She's the personification of control, which is what psychopaths desire most. Makima captures all the traits of a high functioning psychopath so perfectly.
in pochita's ending explanation we even get this exact narrative - makima wants a life with the chainsaw man, but will never be able to have a functioning friendly relationship with anyone because her desire for power is constantly in the way and puts her above others no matter what. her goal is rigged from the start because achieving it is impossible for her.
yeah, i’m an anime only so no-spoilers, but i saw an instagram reel with just that panel and no music or nothing else, and i literally shook with fear…. in context that scene gotta be terrifying.
@Kanyigger the context is absolutely terrifying. i think it'll be in season 2, more likely season 3, so it's a scene you should definitely look forward to!
Nah for me is the introduction of darkness devil in hell. The astronauts in praying position while darkness devil walks indicates that we people don't really know anything whats in the dark.
@@boomboomBANG456 when you're not consistently available and/or present people start wondering about what you're up to, giving you mystery around yourself
The gentle voice suits Makima. A leader doesn't need a powerful voice. People just need to respect you. When Makima speaks i pay attention. She lures you in with her beauty and waits for you to fall into her trap. It's top tier manipulation. You don't need to be powerful to control someone. The fact that people was upset with Makima's VA is so damn stupid to me. It's a perfect fit. People need to chill with their headcanon.
Yeah its kinda like Miranda Priestly from Devil wears prada. Shes so confident and softspoken, you are compelled to stop and focus on her every word. She dosent demand attention: she dosent have to. She shifts thier attention onto herself.
The disconnect from some fans might stem from their perception of her not matching up to how she actually presents herself. She remains a fascinating character for me, the mystery always kept me engaged.
Her voice is gentle, but she speaks with total confidence and almost a complete lack of emotions. I don't know why JP fans have a problem with the VA, I think she suits her perfectly. Her voice may be soft, but it almost has a very subtle constant echo, to show that she doesn't need to yell and threaten to have full control over her subordinates. I'm sure that most of us had a teacher or a boss that is exactly that way, they have never raised their voice or punished anyone, but still has everyone under their thumb. Unlike Makima though, they aren't manipulative, just very well respected.
This is spot on. (SPOILERS) Makima literally tells Denji this is what she does in the scene where Denji visits her house. She tells him that she gains control over others by giving them things and taking them away. She manipulates people by giving them confidence in themselves, only to take it away when she needs them to behave. It's an abuse tactic she uses so that she has complete control over the feelings and actions of the people around her.
(SPOILERS) When Power needs her blood drained, she seems genuinely scared of Makima and it’s clear that the process isn’t pleasant. This along with her general attitude toward Makima shows that there is 100% violence/abuse between the two. And for Aki (HUGE SPOILERS) (seriously don’t read this if you haven’t read the manga) it’s revealed that he’s had his memories/attitude altered by Makima to make him like her, like how she makes Angel or the Weapon devils like her
Makima is how truly great leaders are. "Leaders are loud and powerful." No. Real power does not need to raise their voice, or brag about their power. True power is calm, purposeful, and not insecure.
Yes, one raises their voice to get attention. Makima has nothing to gain and nothing to prove, she is already in control. She is already control. Bloody terrifying.
@@PureCurebyFaith I agree a leader acts in the best interest of those they lead. A tyrant only acts in their own best interest at the detriment to those they manipulate. It’s an important distinction to make.
To me the way Makima uses her soft spoken voice as a leader is similar to Miranda (Meryl Streep's character) in Devil's Wears Prada. In DWP, Miranda never raises her voice ever. She's often the most soft spoken person in any scene but every time she speaks every single character hears it and listens to it. Even when she is disappointed her voice doesn't change, but you can see the effects of it on her underlings. Meryl Streep said that she got inspired to play Miranda this way because of Clint Eastwood who never raises his voice but because he's a powerful figure in Hollywood every HAS to be quiet and listen to him. Makima is the same way. She is demonstrating to us the viewer that she already has power over Aki, Denji and Power because whenever she speaks they always listen without questioning her even without raising her voice.
This is such a good observation, and considering the author's love of western movies I can totally see this being intentional. If I'm going to have a beautiful devil woman secretly running a bureaucratic organization, a title like "The Devil Wears Prada" is absolutely going to come to mind for me.
Makimas sweet and gentle voice is just a reflection of how the other characters perceive her. She is literally supposed to sound innocent and comforting. The characters are drawn to her naturally. Another detail about her character that I love is the way all her victims are connected to her womb via chains that are attached to their bellybuttons or hearts. She is definitely the most unique main antagonist in my opinion.
At some point Fujimoto has mentioned that he based all of his female characters off of his highschool bully who he loved getting harassed by. But for Makima, he also took inspiration from a documentary on Narcissistic and Abusive mothers who would destroy their children’s self image sometimes to gain something and sometimes for pure entertainment always making sure that everyone saw her in a positive light to make sure their children had nowhere to run to.
in fact she and her sisters the 4 horseman were all abusive to anyone under them. If makima turns out to be denji's mother then there's a good reason why denji's father took denji with him and fled to the isolated and remote region of the countryside.
exactly! any kind of assertive "mommy" or dominant voice would have ruined the character that has always been portrayed as a subtle influence in the back of your head.
They are just some of stupid mangakas who love cliche and overuse things. I was terrified right when she said to Denji "I don't need an useless dog...". The voice is opposite to the content. It's uncanny and scary asf.
@@ValkynShade I saw her as a older seductive woman that grooms teenagers and casually terrifies the country. How she sounds in the English dub is pretty much what I was expecting. I’m used to it now, but when the trailer came out, a lot of us weren’t expecting the scariest woman in Japan and Denji’s crush to sound like a loli. It’s not really a big deal though, readers just have differences in interpretation. People want to start angry arguments but I’m pretty sure everybody that read the manga would imagine her sounding calm and gentle, it’s just the point that people had different visions of when reading, is whether she should’ve sounded deep voiced calm or baby voiced calm.
When a person has a soft voice you really have to pay attention to hear well what it’s saying. That’s the first moment where control takes place and you don’t even notice it.
There's something so creepy in how she stares straight into the camera even when she should be distracted, like when she was drinking the beer. It's almost like it's her way to assert control not just with Denji but the viewers themselves. It gets right under my skin and I love that.
I think you missed a part though. Makima *is* strong. I'm only an anime watcher and I could tell the first time she came on the screen, Makima isn't someone to mess with. She has power. Her whole body language exudes the confidence of someone who knows they are the strongest person in the room. She is soft spoken and unassuming, and it's such a HUGE disconnect for how she carries herself, which puts you on guard when she's on the screen. As the anime goes on, you see that those around her seem to fear her. In the bar scene, she drinks EVERYONE under the table and doesn't even look phased. Then the reveal happens and it's like 'oh, yah...this is what I've waiting for.' She is 100% a toxic leader, in that she is using those under her for her own gain. But she is not weak. She is so strong and sure of herself...she doesn't have to show others how strong she actually is. But...they all know. It's why Power cowers when Makima tells her to be quiet. It's why Aki is drawn to her. She doesn't need to flaunt her power to make sure people follow her, and that's why she's terrifying, and we want to know more on what her game is.
One of the main highlights in this series for me is when she grooms Denji into doing her bidding, by mistakenly making him think she cares about him or that he's "her type". I'm sure that as a teen I would have been rooting for Denji for scoring so smoothly, but as an adult it's so obvious that he's just a pawn to her and she's blatantly working him, knowing that his underdeveloped, hormone driven teenage brain will absolutely do anything in hopes of gaining her favor. It's genius!
