Reason And Theories Behind Why Chainsaw Man’s Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse Are Women

In the world of Chainsaw Man, we’ve got four intriguing characters known as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. These devils are packing some seriously powerful abilities, on par with our deepest fears, like the darkness itself. What’s even more captivating is that all of these Horsemen – Control, War, Famine, and Death – happen to be women. Now, this isn’t something you come across every day, especially in the world of shonen manga, where male antagonists usually rule the roost. This unique choice by author Tatsuki Fujimoto sparks some compelling questions.

So, why did Fujimoto decide to make the Four Horsemen women in Chainsaw Man? Let’s dive into some theories and possible reasons.

The Four Horsemen as Individual Characters:

Let’s break it down one by one. First up is Makima, the most prominent of the Horsemen. In the first part of Chainsaw Man, she’s got an iron grip over the Public Safety Devil Hunters, representing “Control” or “Conquest.” Makima’s approach is frosty and ruthless – she treats people like tools to fulfill her grandiose and rather unrealistic goals. She’s set on using the Chainsaw Man’s powers to wipe out War, Famine, and Death. Her character is a complex web, driven by her lofty and unrealistic ambitions.

But Makima’s reign ends at the hands of Denji, the Chainsaw Man. Her downfall can be traced back to her isolated and emotionless upbringing, which made her view others as mere pawns in her mission to “save humanity.”

After her fall, the Control Devil is reborn as Nayuta. She’s got a unique and more approachable personality, quite the opposite of Makima’s coldness. Nayuta’s growth is shaped by Denji’s care and affection, underscoring the significance of human connections.

The next Horseman we meet right at the start of Chainsaw Man’s second part is the War Devil, later named “Yoru.” Yoru seems to be the weakest among the Horsemen, with her powers dwindling after a face-off with Chainsaw Man. She struggles to maintain the intensity of warfare and now exists in human form.

What’s unique about Yoru is her connection with Asa Mitaka, with whom she shares a body. This dynamic is different from the interactions between fiends and hybrids. Yoru’s backstory and true nature are still unraveling as the story unfolds.

The third Horseman in the spotlight is Famine, or “Fami.” She’s more secretive and thoughtful than Control or War. Fami’s actions are intended to benefit humanity, but her methods often involve significant sacrifices that become increasingly extreme with each plan she sets into motion.

Fami’s latest scheme involves empowering both the Chainsaw Man and War Devil through a staged global attack. Her actions are ultimately influenced by the fourth Horseman, Death.

Death, the ultimate Horseman, is an enigmatic character. Although we haven’t seen much of her, she’s considered the most powerful devil. Her existence has been hinted at in various instances, and multiple characters have confirmed her gender as female.

As Death is associated with fear, chaos, and destruction, she embodies the apathetic and indifferent aspect of the Horsemen.

The Unique Gender Dynamic:

The most striking feature of the Four Horsemen is their gender. The fact that these powerful characters are all women challenges the conventions of shonen manga. Makima, Yoru, Famine, and Death each embody the characteristics associated with their respective aspects and possess immense strength.

Makima embodies Control, the most powerful of the four. Yoru, representing War, is relatively weaker due to her powers waning. Famine, symbolizing scarcity, is strong and contemplative, willing to make extreme sacrifices for the greater good. Death, as the ultimate force of destruction, holds unparalleled power and remains indifferent to the well-being of others.

The gender of these characters aligns with their symbolic roles, highlighting their strength and attributes. Notably, their gender doesn’t overshadow the depth of their individual personalities or the central themes of the story.

Speculations and Theories:

So, why did Fujimoto make the Four Horsemen women? Well, it might have something to do with the portrayal of powerful female devils in Chainsaw Man. The manga introduces several formidable female devils, such as Aki’s control over the Gun Devil and Power’s incredible strength.

The abundance of strong female characters has led to the theory that women in the world of Chainsaw Man are often more potent than men. This could explain the existence of many male devil hunters, as they strive to counter the overwhelming power of female devils. Fujimoto himself has hinted at this dynamic, suggesting that “it’s a tragedy if men are fighting.”

In conclusion, Chainsaw Man’s depiction of the Four Horsemen as women challenges gender norms and adds a unique and unconventional dimension to the story. While their gender is an interesting aspect of their characters, it doesn’t overshadow the depth of their individual personalities and their roles in the narrative.

Tatsuki Fujimoto, the creator of Chainsaw Man, is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional storytelling, and the gender dynamics of the Four Horsemen are just one example of his inventive approach.