Jujutsu Kaisen fans are about to be treated to yet another screening of one of the franchise’s movies this year, and it will be exciting. With the screening of the Hidden Inventory compilation movie already underway in Japan and soon in North America, there has been some buzz after cryptic and mysterious information about the movie has been revealed officially, potentially teasing the third season and more info regarding it.

In a post by the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime, promoting the release of the Hidden Inventory movie and the acoustic ending, the tweet left a message at the end urging fans to watch out for the end and pay attention to it. This small message left fans very excited and wondering what it could mean, and while it is possible that it might not be as big as it seems, there is a real chance of information regarding Season 3, such as a promotional video to be included at the end.

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen’s Hidden Inventory Movie Confirmed To Include Original Content by Creator

The Culling Games Might Receive An Update Sooner Than We Thought

Season 3 was announced shortly after the finale of the second season, and it wasn’t until this past Jump Festa event that the season got its first news: a gorgeous red key visual of Yuji sitting on a staircase. However, it has been radio silence since, and now could be the perfect opportunity for more updates about the anime to be revealed. With the hype being very high and a large audience there on the opening weekend, there is no better place and time to surprise fans with a teaser trailer about the long-awaited and action-packed season that adapts the Culling Games arc.

The Hidden Inventory Arc is the story’s fifth arc, preceding the Shibuya Incident, which was a major shift in the narrative. It flashed back to Satoru Gojo’s teenage years and his life in Jujutsu High, alongside Geto, Shoko, Nanami, and others. It also introduced the incredible antagonist, Toji Fushiguro, who almost killed Gojo and Geto, as well as led to the severing of their relationship. Hailed as one of the story’s best arcs, if not the best, the Hidden Inventory is a short but incredibly sweet ride that signals the story ramping up in pace and quality.

While it is equally possible that the account wanted fans not to miss the new JujuStrolls that were recently announced to be included in the movie, there similarly exists the chance that there’s content regarding Season 3 at the end of the movie. Whether fans’ wishes do end coming true or not, there is definitely progress on the season that is going on, and it will not be long until the sequel receives new information and updates. With the voice actor of Gojo confirming that Season 3 and future seasons will outdo the second installment to the franchise, it is no wonder everyone is excited about the anime’s return and, once again, to dominate.

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Jujutsu Kaisen had many things going for it in its 8-year run that crowned it as this decade’s biggest manga, without a doubt. There are many things the series is renowned for, such as the incredible action and fights, deeply complex and explored power system to the masterful characterization, but there is one aspect of the story that it is by far the best at, and most international fans might not be able to fully grasp its brilliance.

Jujutsu Kaisen, written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in March 2018 and is expected to conclude in 2025. The story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes a jujutsu sorcerer after ingesting a powerful cursed object—the finger of Sukuna, a legendary curse. He joins Tokyo Jujutsu High to fight curses and protect humanity while navigating dark secrets and intense battles. With more than 100 million copies in circulation and much more to come, the series has solidified itself as one of Jump’s greatest.

Gege Akutami’s Mastery of Japanese Is One To Behold

One thing that many translators and Japanese fans have said about Jujutsu Kaisen is how complex and interesting Akutami’s use of the language is. This is probably why many fans dislike the official English translation by John Werry, as they feel like what was being conveyed wasn’t transferred over. While most manga do end up getting lost in translation, Jujutsu Kaisen was particularly notorious, no thanks to Akutami’s expertise with words. In fact, the voice actors of Choso and Yuji did talk about how difficult Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Kanji can be.

The way he plays with different styles of dialogue across different eras in Japan, occasionally using difficult-to-understand Kanji, integrates poetry effortlessly and makes playful references to folklore and contemporary culture is one to behold. The series also expects some familiarity with Japanese history to understand it. For example, Jujutsu Kaisen makes a lot of callbacks to the Heian and Meiji eras, and while international fans might consider it a flaw not to expand on this, Japanese fans do not need further information because they know those periods of time and can understand the references. Sukuna is also an interesting character, as his manner of speaking and dialogue is very ancient, and he uses vocabulary from past eras, nailing the depiction of him as a living legend.

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen’s Final Volume Solves a Major Misunderstanding About Sukuna

Akutami Is Rivaled By Few In Dialogue

Jujutsu Kaisen‘s greatest strength and one of its most praised aspects is how brilliant the dialogue, narration, and interactions are. Akutami’s masterful weaving of prose and poetry makes the series a treat to analyze and dissect, and the rich colloquy between the characters makes them truly human-like and realistic. It’s rare for a shonen to balance existential weight with a slick character voice this well. Akutami doesn’t waste words—when a line hits, it hits.

The layered characterization the series manages to achieve very efficiently is incredible, as Akutami can give an insight into a character’s personality almost immediately with the fewest of words. For example, you can tell Gojo is arrogant and confident within seconds of his introduction based on his relaxed tone despite seeing his student bloodied and fighting for his life. Nobara’s tomboyish attitude, while also leaning into her femininity, was something that was understood from the beginning.

Another very unique aspect of Akutami’s dialogue is how philosophically potent it can be. Jujutsu Kaisen is obviously a philosophical story by nature as it discusses the meaning of a good death, the gap between generations, and more topics that one would not expect from a story aimed at 12-year-old boys. In Jujutsu Kaisen, dialogue serves as a vehicle for deep philosophical inquiry, exploring themes like identity, morality, death, and existential choice. Characters don’t just fight—they question the meaning of strength, the value of life, and the weight of their decisions, making the series incredibly rich and introspective.

Jujutsu Kaisen is already an extremely enjoyable and fun manga to read without fully grasping what it’s trying to say, and it’s designed to be digestible for casual fans. However, there lies an even greater realm of enjoyment if fans can take the time to research and try to understand the undertones and subtext the series offers. It has many layers of depth that are basically screaming to be dissected, and anyone passionate enough to engage with the story at a deeper level will surely be rewarded with one of the best manga to come out of the last decade.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen’s Greatest Strength Is Lost on International Fans appeared first on ComicBook.com.

As the anticipation for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 builds, fans are eager to dive back into the dark, action-packed world of sorcerers and cursed spirits. The upcoming season is set to adapt the highly anticipated “Culling Game” arc: a brutal battle royale orchestrated by the insidious Kenjaku that will push the characters to their absolute limits, show Yuta Okkotsku back in Tokyo at his full strength, and introduce a slew of new, powerful players.

To properly prepare for the chaos and excitement that awaits, there’s no better way than to revisit some of the anime’s most impactful and thrilling episodes. These selections not only showcase the series’ signature blend of intricate cursed techniques and visceral combat, but also highlight key character developments and plot points that will be crucial for understanding the stakes of the Culling Game. Get ready to refresh your memory and rekindle your excitement for what promises to be an unforgettable new season!

1) “Hidden Inventory, Part 4″ (Season 2, Episode 4)

This episode is a masterclass in showcasing the tragic turning point for Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto, picking up on the heels of a massive cliffhanger: Toji Fushiguro killing Riko Amanai and leaving Gojo for dead. The raw emotion, the devastating betrayal, and the unraveling of their friendship are all brought to life with stunning animation and poignant storytelling. It’s a foundational episode that explains the ideological rift between the two strongest sorcerers and sets the stage for Geto’s eventual descent into villainy, directly impacting the events of the Shibuya Incident and, by extension, the Culling Game.

The fight choreography is exceptional, particularly Gojo’s awakening as “the Honored One” and his subsequent ruthless display of power against Toji Fushiguro. Witnessing Gojo shed his carefree persona and embrace his true strength is chilling and exhilarating, exquisitely brought to life by Kaiji Tang’s captivating voice performance. This episode provides crucial context for Gojo’s isolation and the burden of his power, which becomes a central theme in the larger narrative, especially with his current predicament. Understanding this past is vital for appreciating the future of the jujutsu world.

2) “Nonstandard” (Season 1, Episode 20)

“Nonstandard” stands out for its incredible display of teamwork and growth, primarily between Yuji Itadori and Aoi Todo. The episode features their joint fight against the Special Grade Cursed Spirit Hanami during the Kyoto Goodwill Event. Todo’s eccentric mentorship and Yuji’s rapid adaptation to his combat style lead to some of the most dynamic and entertaining fight sequences in the entire series, culminating in Yuji’s impressive consecutive Black Flashes.

Beyond the superb action, this episode is critical for establishing Todo’s unique perspective and his unexpected, yet effective bond with Yuji. Their bizarre but genuine camaraderie is a refreshing contrast to the grim realities of the jujutsu world and the tragedy that is to come from the series. It also gives us a taste of Gojo’s overwhelming power with the reveal of Hollow Technique: Purple, reminding us of the immense strength that the forces of good possess, a strength that will be desperately needed in the Culling Game.

3) “Thunderclap” (Season 2, Episode 16)

This episode is an unadulterated spectacle of power, focusing on the brutal clash between Sukuna and Jogo during the Shibuya Incident. The animation reaches dizzying new heights as Sukuna, inhabiting Yuji’s body, unleashes a torrent of destructive cursed energy. Jogo, despite his immense strength as a Special Grade cursed spirit, is utterly outmatched, highlighting the terrifying gulf between even the strongest curses and the King of Curses.

“Thunderclap” is a pure adrenaline rush, demonstrating the sheer destructive potential of Sukuna and hinting at the true horror he represents. It also finally reveals Megumi Fushiguro’s untamed shikigami, Mahoraga. Though hinted at throughout the series, “Thunderclap” shows Mahoraga in full glory battling against Sukuna, who ultimately defeats the shikigami and in turn, saves Megumi from suspended death. This display of Sukuna’s might is a stark reminder of the immense threat he poses, a threat that will only escalate in the Culling Game arc as his influence continues to spread.

4) “Right and Wrong, Part 3” (Season 2, Episode 20)

As the Shibuya Incident reaches its devastating climax, this episode focuses on the harrowing experiences of Yuji Itadori as he grapples with the aftermath of Sukuna’s rampage and the shocking turn of events for his best friend, Nobara Kugisaki. The sheer despair and helplessness Yuji feels is palpable, making this a deeply emotional and character-driven episode. It forces Yuji to confront the horrific consequences of his existence as Sukuna’s vessel and reinforce what he and his friends are fighting for, setting him on a path of profound personal growth and determination.

The return of Aoi Todo provides a much-needed beacon of hope amidst the devastation, reigniting Yuji’s fighting spirit. Their reunion, though brief, is a powerful moment that emphasizes the importance of their bond and how much Todo believes in Yuji when he needs a friend the most. This episode is crucial for understanding the emotional toll of the Shibuya Incident and the resolve of characters like Yuji, who will undoubtedly carry these burdens into the Culling Game.

5) “Transformation” (Season 2, Episode 21)

This episode delivers the long-awaited and utterly visceral showdown between Yuji Itadori and Mahito, a battle that has been building since the first season and the litany of atrocities Mahito committed. The fight is a brutal ballet of cursed energy and physical combat, pushing both characters to their absolute limits. Yuji’s unwavering determination to land blow after blow, despite Mahito’s insidious Idle Transfiguration, is a testament to his resilience and newfound understanding of his role as a sorcerer. Yuji is not only fighting for the future, but to avenge those Mahito killed, including Junpei Yoshino, Kento Namami, and Nobara Kugisaki.

The animation in this episode is nothing short of phenomenal, capturing the fluid and grotesque nature of Mahito’s techniques and the raw power of Yuji’s strikes. It’s a deeply satisfying culmination of their rivalry, as Yuji finally corners his tormentor and delivers a series of devastating blows amidst an imaginary backdrop of snow and a pack of ravenous wolves. This intense confrontation marks a significant turning point for Yuji’s character, showcasing his growth and hardening him for the trials that await him in the Culling Game. After experiencing tragedy upon tragedy in the Shibuya Incident, Yuji’s win against Mahito was a sorely needed victory for viewers.