Instead of leader, her voice resembles a mother. The mother-child relationship is the very first control relationship any creature will ever have. That’s why her voice is so soft
Something I find a lot of people miss about the end of part 1 and part 2 currently is how Makima was brought up by the state using her for their own goals and her yearn for some sort of the same intimacy Denji experienced in Part 1. Makima always said she loves humans as she loved dogs and wanted to create a world that wouldn't harm humans. Due to the way she was brought up Makima was cold and calculated but I believe that inherently she wanted the same type of intimacy most humans achieve in their life evident by her just cuddling Pochita at the end of part 1. She had concluded that nobody apart from Pochita (due to their history) was equal enough to her to provide this intimacy due to how she was brought up and her nature as the control devil. One of the only times she showed emotion was when she watched that movie where we could see two people hugging each other. I just find it incredibly poetic that Nayuta (the new Control Devil) and Denji now in part 2 are basically providing this intimacy they both yearned for to each other along with their many dogs and Power. A lot of people say Denji has regressed to just being horny MC after what happened when it's clear Denji isn't as rambunctious as he used to be in part 1 and is trying to provide for his new family. He also seems more depressed in part 2 maybe due to the loss of Power and Aki and his life as a sort of single father. Can't wait to see Nayuta in part 2!!
There are some other moments where Makima breaks her “perfect persona,” like when she’s on the train and says she had fun drinking, or when she was nervous of the executives, and of course the famous movie scene
I'd add that the scene of Makima and Power you referenced that her words carry a very subtle, underlying threat to Power, at least that's how I've always taken it. She says something to the point of "Maybe you're not cut out to be a devil hunter?" when earlier on it was made explicitly clear to both the characters and us that if Power and Denji do not prove useful, they'll be treated as devils and killed on the spot. So when she says "Maybe you're not cut out to be a devil hunter?" the underlying message is "Maybe it's about time we got rid of you."
Makima has this mysterious charm to her,on the surface she seems gentle,but professional,Makima uses flattery to its fullest.So combined that with her manipulative nature and how she’s playing like chess (don’t know how to explain it lol). Either way Makima doesn’t have to go the typical leader route. Btw awesome video
I guess that is why Makima set off alarm bells in my head immediately when she first showed up. I'm very sensitive to folks trying to control me (having survived how my parents treated me) and the minute someone starts telling me what I want/like to hear and I DON'T KNOW THEM I become suspicious immediately. Anytime she is on screen I'm immediately uncomfortable and I have to take frequent breaks from CSM because of her presence alone. Thus she is a damn fine character.
I love Makima's quiet voice. It completely suits her. She doesn't NEED a loud bombastic voice. She has everyone wrapped around her finger already. She never needs to raise her voice for anything. The terror of her is enough to have people fall in line. If they don't, they are disposed of, and she has the power to do that easily. I adore her character. She is so fun to watch and a part of that reason is because I love hearing how she speaks. The English and Japanese voice actors both nail it.
You did miss that part of how she controls the fiends and devils is that implicit threat of violence. Power isn't just following instincts, she is terrified of Makima. In the Bomb Girl arc when the devil hunters are trying to get more info out of Beam he looks scared and says he can't say anymore or Makima would kill him. She also does this with Denji as well obviously but it's to a lesser extent.
Reading the manga and I understand why her pupils look the way they do. (Spoilers) 👇👇 How they're shaped like targets, hinting as to what she really is and how she subconsciously controls anyone she talks too. Every time you see her ordering around someone, through clever camera direction, it puts so much focus on her eyes along with her soothing voice.
If anything, I think her quiet tone and subtle mannerisms lend BETTER to her character. I remember hearing a quote somewhere but I can't remember it exactly or where it came from... but... "A man who shouts moves a millions. A man who whispers moves millions." Those who can get what they want without bravado and just merely the small inflections and thoughtful words are always the most terrifying.
When I first started chainsaw, makima sort of rubbed me the wrong way when she showed up. But I couldn't put my finger on it at the time. She hardly stood out and remained in the background for the majority of the series. and yet people around her loved and respected her. She was condescending to denji at first, ordering him to kill the muscle devil right after picking him up, but then became friendlier with him, being the person he went to in his time of need. Even as you said with aki... it's like she was trying to get a feel of the characters before settling in on a role that she'll play in their life. For Aki, she's the reliable kind hearted leader. For denji, she played the role as the doting love interest. She was adapting. When makimas identity is revealed as the Control Devil, it made perfect sense. Also made her terrifying. Looking back in the series, it didn't seem like she abused her control powers, which would have been easier to manipulate and control those around her...no she was using her natural charismatic abilities and carefully crafted words to keep those in line and eating out of the palm of her hand.
Makima is like a normal "good" boss, which is what is so terrifying and relatable to young people who, like Denji, are beggining to move on from the world of "children" to the world of "adults" as part of the workforce.
her being calm and quiet and also confident is why everyone listens to her and she can easily get into people's mind, if her voice trembled noone would listen to what she had to say and lose all her power
Even though Makima isn't a good person by any means, she has a lot of qualities to learn from. Being a leader and having people look up to you involves a certain degree of kindness, but not enough to have people feel complacent. Making them uncomfortable with your presence keeps them in check, but also making them comfortable enough to crave your presence. Using harsh words to make people feel guilty and make them buy into your plans, but sugarcoating statements enough to let people feel accomplished of their own decisions. Having very little intimacy and avoid unnecessary attachment, but also feeling personable and dependable in moments of weakness. You can't deny that she's an excellent people's person, and that's what makes her so frightening. She's like a salesperson who can just kill you if you're skilled enough to see through her words.
Her gentle voice actually makes her more dangerous. It makes you lower your guard. Same thing with the constant fake smiling. She wants to seem approachable to draw you in.
I feel like her gentle voice is perfect because it’s something a mother for example would do she’ll speak quietly and softly which makes you stop whatever you do and listen it’s such a good anime and such a good voice actor
I always interpreted Makima's style of Villainy to be similar to Gustavo Fring in Breaking bad and BCS. Gus is not loud, Gus barely does the dirty work himself, he sends his Goons to do it for him, and when he does do the dirty work, it's imposing and unfathomable. Similar to how Makima operates, they're both quiet, calculating antagonists that pull the plot's strings from behind the scenes. Spoiler! They both also go down in a similar manner, both antagonists grossly underestimate our protagonist to the point of letting their guard down, while feeling high and mighty, and that's where our protagonists get the jump on them.
This is exactly why Chainsaw man is worth another read. The manga makes you THINK Makima has some special talent for words , and throws a red herring in a leader presented as one similar to say Gojo or Kakashi. Mysterious, powerful, and keeps their cards to their chest but good hearted ultimately. Until you realize her power is literally to control other people. Then her voice makes so much sense. Once you get through the manga , upon a second read, her calmness is terrifying as you realize pure evil underlies it.
I don't get why people were so upset over her voice. It suits a lying manipulator perfectly. I guess they expected her to say "ara ara" twice in every episode or something
As an anime-only viewer, I thought Makima's voice was perfect from her first scene, and it fits her manipulation of Denji and Aki through seduction. I wouldn't call her a leader in the sense as MLK, though. She's more of a master manipulator than a leader. The tactics she uses are highly effective at manipulating people in interpersonal relationships but don't scale up to manipulating large groups, which would require the bombastic personalities of people like MLK and Donald Trump.
or johan liebert. I'm watching monster and currently at ep 17, so far he barely has any screentime but he's such a massive presence in every single episode, that the anticipation of him actually showing up has me on the edge of my seat.
