience, while punishing disobedience. This dynamic is not accidental; it's a calculated strategy. The Control Devil cannot directly control Denji because she perceives the Chainsaw Man (Pochita) within him as an equal, not someone she can subjugate.
To overcome this unique obstacle and fulfill her ultimate goal, Makima systematically dismantles Denji's life, hoping to break his bond with Pochita. This includes orchestrating horrific events like transforming Aki Hayakawa into the Gun Fiend and brutally killing Power directly in front of Denji's eyes. This deliberate psychological torment is designed to strip him of everything he holds dear, leaving him vulnerable and compliant. Understanding the intricate and destructive dynamic between Makima and Denji is crucial to appreciating the story's emotional weight.
The Unconventional Defeat and Rebirth
Given Makima's immense powers and practical immortality, her defeat seemed impossible. Standard physical attacks couldn't harm her due to her contract with the Prime Minister. However, Denji, driven by a unique understanding of her and his own twisted affection, found an unconventional solution. He realized that an act of "love" might circumvent her contract, which only protected her from "attacks."
Denji defeats Makima by literally chopping her body into pieces and consuming her. This act, born from his deep, complicated feelings, was not an "attack" but an act of "love," allowing him to bypass her regenerative contract and effectively end her existence as Makima. The cunning and poetic justice of the unexpected way Makima met her end left an indelible mark on readers.
Following her death, the Control Devil reincarnates almost immediately as a young girl named Nayuta. Stripped of her memories of her past life as Makima, Nayuta is entrusted to Denji's care by Kishibe. The hope is that by raising her with genuine affection and teaching her empathy, Denji can prevent the new Control Devil from growing into the same kind of monster that Makima became. Discover more about the story of Nayuta, the reincarnation of the Control Devil and her critical role in Part 2 of Chainsaw Man.
Makima's backstory is a complex tapestry woven with ambition, power, and a profound, often terrifying, search for connection. Her legacy continues to shape the Chainsaw Man narrative, reminding us that even the most formidable villains are driven by layers of understandable, albeit twisted, desires.