RELATED: “Sure to Exceed Expectations”: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Star Hints the Anime Could Top Season 2

6) “Shibuya Incident – Gate, Close” (Season 2, Episode 23)

The official conclusion to the Shibuya Incident arc, this episode ties up many loose ends while simultaneously unraveling the terrifying implications of Kenjaku’s master plan. We witness the full extent of the chaos unleashed and the devastating impact on the jujutsu world. The episode sets a grim tone for the future, highlighting the fragility of human-sorcerer relations and the new, dangerous landscape that lies ahead.

Crucially, this episode features the long-awaited return of Special Grade sorcerer Yuta Okkotsu, a character of immense power and importance from Jujutsu Kaisen 0. His reintroduction, coupled with his declaration of intent to kill Yuji, immediately raises the stakes and introduces a powerful new dynamic heading into the Culling Game. The final moments of this episode are a chilling preview of the challenges and betrayals that will define the upcoming arc.

7) “The Origin of Obedience – 2” (Season 1, Episode 23)

While often overshadowed by the Shibuya Incident, this episode from Season One is a pivotal moment for Megumi Fushiguro, showcasing his growing power and his willingness to push his limits. The battle against the cursed womb brothers, Eso and Kechizu, culminates in Megumi’s incomplete Domain Expansion: Chimera Shadow Garden. This moment is a thrilling display of his potential and his evolving understanding of his own cursed technique.

Megumi’s decision to take a calculated risk and unleash his Domain Expansion, even in its incomplete form, signifies a crucial shift in his character from a self-sacrificing mindset to one of strategic self-preservation for the sake of his allies. This development is vital, as Megumi will play a central role in the Culling Game, where his intelligence and unique cursed technique will be indispensable.

8) “Small Fry and Reverse Retribution” (Season 1, Episode 9)

This early episode serves as a powerful introduction to the horrors of Mahito and the tragic consequences of his cruelty. The arc focusing on Junpei Yoshino is a heart-wrenching descent into despair, as Yuji witnesses firsthand the devastating effects of Mahito’s harrowing Idle Transfiguration. The emotional weight of this episode, as Yuji fails to save his friend, is a pivotal moment in his development, fueling his hatred for Mahito and his resolve to protect others.

The episode also introduces Yuji’s new mentor, Kento Nanami, whose calm demeanor and pragmatic approach provide a grounded contrast to Yuji’s raw emotions and Gojo’s shenanigans. Nanami’s insights into cursed energy and his dedication to his duties further highlight the harsh realities of being a jujutsu sorcerer. This episode establishes the emotional stakes and the ever-present danger that permeates the Jujutsu Kaisen world, a grim precursor to the Culling Game’s brutal nature.

9) “Shibuya Incident – Gate, Open” (Season 2, Episode 9)

“Assault” is the beginning of the Shibuya Incident arc and plunges viewers directly into the coordinated attack on Shibuya by Kenjaku and his allied curses. The sheer scale and meticulous planning of the villains are immediately evident, creating an atmosphere of intense tension and dread. This episode rapidly escalates the stakes, showing how the jujutsu sorcerers are strategically outmaneuvered and forced onto the defensive.

The episode also highlights Gojo’s overwhelming power as he single-handedly confronts a multitude of cursed spirits and transfigured humans. However, it’s also the episode where Kenjaku’s plan to seal Gojo is set into motion, leading to one of the most shocking and impactful moments in the entire series. Witnessing Gojo’s vulnerability at the sight of what he thinks is his dead best friend, despite his strength, sets the stage for the desperate struggles that define the rest of the arc and the path to the Culling Game.

10) “Accomplices” (Season 1, Episode 24)

The Season One finale, “Accomplices,” culminates in a thrilling tag-team battle between Yuji Itadori and Nobara Kugisaki against the Death Painting Wombs, Eso and Kechizu. This episode brilliantly showcases the unique synergy between Yuji and Nobara, highlighting their evolving combat styles and their unwavering trust in one another that redefines their friendship. Their combined cursed techniques and strategic thinking make for a dynamic and satisfying conclusion to the season.

This episode is a testament to the growth of the Tokyo Jujutsu High first-years and their potential as a formidable unit. The emotional impact of Nobara’s resonance and Yuji’s Black Flash on the cursed spirits adds a layer of depth to the action. The camaraderie and determination of all Jujutsu High students will be essential moving forward, especially as they face the unprecedented challenges and moral ambiguities of the Culling Game.

The post 10 Best Jujutsu Kaisen Episodes to Get Excited for Season 3 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The character that made the entire Jujutsu Kaisen fan base want to hit the gym is back in the upcoming Hidden Inventory/Premature Death movie. To celebrate the impending release of the movie, Toji Fushiguro is the centre of the film’s latest promo. The iconic mercenary didn’t have a lot of screen time in Jujutsu Kaisen’s second season, but he was an instant fan favorite and stole every scene he was in (even the ones featuring Gojo!). Fans will soon get to see Toji’s nonchalant approach to dealing with Cursed Technique users on the big screen, as Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arrives in theaters this July.

The new movie is a recap/compilation film of the first half of Jujutsu Kaisen‘s second season. Adapting the titular “Hidden Inventory” and “Premature Death” arcs, the film takes audiences back in time to way before Yuji Itadori swallowed Sukuna’s finger, as Gojo and Geto are tasked with protecting Riko Amanai, with Toji and a swarm of mercenaries hunting them down.

Toji Returns to Theaters This July

Ahead of Hidden Inventory/Premature Death‘s theatrical release on July 16, a new character promo has been revealed featuring Jujutsu Kaisen‘s most iconic, powerless character (sorry, Maki Zenin): Toji Fushiguro. The poster depicts Toji with his signature scar across his lips and his unkempt black hair. In the promo, the villain also sports his signature costume, which is unintentionally the easiest cosplay of all time (minus the biceps bigger than most people’s heads).

As well as the individual character poster, Toji Fishiguro’s Japanese voice actor, Takehito Koyasu, has released a message for fans hyping up Jujutsu Kaisen on the big screen. “It’s a great joy to be able to experience such excitement and emotion in theaters,” Koyasu’s statement began. “Toji Fushiguro feels to me like a man drawn in by fate, like a gemstone pulled in by some unseen force. He’s someone whose brilliance burned bright only for a moment before being consumed by it — a tragic past.”

Koyasu clearly feels a deep personal connection to the character. “But because of that, I want him to be remembered by someone,” he continued. Fortunately, that wish has come true, as Toji has since become one of the most iconic characters in the franchise (you can’t kill Gojo and not become iconic). “Maybe it’s selfish of me, as the voice actor, to wish for that. But he definitely lived. If this film helps bring him to life once more, even if just in memory, I’d be truly happy.”

[RELATED – Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Shares Official JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Art]

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 When?

Hidden Inventory/Premature Death might not be the biggest anime movie releasing this season — a tie between Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc — but the film’s theatrical release has put attention firmly back on MAPPA’s beloved shonen franchise.

With Jujutsu Kaisen back in the spotlight, fans are once again demanding to know when the third season will be released. Season 3 has already been confirmed to be in the works and will adapt the “Culling Game” arc, as the series begins to head towards its final arcs. However, neither a release date nor a window has been announced for the third season. Fans are hoping that a release date will be revealed once Hidden Inventory/Premature Death releases in theaters.

H/T: Jujutsu Kaisen on X

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Hypes Season 2 Movie With New Look at Toji appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Gege Akutami has plenty of time on his hands at the moment, as Jujutsu Kaisen ended its manga in 2024. As fans think back fondly on the often devastating adventures of Jujutsu Tech, the anime adaptation still has to cover some main events to catch up. Luckily for fans, Akutami is still very much in the art game and his most recent offering brings him right into the world of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. In the next JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure magazine, Akutami has lent their talents to one of the biggest supporting characters of the franchise, breathing new life into Kishibe Rohan.

Manga artists for some time have been major fans of one another, routinely sharing their takes on major anime figures that didn’t spring from their brains. Eiichiro Oda famously drew Dragon Ball characters, Hirohiko Araki drew the ninja of Naruto, and even My Hero Academia’s Kohei Horikoshi took a crack at the students of Jujutsu Tech. Alongside the new art for the Joestars’ universe, Akutami even shared that he is a big fan of the franchise’s fourth entry, Diamond Is Unbreakable, “I like the refreshing sense of realism in Part 4 compared to the earlier parts. I think the reason Josuke didn’t kill Okuyasu—’I just thought there was no reason for you to die’—really symbolizes that.”

[RELATED: New JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Live-Action Movie Will Give Surprise Gift To Fans]

A Joestar Summer

Gege Akutami isn’t the only manga artist who is creating a new take on the anime world of Stands. On top of the Jujutsu Kaisen creator, manga artists that are contributing to the “JoJo Magazine 2025 Summer” magazine include March Comes In Like A Lion’s Chica Umino, Pop Team Epic’s Bkub Okawa, Bungo Stray Dogs’ Shiwasu Hoshikawa, A Story To Read When You First Fall in Love’s Aki Mochida, and The Old Man Who Was Reincarnated as a Cat’s Yajima. The publication is already hitting Stands in Japan so expect more Joestar announcements and you can see more of the artwork in the X thread below.

Aside from this brand new artwork, the latest publication has a special focus on Kishibe Rohan as the fictional manga artist is preparing to once again hit the world of live-action. Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan: Confessional is arriving in Japanese theaters and recreates one of Rohan’s creepiest adventures from his spin-off series. Unfortunately, it seems doubtful that this cinematic effort will make its way to theaters, but like the television series that preceded it, the live-action Rohan adventure will most likely hit the West down the line.

The Steel Ball Run is Coming

While Kishibe Rohan might be getting the lion’s share of attention at the moment, Johnny Joestar and Gyro Zeppeli are preparing to take the world by storm. Earlier this year, the anime franchise announced that an anime adaptation of The Steel Ball Run is in the works, though a release date has yet to be revealed. Fingers crossed that we won’t be waiting too long for what many consider to be one of the biggest entries of the series.

Want to see what the future holds for Stands and curses alike? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and Jujutsu Kaisen.

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One Piece has been in the news for a variety of reasons in recent days but one of said reasons has been the Straw Hats teaming up with Major League Baseball for special anime-themed nights at the ballpark. Now, Luffy and his crew aren’t the only ones that will be creating a baseball-themed event. The students and teachers of Jujutsu Tech are preparing to have an anime event with MLB’s Texas Rangers as Jujutsu Kaisen has announced a collaboration that will arrive this summer. Get your cleats ready and prepare to fight curses as we have the details about this new crossover.

The special anime-themed night will take place on July 1st this summer, with Jujutsu Kaisen even going so far as to create Texas Rangers jerseys. The night itself will see the Rangers taking on the Baltimore Orioles and here’s how the MLB organization is teasing the event, “Join fellow Jujutsu Sorcerers at Globe Life Field as the Texas Rangers host Jujutsu Kaisen Night on July 1. Theme night tickets purchased through this offer will come with a co-branded Jujutsu Kaisen jersey. Get here early and visit Texas Live! for pre-game trivia. Watch Jujutsu Kaisen on Crunchyroll.” You can find more information on the official MLB website by clicking here.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Could Drop a New Update Sooner Than You Expect]

Major League Anime

Major League Baseball hasn’t just teamed up with One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, the league has created an official anime short of its own. MLB Anime: Heroes of The Game was an anime short that featured some of the biggest baseball players in the world, including the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Paul Skenes, Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. The special collab was directed by Hiroshi Shimizu, a legend in the medium who has been a part of major franchises including Blue Exorcist, Dragon Ball Z, My Hero Academia, and countless others. You can watch the special video below.