Reading the manga I have always thought her voice is soft and calming. Sure at first hearing her VA I wasn't a bit satisfied but as the anime went on I actually really loved it
All I can say is, Makima is great. Whenever her “true” reasoning behind everything is revealed I know Imma be shocked and probably hurt She seems to move perfect throughout every situation that it’s like a power or something and those eyes aren’t normal so it HAS to be
Makima character design tells us a lot about her as a character and her manipulative qualities as a leader. Her red hair that symbolizes her deviousness and willingness to do anything for her goal.Her spiral eyes that whenever you look at her it feels like she’s slowly but surely drawing you in while judging your use.The spiral in her eyes tell us she never see any character as an equal due to always seeing the bigger picture of her goal and seems to be plotting something.. The layers in her eyes tells us there’s something more to her than we as the audience can tell.This develops an unease whenever anyone sees Makima like there’s something not right and fits Makima role like a glove.
@@ShonenOuji if you have time sure. Episodes 4 & 5 i would highly recommend if you are. Makimas english VA, has the perfect voice to fit her domineer, but yet has such a soothing and calm tone too it. The whole English VA cast are done well, but Makimas definitely the stand out. I’m currently watching both the sub and dub weekly.
(SPOILERS) I really like this breakdown! I honestly just thought of it as "Oh she's just using her control powers" whenever she would talk to Aki through the phone and make him blush, or being able to control power with one phrase. Especially as it's shown later in the manga.
Thank you! While I do think Makima is usually using her powers to some extent, I think we overlook how much she gets by without them. Especially with Denji. There is a lot that Makima gets Denji to agree to just by giving him exactly what he wants. My theory is she probably never uses her power on him because she doesn't have to.
@@ShonenOuji Isn't it also that she can't use her powers on Denji because technically he is the Hero of Hell that she can't physically look down on and thus can't use her power on? Sure there is that one time when it kinda looks like she uses it on him after she kills his soul on his birthday, but I personally think that is more just Pochita reflexively taking over after all the trauma, otherwise there'd be no reason to fight him afterward.
@@ShonenOuji She can not use her powers on Denji, because he is one with Pochita, and Makima does not see him as beneath her. This is why she had to go through such an intricate plan to break him.
@@ShonenOuji Broadly it's something you didn't quite address in your video either. For your comparative example's with Dio and Senku, their application of leadership were based on substantial factor's about them both. These factor's, overwhelming power of violence and genius level intellegence respectively, that made each of their leadership style's effective. A complete moron using Senku's method in asking for help come's across as needy and dependent for example. While a 80 pound average chump with no fighting skill's or any offensive capacity attempting Dio's commanding presence would be luaghed at. You never address, even without spoilers, why Makima's method of leadership holds any weight. Again, there are perhaps two instance's where you come close to an implication but never commit to anything. At least nothing beyond her already being in a position of power and her being able to butter up or tear down individual's with an, unexplored, keen understanding of their own positive and negative self perceptions. That's also glossing completely over Power's utter terror filled over reactions to Makima's soft spoken commands directed at Power. Everyone else seemingly simultaneously adores/respects Makima while also being terrified of her. All mixed with a sense of unease and suspicion that is quickly dismissed or forgotten as quickly as it arises. Point being, Dio backs up his leadership with fear. Where as Makima backs her's up with all consuming terror. Her subordinates are terrified of disappointing her and seek her approval like abuse victims. They are subconsciously and instinctually terrified of her, so much so that they buried that terror under a false sense of adoration or respect. Makima absolutely has the subtle and toxic leadership skill's of manipulation as you address in your video. That's undeniable. However it's only effective because Denji is a naive moron and the rest because of the forementioned subconscious abject terror of her. Denji himself, Makima doesn't even see him as a pet like the other Devil Hunter humans. More like a stray that's not long for this world so completely beneath her notice. It's Pochita that Makima see's and cannot use her abilities on. Makima see's Pochita as abover her, not Denji. Pochita's situation with Denji is a convenience for her goals, she can manipulate Denji easily without her abilities. Due to the Denji/Pochita situation, she clearly wouldn't try to use them either. None the less, it's probably best to leave it there before we enter heavy spoiler territory haha. Great video mate.
I think Makima might be able to do some amount of mind reading. there are a couple of times when she says something that would only make sense if she was a around. starting with the breakfast question, her answer is a bit generic sure. But after eternity devil arc, she mentions an indirect kiss, something only Denji says, during the eternity devil arc. And then there is her trip to Kyoto, in previous chapters, one character mentions that she used to travel all the time before Denji came into the picture (I know, this one has another explanation, but to avoid spoilers, we won't discuss it). There are other examples, which I can't remember right now.
I felt that she was meant to be calm-mannered in an unsettling way. That she is so dangerous she doesn't need to show off, in the same way that a god father-esk kind of mob boss can sit a victim down and calmy tell them exactly what they want from them completely composed. They don't really need to get loud because the knowledge of what horrible things they could do or have already done speaks for them. She is a dangerous character and anyone who has witnessed what she can do, would not dare test her patience. And for the manipulation I agree, she tells the people around her what they want to hear, allows them to project onto her what they want/need her to be and runs with it, playing each role as she reads their reactions carefully and attentively. I notice how she always looks whoever she is talking to directly in the eyes, this does several things. It fosters a sense of closeness, respect, and sincerity, while also asserting dominance. It can be validating to those who crave her approval and terrifying to those she means to threaten. When she looks at Power in the eyes as she speaks patiently, her eyes let on to a more sinister undertone to the conversation, when she makes visual contact with her, it's a warning. Kind of like how as child, if you were out in public doing something your mother didn't like, she might speak to you calmly to reprimand you on the outside, but the minute she looks you in the eyes you know you're in for a beat down if you don't listen. That, but replace it with much deadlier consequences.
Wow thats very true what you are saying. You seem to understand it on another level. Do you have Instagram by any chance? I would love to talk with you about it because i’m into it right now. Greetings
Subtle? Bruh I was scared and suspicious of her the second she showed up in episode 1. I’m so glad that predictions of who she is and what she wanted/was gonna do was all confirmed in vol 10
I think Makima’s gentle voice is not only good to earn trust, but also makes her unsettling scenes MORE unsettling. Her voice doesn’t change a beat no matter what is happening. She doesn’t have to strain it, she’s in full control always.
The thing I would add is that Makima appears to be using the principles laid out by Niccolo Machiavelli in "The Prince", which proposes that leaders in power have different ethical standards because for them maintaining power and achieving goals is their responsibility as leaders, not being kind or magnanimous. Machiavelli proposes a "no limits" approach to maintaining power that is represented in how Makima quietly dominates from behind the scenes. This is demonstrated by her methods in manipulating people, but also by her willingness to sacrifice the weaker members of her team in order to cull them and build a team of the strongest and most ferocious fighters in order to take on the Gun Devil (and maybe pursue some other personal goal...).
I actually love her voice, reminds me of Roose Bolton in ASOIAF. Dude's voice is barely above a whisper and instead of raising his voice, people around him stays quiet in order to listen to him.
Makima is scary as f***! I haven't read the manga, I'm trying to avoid spoilers but I can already tell that she is all about controlling and manipulating people and I don't know what the hell she is but she's definitely not human.
She should have her own horror film series Makima’s Revenge Makima’s bloodlust groom of makima seed of makima curse of Makima cult of makima end of makima Freddy vs makima chucky vs makima those are my examples of her horror films
To the audience, there is nothing subtle with those crazy eyes. Just based on her design she was never going to be a good person. And she has the same blank expression on her face for most scenarios.
Well, she's control incarnate. It's not leadership at all. it's manipulation. Big difference. Leadership invokes more integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, empathy, and gratitude. Manipulation has similar results at times, but it is completely self beneficial.
Is this leader stretching me to be more, or are they just parroting what I already believe myself to be? Always a great question to ask yourself when working for someone.
