Chainsaw Man has pushed boundaries once again with chapter 167, leaving fans stunned as Tatsuki Fujimoto tackles Denji’s sexual trauma head-on. This latest installment ends with a highly controversial nod to Neon Genesis Evangelion, particularly its infamous hospital scene.
Warning: major spoilers for Chainsaw Man chapter 167 ahead, with mature content discussed.
Denji’s desires, from food and shelter to sex, have always been a driving force in Chainsaw Man. Typically, the series has teased these needs without fulfilling them, but chapter 167 takes a different turn.
After a 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, unsettling image for Evangelion fans.
The reference is unmistakable: during The End of Evangelion, Shinji is seen pleasuring himself to an unconscious Asuka in a hospital, a scene that sparked immense controversy. Chainsaw Man chapter 167 mirrors this moment, leading fans to draw parallels between Denji and Shinji’s lowest points.
This chapter marks a significant unearthing of Denji’s complex sexual trauma and desires, themes that have been increasingly prominent in recent chapters. While Neon Genesis Evangelion used its controversial scene to shock and develop Shinji’s character, Fujimoto appears to be taking a similar approach with Denji, adding layers to his troubled psyche.
As Chainsaw Man continues, the fallout from this chapter remains to be seen. Fans are left to ponder how Denji will deal with the repercussions of his actions and how Fujimoto will deal with these intense themes moving forward.
