Warning: contains important spoilers
In the vast landscape of shonen anime, it’s rare to find a series that not only adheres to the genre’s beloved tropes but also subverts them in ways that feel fresh and exciting. Jujutsu Kaisen, the brainchild of mangaka Gege Akutami, has captivated audiences with its unique blend of action, horror, and complex themes. Since its anime adaptation premiered in 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen has taken the world by storm, earning a place among the pantheon of modern shonen classics.
The Curse of Expectation
Like any shonen series worth its salt, Jujutsu Kaisen had to contend with the curse of expectation. The “Big Three” of shonen anime—Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach—set a high bar, and any newcomer would have to prove itself worthy of standing alongside these titans. But Jujutsu Kaisen embraced this challenge, quickly establishing itself as a standout.
From the outset, Jujutsu Kaisen distinguished itself by delving into darker territory. The world of cursed spirits and jujutsu sorcerers is a far cry from the optimistic settings of many shonen series.
Its tone challenges the lighthearted narratives of most mainstream shonen, instead presenting a gritty, ambiguous world where death is an ever-present threat and “heroes” and “villains” are less easily defined. In fact, the series’ primary conflict revolves around a universe where good and evil are complex, layered, and even entangled—a refreshing approach that sets it apart from its peers and lends it a gravitas often absent in the genre.
A Cast of Compelling Characters
What truly elevates Jujutsu Kaisen is its compelling cast of well-rounded, complex characters. At the center of the story is Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes a jujutsu sorcerer after swallowing a cursed object. Far from the archetypal shonen protagonist striving to be the best, Yuji is instead driven by the simple yet profound desire to help others and ensure they experience a “proper death.” This core motivation is a refreshing shift from the common shonen pursuit of power or fame, setting a relatable foundation for his character.
Yuji is surrounded by an equally diverse and complex cast: Megumi Fushiguro, the brooding sorcerer; Nobara Kugisaki, the fierce and independent female lead; and Satoru Gojo, the enigmatic and nearly omnipotent mentor figure.
Gojo, in particular, subverts the “mentor” archetype, presenting an overpowered figure whose arrogance is tempered by his genuine care for his students. Even minor characters are given narrative depth, using their arcs to explore themes of mortality and sacrifice.
The Unflinching Portrayal of Death
One of Jujutsu Kaisen‘s most striking aspects is its unflinching portrayal of death. In a genre that often shies away from mortality, Jujutsu Kaisen confronts it head-on. From the very first episode, when Yuji’s grandfather dies in his arms, the series makes it clear that death is a constant presence in this world.
This isn’t simply a narrative device—death is used as a lens through which to explore themes of sacrifice, loss, and the human condition. Each death in the series carries weight, with consequences that ripple through the story in unexpected ways.
The series uses death not just as a plot device but as a critical commentary on the dangers inherent in the world of jujutsu sorcery. Character losses often challenge Yuji, forcing him to reevaluate his commitment to being a sorcerer and examine his ability to continue fighting. For instance, the loss of minor characters like Junpei Yoshino impacts Yuji profoundly, and the deaths of beloved allies like Nanami and Nobara only add to the realism and emotional stakes. In a world filled with ruthless curses, even the most skilled characters are vulnerable to death, which humanizes them and lends gravity to each confrontation.
Surpassing the Big Three
While series like Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach have moments of darkness, they’re often tempered by optimism and hope. Characters may suffer setbacks, but they ultimately prevail. In contrast, Jujutsu Kaisen offers no such guarantees. Its world is one where darkness lurks around every corner, and even the most powerful characters are vulnerable. This nuanced and mature approach feels grounded in the complexity of real-world experiences, making it stand apart from the more simplistic themes typical of shonen anime.
What also sets Jujutsu Kaisen apart from its predecessors is its pacing and structure. Long-running shonen series are notorious for filler episodes and convoluted subplots, often diverting the story from its main arc. Jujutsu Kaisen, however, avoids this pitfall by maintaining a focused, purposeful narrative. Each arc has a clear beginning, middle, and end, with every moment contributing to the overarching story. This streamlined approach keeps the momentum high, cultivating a sense of urgency and tension that rarely dissipates, and keeps audiences engaged from one episode to the next.
The Curse of Power
Another way Jujutsu Kaisen subverts the typical shonen formula is in its portrayal of power. In many series, power is the ultimate goal, with characters constantly striving to become stronger. But in Jujutsu Kaisen, power is portrayed as both a blessing and a curse. This is particularly evident in the character of Satoru Gojo, who wields immense, godlike power. Rather than making him an unstoppable force, the series uses Gojo’s power to explore the complexities of responsibility that come with strength. Gojo wrestles with limitations, aware of how his abilities impact those around him, particularly his students, whom he’s determined to prepare for the harsh world they inhabit.
