Spoiler Alert !!!
This article contains spoilers from chapter 182 of the Chainsaw Man manga.
Part 1 of Chainsaw Man drew instant attention due to Tatsuki Fujimoto’s distinctive fusion of gloomy realism, gore, horror, and humor. Chainsaw Man Part 2, on the other hand, drastically changed its course, emphasizing new characters like Asa Mitaka and embracing a more experimental tone. Fans who missed the visceral energy of Part 1 were disappointed by this artistic change, even though it attracted some newer fans.
But now with Chapter 182, Fujimoto has crafted the ultimate bridge between the two halves of the series, offering fans a compelling blend of old and new elements. He has tapped into fans’ nostalgia and perhaps hints at a return to the emotionally driven storytelling that defined the first part by reintroducing two of the core characters from Part 1 — Power and Aki.
A Monumental Return: The Final Panels of Chapter 182 of Chainsaw Man
The closing panels of Chapter 182 have parked a storm of speculation and excitement within the Chainsaw Man fandom. In the middle of a bizarre yet emotionally loaded conversation between Denji and Asa, Denji suddenly throws up what seems to be the Snow Devil, leading to a shift in scenes.
The manga cuts to an image of a boat on the ocean surrounded by snow, where two figures — one with horns, the other with a missing arm and high ponytail, were standing side-by-side. Given how much these guys resemble Power and Aki, two of the most significant characters from Part 1, the scene is filled with nostalgia.
black borders are usually flashbacks but at least its a view to when times were everso slightly better
— Impadop (@Impadop1) November 5, 2024
I just realized this is likely from Ch. 72 when Aki went to visit his family’s graves. The outfits are the same 😞 pic.twitter.com/rwRMYRA38E
— Vidal ❀ (very odd name btw) (@Viva_La_Vidal) November 5, 2024
This literally had me tearing up I can’t wait for next chapter
— DrasticallyUnderwhelming (@PhatDoinkz) November 6, 2024
Although the use of a black border around this scene indicates that it’s a flashback, it still creates a profound impact. Fans haven’t seen Power or Aki since their deaths in Part 1, and their apparent return to the premise of current Chainsaw Man manga stirs a bittersweet blend of joy and melancholy.
After vomiting up the Snow Devil, Denji will most likely expel other devils that have embedded themselves in his memories and psyche, sparking even deeper layers of introspection. Speculation among fans suggests that Denji could next bring up two devils: Bitterness, which could spark memories of either Makima or Reze and Octopus, tied to Yoshida.
Revisiting Chainsaw Man Part 1 in Contrast to Part 2
Chapter 182 has reignited excitement for Chainsaw Man in a way that Part 2 has struggled to achieve thus far. By revisiting core characters, Tatsuki Fujimoto seems to be signaling a return to the intense, character-driven storytelling that made the series famous.
Since Chainsaw Man Part 2’s release, the series has taken a noticeably different approach, something Fujimoto himself wanted. Part 1 was a raw, adrenaline-fueled journey, drawing readers in with its gritty storyline and unexpected warmth beneath the devastation. In contrast, Part 2 focuses more on Asa Mitaka and War Devil Yoru, new characters with starkly different personalities and sets of challenges. The narrative structure became less linear, leaning into an almost experimental tone.
The absence of beloved characters like Power, Aki, and Makima felt particularly jarring to fans who had grown attached to the dynamic they shared with Denji. But now with the latest chapter, Chainsaw Man seems to be ready to reconnect with the emotional depths that captivated fans in Part 1. The reintroduction of Power and Aki may be Fujimoto’s way of addressing the divide, blending the new narrative with the iconic elements that fans have longed for.
Chainsaw Man is currently available to read on Viz Media.