Jujutsu Tech’s Future

Last year, Jujutsu Kaisen creator Gege Akutami ended Yuji Itadori and his friends’ story in the pages of the supernatural shonen’s manga. Despite this fact, the anime adaptation still has plenty of material to cover, which is great news as the second season was one of the anime record books. The Shibuya Incident Arc changed the game and left Yuji in a place where enemy and ally alike are looking for him. While Studio MAPPA has yet to confirm a release date for the anime adaptation’s return, Jujutsu Tech’s comeback will be a major event in the anime world whenever it happens. Since MAPPA has quite the full plate in terms of anime projects, we might be waiting for this return for quite some time.

Want to see what the future holds for both Jujutsu Tech and Major League Baseball crossovers? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for the latest updates on Jujutsu Kaisen and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Teaming Up With Major League Baseball For Anime Collab appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Fans just can’t get enough action from all the fights, escapades, and missions anime has to offer. Action has always been a widely popular genre in anime, if not the most popular genre. It’s even probably one of the more versatile that meshes incredibly well with most other combinations of genres. Melees full of god-like strength like in Dragon Ball, comedic slapstick brawls like those in Gintama, grappling with monsters like in Tokyo Ghoul, action-packed fantastical adventures like those of One Piece — there’s truly an action anime for anyone’s tastes.

Over the years, there have only been more and more awesome additions to the library of action-packed titles. More titles, more to watch, more to love, and, of course, more action. And how could audiences not be glued to the screen and on the edge of their seats with such fast-paced high stakes, intense battle choreography, and exciting adrenaline-pumping thrills? And while the list could go on and on with new and old titles that have had substantial fanbases over the years, these ones are the best of the best!

1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

The Elric brothers, in their endeavor to bring their mother back from the dead, ignored the ban of human transmutation and ended up paying a hefty price. While trespassing the taboo cost Edward an arm and a leg, Alphonse lost his entire body. With their bio-mechanical engineer neighbor and friend Winry able to fit Edward with advanced automail prosthetic limbs, Alphonse had his soul bound to an entire suit of armor in Edward’s attempt to save him. Determined to restore their bodies, they set out to find the Philosopher’s Stone, an item said to allow an alchemist to defy the traditional laws of Equivalent Exchange, and become caught in the middle of a conspiracy along the way.

With secrets, mysteries, and conspiracies in a fantastical, action-packed adventure, the determined brothers face extremely high stakes in their quest. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a classic that has been at the top of the charts for anime in general for many years and for good reason.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood can be streamed on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

2) Dandadan

When feisty gyaru Momo Ayase defends the meek, geeky Ken Takakura, dubbed Okarun, from bullies throwing trash at the poor guy just trying to read his magazine, he follows after his new friend. Misunderstanding her intentions, he presumes she is also into aliens and the occult. Saying she’s not into aliens and UFOs but she does believe in ghosts prompts Okarun to chuckle that ghosts aren’t real. The two begin to argue their points on whether or not aliens or ghosts are the real deal. Thus, beginning their unusual, deepening friendship founded on the resulting, arguably more absurd, consequences – getting Okarun’s family jewels back from the very things they questioned existing.

Aliens, ghosts, grannies — oh my! But as formidable of foes Momo and Okarun face are, this duo manages to not only overcome whatever gets in their way of retrieving Okarun’s golden balls, but gain some incredible powers themselves along the way in this supernatural action comedy.

Dandadan can be streamed on Netflix and Crunchyroll.

3) Attack on Titan

When mankind had been on the brink of extinction centuries ago, they took to hiding behind massive stone walls from the man-eating humanoid monsters known as Titans. One hundred peaceful years came to pass without threat of Titans. That is, until one Titan managed to break through the wall, forcing the humans to return to fighting for their lives and living in fear. Eren Yeager, one such citizen who bore witness to his own mother perish at the hands of a Titan, vows vengeance upon the entire race by enlisting into the Survey Corps, a specialized military unit that fights back against the Titans outside the city walls. Along with his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman and childhood friend Armin Arlert, the secrets of the Titans becomes something even more horrifying as each mystery is uncovered.

It doesn’t get much more action-packed than a plot that revolves around characters constantly fighting for their very lives against voracious monsters who wish nothing more than to gobble up the entire human race.

Attack on Titan can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

4) Mob Psycho 100

What reserved, passive middle schooler Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama lacks in friends due to his distant, inexpressive demeanor he makes up for in pure unadulterated psychic power. Or at least, in theory. Ever since lashing out and accidentally injuring his younger brother, Ritsu, Mob had resolved to keep his emotions, and therefore, psychic abilities, in check. Although, he does occasionally use it to try to impress his crush, Tsubomi Takane. But when she grows bored of Mob’s repetitive tricks, he seeks to better control his power, and so becomes the apprentice of the con artist, Arataka Reigen, who claims to also be psychic. In the business of exorcising evil spirits, Reigen exploits Mob’s supernatural abilities for money. As much as Mob tries to control his power by suppressing his emotions, his untapped potential fights to let his emotions run rampant, driving him towards exploding at 100% power capacity.

Although Mob tries to control his power by suppressing his emotions, his untapped potential fights to let his emotions run rampant, driving him towards exploding at 100% power capacity in pure unadulterated psychic power. As much as there’s a ton of intense supernatural action being dished out, there’s also plenty of relatable, endearing comedy

Mob Psycho 100 can be streamed on Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll.

5) Vinland Saga

Thorfinn, born in his homeland of Iceland, had once received a bespoke piece of advice from his father: “You have no enemies, nobody does. There is nobody who it’s okay to hurt.” But when a man named Askeladd kills his father, Thorfinn takes up work as a mercenary, seeking revenge with death and war becoming the reality Thorfinn endures in his daily life. With constant war between England and the Danes, the Vikings actually enjoy making a living collecting the spoils and making names for themselves. Recalling tales from sailors he’d heard as a young lad, tales of a land warm and fertile and free of fighting, Thorfinn seeks the legendary Vinland.

The Vikings in Vinland Saga live to fight, although Thorfinn fights in the hope that he can eventually find something more to live for himself. Even so, Thorfinn’s views on violence drastically change over the course of the story.

Vinland Saga can be streamed on Netflix, Prime Video, and Crunchyroll.

[RELATED: 10 Best Historical Anime for When You’re Done With Vinland Saga]

6) Jujutsu Kaisen

As a member of the Occult Club and having a bedridden grandfather, Yuji Itadori often spends his time either at school or at the hospital. But his relatively leisurely life comes to an abrupt halt when he discovers an actual cursed object, triggering a chain of supernatural consequences. Upon swallowing the cursed item, a finger belonging to the King of Curses, the demon Sukuna Ryoumen, Yuji gains his own powers and faces a whole new world full of Curses, beings of pure dread, malice, and negativity, that threaten society. Now having to attend the Tokyo Metropolitan Jujutsu Technical High School, Yuji must now become a Jujutsu sorcerer.

Premiering in 2020, this supernatural action shonen series by MAPPA was and has been one of the most popular over the past few years, even garnering attention and praise as a sort of gateway anime for former normies turned new fans.

Jujutsu Kaisen can be streamed on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and Hulu where available.

7) Spy x Family

As the neighboring countries Ostania and Westalis quietly plot against each other, spy Twilight takes on the alias of psychiatrist Loid Forger in the Ostanian city of Berlint to conduct intel. His target: the politician Donovan Desmond. The problem is Donovan only rarely appears at his son’s school, Eden Academy. In order to get closer to his target, Loid enlists Yor Briar, an unmarried city hall clerk, and Anya, his newly adopted daughter who he enrolls at Eden Academy, to act as a normal happy family. Unbeknownst to the spy, Loid’s new family hides their own secrets — Yor is actually an assassin known as “Thorn Princess” and Anya is a telepath secretly able to read others’ minds.

Through secret spy operations, assassination services, and school assignments, even though the family starts out as a façade, their love for each other grows to be true, each cherishing their forged relationships.

Spy x Family can be streamed on Hulu and Crunchyroll where available.

8) Naruto

In the Hidden Leaf Village, Konohagakure, Naruto Uzumaki, a young, aspiring ninja, is shunned by the wary community. The leader, the Fourth Hokage, had sacrificed his life and sealed the Nine-Tailed Fox demon within the newborn Naruto to prevent it from wreaking havoc on the village. But Naruto doesn’t let his circumstances and rejection from others deter him — with a rambunctious, mischievous nature, he’s determined to become the next Hokage and gain the village’s recognition and respect. Making friends along the way, Naruto trains to become a strong and capable ninja, facing many new foes and the demon inside himself.

With a franchise as bold, iconic, and enduring as the namesake himself, Naruto, though he faces challenge after challenge in ninja training, doesn’t let anything stop him. Naruto’s fight to accomplish his dreams in the face of adversity is the epitome of “never give up”. Believe it!

Naruto can be streamed on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Peacock, Crunchyroll, and more.

9) Neon Genesis Evangelion

As Earth is attacked by strange celestial alien beings known as Angels, it’s up to the mysterious scientific organization NERV headed by Gendo Ikari to defend humanity through the use of Evangelion, giant piloted humanoid “robots”. When Gendo calls upon his abandoned son Shinji to become one of these pilots, Shinji, alongside fellow pilots Asuka Langley Soryu and Rei Ayanami, faces a lot more at stake than defending humanity from giant monsters as the secrets behind NERV and Gendo’s ambitions are revealed.

Shinji Ikari may not be very eager to fight for humanity’s survival, but there’s certainly no lack of larger-than-life “mecha” combats. But his own fight for survival ends up being a bit more existential than simply saving his skin.

Neon Genesis Evangelion can be streamed on Netflix.

10) Bleach

Ichigo Kurosaki has the unique ability as an otherwise normal high schooler to see spirits. When his family is attacked by a Hollow, a corrupted spirit hungry for human souls, Ichigo’s thrust into not just observing but participating in the spirit world. After Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki is injured in her battle with the Hollow, Ichigo gains her abilities in order to defeat the malicious spirit and protect his family. But when Rukia is unable to regain her powers, Ichigo must hunt down Hollows in her stead. Later joined by classmates Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryuu Ishida with their own abilities, Ichigo endeavors to fight against the Hollows and other uncovered threats.

Bleach has been a long-popular series since its debut in 2004 and still is with its ongoing and final arc in Thousand-Year Blood War. With hundreds of episodes, Bleach has plenty of action to binge.

Bleach can be streamed on Disney+ or Hulu where available.

What’s your go-to action anime? Let us know in the comments what series you think would be an instant favorite to anyone!

The post 10 Best Popular Action Anime That Live Up to the Hype appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s been a while since Jujutsu Kaisen wrapped up its story in the manga, and yet, fans are still just as divided on the series’ ending and the climactic final battle. One of the biggest gripes that fans have with Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Shinjuku Showdown is, without a doubt, Gojo’s ending in the series, which saw him fall against Sukuna. A huge reason fans were disappointed with the series following this is the heavy symbolism that alluded to rebirth and enlightenment in Chapter 236, which led many to believe Gojo would inevitably return.

