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Reflecting on us imperialism: hawaii's annexation in manga

Controversy Surrounds Hawaii's Status in Recent Manga Chapter | Fans Weigh In on Flag Implications

By

Kira Smith

Jan 7, 2026, 09:23 AM

Edited By

Oliver Zhang

Updated

Jan 8, 2026, 04:06 PM

2 minutes (approx.)

A colorful manga panel showing Hawaii with a 50-star flag, symbolizing its statehood, alongside a scene depicting an alternate timeline where annexation did not occur, emphasizing themes of imperialism.

A heated exchange unfolds among fans after the latest chapter of a hit manga reignites discussions about U.S. imperialism and its portrayal of Hawaii's political status. The evolving narrative draws attention to the discrepancies in the depiction of the U.S. flag and the implications of historical context versus fiction.

Chapter Insights and Flag Symbolism

In Chapter 13, fans noticed a 49-star U.S. flag, suggesting Hawaii's unannexed status. The most recent chapter, however, features a 50-star flag, hinting at annexation during the timeline's progression. As commentary flows, one fan humorously points out, "Annexation would convey the horrors of the story just like the adoptee sacrifices for the Aging Devil."

Implications of Flag Changes

Discussions across various forums highlight the significance of Hawaiiโ€™s geopolitical importance in a fictional universe. One commenter suggested, "Without nuclear weapons, the Cold War looks very different," indicating that the implications of Hawaiiโ€™s status extend beyond mere storytelling, as they reflect larger historical realities.

Diverse Fan Perspectives

  • Intentional Choices: Fans suggest the decision to separate Hawaii in the narrative could be purposeful, linking it to broader themes of imperialism. "I think itโ€™s safe to assume that in this world Hawaii was not annexed, and I think we can also assume it still hasnโ€™t beenโ€ฆ" noted one insightful commentator.

  • Mixed Reactions: Some fans argue the flag change is a mere oversight. One user remarked, "Chainsaw Man fans have no reading comprehension but notice stuff like this." Meanwhile, another took a lighter approach saying, "Definitely looking too much into it but cool nonetheless."

  • Engaging Debate: With over 100 comments swirling around this topic, fans are deliberate in dissecting how such symbols influence their appreciation of the narrative. "The U.S. imperialism machine never stops," stated a participant, emphasizing the ongoing debate about how historical narratives manifest in popular culture.

Key Insights from the Ongoing Conversations

  • โ–ณ Many fans believe the flag switch hints at a deeper narrative of U.S. imperialism.

  • โ–ฝ Frequent users note potential inconsistencies in the storytelling present in earlier chapters.

  • โ€ป "Bravo Fujimoto!" reflects a mix of admiration for the artistโ€™s complex storytelling.

This engagement around the symbolism illustrates how anime and manga intersect with real-world issues. As 2025 progresses, the impact of political themes in storytelling appears set to continue capturing the attention of fans, driving future discussion in the community. Stay updated for more insights as this topic develops.