I always see Makima as rather than a traditional political "leader" more a parental "leader", which is I guess an even more raw and more instictial (sorry for the lack of proper language) form of controlling power. (Thus I like her voice)
Makima is also terrifying because of the aura around her and being in a position of authority over incredibly powerful people like Kishibe. She relies on everyone assuming she is incredibly, which she is, and letting their imagination run wild which keeps them in line. It's relying on people's common sense to understand that Makima is much more powerful than they are because of her position, unfortunately Denji completely lacks that.
Makima control Power by having overwhelming strength, people like Power wouldn't let just anyone talk down to her. Because she know she can never beat Makima, she submits fully and let Makima talk down to her. A super strong villian don't need to be loud, because strength speak for itself.
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Spoilers ahead: I'm not going to dispute that Makima is a great leader, but everything you stated besides her making Denji fall in love with her (A task that is not that difficult the man is down terminally) was a direct result of her control devil powers. For example Power wasn't quiet because she respects Makima, but because Makima views Power as lesser and so she's basically forced into silence without any other option, similar to Angel being forced to kill his entire village. It's not a great idea to downplay that factor since it's a key aspect of the new control devil's desire for equal relationships, what Makima secretly wanted most was to not exercise that inherent control on others, something she couldn't have until she was reborn because she had been taught to view anyone she can beat as lesser.
Denji’s the ideal “mark” and the kind of person that those warning messages about scammers are made for. He’s dirt poor, a social outcast, fairly poorly educated, came from a traumatic family background, and by extension, a very traumatic life after that, and is that essentially looking for love and approval wherever he can get it… He’s the exact kind of person that scammers in the real world target. Like, the whole checklist.
I guess he is sorta interpreted as a "dog". So Makima is able to easily tame him like a dog, because Denji is dumb and obedient. Only instead of treats and pets it's a comfortable life and boobs
😁I really enjoyed your video on makima, the thing I like about makima in chainsaw man was how she was used in the story, makima whole design screams yes a powerful and capable person, but also dont get to close and dont trust her, as I read through the story I kept coming to the same thought, what is her true goal, which is the strength of her because she's hardly in the story, and yet she never leaves your mind and you wonder what is she doing or planning/playing at, which are the best traits to have for a manipulative character like her, also side note her voice in the anime just makes her action all the more better since it's so soft, yet chilling at the the same time.
@@ShonenOuji I just remember one other point the creator also got the reader charmed by makima, since she was hardly seen in the manga, and when she did appear we the reader like denji would get happy and light up since we like seeing her in the story, since she would always say or doing something important or cool, and like denji and everyone else got trapped and trick into liking her, very good writing on the author part.
I'm curious if you think it'd be feasible to defend the stance that while what happens to Makima in the end should've happened and was necessary to prove Denji's growth and just penance for what she did, that with all that aside, it could be justified for mourning her overall fate and wishing she'd had it better in the first place? I understand that is a rather muddled and vague question, but between Pochita's description of her in the end and what was her technically benevolent albeit selfish intentions, I can't help but feel it indicated that the numerous yet brief glimpses you get past the calm mask were genuine reflections of her just as a person, and thus one (when compared to the tragedy of Pochita and his dream that he managed to luck out with Denji all things considered) who lack of happiness could be lamented, despite the horrible things she'd done?
I absolutely think so. I think that's exactly what Nayuta is for. She (should) do for Makima what Uub did for Buu. Not supposed to redeem the original character. Just a fresh start.
I think gentle voice for Makima is way better than some sort of deep, leader-like voice (and I generally find her more terrifying after watching anime than I did after manga) because that generally makes her to be even more scary as you can see there is something strange about it. Idk whether I'm explaining this well but anyway😂 Control Devil having a soft, gentle voice somehow adds to the manipulative aspect of control in my opinion, which is kind of Makima's signature trait. She manipulates people and soft, gentle, innocent-like voice really ads up to it
I don't know if many of the people here in this video ever read "The 48 Laws Of Power", it really helps in understanding Makima better. Her actions, manners and charisma are strikingly similar to the lessons taught in the book.
Please be mindful of spoilers!
What's something else everyone overlooks about Makima? What are some other great leaders in anime/manga?
Some leaders from animanga that stick out to me is Daichi and Oikawa from Haikyu
Erwin smith comes to mind. Him and captain Harlock. I’d follow those two to the ends of the earth.
Kamina/simon Johan Liebert Griffith
kei kurono chrollo lucifer Gilgamesh sinbad
Canute from vinland saga.
Lucifer from hxh
Erwin Smith the hype machine
She's the personification of control, which is what psychopaths desire most. Makima captures all the traits of a high functioning psychopath so perfectly.
I like this subtle hint
in pochita's ending explanation we even get this exact narrative - makima wants a life with the chainsaw man, but will never be able to have a functioning friendly relationship with anyone because her desire for power is constantly in the way and puts her above others no matter what. her goal is rigged from the start because achieving it is impossible for her.
Have u read the manga?
@@drakootherat1735 yes I have
@@muayboran6111 that explains it then. It wouldve been more impresive if you didnt
"Makima is listening" gotta be the scariest moment in chainsaw man
yeah, i’m an anime only so no-spoilers, but i saw an instagram reel with just that panel and no music or nothing else, and i literally shook with fear….
in context that scene gotta be terrifying.
@Kanyigger the context is absolutely terrifying. i think it'll be in season 2, more likely season 3, so it's a scene you should definitely look forward to!
@@DrakeMeatRider same here, thats why im on this video because i saw that edit on instagram. Scared the shit out of me
@@DrakeMeatRider gotta give to you you're brave man for watching CSM videos as an anime viewer. There's so many spoilers around it's crazy.
Nah for me is the introduction of darkness devil in hell. The astronauts in praying position while darkness devil walks indicates that we people don't really know anything whats in the dark.
Makima not standing out/not being present often is actually one of the 48 Laws of Power.
I've never heard of it before but I looked it up and the connection is pretty spot on from what I can tell.
Definitely checking that out.. you got me hooked!
Elaborate more pls!!!
@@boomboomBANG456 when you're not consistently available and/or present people start wondering about what you're up to, giving you mystery around yourself
Was about to say this. More than one law of power displayed here
Makima SHOULD sound like a Kindergarten teacher. She coddles to control people.
That’s what I was thinking. She definitely talks to them the way a elementary teachers does 😂
The gentle voice suits Makima. A leader doesn't need a powerful voice. People just need to respect you. When Makima speaks i pay attention. She lures you in with her beauty and waits for you to fall into her trap. It's top tier manipulation. You don't need to be powerful to control someone. The fact that people was upset with Makima's VA is so damn stupid to me. It's a perfect fit. People need to chill with their headcanon.
I think the people that didn't like the VA choice severely overlooked how passive Makima really is. Her voice is a perfect reflection of that.
it's because she's not saying "ara ara" every other sentence.
Yeah its kinda like Miranda Priestly from Devil wears prada. Shes so confident and softspoken, you are compelled to stop and focus on her every word. She dosent demand attention: she dosent have to. She shifts thier attention onto herself.
The disconnect from some fans might stem from their perception of her not matching up to how she actually presents herself. She remains a fascinating character for me, the mystery always kept me engaged.
Her voice is gentle, but she speaks with total confidence and almost a complete lack of emotions. I don't know why JP fans have a problem with the VA, I think she suits her perfectly.
Her voice may be soft, but it almost has a very subtle constant echo, to show that she doesn't need to yell and threaten to have full control over her subordinates.
I'm sure that most of us had a teacher or a boss that is exactly that way, they have never raised their voice or punished anyone, but still has everyone under their thumb. Unlike Makima though, they aren't manipulative, just very well respected.
This is spot on. (SPOILERS) Makima literally tells Denji this is what she does in the scene where Denji visits her house. She tells him that she gains control over others by giving them things and taking them away. She manipulates people by giving them confidence in themselves, only to take it away when she needs them to behave. It's an abuse tactic she uses so that she has complete control over the feelings and actions of the people around her.
