Chainsaw Man chapter 172 further hints at Pochita’s true identity via an Uzumaki reference

The latest release of Chainsaw Man chapter 172 delighted fans this week as it continued Pochita’s return in his Hero of Hell form and his relentless killing spree. However, one panel in particular shocked fans with its gruesome depiction of Pochita holding the severed heads of his victims. Despite anticipating Pochita’s brutality, this unexpected image left fans stunned.

The panel in question from chapter 172 of Chainsaw Man depicts Pochita crouching with the head of the Ear Devil in his hands, with his intestine scarf also holding the heads of six others. Among these heads are five belonging to Devils/Fiends, while the sixth belongs to a human Public Safety agent who was the handler for Special Division 6.

Surprisingly, the latest installment of Chainsaw Man, chapter 172, depicts the heads in a spiral formation with an open end instead of being completely sealed. This has sparked discussions among fans who are speculating that Pochita might not be the true Chainsaw Devil, as previously believed. The panel has led to theories that it could be a nod to Pochita’s real persona, drawing inspiration from the Uzumaki concept.

Junji Ito’s Exploration of Spirals in Uzumaki Foreshadows Pochita’s True Identity in Chainsaw Man Chapter 172

The Chainsaw Man chapter 172 panel in question (Image via Shueisha)

According to popular belief, the primary symbol in Junji Ito’s Uzumaki series is the spiral, which is interpreted as a symbol of eternal recurrence – a never-ending cycle that is impossible to escape.

In Chainsaw Man chapter 172, the above panel appears to reference the spiral portrayal in the manga. Pochita can be seen arranging his next meals in a spiral shape before devouring the Ear Devil. Additionally, the panel’s evident depiction of body horror can also be seen as a nod to Ito’s work.

The continuous cycle of death and rebirth is a crucial element in strengthening the bond between Devils and their fans, as known by Chainsaw Man fans. When a Devil is killed by Pochita on Earth without being consumed, they are revived in Hell, and the same applies vice versa, creating an eternal connection between them.

During chapter 53, Angel Devil explains to Aki Hayakawa and the fans that the final thing Devils recall before perishing in Hell is the noise of Chainsaw Man’s engine revving. However, when Pochita consumes a Devil, they are freed from this endless cycle of death and rebirth, ultimately killing them permanently by erasing both them and the idea they embody from existence.

Chainsaw Man chapter 172 effectively portrays both of these concepts through a panel split in a horizontal, almost symmetrical manner. The Ear Devil, who is consumed by Pochita shortly after, is separated from the cyclical nature, while the Devils in the spiral above are destined to repeat it once again.

Ito's pervasive use of the spiral in the Uzumaki manga series (Image via Shogakukan) — Ito’s pervasive use of the spiral in the Uzumaki manga series (Image via Shogakukan)

Despite being mentioned previously, one human head stands at the final position in the line of heads, right before the spiral formed by Pochita’s intestine scarf comes to an end. This placement could potentially represent the definitive aspect of human mortality.

This could also imply that Pochita’s involvement in this cycle will consistently affect humans, whether it be through his direct killing of them while battling Devils, or the Devils he brings back to Earth who then harm humans.

Despite the abundance of implicit symbolism present in Chainsaw Man chapter 172, it ultimately solidifies the notion that Pochita’s true identity is not that of the Chainsaw Devil, but rather the Life/Birth Devil.

Additionally, the series’ themes and messages, as well as Pochita’s design, serve as prior evidence for this concept. It is important to note that chainsaws were initially intended as birthing aids, suggesting that the human fear towards them may be linked to the cycle of life.

This also clarifies why Pochita is tasked with upholding the continuous cycle of Devils’ life, death, and rebirth, and why he is their sole means of escaping this never-ending destiny. This ties back to Tatsuki Fujimoto’s incorporation of a spiral shape, reminiscent of Ito’s use of the symbol to represent an unending and cyclical return.

Chainsaw Man Chapter 172: The Symbolism of the Spiral

Despite the obvious connection to the Ito and Uzumaki references, which strengthens the notion of Pochita being the Life/Birth Devil, there are also numerous religions and belief systems that use the spiral/circle symbol to represent a similar cycle. In fact, some of these belief systems even provide a way to break free from the cycle of perpetual death and rebirth, further reinforcing Fujimoto’s depiction of Pochita’s role in the Devil life cycle.

These belief systems also hold the belief that breaking free from this cycle is a form of reward, achieved through appeasing a deity or fulfilling certain criteria on Earth. This suggests that the cycle is perceived as a form of punishment or curse that is inherently imposed upon humans, or in this case, Devils. These belief systems commonly assert that humans are trapped in this cycle from birth due to an inherent sin within them.

In reference to Devils, their “sin”and entrance into this cycle could symbolize their manifestation of humanity’s greatest fears. This is what draws them into the continuous spiral of endless reincarnation, a responsibility that falls upon Pochita, as seen in Chainsaw Man chapter 172.

Similarly, Devils have the opportunity to break free from the cycle by apologizing to or pacifying Pochita through surrendering to him in combat and ultimately being devoured, whether by choice or not.

Through this method of absolving themselves of their accumulated sins, they are granted the ability to break the cycle and transcend to a higher plane, freeing themselves from their wicked origins and the Earthly suffering they once endured. However, some beliefs maintain that the cycle is inevitable, regardless of one’s accomplishments in their Earthly life or their attempts to gain favor with the Gods.

It is evident that Pochita has the ability to regurgitate Devils he has consumed, thereby bringing them back to life and giving a physical form to the abstract concepts they embody, including humanity’s dread of them. This is hinted at by Yoru, the War Devil, in chapter 98 and seemingly alluded to in the final pages of Chainsaw Man chapter 172 through Yoru’s knowing expression.

Concluding Remarks

Although the theory that Pochita is the Life/Birth Devil is currently speculative, the symbolism present in chapter 172’s panel strongly suggests its plausibility.

Fujimoto’s message is clear: to the Devils, Pochita is both a divine being who can provide salvation and an entity who can condemn them to an everlasting cycle of suffering and rebirth.

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