Jujutsu Kaisen 呪術廻戦
Japanese Name: 呪術廻戦
Author: Gege Akutami
Publisher: Weekly Shonen Jump
Genre: Dark Fantasy, Supernatural, Action
Serialized: March 5, 2018 – Ongoing
Volumes: 28 (as of September 2024)
Introduction
Jujutsu Kaisen is a popular manga series written and illustrated by Gege Akutami. It debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump on March 5, 2018, quickly gaining a massive following due to its dark fantasy themes and supernatural action. The manga is set to conclude with its final chapter in September 2024. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes involved with the world of jujutsu sorcery after consuming a cursed object.
Author: Gege Akutami
Gege Akutami began their career with the prequel Jujutsu Kaisen 0: Jujutsu High, a short series published in Jump GIGA in 2017. This prequel set the foundation for the full-length Jujutsu Kaisen series. Known for their unique storytelling and intricate world-building, Akutami’s work has captivated readers worldwide, establishing them as a significant figure in the manga industry.
History of Jujutsu Kaisen
Before Jujutsu Kaisen, Akutami introduced the prequel Jujutsu Kaisen 0: Jujutsu High in 2017. Initially conceived as a short story, it gained enough popularity to warrant a full series. The main series started serialization on March 5, 2018, introducing new protagonists while continuing the thematic elements from the prequel. The manga’s success grew exponentially, leading to the announcement of its final arc in August 2024, with the series concluding in September of the same year.
Plot Summary
The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student with extraordinary physical abilities. Despite his talents, he prefers a quiet life with the school’s Occult Research Club. However, after encountering Megumi Fushiguro, a jujutsu sorcerer, his life changes dramatically. Yuji’s friends accidentally unseal a powerful cursed object, which summons malevolent spirits. To protect his friends, Yuji consumes the cursed object and inherits its dark powers. As a result, he becomes entangled in the dangerous world of jujutsu sorcery and must now face off against powerful cursed spirits, including the evil Ryomen Sukuna, whose power resides within him.
Main Characters
Yuji Itadori
The main protagonist, a kind-hearted student who becomes the host of the cursed spirit Sukuna
Megumi Fushiguro
A jujutsu sorcerer with shadow-manipulating abilities who recruits Yuji.
Nobara Kugisaki
A fierce sorceress and Yuji's teammate, wielding cursed energy through nails and hammers.
Satoru Gojo
The strongest jujutsu sorcerer and Yuji's mentor, known for his overwhelming power and easygoing nature.
Sukuna
The King of Curses, whose power is split into cursed objects. Yuji consumes one of these objects, making him Sukuna’s vessel.
Panda
A major supporting character in Jujutsu Kaisen and one of the main protagonists of its prequel, Jujutsu High.
Volumes
The series has 28 volumes as of September 2024, with each volume marking major developments in the story. Key story arcs include:
- Shibuya Incident: One of the most dramatic arcs, involving large-scale battles and devastating losses.
- Tokyo Colony: Featuring high-stakes combat and the introduction of more cursed spirits and sorcerers.
Reception and Popularity
Jujutsu Kaisen has become one of the most successful manga series of all time. By May 2021, over 50 million copies were in circulation, and its popularity continues to grow. Its combination of intense action, dark supernatural themes, and complex characters has made it a favorite among manga readers globally.
Anime Adaptation
In November 2019, an anime adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen was announced. Animated by Studio MAPPA, the series began airing in October 2020, receiving widespread acclaim for its fluid animation, engaging storytelling, and intense action scenes. A second season aired in 2023, further boosting the franchise’s popularity.
Conclusion
As Jujutsu Kaisen approaches its conclusion, it leaves behind a legacy of captivating storytelling and groundbreaking action sequences. Its blend of dark fantasy, supernatural elements, and compelling characters has cemented it as one of the defining manga of the 21st century. Fans eagerly await the final chapters to see how Yuji’s story and the world of jujutsu sorcery will unfold.
