Can hybrids die, or are they too powerful to the point of being immortal? Devils in Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Chainsaw Man are of a diverse breed. There are the so-called “Primal Devils,” who embody man’s inherent fears. Some take over human corpses and become “Fiends.” In rare cases, devils may fuse with living humans and become what we call “Hybrids.” Denji, the series’ main protagonist, falls under the last category. Consequently, many fans are curious about the extent of hybrids’ potential.
Find out below.
What are Hybrids in Chainsaw Man?
As the term implies, “hybrids” in Chainsaw Man refer to creatures resulting from a fusion between two species: devils and humans. Unlike most devils, hybrids appear and act just like normal people and are therefore indistinguishable from other humans. However, what sets them apart from the rest is their ability to transform into their respective devil forms reminiscent of the fear they are supposed to embody. Due to their dual character, they are also sometimes referred to as the “devil-humans.”
According to Makima, hybrids are so rare that there isn’t even a name for them yet. Hence, the term “hybrid” is essentially just an umbrella term to refer to a rare type of being that possess both qualities of a devil and a human.
To date, the only known method of becoming a hybrid is when a living human contracts with a devil. The devil will in turn fuse and become part of the human. In the case of Denji, Pochita merged with his body and became his heart, leaving his tail sticking out of Denji’s chest like a cord. Now, every time Denji pulls the cord, he turns into his hybrid form.
While the whole process of becoming a hybrid might sound easy, it actually isn’t. Devils are naturally known to be violent. They feed on both human blood and human fear to survive. Hence, when devils encounter humans, the most natural ending for the latter is death. Due to the seemingly irreconcilable interests of a devil and a human, it’s almost impossible to imagine them fusing into one. Denji’s case is different though as he and Pochita was able form a special bond before making a pact. Pochita became so attached to Denji that he was the one to initiate the contract, offering to become Denji’s heart.
Read More: Who Is Denji in Love With in Chainsaw Man?
Can Hybrids Die in Chainsaw Man?
The simple answer is yes. Hybrids are very strong, but they are killable. However, while they may be killed, there is no ending to their existence as they can be reborn again and again.
Sounds pretty complicated? Let’s try to break down the concept to smaller, easier-to-digest ideas.
All Devils are immortal until consumed by the “Hero of Hell.”
Originally, all devils share the common ability of reincarnation. When they die in hell, they get reincarnated in the human world. Likewise, when they die in the human world, they reappear in hell. As long as human fears the concept that they embody, devils will continue to exist, making them practically immortal. However, there is only one way of permanently eradicating a devil, and that is by being consumed by the Chainsaw Devil.
Deemed as the “Hero of Hell,” the Chainsaw Devil is the only known creature that can completely erase the existence of another devil, making it the most feared devil in hell.
According to Makima, devils consumed by the Chainsaw Devil lose their names and identities. Their memories are completely erased from people’s consciousness, ultimately wiping them out of existence. In the manga, people have no memory of what nuclear weapons are, what the Nazis did to the Jews, and what happened in World War II. According to Makima, this is because the devils embodying the fear towards these concepts were consumed by the Chainsaw Devil in hell.
The few who survives.
Previously, it was mentioned that hybrids are so rare there was no specific name for them. However, in Chapter 87 of the manga, it was revealed that there is actually a name referred to these creatures, but the name was erased when the Chainsaw Devil ate these species back in hell.
What makes hybrids so special is that after being eaten, their names vanished but their existence did not.
Normally, devils that are eaten by the Chainsaw Devil cease to exist. Yet, interestingly, the species that represent the hybrids did not vanish after being consumed. Hence, even if they die in the human world, they can be reborn in hell. Likewise, even if they are consumed by the Chainsaw Devil in hell, they can be reborn in the human world. Hence, hybrids are immortal.
To date, the reason as to why hybrids continue to exist despite being consumed remains a mystery. Many fans, however, are expecting to finally get the answer soon.
Read More: Is Chainsaw Man a Shonen or Seinen?