The flaw i noticed early on is that people are not dependent on Makima. If Denji scored with puke girl, would he continue to follow Makima into hell?
Well that's what she said she specifically did to Denji in an attempt to fuck up his mental state. She doesn't say she does this for everybody
(SPOILERS) When Power needs her blood drained, she seems genuinely scared of Makima and it’s clear that the process isn’t pleasant. This along with her general attitude toward Makima shows that there is 100% violence/abuse between the two. And for Aki (HUGE SPOILERS) (seriously don’t read this if you haven’t read the manga) it’s revealed that he’s had his memories/attitude altered by Makima to make him like her, like how she makes Angel or the Weapon devils like her
It's intermittent conditioning. She's basically training them like actual dogs.
Thats not in general though, that was specifically for denji, and it was done in order to get him to break his contract with pochita
Makima is how truly great leaders are. "Leaders are loud and powerful." No. Real power does not need to raise their voice, or brag about their power. True power is calm, purposeful, and not insecure.
but at the same time she treats others like trash. She's not a good leader, just a good manipulator
Yes, one raises their voice to get attention. Makima has nothing to gain and nothing to prove, she is already in control. She is already control.
Bloody terrifying.
@@PureCurebyFaith I agree a leader acts in the best interest of those they lead. A tyrant only acts in their own best interest at the detriment to those they manipulate. It’s an important distinction to make.
Thats Anime Logic applied to reallife.
It is one aspect but not the entire puzzle...
To me the way Makima uses her soft spoken voice as a leader is similar to Miranda (Meryl Streep's character) in Devil's Wears Prada. In DWP, Miranda never raises her voice ever. She's often the most soft spoken person in any scene but every time she speaks every single character hears it and listens to it. Even when she is disappointed her voice doesn't change, but you can see the effects of it on her underlings. Meryl Streep said that she got inspired to play Miranda this way because of Clint Eastwood who never raises his voice but because he's a powerful figure in Hollywood every HAS to be quiet and listen to him. Makima is the same way. She is demonstrating to us the viewer that she already has power over Aki, Denji and Power because whenever she speaks they always listen without questioning her even without raising her voice.
This is such a good observation, and considering the author's love of western movies I can totally see this being intentional. If I'm going to have a beautiful devil woman secretly running a bureaucratic organization, a title like "The Devil Wears Prada" is absolutely going to come to mind for me.
Both great comparisons. Never thought I'd compare Makima to Clint Eastwood but here we are.
I was thinking the same comparison to!
This is a great comparison
I was thinking about this too while listening to the video as well.
Makimas sweet and gentle voice is just a reflection of how the other characters perceive her. She is literally supposed to sound innocent and comforting. The characters are drawn to her naturally. Another detail about her character that I love is the way all her victims are connected to her womb via chains that are attached to their bellybuttons or hearts.
She is definitely the most unique main antagonist in my opinion.
Neat detail, since she's sort of a motherly figure for Denji.
Tbh i never really understood why that was a thing 😂
Makima's trick to make anyone follow her truly is terrifying but that's what makes her an amazing character
Exactly. Like I said, seeing what she does and why she's doing it makes Chainsaw Man that much more intense.
@@ShonenOuji true
Watching this vid gave me more ideas on how to write a villain in my story
Glad I could help!
@@ShonenOuji thanks
The "control" she has over people in a lower position of power is absolutely terrifying
Agreed. It's something that's easy to underestimate when you start the story, which is exactly why I wanted to put out this video.
Oh hey Rick!
She like a dictator. This something she learn from her bosses.
At some point Fujimoto has mentioned that he based all of his female characters off of his highschool bully who he loved getting harassed by. But for Makima, he also took inspiration from a documentary on Narcissistic and Abusive mothers who would destroy their children’s self image sometimes to gain something and sometimes for pure entertainment always making sure that everyone saw her in a positive light to make sure their children had nowhere to run to.
do you know what documentary?
That's horrible
in fact she and her sisters the 4 horseman were all abusive to anyone under them. If makima turns out to be denji's mother then there's a good reason why denji's father took denji with him and fled to the isolated and remote region of the countryside.
Really curious what sort of voice they wanted Makima to have. She matched my expectations perfectly.
exactly! any kind of assertive "mommy" or dominant voice would have ruined the character that has always been portrayed as a subtle influence in the back of your head.
They are just some of stupid mangakas who love cliche and overuse things. I was terrified right when she said to Denji "I don't need an useless dog...". The voice is opposite to the content. It's uncanny and scary asf.
@@ValkynShade I saw her as a older seductive woman that grooms teenagers and casually terrifies the country. How she sounds in the English dub is pretty much what I was expecting. I’m used to it now, but when the trailer came out, a lot of us weren’t expecting the scariest woman in Japan and Denji’s crush to sound like a loli. It’s not really a big deal though, readers just have differences in interpretation. People want to start angry arguments but I’m pretty sure everybody that read the manga would imagine her sounding calm and gentle, it’s just the point that people had different visions of when reading, is whether she should’ve sounded deep voiced calm or baby voiced calm.
俺にも分からん。ど真ん中だと思うけどな。日本人だけど。（same here. she`s perfectly fit for the job. though I`m Japanese.）
When a person has a soft voice you really have to pay attention to hear well what it’s saying. That’s the first moment where control takes place and you don’t even notice it.
There's something so creepy in how she stares straight into the camera even when she should be distracted, like when she was drinking the beer. It's almost like it's her way to assert control not just with Denji but the viewers themselves. It gets right under my skin and I love that.
Makima's voice gives me chills. Same with her eyes. The thing that makes her terrifying is how unassuming she looks. Her voice actor did a great job.
is it only me that finds the gentle voice is actualy making her more scarier ?
I think you missed a part though. Makima *is* strong. I'm only an anime watcher and I could tell the first time she came on the screen, Makima isn't someone to mess with. She has power. Her whole body language exudes the confidence of someone who knows they are the strongest person in the room. She is soft spoken and unassuming, and it's such a HUGE disconnect for how she carries herself, which puts you on guard when she's on the screen. As the anime goes on, you see that those around her seem to fear her. In the bar scene, she drinks EVERYONE under the table and doesn't even look phased. Then the reveal happens and it's like 'oh, yah...this is what I've waiting for.'
She is 100% a toxic leader, in that she is using those under her for her own gain. But she is not weak. She is so strong and sure of herself...she doesn't have to show others how strong she actually is. But...they all know. It's why Power cowers when Makima tells her to be quiet. It's why Aki is drawn to her. She doesn't need to flaunt her power to make sure people follow her, and that's why she's terrifying, and we want to know more on what her game is.
ohhh you're in for such a treat because the manga gets so much more twisted than this.
She’s the closest to Johan Liebert than say Dio or Griffith
One of the main highlights in this series for me is when she grooms Denji into doing her bidding, by mistakenly making him think she cares about him or that he's "her type". I'm sure that as a teen I would have been rooting for Denji for scoring so smoothly, but as an adult it's so obvious that he's just a pawn to her and she's blatantly working him, knowing that his underdeveloped, hormone driven teenage brain will absolutely do anything in hopes of gaining her favor. It's genius!
Instead of leader, her voice resembles a mother. The mother-child relationship is the very first control relationship any creature will ever have. That’s why her voice is so soft
Something I find a lot of people miss about the end of part 1 and part 2 currently is how Makima was brought up by the state using her for their own goals and her yearn for some sort of the same intimacy Denji experienced in Part 1.
Makima always said she loves humans as she loved dogs and wanted to create a world that wouldn't harm humans.
Due to the way she was brought up Makima was cold and calculated but I believe that inherently she wanted the same type of intimacy most humans achieve in their life evident by her just cuddling Pochita at the end of part 1. She had concluded that nobody apart from Pochita (due to their history) was equal enough to her to provide this intimacy due to how she was brought up and her nature as the control devil.
