Chainsaw Man fans have ignited an intense debate following the release of the first trailer for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc. The new animation, which is perceived to be closer to mangaka Tatsuki Fujimoto’s signature style, has won over many, who consider it superior to the anime, while others defend the original approach.
Chainsaw Man’s new animation style stirs up fans
The release of the first trailer for Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has generated heated debate among fans of the series. The discussion revolves around the new animation style, which many consider to be more faithful to the style of the original creator, Tatsuki Fujimoto, compared to the first season of the anime. The differences between the two visual approaches have stoked fans’ opinions, marking a new chapter in the perception of the adaptation of the acclaimed work.
In the first season of Chainsaw Man, the direction was handled by Ryû Nakayama, who presented innovative and polished cinematography. Although some fans criticized that it did not fully align with Fujimoto’s original art, many appreciated his professionalism and the visual depth he brought. “The cinematography of the first season was impressive, though not exactly true to Fujimoto’s style. However, it is undeniable that Nakayama’s work was of great quality and many did not appreciate it as they should,” expressed a fan on social networks.
In the following images we will see Nakayama’s style in the 1st season of Chainsaw Man:
In contrast, the film is directed by Tatsuya Yoshihara, who seems to have taken a direction closer to the mangaka’s art. The characters feature vibrant features and colors that directly evoke Fujimoto’s original illustrations, capturing a sense of melancholy and chaos that many had hoped to see from the beginning of the adaptation.
Fans have shared divided opinions regarding this stylistic evolution:
- “I really like the first season, but I see the difference, especially in the colors. It gives the feeling of the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen, but it’s also good to see how Mappa gets better with each adaptation.”
- “Yes, but it’s a movie and budgets are always higher on those productions. The real question will be what the quality of season 2 will be.”
- “It’s so beautiful to see this kind of fidelity in the features. It’s not that I didn’t like season 1, but Fujimoto’s style is something different….”.
- “I don’t want to see anyone complaining about the adaptation now because this art style looks so much like Fujimoto’s work, how we wanted CSM to look.”
It is important to note that Nakayama’s work in the first season should not be underestimated. His approach offered a unique cinematic perspective that, even if it did not directly reflect Fujimoto’s style, shone for its technical and narrative quality. On the other hand, Yoshihara has managed to masterfully capture the artistic essence of the manga in this new installment, which seems to resonate more with fans.
The comparison also underscores the role of budget in adaptations. As one fan pointed out, “movies tend to have greater resources, allowing for higher levels of detail.” This raises questions about how the second season of the anime will play out and whether it will be able to maintain the standard set by the film.
Ultimately, both styles have demonstrated their ability to capture different aspects of Chainsaw Man’s complexity. While Nakayama’s work focused on a cinematic and emotional visual experience, Yoshihara seems to be offering a more faithful representation of the manga’s soul. What is clear is that the franchise continues to evolve and offer new perspectives, cementing itself as one of the most interesting recent anime adaptations.
