The first theatrical anime film for Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga "Chainsaw Man," 'Chainsaw Man Reze Arc,' has been a smash hit in both Japan and Taiwan, reigniting buzz around the series.
Now, Japanese officials have unveiled the second wave of theater bonuses! Starting October 4th, moviegoers will score a special mini shikishi-style card personally illustrated by original author Tatsuki Fujimoto. The artwork? It's a scene of "Reze receiving a bouquet while being embraced by Denji," and it immediately blew up on X (formerly Twitter) in Japan, sparking all sorts of reactions to Fujimoto's move.
(Heads up! The following article contains spoilers for 'Chainsaw Man Reze Arc.' If you haven't seen the movie or want to avoid spoilers, please proceed with caution!)
This bonus illustration depicts a tender moment: Denji gently holding Reze, both looking at each other with smiles. Reze even holds the bouquet Denji waited for her with at the cafe towards the end of the movie. The image radiates pure happiness, representing that "alternate ending" that every viewer of the main story secretly wished for—a vivid portrayal of a potential future for the two of them. It's truly a dream-like scene.
The moment this bonus illustration dropped, Japanese fans went absolutely wild! Many were stunned that Fujimoto-sensei would hit them with such a powerful emotional blow. It's just too much! QQ. And this isn't the first time; when the movie was first announced, Fujimoto also drew new Reze art, hinting at "Reze's certain future."
Unsurprisingly, comments calling Fujimoto a "devil" or "inhumane" flooded the internet...
Even overseas fans were utterly devastated! While Fujimoto's move did offer a "what if" happy ending, it fundamentally delivered another heart-wrenching blow to fans. QQ. Plenty of memes popped up too, all in jest, but they clearly show how deeply Fujimoto has touched a raw nerve for many...
In fact, Fujimoto previously mentioned in an interview: "I actually really like the feeling of a romantic interest becoming a curse, something that always lingers. I hope that everyone who watches 'Reze Arc' will keep Reze's existence as a curse forever in their hearts—I'd be happy if that happened." Well, it looks like Fujimoto's wish has definitely come true!
After this theatrical release, both new and old fans alike have surely been "cursed" by Fujimoto's latest move...
