Chainsaw Man, the Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Tatsuki Fujimoto, debuted in 2022 and quickly became one of the year’s most popular new shows. The manga had sold over 26 million copies by August 2023, making it one of the best-selling manga series. The series is based on Tatsuki Fujimoto’s enormously popular manga of the same name, and it follows the aimless teenage Denji as he becomes a Devil Hunter after being deceived and murdered.
According to Fujimoto, he has taken a lot of inspiration from other series and mangas for the creation of Chainsaw Man. There are many aspects of the series that are based on many other works, but it also has an unusual connection with a popular American animated Sitcom, South Park.
Chainsaw Man’s Power is Inspired by South Park’s Character
The character of Power was inspired by South Park. According to a French magazine ATOM interview with Fujimoto, as he was developing Power, he sought to channel South Park’s Eric Cartman for her personality. Cartman and Power both appear to have just their own best interests at heart in any given situation. Furthermore, both are unpleasant, even treacherous people who always speak their thoughts regardless of the consequences. Fujimoto revealed the connection between the two in the interview. He said:
“I draw inspiration from works that I love. For example, in ‘Chainsaw Man’ the character of Power evokes Eric Cartman from ‘South Park,’ a series that I adore. I also tried to recapture, with Denji/Pochita, the same relational dynamic as Finn and Jake from Adventure Time.”
Power and Cartman are identical in every way except their appearance. Both are selfish, narcissistic, lacking in human decency, and completely unempathetic. The fact that Power’s persona is based on Cartman makes sense given how Chainsaw Man author Fujimoto frequently references Western media in his stories.
Power’s Personality in Chainsaw Man
Power is a supporting character in the Public Safety Saga. She is the Blood Fiend, a Public Safety Devil Hunter who was a member of Makima’s special team. Power is childish, greedy, and nearly wholly self-motivated. She fights as if she has something to gain and is confident of her win, yet she has no difficulty walking away from a fight where she is outmatched. She has no loyalty to either humans or Devils, freely saying that she will join whatever side wins.
Fujimoto has been open about taking inspiration from other’s works and his love for the Western references in the series is quite evident. Therefore Power’s connection to South Park’s Eric Cartman is justifiable.
Read More: Chainsaw Man Creator Tatsuki Fujimoto May Have Killed His Own Fandom With Retirement Update
Source: 2Spooky