One of the only times she showed emotion was when she watched that movie where we could see two people hugging each other.
I just find it incredibly poetic that Nayuta (the new Control Devil) and Denji now in part 2 are basically providing this intimacy they both yearned for to each other along with their many dogs and Power.
A lot of people say Denji has regressed to just being horny MC after what happened when it's clear Denji isn't as rambunctious as he used to be in part 1 and is trying to provide for his new family. He also seems more depressed in part 2 maybe due to the loss of Power and Aki and his life as a sort of single father.
Can't wait to see Nayuta in part 2!!
There are some other moments where Makima breaks her “perfect persona,” like when she’s on the train and says she had fun drinking, or when she was nervous of the executives, and of course the famous movie scene
and the time when she laughed at Denji when he was having a breakdown
@@ei4163 devils can smell fear n stuff, thats why when denji suffers infront of her she cant help but feel some sense of demonic joy.
I'd add that the scene of Makima and Power you referenced that her words carry a very subtle, underlying threat to Power, at least that's how I've always taken it. She says something to the point of "Maybe you're not cut out to be a devil hunter?" when earlier on it was made explicitly clear to both the characters and us that if Power and Denji do not prove useful, they'll be treated as devils and killed on the spot. So when she says "Maybe you're not cut out to be a devil hunter?" the underlying message is "Maybe it's about time we got rid of you."
That's a really toxic way to control people, to build their confidence to then take it away, I didn't pick that up when I first read Chainsaw Man.
Makima has this mysterious charm to her,on the surface she seems gentle,but professional,Makima uses flattery to its fullest.So combined that with her manipulative nature and how she’s playing like chess (don’t know how to explain it lol).
Either way Makima doesn’t have to go the typical leader route.
Btw awesome video
Thank you so much! And I agree. Makima seems harmless and so everyone let's their guard down and underestimates her at first.
I guess that is why Makima set off alarm bells in my head immediately when she first showed up. I'm very sensitive to folks trying to control me (having survived how my parents treated me) and the minute someone starts telling me what I want/like to hear and I DON'T KNOW THEM I become suspicious immediately. Anytime she is on screen I'm immediately uncomfortable and I have to take frequent breaks from CSM because of her presence alone.
Thus she is a damn fine character.
I love Makima's quiet voice. It completely suits her. She doesn't NEED a loud bombastic voice. She has everyone wrapped around her finger already. She never needs to raise her voice for anything. The terror of her is enough to have people fall in line. If they don't, they are disposed of, and she has the power to do that easily. I adore her character. She is so fun to watch and a part of that reason is because I love hearing how she speaks. The English and Japanese voice actors both nail it.
Makima knows exactly what to get out of an individual and how to pull out every last ounce until their dried up
I kinda hate how you worded that last part haha
@@ShonenOuji Accidental W
i really expected her voice to be deep but the sotf-spoken dialogues of makima really is more scary and makes you wanna listen to her
You did miss that part of how she controls the fiends and devils is that implicit threat of violence. Power isn't just following instincts, she is terrified of Makima. In the Bomb Girl arc when the devil hunters are trying to get more info out of Beam he looks scared and says he can't say anymore or Makima would kill him. She also does this with Denji as well obviously but it's to a lesser extent.
Makima’s expressions make me feel like no matter the situation she could grab me in her fist and crush me like a damn grape.
Reading the manga and I understand why her pupils look the way they do. (Spoilers) 👇👇
How they're shaped like targets, hinting as to what she really is and how she subconsciously controls anyone she talks too. Every time you see her ordering around someone, through clever camera direction, it puts so much focus on her eyes along with her soothing voice.
Would make sense but there’s now other devils w those eyes as well signifying the 4 horseman of the apocalypse
There's also a connection between concentric circles and hypnotism
this would have made sense if the other 4 horsemen didn't have the same eyes. this has nothing to do with it sadly, but the take was great anyways.
Every devil has those eyes thats what differentiates them from humans
She goes from having a serious voice to that one ghost thats whispering in my ear right now voice
a lot of people really understatement the capability of soft power and Makima shows it
If anything, I think her quiet tone and subtle mannerisms lend BETTER to her character.
I remember hearing a quote somewhere but I can't remember it exactly or where it came from... but...
"A man who shouts moves a millions. A man who whispers moves millions."
Those who can get what they want without bravado and just merely the small inflections and thoughtful words are always the most terrifying.
When I first started chainsaw, makima sort of rubbed me the wrong way when she showed up. But I couldn't put my finger on it at the time.
She hardly stood out and remained in the background for the majority of the series. and yet people around her loved and respected her. She was condescending to denji at first, ordering him to kill the muscle devil right after picking him up, but then became friendlier with him, being the person he went to in his time of need. Even as you said with aki... it's like she was trying to get a feel of the characters before settling in on a role that she'll play in their life. For Aki, she's the reliable kind hearted leader. For denji, she played the role as the doting love interest. She was adapting.
When makimas identity is revealed as the Control Devil, it made perfect sense. Also made her terrifying. Looking back in the series, it didn't seem like she abused her control powers, which would have been easier to manipulate and control those around her...no she was using her natural charismatic abilities and carefully crafted words to keep those in line and eating out of the palm of her hand.
Makima is like a normal "good" boss, which is what is so terrifying and relatable to young people who, like Denji, are beggining to move on from the world of "children" to the world of "adults" as part of the workforce.
her being calm and quiet and also confident is why everyone listens to her and she can easily get into people's mind, if her voice trembled noone would listen to what she had to say and lose all her power
Well, Makima's voice is soft cause she embodies something like the illuminati, a soft voice that lurks in the shadows and controls everything.
Excellent video my dude. Very well thought out and presented in a super digestible and understandable way :)
Coming from an anime villain expert such as yourself? You honor me, sir.
Yooo it's Axel
Even though Makima isn't a good person by any means, she has a lot of qualities to learn from.
Being a leader and having people look up to you involves a certain degree of kindness, but not enough to have people feel complacent. Making them uncomfortable with your presence keeps them in check, but also making them comfortable enough to crave your presence. Using harsh words to make people feel guilty and make them buy into your plans, but sugarcoating statements enough to let people feel accomplished of their own decisions. Having very little intimacy and avoid unnecessary attachment, but also feeling personable and dependable in moments of weakness.
You can't deny that she's an excellent people's person, and that's what makes her so frightening. She's like a salesperson who can just kill you if you're skilled enough to see through her words.
The best analysis in youtube. Seriously
@@dwacheopus Thank you so much! You honestly just made my day.
Her gentle voice actually makes her more dangerous. It makes you lower your guard. Same thing with the constant fake smiling. She wants to seem approachable to draw you in.
Her showing her true face is absolutely crushing for Denji as a character and us as the reader. I had a ptsd from what she did.
I feel like her gentle voice is perfect because it’s something a mother for example would do she’ll speak quietly and softly which makes you stop whatever you do and listen it’s such a good anime and such a good voice actor
Good thing my mother's voice is loud and obnoxious, it doesn't scares me instead it annoys me.
I always interpreted Makima's style of Villainy to be similar to Gustavo Fring in Breaking bad and BCS. Gus is not loud, Gus barely does the dirty work himself, he sends his Goons to do it for him, and when he does do the dirty work, it's imposing and unfathomable. Similar to how Makima operates, they're both quiet, calculating antagonists that pull the plot's strings from behind the scenes.
Spoiler!
They both also go down in a similar manner, both antagonists grossly underestimate our protagonist to the point of letting their guard down, while feeling high and mighty, and that's where our protagonists get the jump on them.
