Was the "Control Devil" Makima Truly "Evil"? Her Twisted Love and Purpose

Hello, this is Osamu, the manga blogger.

Everyone who has finished reading Part 1 of Chainsaw Man has probably thought about it at least once: the existence known as Makima.

As a high-ranking Public Safety Devil Hunter directly under the Chief Cabinet Secretary, she displayed overwhelming charisma and terrifying strength. However, as the story progressed, her cold and ruthless side was revealed.

She drove Aki to his "worst possible death," killed Power without hesitation, and completely shattered Denji's spirit. Looking at her actions alone, she is undeniably "evil."

But was she truly just "evil"?

The "Better World" She Aimed For

Makima's true identity was the "Control Devil." Her actions were all driven by a single purpose.

That purpose was to create a "better world."

She planned to use the ability of Chainsaw Man (Pochita)—the power to erase the existence of devils he eats—to eliminate concepts that "make the world worse," such as death, war, and starvation, from existence itself.

If you look only at this goal, one might call it "justice" or an "ideal." However, her problem lay in her ruthlessness, her willingness to do anything to achieve it. To her, Denji, Aki, and Power were nothing more than "pawns" to accomplish her grand design.

A Distorted Form of "Love"

Because Makima was the "Control" Devil, she suffered from a fundamental flaw. That is, she could not form an equal relationship with anyone.

She could only perceive others through the lens of "controlling" or "being controlled." This is why she longed to be controlled (i.e., eaten) by a being she believed to be higher than herself (Chainsaw Man), and why she saw all other humans as nothing more than subjects for control.

The kindness and affection she showed Denji were all part of her "control" to draw out Pochita from within him.

Yet, at the end of the story, Denji unites with her in the form of "eating" her. This act might have been the very form of "love" (unconditionally accepting another) that Makima could never understand.

Conclusion: Was Makima "Evil"?

My conclusion as Osamu is this: "Her actions were undeniably 'evil,' but her motives were based on a distorted ideal and a warped form of love."

Bound by her very nature of "control," she could also be seen as the most pitiable character of all. The "family-like relationship" she sought was, ironically, passed on to "Nayuta," her reincarnation after her demise.

Makima is a terrifying and fascinating character who cannot be simply dismissed as a "villain." Perhaps that is precisely why we are so captivated by her existence.

What do you think of Makima?

(Osamu)