Back with another lieutenant, Chainsaw Man chapter 140 explores religion.
Continuing Denji’s woes in Season 2, he casually listens to the Sword Man’s Chainsaw Man Church story, covering up the fact that teenagers used violence to take over an old cult. Kobeni’s younger brother, fan-favorite, Nobana, who last appeared in Chapter 117, is reintroduced as both a tour guide and a devotee. This chapter develops with Denji’s brief interest in religion before Nobana’s conspiracy theories make him apathetic once again.
“Adult mental capacity is impaired by U.S. ultraviolet weapons in Japanese air,” and the United States is responsible for “the current system of marriage after you become an adult,” according to Nobana. Fujimoto’s focus on the US may be humorously confusing for many fans but is not surprising. Chainsaw Man contains tremendous inspiration from the American media — notably Tarantino’s films, and is further evidenced by a recent reference to A Clockwork Orange. The anime’s opening theme is also filled with references to American films.
Chainsaw Man’s religion may have a deeper purpose
The irony of Nobana’s statements could serve as a disguise, or as the biggest hint to a future plot, teasing the future of teenage fantasies leading to a terrifying new Devil. The link between human fear and the birth of Devils is well known, and Nobana’s openness suggests that delusions are widespread. Nobana leaves, terrified of this seemingly new character at the end of the chapter, and leaves a question mark about Kobeni’s involvement in his life. This new character, Barem, was actually introduced in Part I as the Fire-breathing Devil and one of Makima’s pawns.
The evils in Chainsaw Man are a recurring theme, including sex, intimacy, smoking, or a variety of habits that are difficult for the characters to break. The fact that Denji repeatedly falls in and out of them remains a source of controversy and often pain for fans who believe his injury should have been the ultimate lesson learned. Others argue that this is exactly why Denji’s mistakes are justified. Chapter 140 shows that without the bond of marriage, Denji can throw away his pride again as he often does in Part I, or most recently, Chapter 137. While temporarily escaping, Chapter 140 onwards shows the course of Denji and Asa’s collision, one of his most casual relationships to date.
Chainsaw Man is available to read via VIZ and MangaPlus.