The qualities that make makima stand out and big and round and very clear to me thank you very much
This is exactly why Chainsaw man is worth another read. The manga makes you THINK Makima has some special talent for words , and throws a red herring in a leader presented as one similar to say Gojo or Kakashi. Mysterious, powerful, and keeps their cards to their chest but good hearted ultimately. Until you realize her power is literally to control other people. Then her voice makes so much sense. Once you get through the manga , upon a second read, her calmness is terrifying as you realize pure evil underlies it.
I don't get why people were so upset over her voice. It suits a lying manipulator perfectly. I guess they expected her to say "ara ara" twice in every episode or something
As an anime-only viewer, I thought Makima's voice was perfect from her first scene, and it fits her manipulation of Denji and Aki through seduction. I wouldn't call her a leader in the sense as MLK, though. She's more of a master manipulator than a leader. The tactics she uses are highly effective at manipulating people in interpersonal relationships but don't scale up to manipulating large groups, which would require the bombastic personalities of people like MLK and Donald Trump.
You made a video about Makima leadership but it also works perfectly for Griffith from Berserk xD
or johan liebert. I'm watching monster and currently at ep 17, so far he barely has any screentime but he's such a massive presence in every single episode, that the anticipation of him actually showing up has me on the edge of my seat.
Makima with Dio's va would be bizarre
Reading the manga I have always thought her voice is soft and calming. Sure at first hearing her VA I wasn't a bit satisfied but as the anime went on I actually really loved it
All I can say is,
Makima is great. Whenever her “true” reasoning behind everything is revealed I know Imma be shocked and probably hurt
She seems to move perfect throughout every situation that it’s like a power or something and those eyes aren’t normal so it HAS to be
Makima character design tells us a lot about her as a character and her manipulative qualities as a leader. Her red hair that symbolizes her deviousness and willingness to do anything for her goal.Her spiral eyes that whenever you look at her it feels like she’s slowly but surely drawing you in while judging your use.The spiral in her eyes tell us she never see any character as an equal due to always seeing the bigger picture of her goal and seems to be plotting something.. The layers in her eyes tells us there’s something more to her than we as the audience can tell.This develops an unease whenever anyone sees Makima like there’s something not right and fits Makima role like a glove.
I love her voice. Especially the English dub. Its beyond perfect for the roll of makima
Should I check out the English dub? Is it worth it?
@@ShonenOuji if you have time sure. Episodes 4 & 5 i would highly recommend if you are. Makimas english VA, has the perfect voice to fit her domineer, but yet has such a soothing and calm tone too it. The whole English VA cast are done well, but Makimas definitely the stand out. I’m currently watching both the sub and dub weekly.
@@JamesRobertson844 Duly noted. Thanks for letting me know!
(SPOILERS)
I really like this breakdown! I honestly just thought of it as "Oh she's just using her control powers" whenever she would talk to Aki through the phone and make him blush, or being able to control power with one phrase. Especially as it's shown later in the manga.
Thank you! While I do think Makima is usually using her powers to some extent, I think we overlook how much she gets by without them. Especially with Denji. There is a lot that Makima gets Denji to agree to just by giving him exactly what he wants. My theory is she probably never uses her power on him because she doesn't have to.
@@ShonenOuji Isn't it also that she can't use her powers on Denji because technically he is the Hero of Hell that she can't physically look down on and thus can't use her power on? Sure there is that one time when it kinda looks like she uses it on him after she kills his soul on his birthday, but I personally think that is more just Pochita reflexively taking over after all the trauma, otherwise there'd be no reason to fight him afterward.
@@ShonenOuji She can not use her powers on Denji, because he is one with Pochita, and Makima does not see him as beneath her. This is why she had to go through such an intricate plan to break him.
@@ShonenOuji Broadly it's something you didn't quite address in your video either.
For your comparative example's with Dio and Senku, their application of leadership were based on substantial factor's about them both.
These factor's, overwhelming power of violence and genius level intellegence respectively, that made each of their leadership style's effective.
A complete moron using Senku's method in asking for help come's across as needy and dependent for example.
While a 80 pound average chump with no fighting skill's or any offensive capacity attempting Dio's commanding presence would be luaghed at.
You never address, even without spoilers, why Makima's method of leadership holds any weight.
Again, there are perhaps two instance's where you come close to an implication but never commit to anything.
At least nothing beyond her already being in a position of power and her being able to butter up or tear down individual's with an, unexplored, keen understanding of their own positive and negative self perceptions.
That's also glossing completely over Power's utter terror filled over reactions to Makima's soft spoken commands directed at Power.
Everyone else seemingly simultaneously adores/respects Makima while also being terrified of her. All mixed with a sense of unease and suspicion that is quickly dismissed or forgotten as quickly as it arises.
Point being, Dio backs up his leadership with fear. Where as Makima backs her's up with all consuming terror.
Her subordinates are terrified of disappointing her and seek her approval like abuse victims.
They are subconsciously and instinctually terrified of her, so much so that they buried that terror under a false sense of adoration or respect.
Makima absolutely has the subtle and toxic leadership skill's of manipulation as you address in your video. That's undeniable.
However it's only effective because Denji is a naive moron and the rest because of the forementioned subconscious abject terror of her.
Denji himself, Makima doesn't even see him as a pet like the other Devil Hunter humans. More like a stray that's not long for this world so completely beneath her notice.
It's Pochita that Makima see's and cannot use her abilities on. Makima see's Pochita as abover her, not Denji.
Pochita's situation with Denji is a convenience for her goals, she can manipulate Denji easily without her abilities. Due to the Denji/Pochita situation, she clearly wouldn't try to use them either.
None the less, it's probably best to leave it there before we enter heavy spoiler territory haha.
Great video mate.
I figured she was able to control Power effortlessly because Power is actually aware of what she can do
I think Makima might be able to do some amount of mind reading. there are a couple of times when she says something that would only make sense if she was a around. starting with the breakfast question, her answer is a bit generic sure. But after eternity devil arc, she mentions an indirect kiss, something only Denji says, during the eternity devil arc. And then there is her trip to Kyoto, in previous chapters, one character mentions that she used to travel all the time before Denji came into the picture (I know, this one has another explanation, but to avoid spoilers, we won't discuss it).
There are other examples, which I can't remember right now.
As Kishibe wrote “Makima is listening” it’s not coincidence nor mind reading.
She gives princess bubblegum vibes
Makima is the best character in the series in my opinion. She has a lot of depth.
I felt that she was meant to be calm-mannered in an unsettling way. That she is so dangerous she doesn't need to show off, in the same way that a god father-esk kind of mob boss can sit a victim down and calmy tell them exactly what they want from them completely composed. They don't really need to get loud because the knowledge of what horrible things they could do or have already done speaks for them. She is a dangerous character and anyone who has witnessed what she can do, would not dare test her patience. And for the manipulation I agree, she tells the people around her what they want to hear, allows them to project onto her what they want/need her to be and runs with it, playing each role as she reads their reactions carefully and attentively. I notice how she always looks whoever she is talking to directly in the eyes, this does several things. It fosters a sense of closeness, respect, and sincerity, while also asserting dominance. It can be validating to those who crave her approval and terrifying to those she means to threaten. When she looks at Power in the eyes as she speaks patiently, her eyes let on to a more sinister undertone to the conversation, when she makes visual contact with her, it's a warning. Kind of like how as child, if you were out in public doing something your mother didn't like, she might speak to you calmly to reprimand you on the outside, but the minute she looks you in the eyes you know you're in for a beat down if you don't listen. That, but replace it with much deadlier consequences.
Wow thats very true what you are saying. You seem to understand it on another level. Do you have Instagram by any chance? I would love to talk with you about it because i’m into it right now. Greetings
If any person weren't convinced something was off with Makima, they certainly will after episode 9.
Every knee in the Multiverse will bow down before Makima Our Goddess, eternally!!!!
