What Makes Jujutsu Kaisen so popular in Anime Community?
You may have heard one anime series recommended over and over in recent past, Jujutsu Kaisen. Because of the high demand from anime fans, even our Superhero Toystore is packed with Jujutsu figures and statues. So, what is it that makes it so popular?
Jujutsu Kaisen's first anime season premiered in October 2020, based on the manga series of the same name. Since then, it has risen in popularity among anime fans as one of the year's coolest and most acclaimed new anime series.
Why is it popular?
Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who swallows a rotting finger belonging to a powerful Curse and becomes possessed. Jujutsu Sorcerers sentence him to death by exorcism, but first he must find and consume the Curse's remaining fingers.
The series' general premise may sound like yet another shonen copycat anime series parroting the same tropes as Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach - but watch the first episode and you'll see that it brings its own unique flair to the genre.
Gege Akutami wrote and illustrated the Jujutsu Kaisen manga series, and MAPPA produced the Jujutsu Kaisen anime series. Both manga and anime have had an impact on the real world, with fans pursuing various forms of cosplay, body art, and other activities. There are even social media posts, fan artwork, and memes inspired by Jujutsu Kaisen characters.
But what is the appeal of Jujutsu Kaisen?
To begin, the series provides action, adventure, and comedy, with a dash of drama and mystery to spice up the plot. Jujutsu Kaisen, like any other shonen series, features plenty of fights and action-packed rivalries that amp up the tension.
The Unique Lore of its story
Cursed Energy, born from human negative emotions and feelings, lurks around every corner in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen. Curses are spiritual beings who seek to harm humans as a result of this energy.
Ryomen Sukuna is the most fearsome Curse and strongest of his time, and Yuji swallowed his finger. Jujutsu Sorcerers are tasked with exorcising Curses ranging from low-level monsters to special-grade monstrosities.
The main characters are members of the Jujutsu Tech School, which specialises in Curse exorcism. They learn how to conduct various types of exorcisms in order to save humanity from the Curses that lurk and terrorise the streets and communities.
The Characters
Yuji Itadori, the main character, openly accepts a huge responsibility and sacrifices his own safety to save his friends, resulting in his swallowing of Sukuna's finger.
Sukuna's and Yuji's fates become intertwined with that single action, as Yuji becomes Sukuna's host. The scenes in which the two argue while fighting for control are among the best in the series.
Yuji's journey, like most anime series, is aided by friends. The chemistry between Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and Nobara Kugisaki is electric. Not to mention their newfound teacher, Satoru Gojo, who is an odd but fitting addition.
Satoru wears a blindfold and is tall and white-haired. His carefree, easygoing, and comical demeanour makes him one of the series' most adored characters. But when it comes to being serious, he knows how to turn it up.
It's all very reminiscent of Naruto's original Team 7 with Kakashi, but it doesn't take long to notice how they differ.
Other characters in the series also play an important role in the plot. Every character contributes to the development of another.
The Villains
The villains in Jujutsu Kaisen appear human but not entirely human, revealing their lack of humanity. Some may appear to be outright monsters, while others may appear human with distorted body parts.
And, unlike other anime villains who flaunt their badassery and ominous monologues, the villains in Jujutsu Kaisen hide their evil intentions behind charming tongues and calm demeanors.
But, of course, Ryomen Sukuna is the most heinous of the villains. His attitude, pride, and abilities make him a formidable foe. He has no idea when or how he will beat Yuji to a pulp.
Aside from Ryomen Sukuna, there are other notable villains in the series, such as Mahito. Mahito is one of several villains who enter the story and cause problems for our heroes. With his youthful and innocent appearance, it's easy to see how the characters in Jujutsu Kaisen were duped by this sinister individual. And there are numerous other characters who want Yuji dead.
We never know when Principal Gakuganji will issue the order to exorcise and execute Yuji. He is constantly hatching schemes that endanger the lead sorcerer's life.
The battles in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe are fast-paced and devoid of chit-chat. A fight scene may contain some dialogue, but it is never so long or unrealistic that it turns the scene into a filler episode. Unexpected matchups and outcomes occur in the fights.
Despite the fact that Jujutsu Kaisen is full of fights, it manages to strike the right balance of comedy, drama, and mystery. The fights are never brutal, and they are never dull and boring. You'll enjoy the fight scenes, as well as the motivations behind each one.
Check out our popular Jujustsu Kaisen Collection here.