While Gojo did return, it was not in the way fans had hoped, with Yuta taking over Gojo’s body temporarily, using Kenjaku’s Cursed Technique. As a result, the symbolism and foreshadowing in Chapter 236 felt wasted to many. However, Gojo’s death and the infamous airport scene may actually be the most crucial scene in all of Jujutsu Kaisen and the series’ final arc, even if it didn’t culminate in Gojo’s return as fans had hoped, and here’s why.

The Airport Scene Establishes the Themes of Jujutsu Kaisen’s Final Battle

Chapter 236 of Jujutsu Kaisen opens directly with Gojo talking to Geto at an airport, which seemingly signifies a type of limbo before the afterlife. Fans are hit with the shocking realization that Gojo has lost to Sukuna and died, as he also meets other already deceased characters like Nanami, Haibara, and Principal Yaga. It is here that Nanami curiously recounts a conversation he once had with Mei Mei about where he should go to live, with Mei Mei telling Nanami to go north if he wished to start new and south if he wanted to return to his old self. This concept of “going north” to become a new person forms the entire basis of the finale and Yuji’s final battle against Sukuna.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Shares New Gojo & Geto Art Ahead of New Movie]

Adding to this, Chapter 236 is also full of Buddhist symbolism that supplements this idea of rebirth and “going north.” The chapter most notably includes a shot of seven lotuses during Gojo’s conversation with Geto. Not only do lotuses by themselves represent enlightenment and rebirth, but the fact that there are seven of them is a clear reference to the seven steps Buddha took towards enlightenment, with a lotus blooming under his feet with every step.

All of this symbolism surrounding rebirth and enlightenment understandably led many to believe Gojo would return re-enlightened, much like he did against Toji during the Hidden Inventory Arc. Even though Gojo did not return from the dead like fans had theorized, this symbolism was not wasted in the slightest, instead serving as a setup for the final ideological clash between Sukuna and Yuji.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Airport Scene Sets the Stage for Sukuna’s Defeat

Much like the airport scene in Chapter 236, Yuji’s domain expansion, when first cast, also takes him and Sukuna to a crossroad of sorts in the form of a train station. The real-life inspiration behind the train station seen in Chapter 264, which is Kitakami Station, and the platform that Sukuna is seated on all point to Yuji leading Sukuna north. Even the hand sign that Yuji uses when casting his domain is associated with Kṣitigarbha, who is known to lead lost souls to enlightenment.

Fittingly enough, the subsequent chapters see Yuji convince Sukuna to start anew while taking him through his domain, attempting to show him that one can find meaning in life through other means. All of this culminates in Chapter 268 with Yuji acknowledging that Sukuna might not have turned into the monster that he did had his circumstances been different and had Sukuna had someone to rely on like Yuji had his grandfather. Yuji ultimately tells Sukuna he accepts him even if no one else does, and offers to live peacefully with Sukuna in the end, essentially giving him a chance to start anew.

But of course, Sukuna rejects Yuji’s offer, choosing to cling to his pride and his ideals instead of relying on Yuji for his survival. Having said that, Chapter 272 does see Sukuna acknowledge that he could have gone down a different path, implying that Yuji’s ideals did indeed win over his own in the end. Anticlimactic as Jujutsu Kaisen’s ending may have been, it’s impossible to deny that this final battle against Sukuna was beautifully written, with the airport scene serving as the foundation block for it all.

Jujutsu Kaisen is available to read on Manga Plus and Viz Media and can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen’s Airport Scene Is the Most Crucial Scene of the Series, and Here’s Why appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Jujutsu Kaisen manga ended last year, concluding the intense battle in Shinjuku. However, the anime has only covered the manga till the Shibuya Incident Arc and will be continuing the story in Season 3. It was confirmed in December 2023, but there haven’t been many major updates about it so far. Season 3 will be by far the most crucial part of the story, focusing on the aftermath of the Shibuya Incident. The Jujutsu world is in chaos, and Gojo being trapped inside the Prison Realm only makes matters worse for them. The sorcerers will not only have to defeat the enemies but also look for a way to free the strongest sorcerer.

The only update we have about Season 3 is from Jump Festa in December 2024, where Jujutsu Kaisen unveiled a stunning visual featuring Yuji Itadori. Ever since then, fans have been awaiting more updates. Even the AnimeJapan event that was held in March 2025 only shared information about the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc movie, and nothing about the upcoming season. The first season was released in Fall 202,0 while the second season debuted in Summer 2023. Considering the time gap between those two seasons, we should expect the third season to drop next year. However, that’s still a stretch considering there’s been no information from the studio. But what if MAPPA is planning to announce something major at this upcoming anime event?

[RELATED: “Sure to Exceed Expectations”: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Star Hints the Anime Could Top Season 2]

MAPPA Is Taking the Stage at Anime Expo 2025

For over three decades now, the annual anime event held in California, known as Anime Expo, has been bringing exciting news for global fans. Each year, the event celebrates Japanese pop culture, features panels, holds workshops, and so on. The official X account of the event announced that there will be a MAPPA panel, the studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen’s anime. The account also shared that President Manabu Otsuka and Vice President Hiroya Hasegawa will talk about the upcoming film Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc and more. Fans obviously noticed the loaded potential of the ambiguous “and more” at the end, and who can blame them?

This means that while they will promote the upcoming film that will be released in September 2024, there will also be discussions about more projects. The panel at Anime Expo will also share behind-the-scenes stories about anime production. The Expo will be held from July 3rd to July 6th. However, the MAPPA panel will only be included on July 3rd from 4:00 pm to 4:50 pm JST at Petree Hall in the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Jujutsu Kaisen is the biggest project under the studio, so it’s unlikely they will neglect to mention it at all. We might even get a hint about the release window, which hasn’t been revealed yet. Furthermore, while the visuals released in Jump Festa were stunning, it doesn’t shed light on the arc itself. We have yet to see the character designs, teaser, and basically everything else at this point. The wait seems especially long considering how the second season ended on a major cliffhanger with Yuta’s arrival.

H/T: Anime Expo at X

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Could Drop a New Update Sooner Than You Expect appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Jujutsu Kaisen is returning to theaters this summer with the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death movie. But, JJK fans are in for another, even more surprising treat this summer season to go along with the film. The “Hidden Inventory/Premature Death” arc kicked off the second season of Jujutsu Kaisen, giving fans a glimpse into the past as a younger Gojo and Geto had to fight against the easiest cosplay in anime history: Toji. The arc set up the “Shibuya Incident” arc in the second half of season 2, and fleshed out the lore of Jujutsu Kaisen‘s anime universe.

Along with MAPPA’s anime, Gege Akutami’s hit Shonen Jump manga has also been adapted into a hit stage play. Just like with other major Shonen Jump series, like Demon Slayer, JJK‘s stage play has been a tremendous hit so far, and, ahead of Season 3 and the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death movie, the stage play is bringing the popular prequel arc to live action.

JJK’s Stage Play Adapts the “Hidden Inventory/Premature Death” Arc

The Jujutsu Kaisen stage play returns to Tokyo during the height of the summer season for its fourth outing. This time around, the stage play will adapt the “Hidden Inventory/Premature Death” arc into live-action. The show will return to the stage this August, bringing a younger Gojo and Geto with it.

The first Jujutsu Kaisen stage play took place in July 2022 in Tokyo and Osaka. Over the past three shows, the stage play has already adapted the “Kyoto Goodwill Event” arc and “The Origin of Blind Obedience” episodes. The Jujutsu Kaisen 0 movie was also adapted into a stage play in December 2024.

Ryosuke Miura and Rei Fujita will play Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto, respectively, in the stage play, reprising their roles from the third show. The show’s creators, Kohei Kiyasu and Kensaku Kobayashi, are returning to oversee the “Hidden Inventory/Premature Death” play. The first teaser poster for the new performance has also been shared on the stage play’s official X (formerly Twitter) account. In the poster, the young Gojo and Geto run through glass into the distance, with their faces hidden.

[RELATED – Jujutsu Kaisen’s Successor Reveals New Look Ahead of Summer Release]

Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Movie Releases This July

For those who don’t want to make the trip over to Japan to see the Jujutsu Kaisen stage play (especially if you don’t speak Japanese, which would be awkward), you can enjoy the “Hidden Inventory/Premature Death” arc from the comfort of your home nation this summer on the big screen. The respective episodes from Season 2 of MAPPA’s anime have been compressed into a feature film. GKIDS is bringing the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death movie to theaters across the US and Canada from July 16.

As for Season 3 of the anime, it appears as though we’ll be waiting a little while longer. The third season is officially in the works and was announced by MAPPA shortly after Season 2 came to a close. But don’t expect to see Yuji Itadori return to our screens anytime soon. The series hasn’t been given a release date yet, but is currently expected to be released sometime in 2026.

H/T: Jujutsu Kaisen Stage Play X

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Returns This Year (But Not How You Think) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Jujutsu Kaisen is returning to theaters with a new movie later this Summer, and the creator behind it all has shared some cute new art of Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto to help celebrate its upcoming premiere. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is now in the works for a release in the future, but fans will still get more of the anime to enjoy this year. Because while the next season has yet to confirm its release window or date as of the time of this publication, the franchise is coming to theaters with a new movie showing off one of the anime’s best arcs so far.

Jujutsu Kaisen is coming to theaters with a new compiled version of the Hidden Inventory and Premature Death arcs seen in the second season of the anime, and series creator Gege Akutami has been returning to celebrate the series with all sorts of new sketches for the main duo at the center of it all. This is the case for his newest batch of fun sketches that include not only cute new takes on Gojo and Geto, but new takes on Shoko Ieiri and and Toji Fushiguro. Check it out below as spotted by @Go_Jover on X.

When Does Jujutsu Kaisen’s New Movie Come Out?

JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie will first be coming to theaters across Japan on May 30th, and GKIDS will be officially releasing the new film in theaters in the United States and Canada on July 16th. The new release will feature both Japanese and English dubbed audio options, and an all-new acoustic version of Tatsuya Kitani’s “Where Our Blue Is,” which was first heard as the opening theme for the arc during Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2. It’s a new take on the arc seen in the TV anime, but has been promising some new materials during its debut in Japan.

GKIDS begins to tease JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie as such, “Before they were enemies, Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto were high school classmates and friends. The two powerful sorcerers are tasked with protecting Riko Amanai, a student who has been designated to be sacrificed as the Star Plasma Vessel, until she can fulfill her duty.” As teased by the synopsis, the film will be a new take on the arc first seen in the anime’s second season.

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen’s Hidden Inventory Movie Confirmed To Include Original Content by Creator

Jujutsu Kaisen’s New Movie Is a Big Deal

GKIDS continues to tease what to expect from the new movie as such, “Pursued by a religious cult and other curse users, they are the only sorcerers capable of carrying out such a difficult task – but this mission will set their destinies, and challenge the two sorcerers in ways unimaginable. The beloved and deeply emotional ‘Hidden Inventory / Premature Death’ arc from the global phenomenon JUJUTSU KAISEN returns to the big screen, reaching all new heights for fans and newcomers alike.”

JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie is going to be the only new Jujutsu Kaisen anime release fans will likely get to see this year as the third season seems to be quite a ways off. The third season is now in the works, and will be taking on the Culling Game arc from Gege Akutami’s original manga series. It’s yet to be announced when the new season will hit, and we likely won’t get any real looks at it until next year. If you wanted to catch up with everything that’s happened in Jujutsu Kaisen so far, you can now check it out on Netflix, Hulu, and Crunchyroll in the meantime.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Shares New Gojo & Geto Art Ahead of New Movie appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Every new anime is trying to be the next big thing, but one upcoming series could actually achieve that unofficial title. Gachiakuta is one of Summer 2025’s most anticipated new releases. The series, adapted from the manga by Kei Urana and Hideyoshi Andou, has a massive base of die-hard readers and is often called the spiritual successor to Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen. Ahead of the show’s debut this July, Gachiakuta has dropped a new poster and a short promo video showcasing one of its most popular characters, Riyo.

