Chainsaw Man Compilation
“KICK BACK Remix, Artistic Impact & Film Analysis”
I think the first time I ever heard the term "dark shonen" used officially was after reading an article on Jujutsu Kaisen, Hell’s Paradise, and Chainsaw Man. While dark shonen has been around for years via a host of series and OVAs, this new era of shonen, classified as the “Dark Trio,” has become the darling of anime viewers. They continue to shatter records and remain in most social media conversations, which is a plus because, as you know, the popular anime of today can quickly become last season's forgotten memory. I was going to point my finger at Hell’s Paradise, but the second season of Hell's Paradise: Jigokuraku is officially scheduled to premiere in January 2026.
So as the fight for anime supremacy continues, Chainsaw Man – The Compilation has officially dropped in Japan on September 5, 2025, bringing with it a remixed release of Kenshi Yonezu’s iconic opening theme, “KICK BACK,” by Frost Children. This release condenses the acclaimed first season into a cinematic experience while adding new content for dedicated fans.
Chainsaw Man?
Chainsaw Man follows Denji, a teenager living in poverty who inherits his father's massive debt. He works as a devil hunter alongside his chainsaw demon dog, Pochita. After being betrayed and killed, Denji forms a contract with Pochita and is reborn as Chainsaw Man—a brutal hybrid fighting devils with visceral ferocity. The anime explores Denji’s hard-won battles, his camaraderie within the special Public Safety Division 4, and his simple, often tragic, struggle for basic happiness. So interesting. Not really, unless you’ve invested in the series, the manga, or both. Honestly, I have not been invested in the series, but due to the many cosplays I’ve seen, I, like many, am invested in Makima, but I digress. Anyway, it is a series on the to-do list, especially since Chainsaw Man is releasing the upcoming film titled "Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc." The movie picks up where Season One left off. Beyond that, I won’t go into major details.
What's New: "KICK BACK" Remix and "Chainsaw Days"
So to get fans ready for the upcoming movie, the two compilation films condense all 12 episodes of the anime, incorporating new material, most notably “Chainsaw Days,” which adapts bonus pages from the manga. The compilation is accompanied by a dynamic remix of the opening theme, "KICK BACK." The original song was composed and performed by Kenshi Yonezu, known for blending pop innovation with emotional storytelling, and featured arrangements by Daiki Tsuneta (King Gnu/millennium parade). The new Frost Children remix signals a boundary-pushing collaboration between leading Japanese and international talents. If Kenshi’s name doesn’t ring a bell, he is also known for Peace Sign (My Hero Academia S2 OP).
What the Hell is Chainsaw Days?
“Chainsaw Days” is a series of newly animated sequences adapting the manga’s bonus (omake) chapters. These scenes focus on funny, slice-of-life moments featuring the main cast. Debuting in the compilation films, they offer a comedic tone that expands the audience's connection to the characters. Unlike the main series’ intense action and dark themes, “Chainsaw Days” provides a lighter counterpoint, showcasing the characters in everyday situations and humanizing the cast while maintaining the series' distinctive humor. So, I did see a few pictures on Twitter and X, and admittedly, these did pique my attention.
The Cultural Impact of Chainsaw Man or Why Should I Care?
Since its manga debut by Tatsuki Fujimoto, Chainsaw Man has revolutionized dark fantasy anime with its kinetic action, nihilistic humor, and raw emotional depth. The anime, produced by MAPPA, quickly became an emblem of new-gen anime, blending cinematic violence with pathos and driving industry conversations about the genre’s evolution. Releasing a compilation film with enhanced music parallels classic recap movies (e.g., Neon Genesis Evangelion: Death & Rebirth).
A Look Back: Manga and Anime Production
Tatsuki Fujimoto wrote and drew the Chainsaw Man manga. Part 1 was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from December 2018 to December 2020, with Part 2 continuing in Shōnen Jump+ from July 2022. The manga has achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, with over 30 million copies in circulation as of 2024, and has received significant awards, including the Shogakukan Manga Award and a Harvey Award. Fujimoto drew inspiration from works like Kizumonogatari and FLCL, balancing Jump’s expectations with his own distinct, pop-art-influenced style. Animation studio MAPPA produced the anime adaptation, which aired from October to December 2022. The production team included director Ryu Nakayama, scriptwriter Hiroshi Seko, and composer Kensuke Ushio. MAPPA employed a unique cinematic approach, giving each episode a different ending theme and animation, which became a hallmark of the series. The anime received widespread acclaim for its exceptional visual style, high-quality animation, and mature handling of the source material, setting new standards for contemporary anime adaptations.
Compilation Film vs. TV Series: A Viewing Guide
The Chainsaw Man compilation films offer a distinctly different viewing experience compared to the original 12-episode series.
Narrative Flow: The film condenses the season into a streamlined, feature-length experience, eliminating episodic breaks for a more immersive and continuous narrative arc. However, this condensation omits some subtle character moments from the original broadcast.
Unique Episode Endings: A significant loss in the compilation format is the removal of the TV series’ distinctive endings. Each original episode featured a different song and visual style, showcasing the show's experimental and creative identity.
Visual Enhancement: The films benefit from enhanced visual presentation, including improved color grading and refined animation, creating a more theatrical experience.
Pacing and Impact: The films’ constant momentum can intensify the emotional impact of dramatic sequences but may reduce the contemplative moments that weekly viewing provides.
Target Audience: The original TV episodes are ideal for newcomers, providing a complete and intended experience. The compilation films better serve existing fans seeking a cinematic rewatch and international audiences who may appreciate the condensed format. Chainsaw Man – The Compilation Part I and Part II is now available to stream on Crunchyroll, as of September 6, 2025. It is also available for those, like me, who subscribe to Crunchyroll through Amazon Prime. You’ll find it on the Chainsaw Man Season One pull-down menu.
Reflection: Redefining Boundaries
The launch of the compilation and the new “KICK BACK” remix represent a further blurring of boundaries between music, manga, and animated adaptation. This model—combining narrative recaps with remixed iconic music and new animated material—exemplifies anime’s capacity to evolve as a multidisciplinary phenomenon. It redefines how anime can be repackaged and culturally exported, amplifying its global relevance. It’s also a way for a series to remain relevant and avoid becoming the next Gantz.
