Spoilers ahead for Chainsaw Man chapter 102!
After being absent from his own manga for a number of chapters, the eponymous Chainsaw Man, aka Denji, has finally made his triumphant return in the most appropriate way imaginable: ripping apart a rampaging devil with his chainsaw head along with the saws protruding from his arms.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting Denji's arrival ever since the second part of Chainsaw Man started last month but, instead, part two has introduced readers to a whole new hero named Asa Mitaka who is later possessed by the War Devil, aka Yoru. During those chapters, characters have only mentioned Chainsaw Man in passing while the manga provides examples in which Denji has changed Japanese culture without actually showing him directly. Despite the manga's return, reader patience hasn't been holding up too well especially since Chainsaw Man went on hiatus nearly two years ago after mangaka Fujimoto finished Chainsaw Man part one in December 2020.
But in chapter 102, Denji finally reappears at the most crucial time in the entire second part of the manga so far. A rampaging bat-like devil that later transforms into the Cockroach Devil has been in hot pursuit of Mitaka and her new friend Yuko. Although the devil Yoru provides her host with a chance to protect herself, Mitaka refuses, putting her own life in jeopardy. But just when the devil devours them, Denji comes flying out of nowhere and tears their assailant apart.
While many fans have been waiting impatiently for Denji's return, those who have been enjoying this separate story are most likely conflicted. On the one hand, they are glad to see a character whom they fell in love with years ago come back. Moreover, the appearance of this most beloved hero means that various plot lines can now resume, like Denji's search for the fiend Power, who may be reincarnated as a blank slate without memories of her past life. There's also the odd, almost twisted relationship between Denji and Makima's reincarnated self, Nayuta. Even though Denji loved Makima, she did hurt him terribly and forced him to kill her. Yet the actual Chainsaw Devil named Pochita talked him into taking care of her despite this.
On the other hand, Mitaka's story has been terribly compelling. Unlike Denji, who easily embraced being possessed by a devil and becoming a devil hunter, Mitaka has been more hesitant and afraid. This has made it impossible for readers to not fear for her, causing them to get fully invested in her story. Although Mitaka's story doesn't have to stop with Denji's return, she will now have to share the same space with him, and it's highly likely Denji is undoubtedly going to take center stage. Many readers would have probably liked to see more of her story unfold before reintroducing Denji. He was already destined to arrive at some point, so why rush it?
While many of these readers were betting or hoping that the devil hunter Yoshida would save Mitaka instead of Denji, it's still a treat to see Denji again. Moreover, Denji could very well just suddenly disappear as quickly as he came without returning for some time. This would actually embolden some of part two's stronger moments where Denji's absence almost transforms him into a mythical, untouchable hero figure, which has been embellished further by how everyone still talks about him. This dynamic could most assuredly continue if Denji does, indeed, disappear. Of course, the only way to find out is to continue reading Chainsaw Man, which, based on the release of the next chapter, appears to no longer be on a biweekly schedule.