The new promo is part of a series of new character visuals and promo videos in the build-up to Season 1’s premiere. Rudo, Enjin, and Zanka have already had their fifteen seconds of fame. Now, Riyo is being thrust into the spotlight.

Gachiakuta Reveals New Riyu Promo

The new character promo was shared on the official Gachiakuta anime YouTube channel. The video perfectly encapsulates the chaotic and adrenaline-fuelled vibe of the manga, as flashing green texts rapidly dart on and off the screen, before fans get a better look at Riyu, along with some very on-brand text.

The text, which is in Japanese in the promo, translates to the character’s tagline, reading, “I sure am itching to go up against such a big, tough guy!” The official character description for Riyu reads, “A Giver who expertly wields the vital instrument ‘the Ripper’ with her feet. Normally cheerful and playful, she becomes strikingly pragmatic in battle.”

The new character poster, which was shared on the anime’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, gives fans a clearer look at Riyu from the video promo. The poster shows the character without her iconic gas mask, as her red hair darts off in all different directions. Check out the poster below…

[RELATED – Crunchyroll Announces Gachiakuta as Crunchyroll Exclusive With New Trailer]

What Is Gachiakuta About?

Gachiakuta‘s anime adaptation is being overseen by Studio Bones (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, My Hero Academia), with Fumihiko Suganuma (Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai) directing. Hiroshi Seko (Dandadan) is overseeing the series composition, Satoshi Ishino is the chief animation director and is also in charge of character design, and Taku Iwasaki (Gurren Lagann) is composing the score.

Gachiakuta is a relatively new series, first being published in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine in February 2022. To date, 14 volumes have been released. Although it swaps the paranormal for sci-fi and monsters, Gachiakuta has a lot in common with Jujutsu Kaisen, from its fluid and adrenaline-pumping action scenes to its twist-filled storytelling.

The official synopsis for Gachiakuta reads, “Rudo lives in the slums of a floating town, where the poor scrape by under the shadow of the rich who live a sumptuous life, simply casting their garbage off the side, into the abyss. Then, one day, he’s falsely accused of murder, and his wrongful conviction leads to an unimaginable punishment—exile off the edge, with the rest of the trash. Down on the surface, the cast-off waste of humanity has bred vicious monsters, and if Rudo wants to have any hope of discovering the truth and seeking vengeance against those who cast him into Hell, he will have to master a new power and join a group known as the Cleaners who battle the hulking trash beasts of the Pit!”

Catch Gachiakuta as it comes to streaming audiences on Crunchyroll in July 2025.

H/T: Gachiakuta on X

The post Jujutsu Kaisen’s Successor Reveals New Look Ahead of Summer Release appeared first on ComicBook.com.

While Season 1 of Jujutsu Kaisen put the series on the map, Season 2 is where the series truly took off, with the highly anticipated Shibuya Arc blowing the series’ popularity completely out of the park. Besides the many excellent fights in the Shibuya Arc, Season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen also gave fans a glimpse into the days of Gojo’s youth, depicting a whole new side of him that nobody knew existed. Soon enough, fans can experience this underrated arc of Season 2 in theaters through the compilation film of the Hidden Inventory Arc. On the occasion, Gojo’s voice actor, in a new interview, has revealed his favorite scene in Season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen, and it may surprise fans.

In a recent interview posted to Jujutsu Kaisen’s official anime website, Gojo’s Japanese voice actor, Yuichi Nakamura, was asked which scene from the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc left the strongest impression on him. Nakamura surprisingly revealed that the scene that stuck with him most was the confrontation between Gojo and Geto in Shinjuku. Nakamura’s response reads, “Every scene in ‘Hidden Inventory/Premature Death’ was memorable, but if I had to choose one, it would be the confrontation between Gojo and Geto in Shinjuku.” Nakamura’s reasons for choosing this scene in particular are quite surprising as well, with him revealing that the confrontation essentially changed his understanding of Gojo’s character as well as his performance as Gojo in the scene.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Already Has Its True Successor (And It’s Not Kagurabachi)]

Yuichi Nakamura Reveals the Scene That Changes His Understanding of Gojo Forever

Ever since his introduction, Gojo has been set up as a cool, confident, and detached teacher. His position as one of the strongest sorcerers in jujutsu society also sets him apart as the kind who doesn’t emotionally connect with those around him or form personal connections. However, this changes greatly during the Hidden Inventory Arc when Gojo’s past relationship with Geto is revealed. It seems fans weren’t the only ones who had this impression of Gojo, as his voice actor Yuichi Nakamura also revealed thinking the same of Gojo when recording the confrontation between Gojo and Geto in Season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen. Expanding on why this was his favorite scene, Nakamura revealed, “From reading the manga and performing in the first season and the movie, I had always thought, ‘Gojo isn’t the type of person who gets close to people.’ So at first, I performed the scene like every word Gojo said to Geto was just him expressing his feelings bluntly, like, ‘I don’t understand the meaning of what you did.'”

It seems Nakamura took on an emotionally detached tone at first, during the confrontation, but as he goes on to share, he was asked to take a different direction for the scene, one that showed more vulnerability on Gojo’s end. Nakamura said, “However, when I acted like that during the test recording, I was told, ‘The way you’re playing it now, Gojo just sounds like he’s throwing words at Geto, so please try to act like he came here to hear how Geto feels.’ In the end, the conversation turns into an argument, but we changed the direction of the beginning of the conversation from what I originally had, and that left a lasting impression on me.”

Many fans have dubbed this scene from the Shibuya Arc as one of the most heartbreaking moments in Season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen, mainly because of how it brings out an unseen, almost human side to Gojo as he expresses real emotion for the first time in the series. Neither fans nor Gojo’s voice actor, Nakamura himself, were seemingly aware that Gojo could display such emotional vulnerability, and it did cost him quite heavily by playing right into Pseudo-Geto’s plans to trap him in the Prison Realm. It’s unclear whether fans will see such emotion again from Gojo until perhaps the final arc of Jujutsu Kaisen, though, until then, fans can look forward to having their hearts broken by Gojo and Geto’s tragic backstory all over again, this time in theaters.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie releases in theaters across North America on July 16, 2025.

Source: Jujutsu Kaisen official website.

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There is a lot to be excited about the upcoming Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, as the content is just as exciting and action-packed as the previous Shibuya Incident Arc. Furthermore, the arc will be something completely different, creating a shift in the manga’s storytelling structure, and the beginning of some of the series’ most exciting segments. As if the hype and anticipation weren’t sky high, one of the anime’s stars and leads just revealed that the expectations will no doubt be shattered and fans amazed at the final product.

In a new interview hosted on Jujutsu Kaisen’s website with Yuichi Nakamura, the voice actor of Gojo Satoru and other notable characters like Hawks, Bruno Bucciarati, Kuroo Tetsuro, Mumen Rider and more, discussed the upcoming Hidden Inventory compilation. He discussed his most memorable moment, the return of the Juju Sanpo in the movie, and more. In the end, he revealed the passion that went into the movie and how even the future arcs will exceed expectations, which led to fans being very excited about this reveal.

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Hidden Inventory Movie Locks Down U.S. Release Date

The Culling Game Arc Is Going To Be Amazing

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 will be focusing on the Culling Games, a beloved yet controversial arc. It is nothing but fights after the overall premise is set up, and with how amazing Mappa and the Jujutsu Kaisen staff have been delivering on the action, the season will no doubt be incredible and could even end up surpassing the first two seasons, which were production masterpieces. Nakamura might not end up participating in the season since Gojo is currently sealed away by Kenjaku, but it depends on where the season ends on.

Nakamura hypes up the idea of more Jujutsu Kaisen movies with the following statement, “This series was created with so much energy and intensity that it would be a waste to leave it confined to just the TV broadcast.” Nakamura expands further, commenting on how special the series already is, hinting that the Culling Game, the next major arc, could be everything we hope it will be: “Ever since I saw the episodes air, I’ve thought, ‘Even if it’s a special screening, I really hope people get to see this in theaters.’ And not just Hidden Inventory / Premature Death, the future storylines coming up are also sure to exceed expectations.” Finally, Nakamura concludes with a not-so-subtle hint for fans to attend the movie when it comes to theaters, “Honestly, I wouldn’t mind if the whole series was just made into movies at this point (laughs). I’m really happy that Hidden Inventory / Premature Death got a theatrical release, and I promise you won’t regret watching it on the big screen. Please go and experience it for yourself.”

The Culling Games is a deadly tournament in Jujutsu Kaisen created by Kenjaku to force evolution in sorcerers. After merging Tengen with humanity, Kenjaku activates the game, trapping players in colonies where they must fight to survive. Participants gain points by killing others, which they can use to add new rules. Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, and allies enter the game to save Gojo and stop Kenjaku. As alliances form and betrayals unfold, the group battles powerful cursed users to hopefully win and free their mentor, Gojo Satoru, as the Jujutsu world is being toppled from all sides.

Jujutsu Kaisen season 3’s release date or window might be unknown, but what fans can expect is yet another masterful season that will elevate the source material to greater heights and show fans another great installment. With amazing character moments, fights, and a massive plot twist, the Culling Games arc will be one that cannot be missed as the legendary battle series looks to return to dominate once again.

The post “Sure to Exceed Expectations”: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Star Hints the Anime Could Top Season 2 appeared first on ComicBook.com.

In a new survey in Japan, the best anime and manga healers were revealed by fans, and the results were surprising. This character archetype is one of the most popular and common, not just in anime but in storytelling, and some of the most beloved characters belong to this type. As such, there are some characters that one would expect to show up on this ranking and others that you wouldn’t, which makes the results more surprising given how much it subverses expectations.

In honor of World Red Cross Day (May 8), AnimeAnime.jp held a poll where they asked fans about the best healers in anime. Tallying responses from fans who early responded, the results have been compiled and published on the website as well as on X (formerly Twitter). Akiko Yosano from Bungo Stray Dogs was crowned as anime’s best healer, and given how her power works, it makes sense. A truly unexpected character to take the top spot, the list features many other surprising entries.

RELATED: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Ranking The Anime’s Joestars

Akiko Emerges as the Number One Anime Healer

The Armed Detective Agency’s primary physician and one of its strongest combatants as well, Akiko Yosano (based on a real-life writer), has the very rare ability called Thou Shalt Not Die. As the name implies, it can heal any injuries or illness of anyone and herself, as long as the damage is fatal. In essence, her ability only works when the person is half-dead. She has managed to heal all types of injuries, such as severed limbs, and while the ability is portrayed to be painful for the patient, it has never failed once. In fact, she is targeted first because of her incredible ability which can turn the tide of battle instantly.

Other notable characters who appeared on the list include Shoko Ieri from Jujutsu Kaisen, who ranked second, Josuke Higashikata from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventures: Diamond Is Unbreakable, who came in at third, Wendy Marvell from Fairy Tail, Recovery Girl from My Hero Academia, Himawari Uzumaki from Boruto: Two Blue Vortex, and Shinobu Kochō from Demon Slayer. There are some popular healers who deserve to make the list, like Sakura Haruno from Naruto, Orihime Inoue from Bleach, Trafalgar Law from One Piece, and more.