Denji & Makima are carrying the whole manga.
The terror gets less and less subtle as the series goes along
I think you nailed it
Makima is the embodiment of “Seduction is still Manipulation”
Subtle? Bruh I was scared and suspicious of her the second she showed up in episode 1. I’m so glad that predictions of who she is and what she wanted/was gonna do was all confirmed in vol 10
I think Makima’s gentle voice is not only good to earn trust, but also makes her unsettling scenes MORE unsettling. Her voice doesn’t change a beat no matter what is happening. She doesn’t have to strain it, she’s in full control always.
The thing I would add is that Makima appears to be using the principles laid out by Niccolo Machiavelli in "The Prince", which proposes that leaders in power have different ethical standards because for them maintaining power and achieving goals is their responsibility as leaders, not being kind or magnanimous. Machiavelli proposes a "no limits" approach to maintaining power that is represented in how Makima quietly dominates from behind the scenes. This is demonstrated by her methods in manipulating people, but also by her willingness to sacrifice the weaker members of her team in order to cull them and build a team of the strongest and most ferocious fighters in order to take on the Gun Devil (and maybe pursue some other personal goal...).
I actually love her voice, reminds me of Roose Bolton in ASOIAF.
Dude's voice is barely above a whisper and instead of raising his voice, people around him stays quiet in order to listen to him.
Makima is scary as f***!
I haven't read the manga, I'm trying to avoid spoilers but I can already tell that she is all about controlling and manipulating people and I don't know what the hell she is but she's definitely not human.
Makima Is God Almighty and Denji Is HER prophet!!!!!
She should have her own horror film series Makima’s Revenge Makima’s bloodlust groom of makima seed of makima curse of Makima cult of makima end of makima Freddy vs makima chucky vs makima those are my examples of her horror films
To the audience, there is nothing subtle with those crazy eyes. Just based on her design she was never going to be a good person. And she has the same blank expression on her face for most scenarios.
Well, she's control incarnate. It's not leadership at all. it's manipulation. Big difference. Leadership invokes more integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, empathy, and gratitude. Manipulation has similar results at times, but it is completely self beneficial.
Is this leader stretching me to be more, or are they just parroting what I already believe myself to be?
Always a great question to ask yourself when working for someone.
I already knew from the first time that that woman was hiding something.
Glory and honor to Makima Our Goddess, eternally!!!!
I always see Makima as rather than a traditional political "leader" more a parental "leader", which is I guess an even more raw and more instictial (sorry for the lack of proper language) form of controlling power. (Thus I like her voice)
Makima is also terrifying because of the aura around her and being in a position of authority over incredibly powerful people like Kishibe.
She relies on everyone assuming she is incredibly, which she is, and letting their imagination run wild which keeps them in line. It's relying on people's common sense to understand that Makima is much more powerful than they are because of her position, unfortunately Denji completely lacks that.
she plays into their mommy issues
Makima control Power by having overwhelming strength, people like Power wouldn't let just anyone talk down to her. Because she know she can never beat Makima, she submits fully and let Makima talk down to her. A super strong villian don't need to be loud, because strength speak for itself.
I really like your videos, honestly I learnt more in yours than many other "bigger" youtuber's ones. I hope you read this comment and see how good you are, ill be following you from this point on!!! Keep up the good work.
Thank you so much for the kind words! I’ll work hard to deliver more great videos like this one.
Spoilers ahead:
I'm not going to dispute that Makima is a great leader, but everything you stated besides her making Denji fall in love with her (A task that is not that difficult the man is down terminally) was a direct result of her control devil powers. For example Power wasn't quiet because she respects Makima, but because Makima views Power as lesser and so she's basically forced into silence without any other option, similar to Angel being forced to kill his entire village. It's not a great idea to downplay that factor since it's a key aspect of the new control devil's desire for equal relationships, what Makima secretly wanted most was to not exercise that inherent control on others, something she couldn't have until she was reborn because she had been taught to view anyone she can beat as lesser.
Also she is hot.. People trust hot people
i love makima. and there is absolutely nothing wrong with her voice
Makima is pretty smart but I think she’s able to manipulate Denji, less because she is smart and more that Denji is really gullible and easily bought.
Denji’s the ideal “mark” and the kind of person that those warning messages about scammers are made for. He’s dirt poor, a social outcast, fairly poorly educated, came from a traumatic family background, and by extension, a very traumatic life after that, and is that essentially looking for love and approval wherever he can get it…
He’s the exact kind of person that scammers in the real world target. Like, the whole checklist.
I guess he is sorta interpreted as a "dog". So Makima is able to easily tame him like a dog, because Denji is dumb and obedient. Only instead of treats and pets it's a comfortable life and boobs
😁I really enjoyed your video on makima, the thing I like about makima in chainsaw man was how she was used in the story, makima whole design screams yes a powerful and capable person, but also dont get to close and dont trust her, as I read through the story I kept coming to the same thought, what is her true goal, which is the strength of her because she's hardly in the story, and yet she never leaves your mind and you wonder what is she doing or planning/playing at, which are the best traits to have for a manipulative character like her, also side note her voice in the anime just makes her action all the more better since it's so soft, yet chilling at the the same time.
Thank you! I completely agree.
@@ShonenOuji I just remember one other point the creator also got the reader charmed by makima, since she was hardly seen in the manga, and when she did appear we the reader like denji would get happy and light up since we like seeing her in the story, since she would always say or doing something important or cool, and like denji and everyone else got trapped and trick into liking her, very good writing on the author part.
I'm curious if you think it'd be feasible to defend the stance that while what happens to Makima in the end should've happened and was necessary to prove Denji's growth and just penance for what she did, that with all that aside, it could be justified for mourning her overall fate and wishing she'd had it better in the first place? I understand that is a rather muddled and vague question, but between Pochita's description of her in the end and what was her technically benevolent albeit selfish intentions, I can't help but feel it indicated that the numerous yet brief glimpses you get past the calm mask were genuine reflections of her just as a person, and thus one (when compared to the tragedy of Pochita and his dream that he managed to luck out with Denji all things considered) who lack of happiness could be lamented, despite the horrible things she'd done?
I absolutely think so. I think that's exactly what Nayuta is for. She (should) do for Makima what Uub did for Buu. Not supposed to redeem the original character. Just a fresh start.
Makima is amazing... But I still hate her for what she did. 😭😭😭 No spoilers
It's like 2 years later and I'm still grieving.
@@ShonenOuji I just finished all of Chainsaw Man and Chainsaw Man Part 2 (thats out so far) I hope we get her back.😭😭
There's no way we don't see her again. I just don't know how it's gonna happen or when.
@@ShonenOuji don't think we'll see makima again. Nayuta on the other hand...
♡ I love a man with emotional baggage ♡
makima knows how people function, then she'll become the voice in your head, speak to you in that very languange, like a real demon
Makima also has the control devil on her side
she IS the control devil
I think gentle voice for Makima is way better than some sort of deep, leader-like voice (and I generally find her more terrifying after watching anime than I did after manga) because that generally makes her to be even more scary as you can see there is something strange about it. Idk whether I'm explaining this well but anyway😂 Control Devil having a soft, gentle voice somehow adds to the manipulative aspect of control in my opinion, which is kind of Makima's signature trait. She manipulates people and soft, gentle, innocent-like voice really ads up to it
first time seeing 'mastermind' psychological profile at work?
Only makes the problem worse? Her voice is perfect! Have y’all read the manga?! I can’t wait to get to the end of part 1 with this cast!
People are gonna lose their shit at next week's episode
I don't know if many of the people here in this video ever read "The 48 Laws Of Power", it really helps in understanding Makima better. Her actions, manners and charisma are strikingly similar to the lessons taught in the book.