Latest Chainsaw Man theory is all but confirmed by Fujimoto with chapter 174's Mouth Devil erasure

Modified Aug 15, 2024 19:30 GMT

Latest Chainsaw Man theory is all but confirmed by Fujimoto with chapter 174's Mouth Devil erasure (Image via MAPPA Studios)

With the release of the latest Chainsaw Man chapter, fans saw Chainsaw Devil Pochita continue his rampage in his Hero of Hell form by eating the Mouth Devil at the issue’s end. This, in turn, led to the erasure of the concept of mouths from existence, as highlighted by chapter 174 throughout its final pages and panels.

Coincidentally, a recent theory popped up in the Chainsaw Man fandom, alleging that Pochita is not the Chainsaw Devil but instead is the Life/Birth Devil. This theory has plenty of thematic and narrative evidence in the series, but the most significant argument stems from the origins of the chainsaw being used as a tool in birthing procedures.

Likewise, the erasure of mouths within the world of Chainsaw Man has created an issue, with forcing Pochita to throw up the Mouth Devil, thus returning mouths into existence. One potential and likely answer to this conundrum is far too similar to the above theory to be a coincidence, leading fans to believe that mangaka Tatsuki Fujimoto is setting up to confirm the theory.

Chainsaw Man mangaka could be confirming one of the biggest fan theories on Pochita’s identity

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The most obvious answer to the aforementioned problem in the manga is to cut open Pochita’s stomach and forcibly pull Devils out of his body. This would then be extremely reminiscent of the medical procedure known as a Cesarean section, or C-section for short. Essentially, this is a surgical procedure that involves delivering a baby via an incision made in the mother’s abdomen.

Typically only performed when a traditional birth is considered dangerous, the connection to the current situation in the series is clear. A “traditional birth” of these eaten Devils by making Pochita throw up isn’t possible, which would necessitate a C-section to be performed on him. Considering how much evidence already exists for the Life/Birth Devil theory, the connection is almost laughably on the nose.

It would also fit into Fujimoto’s typical modus operandi when it comes to major reveals, often using dynamic narratives and shifting focuses to set the stage. To better explain it, if the Life/Birth Devil theory is right, the scene of Pochita cut open would likely come with a revelation of his true identity. The Justice and Fire Devil reveal in Part 2 serves as a good example of this approach to lore drops.

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Chainsaw Man is a manga that is also known for its heavy emphasis on writing and narrative, specifically when it comes to a character-driven focus. With this in mind, the reveal of Pochita as the Life/Birth Devil makes even more sense. Such a reveal would also establish why he is constantly killing, rebirthing, eating, and permanently erasing Devils, given his role as the Hero of Hell, the Chainsaw Devil.

In addition to the above, there’s also a major need for Pochita to throw up the Mouth Devil, with a C-section-like approach being the only logical answer. The series can’t reasonably continue without any dialogue whatsoever, hence necessitating this sequence of events. With this in mind, it seems clear that Fujimoto is setting up for a major reveal that will likely confirm this latest and greatest fan theory on the series.