When anime finally made guns scary

Summary

The video discusses the portrayal of guns in anime, especially their typical 'nerfing' to make them less dangerous, and how 'Chainsaw Man' subverts this trope. The show's eighth episode marks a significant turning point where guns are made genuinely terrifying, shifting the tone of the story. This episode showcases expert storytelling, sound design, and direction, making guns a central plot point and introducing deeper layers of fear with the antagonist Makima. The video highlights how 'Chainsaw Man' exceeded its high expectations by offering a unique narrative approach and a double twist in its storytelling.

Takeaways

• 🔫 Guns are often nerfed in anime to be less dangerous, even though they are inherently deadly tools.
• 👀 In many stories, guns are ineffective against protagonists or important characters, following a common trope.
• 🔄 Chainsaw Man subverts this trope, making guns genuinely terrifying and central to the plot.
• 🎥 Episode 8 of Chainsaw Man marked a turning point in the series, shifting it from good to outstanding in terms of storytelling.
• 🚨 The concept of 'inciting incidents' in storytelling is expanded in Chainsaw Man, where multiple events spark shifts in plot and tone.
• 🌀 The anime uses a storytelling structure called 'bracketed ideas,' where plot arcs open and close throughout, keeping the audience engaged.
• 😱 Chainsaw Man introduces the Gun Devil, a powerful antagonist that builds fear through its destructive power.
• 🎯 In episodes 8 and 9, the show shocks the audience with sudden and brutal violence, making guns a focal point of fear.
• 😮 Makima, a major character, survives what seems to be a fatal attack, revealing deeper mysteries about her abilities.
• 💥 Chainsaw Man successfully lives up to its hype, not just by subverting the expectations about guns, but by delivering a multi-layered narrative with rich character development.

Q & A

What common trope about guns in anime is discussed in the script?

The script discusses the trope of 'nerfing' guns in anime, where guns are often made less deadly or dangerous, either by making them ineffective or by giving protagonists powers that neutralize their threat.

Why are guns usually nerfed in anime and storytelling?

Guns are nerfed to avoid making them overpowered tools that can easily kill important characters or disrupt the narrative. They are often downplayed to keep the focus on the characters' abilities or the plot, especially in action and battle shonen anime.

How does 'Chainsaw Man' subvert the typical trope of nerfed guns?

'Chainsaw Man' subverts the trope by making guns genuinely terrifying and dangerous. Episode 8, in particular, shows an organized attack with guns that kills major characters, creating a dramatic shift in the tone and stakes of the story.

What is the significance of the second inciting incident in 'Chainsaw Man'?

The second inciting incident is significant because it marks a turning point in the story where the threat level dramatically increases. Episode 8 showcases a synchronized attack on key characters, using guns to generate real fear, subverting expectations.

Who is Makima, and why is her character pivotal to the story?

Makima is a powerful member of the Devil Hunters Association, responsible for Denji. She plays a crucial role in the plot because of her mysterious abilities and manipulative nature. After seemingly being killed, she stands up again, revealing her immortality, which further shifts the story's tone.

What impact did Episode 8 have on the perception of 'Chainsaw Man'?

Episode 8 transformed the perception of 'Chainsaw Man' from a good show to an outstanding one for many viewers. It raised the stakes, showed the real danger of guns, and revealed deeper character dynamics, creating one of the most engaging moments in modern shonen anime.

What is the 'one-two punch' mentioned in the script?

The 'one-two punch' refers to the combination of two major twists in Episodes 8 and 9 of 'Chainsaw Man.' First, guns are made terrifying through an organized attack, and then Makima's character is revealed to be even scarier due to her immortality and mysterious abilities.

How does the concept of 'bracketed ideas' relate to the storytelling in 'Chainsaw Man'?

The concept of 'bracketed ideas,' as explained by Brandon Sanderson, refers to plot and character arcs being made up of different ideas that open and close throughout the story. In 'Chainsaw Man,' various open-ended plot points are introduced, like Devils gaining power from fear, which evolve and contribute to the story’s progression.

What role does sound design play in Episode 8 of 'Chainsaw Man'?

Sound design plays a crucial role in building tension and enhancing the viewer's experience in Episode 8. The subtle cues, like the rustling of bags and the zip of a gun, create an eerie atmosphere before the sudden and shocking attack on key characters.

What is the script's view on the expectations surrounding 'Chainsaw Man' prior to its release?

The script acknowledges that 'Chainsaw Man' had immense hype before its release, partly due to its popular manga and Studio Mappa's strong reputation. Despite the high expectations, the show managed to exceed them, particularly with the shocking developments in Episode 8.