Origins and History
Jujutsu Kaisen was created by Gege Akutami and began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in March 2018. Interestingly, it is a continuation of a short series called Tokyo Metropolitan Magic Technical School, which was later rebranded as Jujutsu Kaisen 0. This prequel set the tone for the world Akutami would later expand—a world where cursed spirits roam and Jujutsu sorcerers fight to protect humanity.
The manga’s rise was steady but significant. It gained massive traction by the end of 2020, largely due to the critically acclaimed anime adaptation by MAPPA. This boost pushed manga sales into the millions, with Jujutsu Kaisen becoming one of the top-selling series globally by 2021.
Plot Overview
The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student with incredible physical ability but no real direction in life. That changes when he encounters a cursed object and ends up swallowing one of Sukuna’s fingers—the remains of a legendary and malevolent curse. This act plunges him into the world of Jujutsu sorcery.
Under the mentorship of the eccentric and immensely powerful Satoru Gojo, Yuji joins Tokyo Jujutsu High. Alongside classmates like Megumi Fushiguro and Nobara Kugisaki, he faces terrifying curses and wrestles with complex moral decisions. The story dives deep into themes of death, pain, sacrifice, and what it means to live with purpose in a chaotic world.
Art and Style
Akutami's artwork is raw and expressive. While not always polished in the traditional sense, the art style brings a kinetic energy to fight scenes and a gritty intensity to emotional moments. MAPPA's anime adaptation refined and elevated this visual style, with fluid animation and stunning choreography, particularly in major battles like Gojo vs. Jogo or Yuji Todo vs. Hanami.
Personal Review
As a manga, Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most compelling modern shonen titles. It strikes a remarkable balance between dark, horror-tinged storytelling and explosive action. What sets it apart is its willingness to confront emotional and philosophical dilemmas—death is permanent, trauma is real, and not every battle is won.
The character development is also noteworthy. Yuji’s journey is less about becoming the strongest and more about confronting the value of human life. Supporting characters, from the deeply tormented Kento Nanami to the enigmatic Geto Suguru, bring additional layers of narrative depth.
If there’s a criticism to make, it might be that the story can become dense and somewhat chaotic during major arcs, particularly in the later stages. But for readers who appreciate depth and aren’t afraid to re-read complex chapters, this is more of a strength than a flaw.
Conclusion
Jujutsu Kaisen is a triumph of modern manga. It pays homage to classic shonen tropes while subverting them in emotionally powerful ways. Whether you're here for the action, the lore, or the heartbreak, this series delivers. For both new fans of the genre and longtime readers, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-read—and one of the defining titles of the 2020s.
