Jujutsu Kaisen vs. Chainsaw Man: Comparing Two Modern Shonen Titans

In the explosive landscape of modern shonen anime and manga, few series have captured global imagination quite like Jujutsu Kaisen (Gege Akutami, 2018–ongoing) and Chainsaw Man (Tatsuki Fujimoto, 2018–ongoing Part 2). Both burst onto the scene around the same time, both are serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, and both have spawned blockbuster anime adaptations—MAPPA’s jaw-dropping Jujutsu Kaisen (2020–ongoing, with the highly anticipated Culling Game arc coming in 2026) and their equally stunning Chainsaw Man (2022, Season 1). Yet despite surface similarities (dark themes, supernatural action, young male leads with devilish powers), they couldn’t feel more different in tone, style, and execution. As of December 2025—with Jujutsu Kaisen manga nearing its finale and Chainsaw Man Part 2 delivering weekly chaos—these two stand as complementary masterpieces rather than direct rivals. Here’s why both deserve a spot in many action fan’s heart.

Animation & Visual Spectacle: MAPPA’s Dual Masterpieces

MAPPA handles both adaptations, but each feels uniquely tailored. Jujutsu Kaisen is pure technical perfection: fluid, high-frame-rate sakuga in every major confrontation, vibrant cursed energy effects that explode across the screen in neon blues and purples, and dynamic camera work that makes domain expansions feel like cinematic events. Character designs are sharp and expressive—Yuji Itadori’s athletic build, Megumi Fushiguro’s brooding cool, Nobara Kugisaki’s hammer-swinging confidence—elevated by meticulous detail in uniforms and hair physics.

Chainsaw Man, in contrast, embraces raw, visceral energy. The animation leans into grotesque body horror and sudden bursts of violence with crunchy sound design and deliberate roughness—chainsaws revving, blood splattering in thick, painterly strokes. Denji’s transformation sequences are iconic for their mechanical clank and spark, while supporting devils like Power’s horned bravado and Aki Hayakawa’s stoic swordplay add visual variety. Both shows push MAPPA’s limits, but JJK feels like polished martial arts ballet, while CSM is unhinged punk rock carnage.

Character Design & Ensemble Casts: Icons That Live Rent-Free

Both series boast instantly recognizable rosters, but in different flavors.

Jujutsu Kaisen excels at balanced, archetype-subverting trios and quartets: Yuji’s earnest heroism, Megumi’s tactical reserve, Nobara’s fearless attitude, and mentors like Satoru Gojo’s blindfolded charisma (those eyes when revealed—chef’s kiss). Antagonists like Mahito’s creepy fluidity and Sukuna’s overwhelming presence add menace without overshadowing the heroes. The cast grows organically, with side characters like Maki Zenin’s weapon mastery and Panda’s… well, panda-ness stealing scenes.

Chainsaw Man goes for chaotic, flawed humanity. Denji’s rough-edged everyman vibe, Power’s loudmouth gremlin energy, Aki’s chain-smoking seriousness, and Makima’s enigmatic poise create a dysfunctional found-family dynamic laced with dark humor. Devils range from adorable (Pochita’s tiny chainsaw pup form) to terrifyingly creative designs that lean into body horror. Supporting players like Beam’s shark-fiend loyalty and Princi’s mysterious elegance add unpredictable spice.

Fight Choreography & Power Systems: Strategy vs. Visceral Mayhem

Jujutsu Kaisen’s cursed technique system is a strategist’s dream—clear rules, clever counters, and escalating complexity. Battles feel like high-IQ chess matches with explosive payoffs: hand-to-hand combos flow into technique clashes, environmental destruction amplifies stakes, and domain rules create “who activates first” tension. The animation sells weight and speed perfectly.

Chainsaw Man throws rules out the window for raw, consequence-heavy brutality. Fights are messy, desperate, and often unfair—parts lost, blood splashes, creative devil abilities clashing in unpredictable ways. It’s less about elegant technique and more about survival ingenuity and sheer audacity, with gore that feels impactful rather than gratuitous.

Tone & Humor: Controlled Intensity vs. Unhinged Absurdity

Jujutsu Kaisen balances grim stakes with genuine camaraderie and well-timed comic relief—banter between the main trio, Gojo’s trollish personality, and absurd side moments keep darkness from overwhelming. It’s intense but hopeful, with themes of friendship and growth shining through the horror.

Chainsaw Man is gleefully nihilistic and unpredictable, mixing pitch-black comedy with sudden emotional gut-punches. Denji’s simple dreams (food, affection) clash hilariously against apocalyptic devil threats, while characters like Kobeni’s panic attacks or Power’s boastful incompetence deliver some of anime’s funniest moments. It’s the rare series that can make you laugh out loud one page and stare at the ceiling the next.

World-Building: Structured Occult vs. Devilish Capitalism

Jujutsu Kaisen builds a layered sorcerer society with clear hierarchies (grades, clans, schools), ancient curses tied to human emotion, and a hidden world operating alongside modern Japan. The lore expands methodically, rewarding attention to detail.

Chainsaw Man creates a devil economy where fear manifests literal devils—the stronger humanity’s fear, the stronger the devil. Public Safety devil hunters, private contractors, and international players add bureaucratic absurdity. It’s a world where the Gun Devil or Falling Devil can exist alongside everyday struggles, blending horror with satirical edge.

Cultural Impact & Legacy in 2025

Both have transcended anime. Jujutsu Kaisen dominates cosplay conventions with Gojo blindfolds and Sukuna tattoos, while its openings (“Kaikai Kitan,” “Specialz”) top global charts. The manga’s serialization finale hype has sparked worldwide discussions.

Chainsaw Man owns internet culture—Denji’s “nah I’d win” memes, Power’s horned poses, and the movie adaptation (released October 2025, directed by the Look Back team) breaking records in Japan. Part 2’s weekly drops fuel endless theories and fan art.

Which One Should You Pick?

• Want polished action, strategic depth, strong friendships, and emotional growth? → Jujutsu Kaisen
• Want chaotic energy, dark humor, visceral violence, and unpredictable storytelling? → Chainsaw Man
• Want both? → Watch both. They’re different enough to complement each other perfectly.

In 2025, with Jujutsu Kaisen’s anime gearing up for its biggest arcs yet and Chainsaw Man’s movie proving Fujimoto’s vision translates beautifully to film, these series represent shonen at its most daring. One is a tightly crafted supernatural thriller, the other a devilish fever dream—but both are undeniable modern classics. Pick your flavor of brilliance; you can’t go wrong.