Fans have long speculated about the striking similarities between two of anime’s most captivating femme fatales. Reze closely resembles Rize Kamishiro from Tokyo Ghoul, leading to speculation about possible inspiration from Tatsuki Fujimoto’s creative process.
The connection runs deeper than coincidence, revealing fascinating insights into how modern manga creators draw inspiration from predecessors while crafting their own unique narratives.
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Chainsaw Man Visual and Narrative Parallels
Both have purple hair and wear mostly white outfits, but their similarities extend far beyond appearance. Rize acted all innocent and cute to lure Ken Kaneki to a date, only to try to consume him – a narrative pattern that Reze follows almost identically with Denji.
Character Analysis Comparison
| Aspect | Reze (Chainsaw Man) | Rize Kamishiro (Tokyo Ghoul) |
|---|---|---|
| Hair Color | Purple/Dark | Purple |
| Outfit | White/Light colored | White dress |
| Initial Role | Café worker | Student |
| True Nature | Bomb Devil Hybrid | Ghoul (Binge Eater) |
| Method | Seduction → Betrayal | Date → Attack |
| Target | Denji’s heart | Ken Kaneki |
The Café Connection
The settings where they were introduced also match – both characters encounter their respective protagonists in casual, everyday environments that mask their deadly intentions. This mirroring suggests deliberate homage rather than coincidence.
Reze’s introduction at a café mirrors the innocent atmosphere Rize creates before revealing her ghoulish nature. Both scenarios follow the classic “wolf in sheep’s clothing” trope but execute it with remarkable psychological depth.
Tatsuki Fujimoto’s Creative Influences
During the serialization of Chainsaw Man, Fujimoto said that he was too busy, but he watched as many new things as he could and borrowed various elements from what he saw. This admission supports the theory that Reze draws inspiration from Tokyo Ghoul’s memorable antagonist.
The creator’s willingness to incorporate diverse influences has made Chainsaw Man a rich tapestry of references that enhance rather than diminish the original storytelling.
Beyond Surface-Level Similarities
Rize Kamishiro from Tokyo Ghoul probably has the most storyline and character resemblance with Reze from Chainsaw Man. Both characters serve as catalysts for their protagonists’ character development, forcing them to confront harsh realities about trust and survival.
The psychological manipulation both characters employ creates lasting trauma for Kaneki and Denji respectively, establishing them as more than mere antagonists – they become defining forces in the heroes’ journeys.
Impact on Modern Manga
This cross-series influence demonstrates how contemporary manga creators build upon established tropes while adding their own creative twists. The similarities between Devil Hunters and Ghoul Investigators, as well as both of their protagonists enduring quite a bit of psychological trauma show how these series share thematic DNA.
For more anime analysis and character comparisons, explore our anime character guides and check out our comprehensive manga reviews section.
The Legacy of Femme Fatale Characters
Both Reze and Rize represent the evolution of the femme fatale archetype in modern anime and manga. Their complex motivations and tragic backstories elevate them beyond simple villains, creating characters that readers simultaneously fear and sympathize with.
This nuanced approach to antagonist development has become a hallmark of quality manga storytelling, influencing countless creators in the process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Did Tatsuki Fujimoto officially confirm that Reze was inspired by Tokyo Ghoul’s Rize?
A: While Fujimoto hasn’t explicitly confirmed this connection, he has acknowledged drawing inspiration from various sources during Chainsaw Man’s creation. The striking similarities between the characters suggest intentional homage rather than coincidence.
Q: Are there other characters in Chainsaw Man that reference Tokyo Ghoul?
A: Fans have identified potential references in Chapter 40 and noted thematic similarities between the series’ handling of human-monster hybrids and psychological trauma. Both series explore similar themes of identity and survival in supernatural contexts.