While Akiko is a great choice for first place, despite her incredible ability plus her expert medical knowledge, some entries do not make sense. Himawari is yet to be established as a healer despite the immense healing powers she received from Kurama. The list, overall, is still good as it features some very popular choices like Josuke and Shinobu, and also balances it out with niche picks that deserve a spot like Zenos from A genius healer who was banished as useless despite being able to heal in an instant, now lives happily as a dark healer.

Source: AnimeAnime.jp

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Jujutsu Kaisen‘s upcoming movie, Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – Theatrical Compilation, is almost here, and fans have been treated to the very exciting news that promises to bring back one of the anime’s most beloved aspects that was unfortunately not present in the second season. There were already a few reasons to see the movie in theatres despite the existence of the anime format that was released nearly two years ago, and this is yet another reason that encourages fans to see another side of the former trio.

The official X (formerly Twitter) account of Jujutsu Kaisen just confirmed that the upcoming Hidden Inventory compilation movie, which is scheduled for May 30th in Japan and July 16th in North America, will receive new original content written and storyboarded by Gege Akutami, the writer and illustrator of the series. The Juju Strolls, or Juju Sanpo, will be making their return in the new movie, although the content of the content is still unknown.

The New Movie’s Juju Strolls Return Will Show a Never-Seen-Before Side of the Trio

As revealed, the new content will revolve around Suguru Geto, Satoru Gojo, and Shoko Ieri. The visual sees them sitting in a movie theatre, and that is all that is known. There exists a Juju Sanpo focusing on the three, where they are instructed to come up with a name for the eighth day of the week, but the still hints that this is not it, but something completely new and not in the manga. Furthermore, this Juju Sanpo has a chibi version of Toji Fushiguro taking a bath, where it is usually Ryomen Sukuna who does so before the mini-anime begins in Season 1.

RELATED: Why Jujutsu Kaisen’s Hidden Inventory Movie Is Worth Seeing on the Big Screen

The Juju Strolls were one of the best aspects of the first season, featuring bonus animations at the end of the episode that adapted Gege’s storyboards of random scenes. It allowed fans to see a different side of the characters that had them bonding, doing random quests, and creating funny moments. From Gojo, Yuji, and Nobara embarrassing Megumi, Hikaru no Go and Neon Genesis Evangelion parody, to Todo meeting his idol, these small bits of the episode were very fun and provided humour in an otherwise serious and fast-paced anime.

Juju Strolls’ Comeback Is Met With Overwhelming Excitement

Unfortunately, the Juju Strolls were not in season 2, and while it did make sense given the content was extremely heavy and dark, fans still missed them. They are finally making a comeback in this upcoming movie, giving fans another reason to see the movies on the big screen. With Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 on the way, fans can only hope more of the Juju Strolls will be incorporated in the series, as there is plenty more that has not been adapted, and hopefully, Gege even creates new ones for the anime just like he is doing now.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen’s Hidden Inventory Movie Confirmed To Include Original Content by Creator appeared first on ComicBook.com.

For those unaware, Jujutsu Kaisen has an upcoming movie that will be released this month, and despite how big the series is, the hype for it doesn’t match it and the reason makes sense. However, the film might still be a worthwhile experience that could enhance the love for the flashback arc that kickstarted the series’ best stretches of arcs and storylines.

In last year’s Jump Festa event, it was confirmed that there would be a theatrical release of the Hidden Inventory/Cursed Womb arc set for next year, as well as a key visual of Yuji sitting on a staircase, hyping up the release of Jujutsu Kaisen season 3. While most people are anxiously waiting for the third installment of the anime, the movie is something that should have more attention, and given all that it provides, fans should check it out once it eventually comes to international theaters.

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Director Surprisingly Influenced This Controversial Manga Scene

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Movie Could Look Even Better

Of course, since it is a movie, there can be an enhancement in the visual fidelity. That isn’t to say the Season 2 version did not look great, quite the contrary, as it looked amazing. However, because the season was gripped with controversies regarding the heavy workload and terrible schedule imposed on animators, the movie could be a step up, given that there is more time now to achieve their same signature standard. Studio Mappa also made the recently released Attack on Titan: Last Attack movie that compiled the final 4 episodes, and fans did note that it looked more beautiful and refined than the episodes, so the same can be reasonably expected for the Hidden Inventory arc movie.

The biggest advantage of seeing the arc in theatres rather than at home is that the theatrical experience is unmatched and will surely enhance the love for the storyline. The huge screens, the loud surround sound system, and watching with other fans are all a great experience. Furthermore, the insane action sequences, such as Gojo vs Toji and Geto vs Toji, will be made even better on the cinema screens.

While the content will overall remain unchanged, this could be a nice way to engage with the story again, especially since there has been no new content ever since the manga ended last year. The iconic duo, Gojo and Geto, will be hitting cinemas soon, and while it will cover already existing content, it might be a fun experience to watch it again but on a much bigger screen and with hopefully some new scenes.

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Since the anime’s release in 2020, Gege Akutami’s hit series Jujutsu Kaisen has all but exploded in popularity, finding a fan base not just in Japan but across the world. Unsurprisingly, the series’ popularity has only grown since then, with the series landing an international box office hit with Jujutsu Kaisen 0 in 2021 and yet another stunning season in 2023. Now with Season 3 on the way, Jujutsu Kaisen is prepping for yet another explosive return to theaters with the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death compilation film, which finally has good news for fans in the U.S.

The wait is finally over, as according to a new press release, GKIDS is bringing Jujutsu Kaisen’s new upcoming film to theaters across the U.S. GKIDS has acquired the rights to JUJUTSU KAISEN: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – The Movie, which will be screened across North America from July 16th onwards. This marks the first time GKIDS will be distributing a Jujutsu Kaisen release, as Jujutsu Kaisen 0 was previously distributed by Crunchyroll and Funimation. Along with the release date, GKIDS has also shared an English-subbed teaser trailer for the film, as well as an English poster starring Gojo and Geto.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Drops New Look at Its Greatest Ship Ahead of Movie Release]

Jujutsu Kaisen Prepares For Explosive Return to US Theaters on July 16th

First announced at Jump Festa 2025, the Hidden Inventory movie is slotted for release in Japanese theaters on May 30th, 2025, with Toho Animation distributing the film in Japan. Ever since the film was announced, international fans have been waiting with bated breath for news of an international release. With the North American release now confirmed, it likely won’t be too long until other countries follow suit.

Though the film is essentially a compilation of the first half of Season 2, re-watching the arc in theaters is sure to be a whole new experience while also giving fans a much-needed refresher before Season 3. Jujutsu Kaisen has also previously had great success with theatrical releases, with Jujutsu Kaisen 0 still sitting cozy at number 20 on the list of the highest-grossing films in Japan with 13.8 billion yen in revenue. It will be interesting to see whether the Hidden Inventory movie could reach the same heights of success or even surpass Jujutsu Kaisen 0, though time will surely tell when July inevitably rolls around.

Source: Official press release.

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Yet another illustration for the upcoming Jujutsu Kaisen movie has been unveiled, and it is possibly the best one so far. With only a few weeks until the premiere of the movie in theatres, this art of Gojo’s most iconic yet is sure to intensify hype for the film of the beloved story arc that will look even more spectacular and majestic on the big screens.

At last year’s Jump Festa event, it was announced that the Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – Theatrical Compilation film will premiere in Japan on May 30th. The official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime shared a new illustration that depicts a roughed-up Gojo Satoru performing the hand sign for his Hollow Purple, his most devastating attack that debuted in the Hidden Inventory arc.

Gojo Looks Incredible In the New Art

Gojo’s Hollow Purple is his most devastating attack among his huge repertoire of techniques, and one only he can perform. It combines his Red that repels and Blue that attracts into a single ball of cursed energy that literally erases anything it touches from existence, and anyone hit by it point-blank will not survive. The first victim of this was in this arc, where he managed to kill Toji Fushiguro in their second bout, debuting this attack after struggling for a long time to combine his Red and Blue.

While the movie will be nothing more than a rerelease of the already-aired arc released in 2023, it still might be worth taking a trip to the cinema. For one, there will be extra cuts for the fights that will make the already-amazing battles even more exciting. Furthermore, the visuals and quality might look even better, plus the sound experience in the theatre will no doubt enhance the overall experience. The content might be the same, but the experience will be much different, and seeing the arc on a large screen.

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 and Why the Culling Game Changes Everything

Season 3 Will See The Hollow Purple at Its Strongest

Gojo has used the move two times, based on what we have seen on Toji and Hanami. The only reason he didn’t use it in Shibuya was because of the civilian casualties it would lead to, but fans will see it at a higher output than even 100 percent, hopefully in season 3 or 4, when he and Sukuna finally begin their long-awaited fight. The attack quickly became one of anime’s most iconic despite its low usage, and it will surely be even cooler when the move makes its appearance again soon.

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Jujutsu Kaisen’s most beloved duo have graced fans with a new appearance, and with only a bit longer until the release of the movie, this should serve as a way to hype up the premiere. This will be the franchise’s second movie, and although fans have already seen most of the content animated 2 years ago, it might be worth it to experience it in theatres for the best possible experience. There also hasn’t been any content of the series since the Jujutsu Kaisen manga ended, so fans might quench their thirst with this until season 3.

Announced in last year’s Jump Festa event, the Jujutsu Kaisen Hidden Inventory / Premature Death – Theatrical Compilation film has been confirmed to premiere on 30th May, 2025. With only a few weeks left until the movie’s release, a new gorgeous illustration of Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru, the protagonists of the film, has been unveiled. It depicts Gojo sitting on a chair facing forward and smiling, and Geto sitting on the desk and leaning on Gojo’s chair, with both in front of a yellow background. For fans of the two’s friendship/situationship, this will definitely make them happy.

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 and Why the Culling Game Changes Everything

Gojo and Geto Are Coming to the Big Screen

This movie will be a rerelease of the content that was in the anime’s first half, which covered the Hidden Inventory Arc of the manga. There will be no major additions or changes to the story, but fans can expect better animations and enhancements in production, even though season 2 was a spectacle in animation and visuals. Furthermore, the incredible action sequences and emotionally devastating conflict will be incredible to witness on a large screen and could even prove to be a better experience than watching at home.

The Hidden Inventory Arc is the story’s fifth arc, preceding the Shibuya Incident, which was a major shift in the narrative. It flashed back to Gojo’s teenage years and his life in Jujutsu High, alongside Geto, Shoko, Nanami and others. It also introduced the incredible antagonist, Toji Fushiguro, who almost killed Gojo and Geto, as well as led to the severing of their relationship. Hailed as one of the story’s best arcs, if not the best, the Hidden Inventory is a short but incredibly sweet ride that signalled the story ramping up in pace and quality.

When Will Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Air?

While this movie might have some anticipation, the real meal is Jujutsu Kaisen season 3, and fans are obviously anxious for the anime’s return. Fortunately, the season has made a lot of progress and will come sooner rather than later. There is already a gorgeous key visual of Yuji that was released, and more information, such as release window or even a trailer, is likely to be released after the movie is released. With the action-packed and exciting Culling Games on the way, Jujutsu Kaisen will no doubt return to reclaim its throne as the dominating force that it is.

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Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t just another shonen anime; it has reached the level of being a cult favorite. From Gojo’s Six Eyes and Unlimited Void, to all the brutal deaths and insane plot twists, it’s easily one of the most talked-about series in recent years. And now that the manga’s heading into its final phase, the big question is: what’s next? What anime is going to create the same kind of hype?

Most people immediately point to Kagurabachi when they hear this question, and yes, we get it. The art, particularly in action scenes, is incredible, with easy-to-follow storytelling and top-tier paneling, especially in recent chapters. Plus, it became an internet meme sensation right from the start. But if we’re being honest? The true successor to Jujutsu Kaisen might actually be Gachiakuta, and not nearly enough people are talking about it yet.

