Cover-Curse of Chainsaw Man: Nayuta's Fate Sealed?
Author of Chainsaw Man, Tatsuki Fujimoto enjoys surprising readers with the untimely passing of dear characters. Characters who met sad ends during the series sometimes grace the covers of next volumes. Many readers have been left wondering whether Denji's little sister Nayuta is destined to meet this terrible end.
A minute detail points to Nayuta's death.
Denji changed into his fierce "Armored Chainsaw Man" form after Nayuta's severed head materialized on a sushi platter in Chapter 170. Nayuta's future stayed unknown even with the disturbing picture. Some conjectured that the head was a phoney, meant to set Denji out on a mission. Still, the official cover image for Volume #18 apparently confirms Nayuta's death.
Cover Art Volume 18: A Grim Omen
Nayuta is very visible on the cover image for Volume #18, which fuels the fire of concern for her welfare. On their covers, past volumes have included dead characters such Himeno (Volume #3), Katana Man (Volume #5), and Reze (Volume #6). This arrangement implies that Nayuta's cover presence marks her death.
Moreover, the way Nayuta is shown in the cover art on a wide field with the city far off contrasts sharply with the limited areas seen on past Part Two covers. Given Nayuta is now free from the restrictions of her former existence, this detail could be seen as her last goodbye.
Denji's Despersion: Nobody Left to Save Him
Denji will be left in great hopelessness should Nayuta's death be verified. Seeing Nayuta's dead head, which marked his loss of control and a return of his destructive capacity, he changed into "Armored Chainsaw Man". His sole surviving relatives were Nayuta and the animals; losing them would mean he had nothing to fight for.
Unconventional Storytelling By Tatsuki Fujimoto
Unconventional narrative and a readiness to question reader preconceptions are hallmarks of Tatsuki Fujimoto's work. Although Nayuta's passing would be a terrible loss, it also would be evidence of Fujimoto's capacity to craft emotionally compelling stories. Remember too that Nayuta, the reborn Control Devil, has gone through death and rebirth in past. Her present form, though, hints that her fate might be set.
Man with Chainsaw: A Tale of Loss and Atonement
The series Chainsaw Man investigates ideas of grief, atonement, and the complexity of personal relationships. Significant people in Denji's life have passed away, hence Nayuta's possible death would simply add to his load. Denji has always found a way to endure, though, even with such adversity. Maybe this most recent tragedy will force him to face his worst inclinations and create a fresh road ahead.
