Chainsaw Man is a compelling shonen series that follows the trend of featuring a supernatural devil either sealed within or merged with the protagonist. Alongside Jujutsu Kaisen, it stands out as one of the few recent series that effectively utilizes the Inner Demon trope.
Denji’s inner demon, similar to Kurama from Naruto, eventually becomes benevolent. In contrast, Sukuna serves as a notable representation of evil within the Inner Demon theme. Recently, in Chainsaw Man chapter 178, Asa comes to terms with the grim reality that her devil, Yoru, is indifferent to human life.
Although not explicitly stated, many fans have observed that this epiphany for Asa parallels Yuji’s discovery of Sukuna’s profound malevolence and the essence of curses.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Chainsaw Man series.
Chainsaw Man Chapter 178: Asa Endures Her Own Shibuya Incident
Chainsaw Man chapter 178 was arguably one of the most awaited chapters in recent times, showcasing the War Devil Yoru finally commencing a genuine war against Pochita.
In previous chapters, she sacrificed her own children to overcome Pochita, but in chapter 178, the stakes escalate dramatically as she launches a projectile from America at Pochita, resulting in numerous innocent casualties. Asa realizes the appalling truth about Yoru being a demon, drawing disturbing comparisons to Yuji’s interactions with Sukuna and the latter’s unrestrained evil.
Fan Reactions to Chapter 178
Many fans articulated how Yoru’s actions—annihilating countless lives in an effort to attack Pochita and laughing at the ensuing tragedy—mirror Sukuna’s behavior during the Shibuya Incident arc, where he obliterated an entire town.
Asa’s confrontation with the reality that Yoru is a literal devil devoid of empathy resonates with Yuji’s harsh realization of Sukuna’s nature, especially highlighted when Yuji pleaded with Sukuna to heal Junpei, only to be met with Sukuna’s mocking laughter.
Numerous fans suggested that this pivotal moment in Chainsaw Man chapter 178 represents Asa’s version of Yuji’s Shibuya moment, potentially paving the way for a downward spiral in her character, echoing Yuji’s experiences post-Shibuya in Jujutsu Kaisen.
“This is Asa’s Shibuya Moment and Junpei moment combined.”One fan mentioned.
“You are my special ahh scene 😭😭😂,”One fan said.
Others noted that this chapter solidified Asa and Yoru’s dynamic, with Asa understanding that Yoru remains a devil with no concern for others, despite any facade of closeness.
“Asa after realizing she got too comfortable with a bloodthirsty revenge-seeking devil inhabiting her body and thinking she could ‘tame’ it.”One fan wrote.
“Finding it fitting that when we finally get Asa’s inner thoughts back, it’s her confronting the horrific truth. Her denial and dissociation shattered in a single impossibly violent moment.”Another fan said.
“This panel of Asa reflecting that she shares her body with the War Devil while the devil is losing control is peak drama,”Another fan wrote.
Chainsaw Man chapter 179 is set to be released on October 1, 2024, and will explore the repercussions of Asa’s revelation and how she copes with the situation. Additionally, chapter 178 indicated that the Aging Devil had been attempting to heal Pochita, and chapter 179 will address the consequences of that action.
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