Asa and Yoru's existence in Chainsaw Man may be inspired by this iconic movie

The relationship between Chainsaw Man's Asa Mitaka and Yoru is one of the series most unique. To begin with, it is yet unclear what they classify as, i.e., Hybrid, Fiend or Devil. Next, they possess vastly contrastly attitudes, approaches to different situations and outlooks in general. Whilst Asa yearns to be away from all the chaos, Yoru revels in it.

Upon closely examining, their existence looks to have been inspired by a Hollywood classic. The media in question is the iconic movie named Birdman (2024) starring Michael Keaton, Emma Stone and Edward Norton. Both pairs of characters seem to parallel each other and for those who have followed both series, the similarities are quite apparent.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinion.

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Chainsaw Man: Asa-Yoru character duo parallel this Hollywood classic

As mentioned, Chainsaw Man duo Asa and Yoru parallel another pair of characters, i.e., Riggan Thomson and Birdman, from the iconic Hollywood movie Birdman. To add a little context, Michael Keaton plays Riggan Thomson, a washed-up Hollywood actor who made a name playing a superhero named Birdman. But his relevance soon reduced and he grew frustrated. Aching to reclaim artistic cachet and relevance, Riggan accepts a role in producing a play.

But for most of the film, he battles his alter-ego reflecting as Birdman. It urges him to drop his current project at Broadway and return to being a superhero, stating that his talents were far too superior to be involved in a setup such as that. The Birdman part of Thomson appears with haughty, dense and impudent. Thomson constantly tussles with Birdman, trying to silence the voice and deny that part of him. This isn't very far from what Asa and Yoru have displayed.

Eventually Riggan realizes that Birdman isn't the problem, it isn't a mental issue he thought he had. Birdman was an undeniable part of his persona. Chainsaw Man reflects a similar relationship with Asa and Yoru. In each case, the pairings are a illustrations of what internal psychological discord and a duality of identity look like. Akin to Riggan, Asa has been portrayed as a ambivalent individual, processing personal trauma and desiring for peace and sanity amidst chaos.

Yoru (Image via Viz Media)

The chaotic and power-hungry War Devil, Yoru, within Asa is a direct contrasts to her reserved self. Likewise, Riggan tries to suppress Birdman, the side pining for fame and pomp. In reality, he simply longs for artistic status and personal recovery. Both Asa and Riggan find themselves tussling a dark and dominant voice that challenges their outlook and nudges them down an unwanted path. Yoru and Birdman testify to the raw, destructive parts - brazen, cunning, and dominating.

As per Chainsaw Man, Yoru has shown little concern for Asa's emotional boundaries, like needlessly getting intimate with Denji. Paralleling this is Birdman berating Thomson and those around him, insisting that commercial success is best for him over all else. Thus, a tension between outward conduct and inner strife is born, pouring out as odd decisions and straining ties with others. Asa and Riggan lose control as their darker selves/halves seize choices and distort their identities.

The idea of blending versus rejection of self is common in both cases. Riggan initially viewed Birdman as a menance, but eventually accepts it as an indisputable part of him. Elsewhere, Asa seems to be slowly acknowledging reality and her transitions with Yoru grow increasingly seamless - a possible hint at that Asa adopt and even integrate with the War Devil. Thus, larger theme of duality in underscored by complex ties like these.

Asa-Yoru and Riggan-Birdman exemplify individuals grappling with a dual identity of opposing drives within. Furthemore, embracing such incongruities could bring about a more whole character, but extremely composite.

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Final Thoughts

Asa Mitaka (Image via Viz Media)

The parallels between Chainsaw Man's Asa-Yoru and Birdman's Riggan-Birdman are definitely intriguing. As seen in both cases, the host struggles to co-exist with and accept that part of themselves which embodies the darker aspects of their persona. Given the events up till chapter 201, Asa has taken a step forward in overlooking the bad in her life and focusing on the fun bits. However, the very next second was Yoru taking over and causing her usual havoc.

The Asa-Yoru and Riggan-Birdman pairings act as convincing reflections of internal conflict, identity crisis, and a struggle for self-regard. The characters wrestle with their darker counterparts who often challenge their autonomy and values. There is an undoubted tension between Asa's want for control and Yoru's desire for chaos. If Chainsaw Man goes follows Keaton's classic, then Asa may end up accepting the destructive Yoru by the end.

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