First, What Even Is Gachiakuta About?

If you’ve never heard of Gachiakuta, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Written and illustrated by Kei Urana, it’s a manga that’s been flying under the radar for a bit (at least, relative to Jujutsu Kaisen). But all of that is about to change. The anime adaptation just got announced, making it one of the most anticipated anime series of Summer 2025. It’s being animated by Studio Bones (Mob Psycho 100 and Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood) under director Fumihiko Suganuma and scriptwriter Hiroshi Seko (Attack on Titan and Jujutsu Kaisen) and fans are excited.

The story is set in a society split between the city, where the civilized live, and the slum, where the descendants of criminals are forced to stay, all separated by high walls. Below them lies the feared “Ground,” a dumpsite ruled by animalistic Trash Beasts where criminals are exiled. Our main character, Rudo, is an orphan from the slum, who makes money through criminal activities until one day, he comes home to find his foster parent, Regto, murdered and himself blamed for it. After being sentenced to the Ground, Rudo swears to get revenge against both the actual killer and the society that wrongfully punished him.

[RELATED – Gachiakuta Anime Reveals First Voice Cast Additions With New Trailer]

But Isn’t Kagurabachi the New Jujutsu Kaisen?

Kagurabachi became an instant hit the moment it dropped, with fans calling it the “next big thing” before Chapter 2 was even released. The manga features impressive illustrations, sharp swordplay, and an easy-to-follow revenge story, making it one of the most satisfying series in the shōnen genre in recent years. As a result, it sold over a million copies in 2024 and even won the Next Manga Award.

The series owes much of its popularity to the protagonist Chihiro Rokuhira, a boy fueled by the desire for revenge, who has already stained his hands with blood more than once. The story is cinematic and intense, clearly pulling inspiration from Naruto, Chainsaw Man, and Western media like Batman and John Wick (which creator Takeru Hokazono openly cites as one of his biggest inspirations). But here’s the thing: while Kagurabachi is well-executed, it plays it kind of safe, lacking the emotional depth and chaotic energy that makes Jujutsu Kaisen so special.

So, Does Gachiakuta Offer That Same JJK Energy?

The reason Jujutsu Kaisen made such an impact wasn’t just sick animation and great fight scenes. It was great worldbuilding with characters you actually care about, all paced perfectly. While Yuji Itadori first seems like your typical sunny shonen protagonist, his role as Sukuna’s vessel allows his story to take a much darker turn down the road. Gachiakuta takes those same feelings of hate and helplessness and turns them up to eleven, with characters who feel broken, angry, and looking desperately for meaning in a world that’s thrown them away.

Like Itadori, Rudo is an orphan who joins a special organization to fight monsters shortly after the death of his parental figure. Except, in this case, the enemies are living beasts made of literal trash, not invisible Curses. Thanks to its memorable characters, rich worldbuilding, a unique power system, and dark themes like abuse, slavery, discrimination, and violence, the manga has totally earned its spot as a top-tier new-gen shonen. Its sketch-heavy art style also helps it stand out, messy in the best way, and unlike the polished look of Kagurabachi or even JJK.

While Gachiakuta hasn’t yet generated the same buzz as Kagurabachi in the manga community, the fans who have discovered it are hyped about the anime in a different way, kind of like that quiet energy that surrounded Attack on Titan before it took off. The fanbase is just waiting for the rest of the world to catch up and see what they already know. And with Studio Bones in charge of the adaptation, it honestly feels like just a matter of time before Gachiakuta inevitably blows up. So if you’re seriously looking for the true successor to Jujutsu Kaisen – the one that delivers those intense fights, dark themes, and insane worldbuilding, mark your calendars for July 2025 to experience Gachiakuta in all its glory as it drops.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Already Has Its True Successor (And It’s Not Kagurabachi) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Jujutsu Kaisen and Solo Leveling have each become exceptionally popular anime with audiences particularly adoring how they both handle their fights. One of the most imposing characters in Jujutsu Kaisen, Mahoraga, is a nearly undefeatable and constantly evolving shikigami that exists as the apex of Megumi Fushiguro’s Ten Shadows technique, while Jinwoo is the protagonist of Solo Leveling and the strongest S-ranked hunter as of Season 2. So the real question is, who would win if the S-ranked hunter had to face off against the uncanny shikigami? Both characters have access to insanely powerful techniques and have extraordinary showings, and crucially, are both highly adaptable in their respective anime. Jinwoo recently defeated Beru, a beast in a class of its own, while every other S-ranked hunter involved in the situation paled in comparison. On the opposite end, Mahoraga was shown to be able to go toe-to-toe in one of the best onscreen battles in JJK as he faced off against the King of Curses, Sukuna himself.

Both combatants have amazingly diverse and constantly evolving skill sets to such an extent that a debate could be made that both have almost identical powers. Mahoraga is close to undefeatable and has been shown to only really be able to be put down by a single strike that eradicates the beast. Jinwoo, on the other hand, has shown off his speed and adaptability and has earned an upgraded slashing-based ability. At the end of the day, this hypothetical battle would come down to whether or not Jinwoo could eradicate Mahoraga before the shadow adapted to all of his most deadly abilities.

Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General Mahoraga Would Be a Great Opponent for Jinwoo

Mahoraga is shown and referenced as the ace shikigami among the Zenin clan’s 10 Shadows Technique and has abilities that reflect the pinnacle of Jujutsu Sorcery. The shikigami is summoned with an eight-handled wheel and has the Sword of Extermination on his right arm. The sword itself is a cursed tool exclusive to the shikigami, which is the perfect curse-exterminating weapon. It is coated in reverse cursed energy, which would notably slice through and eradicate beings made of cursed energy. Additionally, the eight-handled wheel is a tool that floats above Mahoraga’s head and rotates as the shikigami adapts to different inputs. The wheel is integral in Mahoraga’s adaptations and is what makes the beast so formidable in combat, as it allows it to become immune and formulate attacks to perfectly strike down any enemy. On top of these two tools, Mahoraga is also a large and powerful imposing figure, shown to be capable of facing off in hand-to-hand combat against the strongest characters in Jujutsu Kaisen.

In dissecting Mahoraga’s battles, we can see that the Divine General adapts at a rapid speed and often, after coming into contact with an ability, will almost immediately have a counter for it. We see that Mahoraga was able to perceive the invisible slashes from Sukuna’s Cleave and Dismantle. In addition to being able to quickly notice the slashes after having been hit once, Mahoraga also begins to become resistant to the slashes, and after a certain level of adaptation, he begins to heal from the previous damage. During his fight with Gojo, Mahoraga takes a substantially longer time adapting to Infinity. However, we realize that Mahoraga is constantly adapting, firstly being able to cancel out Infinity on physical contact, then being able to target the space in which Gojo exists rather than Gojo himself, eventually bypassing Infinity remotely. In both instances, Mahoraga is only able to be defeated when he is destroyed by immensely powerful attacks that were being used for the first time, being the “Fuga” portion of Sukuna’s domain and Gojo’s Hollow Purple.

[RELATED: This Is Solo Leveling’s Best Fight (And It’s Not Against Beru)]

Would the System Be Enough to Protect Jinwoo?

Jinwoo is an undeniable powerhouse, and by the end of Season 2, it has become clear that there are no hunters left in the association that could match him in raw power. His abilities are vast and ever-evolving, as he has the ability to train and level up as if his abilities were stats in a video game. He also has access to a vast inventory of items and weapons, and some of his most impressive and diverse abilities fall under the Shadow army he controls. As Jinwoo grows throughout the series, so does his army. He ends up with a handful of incredibly powerful and versatile summons after having defeated them. His army is full of formidable fighters, and he is more than competent in combat, able to perform assassination techniques on those weaker than himself, and able to compete with the likes of Beru during the Jeju Island Raid.

During Season 2, we got some of Jinwoo’s best combat feats, specifically his fight against the Demon King and Beru. The fight with the Demon King is part of what aided Jinwoo in developing his army further and acquiring the Holy Water of Life but it was one of the few battles where the audience sees Jinwoo struggle. This is the first instance of a fight in which Jinwoo struggles to finish the fight in a single shot due to the foe’s durability. After this showdown, we get to see Jinwoo fight Beru as the final fight of the season, where Jinwoo shows that he is leagues above the other S-ranked heroes involved. During this fight, he unlocked the mutilate ability, which is a dagger-based slashing ability that guarantees critical hits. With this ability, he can finally defeat Beru by drowning the ant in critical slashes.

The Hypothetical Showdown Would Be a Showstopper

The meat of this conversation comes down to whether or not Jinwoo, as of Season 2, can defeat Mahoraga before the shikigami fully adapts to his skillset and lands a finishing blow. A point leaning towards Jinwoo would be his absolute kit of abilities, including intense speed, strength, and his myriad of magical powers within his shadow army. At the end of Season 2, most of the army would most likely not pack enough punch to destroy Mahoraga before he could adapt to their simple slashes, punches, and magic. This means that the fight would boil down to Mahhoraga facing off against Jinwoo, Igris, and Beru.

All of these characters have potent attack strength and could deal considerable damage to the shikigami. However, their weakness begins to shine with the realization that all three of them lack attacks with the potency to destroy Mahoraga in one attack. A debate can be made that Beru’s outright striking strength is enough to destroy the shikigami, but we have seen Mahoraga tank direct attacks from a black flash amped Gojo, so it is a definite toss-up on whether or not a simple strike will ever be damaging enough to fell the beast.

Mahoraga would also struggle early on in this battle as he would have to take time to adapt to all of Jinwoo’s defenses before being able to fully defeat the hunter. On top of all of this, the straight-up showdown between the two would show that there is no genuine damage that Jinwoo can do fast enough to destroy Mahoraga. Jinwoo’s final attack, which acted as the nail in the coffin for Beru, was his Mutilation, which, for all intents and purposes, is incredibly similar to Sukuna’s Cleave and Dismantle, which Mahoraga was able to adapt to rapidly during their fight. Given both combatants’ ability to evolve during the fight, it would undoubtedly be interesting and entertaining, but by the end of Season 2, Jinwoo still simply does not have enough power to outright destroy the ace of the Ten Shadows before it could adapt to anything he might throw at it.

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Following the overwhelming success of Season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen and the action-packed Shibuya Arc, MAPPA surprised fans with not only immediate confirmation of Season 3 but also a compilation movie of the Hidden Inventory Arc. Also known as the Gojo’s Part Arc, as the name implies, the arc dives into a side of Gojo that fans had never seen before, adding much-needed context to his character and his relationship with Geto, which plays a major role in the Shibuya Arc. The omnibus film is quickly approaching its release date, and in celebration, fans just got a new look at Gojo and Geto in the throes of youth.

As per a recent listing on Amazon Japan, a new illustration of young Gojo and Geto will be on the cover of Animage Magazine’s June 2025 issue. The cover features the tragic duo smiling brightly while riding a bike, with Gojo featured in his round sunglasses holding a bottle of water. The issue goes on sale on May 10th, and though the cover doesn’t explicitly mention an interview of any sort included, time will tell whether the magazine has any other goodies in store for Jujutsu Kaisen fans.

[RELATED: New Jujutsu Kaisen Movie Drops First Trailer: Watch]

Jujutsu Kaisen‘s Gojo and Geto Grace the Cover of Animage Yet Again

Interestingly enough, this isn’t the first time Gojo and Geto have been featured on the cover of Animage. The stracrossed duo also graced the cover of Animage Magazine back in July 2023 and have also been featured on Newtype Magazine’s September 2023 issue and the cover of Nikkei Entertainment’s August 2023 issue along with Riko Amanai. That said, given the upcoming release of the Hidden Inventory movie, the recent feature on Animage could not have been better timed to hype the release even further.

