Jujutsu Kaisen: How Season 1 Raised the Bar as a Modern Day Shōnen

In 2020, an anime had just released titled “Sorcery Fight”, or known in Japanese as “Jujutsu Kaisen”. Unbeknownst to the majority of audiences was the fact that this would soon become one of the most critically acclaimed shonēns of the modern day. Most people had only watched a trailer, or just put on Jujutsu Kaisen without any reason other than they heard it was supposed to have action- like me.

But after watching the first few episodes the realization kicked in, that this anime isn’t just some generic release of the year, it’s a new sort of shōnen that excels in every way- especially its visuals that were illustrated by Studio MAPPA. What had initially started as a casual time pass, became the industry’s next celebrated giant.

Image: Studio Mappa

The World of Curses

Fushiguro Megumi is tasked with obtaining a “Special-Grade cursed object”, namely the Finger of Ryoumen Sukunathe King of Curses. Such objects are a source of corruption, and attract malicious beings called curses. Fushiguro in his search bumps into high school student Yuji Itadori, a member of the supernatural investigations club.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Image: Studio Mappa

We see Yuji visiting his grandfather at the hospital who leaves him with these words:

You’re a strong kid, so help others

Meanwhile Megumi is at Yuji’s high school as he discovers that the supernatural investigations club has the cursed object, which he later finds had attracted a curse that decapitated Yuji’s friends. Fushiguro gets overwhelmed but is saved by Yuji in the nick of time. Yuji in a senseless act of desperation eats Sukuna’s Finger, transforming himself into the vessel for the King of Curses.

Image: Studio Mappa

Sukuna’s spirit manifests in Yuji, and vows to massacre all life. At the same moment, Gojo Satorou, the strongest Jujutsu sorcerer appears who bests Sukuna in a few seconds while blindfolded. Gojo is the main attraction of the series, and he is so well written that perhaps he may be considered the best character to ever have been created.

This marks the beginning of a tale about good and evil, balance, and power. Jujutsu Kaisen shines in every aspect, from the best visuals of the generation to exceptionally well choreographed fights. The plot rich, the setting beautiful, the fights adrenaline filled. A masterpiece in every respect.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 News, Movie, and Reception

After season 1 finished airing, a movie titled Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was announced- which released in December 2021. The anime received critical acclaim with an 8.7 rating on MyAnimeList. Season 2 is rumoured to be released in 2023, which is definitely the case as Jujutsu Kaisen is the most in demand series right now.

Well I bet you haven’t heard about it yet? Bleach’s return!

 

 

Written by Lucas Beaumont

Generalist. Wikipedia contributor. Elementary school teacher from Saskatchewan, Canada.

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