Control Devil Contract

Lore & Background

The Control Devil represents the collective dread of losing autonomy. In the story, Makima reveals herself as this Devil, using her power to form contracts that force compliance from those she meets. She assigns Denji to hunt the Gun Devil and manipulates Aki Hayakawa into becoming the Gun Fiend after the United States deploys the weapon against her. The narrative highlights how Devils cycle between Hell and Earth upon death, but Makima exploits this system to maintain control. Her power allows her to view others as dogs, a perspective that underscores the story's themes of hierarchy and manipulation within the Devil Hunter ranks.

In Their Own Story

Makima recruits Denji after he revives as a hybrid fused with Pochita, promising him a humble life in exchange for service. She partners him with Aki Hayakawa and Power, a Fiend created from the Blood Devil. The turning point occurs when Makima reveals her true nature as the Control Devil, aiming to dominate Pochita to erase fears like nuclear weapons or death from existence. She defeats the Gun Devil and forces it to possess Aki, compelling Denji to kill his friend in self-defense. Later, she kills Power in front of Denji, rendering him catatonic until Pochita takes over. The arc concludes with Denji killing Makima, after which he is entrusted with Nayuta, her reincarnation.

Reader's Guide

The Control Devil's mechanics rely on forming contracts where the user offers a portion of their life or autonomy in exchange for power. Makima uses this to command Devils and humans, often treating them as subordinates rather than equals. A key limitation involves the target's will; while she dominates most, Denji eventually breaks free through his bond with Pochita. Visual cues include her calm demeanor masking lethal intent, contrasting with the violence of her commands. The guide emphasizes that this power shifts battles from physical strength to psychological manipulation, as seen when she orchestrates events leading to Aki's death and Power's demise.

Did You Know?

• Makima is revealed to be the Control Devil, whose goal is to dominate Pochita.
• The Control Devil forces Aki Hayakawa to become the Gun Fiend after Makima defeats the Gun Devil.
• Denji kills Makima after she kills Power in front of him, leaving Denji catatonic temporarily.
• Nayuta, the reincarnation of the Control Devil, is entrusted to Denji's care at the end of the first arc.
• The Control Devil operates on a hierarchy where Makima views others as dogs rather than equals.