How 'Makima Is Listening' Evolved from a Terrifying Manga Chapter into a Global Internet Meme
By Chloe Bennett
Q1: In which manga chapter does the "Makima is listening" reveal happen?
The scene takes place in Chapter 73 of the Chainsaw Man manga, titled "Everyday Life Becoming Normal," right before the catastrophic Gun Devil deployment.
Q2: How does Makima actually hear conversations across Tokyo?
As the Control Devil, Makima exercises dominance over any entity she perceives as inferior. This allows her to commandeer the sensory inputs of lower lifeforms, such as birds, rats, and insects, using them as living microphones throughout the city.
Q3: Did the scene air in Season 1 of the Chainsaw Man anime?
No. Season 1 of the MAPPA anime adaptation ended at Chapter 38 (the conclusion of the Katana Man arc). The Chapter 73 park bench conversation belongs to the late-stage Public Safety arc, scheduled for later adaptations.
Q4: Why did "Makima is listening" become such a dominant meme online?
The phrase bridged the gap between manga fandom and broader internet culture because it perfectly articulated modern anxieties about digital surveillance, targeted mobile ads, and algorithmic eavesdropping using an iconic, menacing pop culture character.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
