Why Jujutsu Kaisen Hits Different
If you thought shonen manga was all about friendship and power-ups, Jujutsu Kaisen throws that playbook into a cursed furnace. Gege Akutami crafted something that feels closer to Chainsaw Man and Attack on Titan than traditional battle manga—a story where tragedy isn't just possible, it's inevitable.
The Gojo Problem: Killing Your Invincible Character
Western readers often compare Gojo Satoru to Superman—an overpowered figure who warps every conflict around him. But here's what makes Akutami brilliant: Gojo's removal wasn't about power scaling. It was about forcing an entire generation of sorcerers to stop hiding behind their strongest shield.
Think about how Game of Thrones handled Ned Stark. Gojo's fate serves the same narrative function—establishing that no character has plot armor, and that the story's world operates on its own brutal logic.
What His Death Actually Means
- The old generation cannot save the new one
- Strength alone doesn't guarantee victory
- Even gods fall to hubris
Itadori Yuji: The Anti-Chosen One
Unlike Naruto or Deku, Itadori didn't inherit a special legacy or receive a destined power. He ate a finger because he had no other choice. His entire journey is about finding meaning in an existence he never asked for—a deeply existentialist take that resonates with modern readers.
His character arc mirrors themes explored in Berserk and Vinland Saga: Can you remain human while surrounded by monsters? Can kindness survive in a world that punishes it?
"Curses" as Modern Anxiety
Akutami uses curses as a metaphor for collective negative emotions—fear, hatred, resentment. In an era of social media outrage and generational trauma, this concept hits home. Curses are born from what society refuses to address, making Jujutsu Kaisen accidentally the most relevant manga about mental health and social dysfunction.
Where to Read and What's Next
Catch the manga on VIZ Media or Manga Plus (free and legal). The anime adaptation by MAPPA continues to set new standards for action animation.
If you loved Jujutsu Kaisen, explore:
- Hell's Paradise – Same dark shonen energy
- Dandadan – Supernatural chaos with heart
- Kaiju No. 8 – Monster hunting with existential weight