Pochita's return in Chainsaw Man chapter 171 is completely redefined by a key version difference

Modified Jul 17, 2024 18:56 GMT

Pochita's return in Chainsaw Man chapter 171 is completely redefined by a key version difference (Image via MAPPA Studios)

One of the most highly anticipated anime and manga releases of this past week was none other than Chainsaw Man chapter 171 from author and illustrator Tatsuki Fujimoto. Set to follow up after the apparent reveal of Control Devil Nayuta’s death, fans were expecting the issue to offer clarity as to whether or not she truly is deceased.

Officially released on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, Chainsaw Man chapter 171 instead chose to focus on the fallout of Nayuta’s apparent death rather than actually confirming or denying it. More specifically, fans saw Pochita return in the issue via the Hero of Hell form, which has now caused Denji to transform into the Chainsaw Devil’s true state.

However, a major difference between Chainsaw Man chapter 171’s English and Japanese version puts this latest transformation of Denji’s into a completely new light. While it’s unclear as of this article’s writing which is the “correct” version, each offers very different insight into Denji’s agency with regards to his latest transformation.

Denji may have had more agency in Chainsaw Man chapter 171 than English-speaking fans initially thought

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The key difference in Chainsaw Man chapter 171’s English and Japanese versions comes from a single panel, the contents of which completely recontextualize the issue. In the English version, a reaction shot of Asa Mitaka is seen as Denji snaps Barem Bridge’s neck and his head falls to the floor. However, the Japanese version instead sees Denji pulling his own starter cord, which then finalizes his transformation into Pochita’s true form as the Hero of Hell.

The biggest difference in the two versions is the implicit agency which Denji has in this latest transformation. For context, Denji’s transformation into Pochita’s Hero of Hell form from the manga’s first part was something which was not triggered by him. It instead was triggered by Makima asking Chainsaw Man to save her once she had successfully broken Denji and Pochita’s original contract together.

If the Japanese version of Chainsaw Man chapter 171 is accurate, however, then it would mark the first time Denji has transformed into the Hero of Hell of his own accord. Furthermore, it implies even more strongly that this transformation was triggered by Denji asking Pochita to save him as he wallowed in despair from Nayuta’s death. While some already theorize that the transformation was triggered by Denji asking Pochita to save him, this would further support it.

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As a relevant side note, Denji’s transformation in and of itself implicitly confirms Nayuta’s death broke his contract with Pochita. In other words, the impact the version change makes stems from whether Denji truly wanted to become the Hero of Hell, or simply asked Pochita to save him in a moment of weakness. The Japanese version showing him pulling his starter cord would imply the former, while the English version not showing that would imply the latter.

The change is also significant in that it offers more commentary on what being Chainsaw Man means to Denji. The Japanese version once again drives home the already pervasive theme that Denji’s clinging to Chainsaw Man is both what sinks him to his lowest and gives him something to live, strive, and persevere for. His pulling the ripcord to become Chainsaw Man knowingly, despite also being aware that his powers led to Nayuta’s death, proves this.

In any case, it’s clear that the events of Chainsaw Man chapter 171 will be greatly recontextualized by whatever is confirmed to be the official panel. This change will also likely have a cascading effect on future events in the current arc, which seems set to kick off with a bang as Pochita prepares to fight Tokyo Special Division 5.