Chainsaw Man once again pushes the boundaries with chapter 167, stunning fans as Tatsuki Fujimoto confronts Denji's sexual trauma head-on. This latest installment ends with a controversial nod to Neon Genesis Evangelion, especially its infamous hospital scene.
Warning: major spoilers for Chainsaw Man chapter 167 ahead, with mature content discussed.
Denji's desires, from food to shelter to sex, are always the driving force in Chainsaw Man. Typically, the series has made these demands without meeting them, but chapter 167 takes a different turn.
After the disastrous encounter, Denji ends up in an alley with Yoru (and Asa), leading to a sexual climax. The final panel shows Yoru observing the aftermath, evoking a familiar but disturbing image for Evangelion fans.
The reference is unmistakable: in The End of Evangelion, Shinji is seen masturbating with an unconscious Asuka in the hospital, a scene that caused great controversy. Chainsaw Man chapter 167 reflects this moment, causing fans to draw similarities between Denji and Shinji's lowest point.
This chapter marks a significant exploration of Denji's traumas and complex sexual desires, themes that have become increasingly prominent in recent chapters. While Neon Genesis Evangelion used controversial scenes to shock and develop Shinji's character, Fujimoto seems to be taking a similar approach with Denji, adding more layers to his troubled psychology.
As Chainsaw Man continues, the fallout from this chapter remains to be seen. Fans are left to ponder how Denji will handle the consequences of his actions and how Fujimoto will address these tense topics going forward.
