Makima is one of the most mysterious, powerful, and chilling characters in Chainsaw Man. Introduced as a high-ranking Public Safety Devil Hunter, Makima appears calm, composed, and helpful but beneath her pleasant exterior lies a terrifying force of control, manipulation, and godlike power. This article explores Makima’s abilities, motivations, identity, and her unforgettable role in the story.
Who is Makima?
Makima is introduced early in Chainsaw Man as the one who recruits Denji into Public Safety. With her soft voice, polite manner, and composed presence, she immediately stands out. Denji becomes obsessed with her — attracted to her power and approval — and he’s not alone. Almost everyone around her is drawn in.
But Makima isn’t human. She is the Control Devil, an embodiment of humanity’s fear of control and domination. Her true nature is gradually revealed as the story progresses, transforming her from mysterious mentor to god-tier antagonist.
Makima’s Abilities and Powers
Makima is easily one of the most powerful devils in the Chainsaw Man universe. Her abilities go beyond typical devil powers — they’re horrifying, inescapable, and absolute.
Control
Makima can dominate and control anyone she sees as inferior to her. Once under her control, her victims will follow her orders blindly, even if it means killing themselves or others.
- She uses this power to build an army of devil hunters, fiends, and even devils — all serving her without question.
- Her control extends to using their powers as if they were her own.
Remote Execution
Makima can kill people from afar in one of the most terrifying displays of devil power in the series. She performs ritualistic executions where the name of the target is spoken while sacrificing another person — causing the target to die instantly, no matter where they are.
Regeneration and Immortality
As a Prime Devil, Makima is nearly immortal. Even when shot, torn apart, or blown to pieces, she revives by sacrificing other human lives. As long as people fear control, Makima continues to exist.
Superhuman Physical Abilities
Makima is insanely fast, strong, and resilient. She dodges bullets, crushes skulls, and defeats high-level devils without effort. Her combat prowess is as frightening as her mind games.
Makima’s Personality and Motivation
Calm and Composed
Makima rarely raises her voice. She speaks with deliberate calmness, always smiling politely, even when issuing death sentences. Her serenity adds to the unease — she’s in total control at all times.
Master Manipulator
Makima uses Denji’s desperation for love, connection, and purpose to manipulate him into becoming her weapon. She dangles affection just out of reach, rewarding obedience with praise and punishing disobedience with cold dismissal.
Her manipulation isn’t limited to Denji — she manipulates the entire Public Safety Bureau, as well as devils and humans alike, often with few words and a warm smile.
God Complex
Makima believes in a world without suffering — but one that can only be achieved through absolute control. Her vision is authoritarian and ruthless: eliminate chaos by controlling every variable, even if it means mass death and the suppression of free will.
She justifies horrific actions in the name of creating a better world. This cold utilitarianism makes her one of the most unsettling villains in modern manga.
Makima’s Role in the Story
Catalyst for Denji’s Growth and Trauma
Makima recruits Denji, gives him food and shelter, and gives him a reason to live — or so it seems. In truth, she grooms him to become her obedient dog. Her betrayal is devastating and reshapes Denji’s view of love, purpose, and freedom.
She is the primary source of Denji’s deepest pain — orchestrating events that lead to the deaths of Aki, Power, and many others close to him.
Central Antagonist
In the final arc of Part 1, Makima’s plans come to light. She seeks to use Chainsaw Man (Denji/Pochita) to eliminate suffering by erasing devils that represent fear — like the War Devil, Famine Devil, and others. To do that, she tries to break Denji completely and take control of Pochita’s power.
Her rise and fall create one of the most emotionally complex and psychologically intense endings in shonen manga history.
Death and Reincarnation
Makima is ultimately killed by Denji — not through brute force, but by outsmarting her. He takes advantage of her underestimation of him, kills her, and consumes her — a poetic end for a character obsessed with control.
After her death, she reincarnates as Nayuta, a young girl who carries the same core identity (Control Devil), but with a chance to be raised differently — a major setup for Part 2 of the series.
Makima’s Legacy
Makima’s influence doesn’t end with her death. She redefines what a shonen villain can be — powerful, subtle, terrifying, and emotionally manipulative. Her actions reshape the entire world of Chainsaw Man and leave lasting scars on every surviving character.
Her reincarnation as Nayuta brings up questions about nature vs. nurture — and whether a being born of fear can ever truly become something good.
Makima is not just a villain. She’s a force of ideology, a critique of authoritarianism, and a symbol of how power corrupts absolutely — especially when it’s cloaked in kindness.
FAQs About Makima
What is Makima?
Makima is the Control Devil, a primal fear-based devil that represents the fear of control. She is not human, though she appears as one.
Is Makima evil?
Makima is not evil in the cartoonish sense. She sees herself as a savior — but her actions are ruthless, manipulative, and often inhumane. Her vision of peace requires the erasure of freedom.
Why did Makima manipulate Denji?
She saw Denji as a tool to control Chainsaw Man — the only being capable of erasing devils. She used affection to break him psychologically and gain access to his power.
How does Makima die?
Denji kills her by exploiting her emotional blind spot — her failure to recognize him as a threat when not using Chainsaw Man’s powers. He then consumes her, which symbolically and literally ends her existence.
What happens to Makima after death?
She reincarnates as Nayuta, a young girl with the same core devil identity. Denji takes responsibility for her, hoping to give her a chance at a better life.