Manabu Otsuka, the CEO of Studio MAPPA, recently expressed his disappointment in the performance of the Chainsaw Man anime. He stated that it did not meet the company’s expectations. In a report from Sportskeeda, Otsuka shared his assessment of the anime’s reception, revealing that it was a financial success. However, it fell short in terms of DVD/Blu-ray sales. The majority of the views came from its TV distribution, leaving Otsuka wishing for a larger audience that would purchase physical copies of the series.
Comparing the Chainsaw Man anime to the highly successful Jujutsu Kaisen, Otsuka acknowledged that it lacked the same “impact” as its counterpart. Studio MAPPA invested significant efforts into Chainsaw Man. Otsuka also confirmed that the company dedicated 100% of its resources to production. This exclusive ownership of the property made the studio heavily reliant on the anime’s success. With all of this, the underwhelming DVD/Blu-ray sales managed to cause concern.
Despite the setbacks, Otsuka assured that Studio MAPPA would strive to reach audiences who are willing to pay for a Chainsaw Man anime. The series, written by Tatsuki Fujimoto, follows the story of Denji, a young man who transforms into the powerful Chainsaw Man. Joined by others, Denji becomes a devil hunter, navigating a world filled with dark themes, violence, and shonen tropes.
Chainsaw Man and The Expectations of Others
Chainsaw Man is often associated with Jujutsu Kaisen and Hell’s Paradise as part of the “Dark Shonen Trio.” These anime projects have garnered significant attention for their exploration of dark and mature themes. At the same time, they also incorporate elements of humor, impressive visuals, and positive portrayals of relationships. Both Jujutsu Kaisen and Hell’s Paradise have received critical acclaim and have amassed a dedicated fanbase.
Currently, Hell’s Paradise is airing its first season, while Jujutsu Kaisen is set to return for its second season on July 6, 2023. All three shows, including Chainsaw Man, are available for streaming on Crunchyroll. Additionally, Studio MAPPA is also working on other highly anticipated projects such as Vinland Saga Season 2, Attack on Titan: The Final Season, and Alice to Therese no Maboroshi Koujou, showcasing their commitment to delivering diverse and captivating anime experiences.
As fans eagerly await the future of Chainsaw Man and its ongoing manga, Chapter 130 is scheduled to release on May 23, 2023, promising further developments and thrilling moments in the story.