Through Gojo, Akutami raises questions about the weight of one’s power and the loneliness that comes with being “the strongest.” Gojo’s arc challenges the shonen archetype of strength as a sole virtue, instead presenting it as an isolating burden.
This deeper understanding of strength resonates through the series, with Yuji also grappling with his abilities and his ultimate purpose as he seeks to grow into his own power responsibly.
The Complexity of Villains
In many shonen series, villains tend to be one-dimensional, existing solely as obstacles for heroes to overcome. Jujutsu Kaisen, however, presents a more complex view of villainy. Characters like Suguru Geto and Mahito are not simply evil for the sake of being evil; they have their own motivations, rooted in experiences that often mirror those of the protagonists. Rather than portraying villains as mindless monsters, Jujutsu Kaisen explores the roots of their hatred, framing their actions within broader questions of societal and existential grievances.
Geto, for example, is a tragic figure shaped by the same broken system that creates the curses he despises. His story is a cautionary tale about what happens when one’s ideals are twisted by trauma, and his conflict with Gojo adds depth to both characters. Mahito’s nihilistic worldview, on the other hand, serves as a dark mirror to the protagonists’ own values. By delving into the psychology and philosophy of its villains, Jujutsu Kaisen forces audiences to consider the fragility of moral righteousness and the blurry line between heroism and villainy.
Reflecting on Jujutsu Kaisen’s Final Arc
As Jujutsu Kaisen moved toward its conclusion, the series faced the challenge of wrapping up its many themes and character arcs. By 2024, with the manga concluding in chapter #271, Jujutsu Kaisen left a lasting impact, securing its place as a modern classic. The final arc showcased Akutami’s commitment to challenging traditional genre expectations, delivering darker themes and pushing the limits of shonen storytelling.
Throughout this final arc, Yuji and his friends face a battle royale against Sukuna and Kenjaku, their most formidable adversaries. With a big sacrifice, the series illustrates a key message: even the strongest characters face vulnerabilities, and strength alone isn’t enough in a world where curses and despair reign supreme.
In the denouement, Akutami provides a resolution that balances bittersweet closure with an acknowledgment of lingering trauma. By ending with Yuji’s commitment to breaking the cycle of curses, the series underscores its message about agency and the importance of healing, even in a fractured world. Though it may not offer a happily-ever-after, Jujutsu Kaisen’s ending feels fittingly complex, true to its thematic explorations.
The Power of Animation
No discussion of Jujutsu Kaisen would be complete without mentioning its stunning animation. Produced by MAPPA, the studio behind Attack on Titan, Chainsaw Man, and The God of High School, Jujutsu Kaisen is visually spectacular. The series’ action scenes are dynamic and meticulously animated, with fluid movements and creative camera angles that bring the characters’ powers to life. The haunting designs of cursed spirits and the atmospheric backdrops of the jujutsu world create a visual experience that draws viewers into its universe.
Themes of Identity and Purpose
At its core, Jujutsu Kaisen is a story about identity and purpose. Yuji’s journey is one of self-discovery, grappling with the weight of his powers and responsibilities. Characters like Megumi, Nobara, and Gojo also wrestle with questions of purpose, and the series delves deeply into their individual struggles.
For Yuji, the idea of a “proper death” becomes his guiding principle, pushing him to confront his place within a violent, cursed world.
These themes resonate with a generation that often struggles with identity and purpose, especially in a time when social and political crises shape young people’s worldviews. Jujutsu Kaisen serves as a story of resilience, reminding audiences that purpose is not something to be given but something to be earned through action, struggle, and self-reflection.
A Classic for the Future of Shonen
As Jujutsu Kaisen continues to grow in popularity, its impact on the shonen genre is undeniable. The series not only pushes boundaries but also demonstrates that anime and manga can address profound themes while still captivating audiences with action, humor, and heart. Will its success inspire darker, more mature shonen series? Only time will tell. What’s certain is that Jujutsu Kaisen has already left an indelible mark, proving that even the most well-worn tropes can feel new and thought-provoking when handled by a skilled creator.
Jujutsu Kaisen is a series that demands to be seen. With stunning animation, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, it stands as a modern classic in the shonen genre. But beyond its stunning visuals, Jujutsu Kaisen speaks to audiences on a deeper level. In a world that often feels dark and uncertain, Jujutsu Kaisen offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even in the face of unimaginable darkness, there is always a reason to keep fighting, to keep moving forward.
As the series looks toward new chapters in other mediums, it will be fascinating to see how its legacy evolves. Jujutsu Kaisen has earned its place among modern classics, and its impact on anime and manga will be felt for years to come.