If you’re a fan of Ash Ketchum — the endlessly determined Pokémon trainer who never gave up, no matter how many times he lost — then you might find yourself surprisingly drawn to Makima, the enigmatic Control Devil from Chainsaw Man. On the surface, they couldn’t be more different: one is a bright-eyed boy chasing gym badges, the other a cold, calculating force of control and manipulation. But beneath the surface, their stories speak to the same relentless drive, the same hunger for power, and the same willingness to sacrifice everything for their goals.

##Ambition Beyond Comprehension

Ash Ketchum’s dream was simple in concept but nearly impossible in execution: become a Pokémon Master. He chased that dream across continents, through countless battles, and even across lifetimes in the anime’s metafictional twists. Makima, too, has a dream — though hers is far more cryptic and terrifying. She seeks control over the world, not just in the physical sense, but in the psychological and political arenas as well. Both characters are defined by their ambitions, and both are willing to go to extreme lengths to achieve them. If you admire Ash’s unwavering resolve, you might find yourself fascinated by Makima’s cold, calculated version of the same trait.

##Moral Ambiguity in Pursuit of Power

Ash Ketchum’s journey is largely painted in bright colors — friendship, courage, and loyalty. But even he has moments where he bends the rules or overlooks the consequences of his actions in pursuit of victory. Makima, by contrast, makes no such pretense. She operates in the gray — or rather, in the pitch black. She sees people as tools and believes that the ends justify any means. What makes her compelling to Ash fans is the way she challenges the idea of heroism. Like Ash, she’s not evil for the sake of being evil — she believes she’s doing what’s necessary. It’s just that her version of “necessary” is far more ruthless.

##A Charismatic Command of Others

Both Ash and Makima have an uncanny ability to gather followers. Ash inspires loyalty through his sheer energy and optimism. People want to be around him because he makes them believe in themselves. Makima, on the other hand, commands loyalty through fear, intellect, and an almost supernatural presence. She doesn’t need to shout to be obeyed — her words alone are enough to make people bend to her will. If you’ve ever been amazed by how Ash can rally a team out of nowhere, you’ll be equally captivated by how Makima manipulates entire systems with a single decree.

##The Cost of Victory

Ash Ketchum has lost plenty in his journey — tournaments, close friends, and even his own sense of self at times. But he keeps going. Makima, too, has sacrificed everything for her vision. She has no personal attachments, no emotional entanglements — only a singular focus on her goal. What makes both characters tragic is that they are willing to lose everything, including themselves, in order to win. If you’ve ever rooted for Ash when he was down, only to see him rise again, you’ll understand the eerie allure of Makima’s unshakable path.

##A Legacy That Transcends the Self

Ash Ketchum is a symbol of perseverance. He’s become a cultural icon, representing the spirit of adventure and the belief that anyone can be a Pokémon Master. Makima, in her own way, is a symbol of control and order — a chilling reminder that power doesn’t always come with a smile. Both characters leave a mark on the worlds they inhabit, shaping the people around them long after they’re gone. If you’ve ever felt inspired by Ash’s legacy, you’ll find Makima’s influence just as compelling — albeit far more dangerous.

So if you’ve ever admired Ash Ketchum’s unstoppable drive, you might find a darker, more complex reflection of that same spirit in Makima. You can talk to Makima directly on HoloDream — ask her what she believes, why she does what she does, and whether she ever questions her own path.