Talking about the release itself, the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc compilation movie was first announced at Jump Festa 2025, and is expected to hit theaters across Japan on May 30th, 2025. Though a global release has yet to be officially announced, given the success of Jujutsu Kaisen 0, it’s very possible that the film will make its way to international fans soon enough.

All that said, for now, fans need to prepare themselves to have their hearts broken all over again by Gojo and Geto’s tragic backstory. Though essentially a prelude to the Shibuya Arc, the Hidden Inventory arc completely recontextualizes the events of Jujustu Kaisen 0 and is crucial to understanding Gojo’s character going into future arcs of Jujutsu Kaisen, and the compilation film may just be the perfect refresher until Season 3 arrives.

Source: Amazon Japan.

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Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular battle shonen manga and anime series in recent times. The manga ended in September 2024, but its popularity hasn’t diminished at all. The volumes are still selling like hotcakes, with more people getting interested in the show than ever. Furthermore, JJK Season 3 is one of the most anticipated returns in the anime medium. Season 3 will adapt the Yuji’s Extermination and Perfect Preparation Arcs before moving on to the Culling Game Arc. The first two arcs feature the aftermath of the Shibuya Incident, the biggest tragedy faced by Japan due to curses. The Disaster Curses and even Sukuna went on a rampage, claiming thousands of lives.

Unfortunately, the Jujutsu world never recovered from it. What followed was constant battles against new and powerful opponents before moving on to the Shinjuku Showdown Arc. The final arc itself is entirely centered around battles, which captured the very essence of the show. However, the more popular the series is, the more complaints fans will have about it. The series is praised for its complex power system and intense fights, but sometimes fans have loftier expectations from a show. Most of the time, the expectations can be quite unreasonable, but fans weren’t wrong when they asked for more character interactions, which is a fair request.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Translator Debunks Misinformation About Final Arc]

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Characters Don’t Interact as Much as They Should

Since Jujutsu Kaisen is mostly about fights, we don’t see character interactions that much. This is especially the case since the Shibuya Incident Arc when the sorcerers are merely focused on taking down the enemy without any kind of breather between the intensity of the show. The early Jujutsu Kaisen arcs had a lot of fun and cute moments, which made fans fall in love with the show. The series builds an impressively strong foundation for its characters, with most of them having really unique personalities and philosophies.

But because the plot moves at such a relentless pace, we miss out on the chance to see them build their relationships normally. As the stakes got higher, we only got to see crumbs of interactions between the fights, which weren’t even enough. Not only that, but the final arc, which lasted for over a year, only had characters talking about battle strategies in the middle of the fight or in the flashbacks. Character interactions are more important than most people realize. While shonen fans love the thrill of the fight, it’s also equally fun to see characters genuinely connect as they joke, argue, and confide in each other. In fact, this could engage the readers more, and even enhance the stakes for them when the fights resume.

It’s easier that way to see them as people, not just “fighters” or “plot devices.” There needs to be several meaningful connections before we understand the depth of what makes them attached to one another. For example, it’s difficult to imagine the depth of brotherhood between Choso and Yuji when the latter had a difficult time accepting him initially. But somewhere along the way, the brothers grew closer. Unfortunately, we missed how the duo’s relationship evolved.

Jujutsu Kaisen Characters Didn’t React to Tragedy as Much as We Expected

Character deaths aren’t only to showcase the strength of the villains, but they also add emotional depth to the show. In most of the series, having characters react to those tragedies makes us feel more connected to the ones suffering. For example, in One Piece, Ace wasn’t a major character in quite the same way as Luffy’s crew members, but his death was heartwrenching because of how it broke Luffy, due largely to their sworn and storied brotherhood. We see the protagonist fall into despair and slowly get back to his feet, honoring his brother’s memory as he becomes stronger for the sake of his crew.

However, Gojo’s death should’ve been one of the most tragic moments in Jujutsu Kaisen, but it failed to hit the mark because the characters didn’t react strongly to his death. Sometimes it’s okay to let the characters cry or despair, even when they’re in the middle of a battle. The thrill of the battle is great, but showing emotions is part of being human, and they had every right to show their sadness. After all, they were there to give Gojo support before the battle, so it’s not like they were heartless enough to not care about him when he died.

Even after his death, only Yuji honored his memory, while the others moved on with their lives without showing a hint of emotion. Worst of all, Megumi had known Gojo since his childhood. Sukuna taking over his body and killing Tsumiki and Gojo should’ve taken a toll on the young sorcerer. However, while we do see Megumi feeling guilty because of his sister, it is as if Gojo’s death didn’t affect him that much. While that may not be the case, the lack of reaction from his end just feels plain. In comparison, Yuji and Yuta seemed to be more attached to their Sensei when they actually knew him for a very short time.

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The battle of the strongest is the most popular fight in Jujutsu Kaisen, and is even considered one of the best battles in modern Shonen. Gojo, the strongest sorcerer in the modern era, duels against Sukuna, the strongest sorcerer in history. Fans were waiting to witness those two clash against each other since the beginning of the story. Hence, as soon as Gojo is released from the Prison Realm, he gets challenged by the King of Curses. Gojo chooses the date and location of the fight, and it commences in the Final Arc. The fight continues for 15 chapters, and before Gojo died in Chapter 236.

However, Gojo was declared the victor in Chapter 235, but the next chapter begins with his death, confusing the fandom with the sudden plot twist. Not only that, but Gojo dying off-screen only caused more confusion among fans, with most of the questions never being answered in the manga. However, creator Gege Akutami finally sheds light on what exactly went wrong before Gojo’s death. His answer also settles the debate fans had about the fight for several months.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Director Surprisingly Influenced This Controversial Manga Scene]

Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Explains Why Gojo Lost Against Sukuna

Osaka, Japan, is currently holding a Jujutsu Kaisen Exhibition that features Q&A including answers to some truly burning fan questions, provided by Gege Akutami. One of the questions asks when Sukuna made a Binding Vow to cut down Gojo.

Gege answered, “Sometime after, Kusakabe said he won. The reason he was cut down was also bc he had let his guard down after destroying Mahoraga. By this point, Gojo thought Sukuna no longer had a way to bypass Limitless. Perhaps Gojo, under normal circumstances, would’ve been able to sense it and narrowly avoid fatality.”

Since the Exhibition is only being held in Japan and there’s no official translation provided to global fans, @lightningclare discussed the Q&A on X. Lightning is a famous translator on social media, known for providing clarifications about any confusion or mistranslation related to the series. Additionally, Chapter 236 was also officially translated by Lightning when John Werry, the series’ translator, was on leave.

The answer Gege provided confirmed that Gojo only lost because he let down his guard. He has been fighting the King of Curses without holding back for much too long, and his last attack exhausted almost all his cursed energy. To make matters worse, Gojo was suffering brain hemorrhage after using the Reverse Cursed Technique several times. If it had been any other time, he would’ve been able to avoid the World Cutting Slash, which is practically undetectable even to his Six Eyes.

Regardless of the outcome of the battle, both sides were pushed to the extreme, with the villain gaining the upper hand thanks to a surprise attack when he was on his last leg. Despite reincarnating in his original form, Sukuna kept suffering the consequences of his fight with Gojo, including being unable to use RCT for a long time. This helped the sorcerers defeat him in a long and difficult fight.

H/T: @lightningclare on X

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Cursed Energy, Cursed Techniques, and Domain Techniques are the cornerstones of Jujutsu society in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen and are the base of the power system present throughout the series. Given that our protagonists are a majority of students still learning the basics, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they lack a lot of knowledge on the cursed energy system. However, even a majority of the adult characters and teachers lack a full understanding of the inner workings of the power system at hand, which eventually becomes a hurdle they must all face together. The villains, on the other hand, are often referenced as curses themselves, and as such, they intimately understand their roots within the power systems.

Our protagonist, Yuji Itadori, has a pretty clear excuse for his lack of knowledge: he is a first-year student with no previous knowledge of the jujutsu world. Megumi and Nobara also lack in the area, but less from their exposure to the world and more because of the way they view themselves within the world. These features are quickly demonstrated when the three students are outclassed in a battle against a special grade curse, and Yuji has to resort to relinquishing his body to the villainous Sukuna to secure a victory. Sukuna and Kenjaku both show off an unmatched prowess with sorcery and are a cut above the rest of the characters, understanding the core of their craft and managing to pull off techniques our main cast hadn’t dreamt of creating.

Warning: Spoilers Ahead for the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga!

The Basics of Cursed Energy

Cursed Energy is the runoff of natural energy that leaks out of humans and becomes what are known as curses. As cursed energy is the runoff of negative energy from humans, it is quickly made clear within the series that sorcerers can attain closeness to this energy when in dire situations. Characters have multiple instances of attaining a new level of power as they are pushed closer and closer to the peak of their capabilities. Gojo, who is considered the strongest sorcerer of the current era, is, on more than one occasion, put in positions where he needs to grow his understanding of cursed energy and sorcery or face defeat. When put into these positions, the modern-day sorcerers often find an out by leveling up their understanding of the power system.

Examples of the fundamentals of cursed energy that our protagonists struggle with are the basic implementation of it in combat, as seen when Yuji Itadori struggles to have his energy keep up with his physical capabilities, causing a lagging style attack referred to as divergent fist. We also see that Megumi Fushiguro struggles with his barrier techniques, which eventually causes him to create an incomplete domain expansion while fighting a finger-bearing curse. Nobara similarly struggles with more advanced techniques; however, she has an intimate understanding of the resonance between cursed energies and can damage the soul, which leads to her experiencing a moment of closeness with cursed energy through hitting a black flash on the cursed spirit, Mahito. All of these moments highlight that the students had a lot of room to grow, but also that they will only grow in their skills through stress and combat.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Unleashing New Promo Starting on Valentine’s Day]

The Villains in Jujutsu Kaisen Master Its Power System to Points Beyond Comprehension

As previously mentioned, the antagonists of the series are shown to have a far deeper understanding of the power system and demonstrate their superiority frequently. A specific instance where we as fans understand the depth of Sukuna’s power is when he removes Yuji’s heart from his body while in control within the Eishu Detention Center. This moment left fans and characters like Megumi unsure of how Sukuna could perform feats that mirror genuine miracles compared to what we had seen. This heartless moment is expanded upon later on in the series during the Shinjuku Showdown when Sukuna is pierced in the heart by Maki Zenin, and he manually pumps his blood with cursed energy. The ability to manually use cursed energy to power your body is a feat we only see Sukuna perform throughout the series.

Kenjaku, the mastermind behind the majority of the ongoings within the Jujutsu Kaisen series, was eventually revealed to have a full understanding of cursed techniques and souls to such an extent that he was able to aid characters like Sukuna and other revived sorcerers in becoming cursed items to later be revived through vessels. This ability is one that, even as the end of the series came and went, the protagonists had no real concept of how this was done. The only character we saw replicate this ability was Sukuna himself after having seen Kenjaku do it once before. Speaking of Sukuna’s capabilities again, it is easy to see just how much higher he stands compared to the other sorcerers in the series.

The Pinnacle of Sorcery

Sitting atop all other cursed techniques and abilities as the ability that separates sorcerers is the Domain Expansion. This specific technique is often referenced as the thing that separates exceptional sorcerers from your everyday sorcerers. Many of our protagonists would achieve a Domain Expansion during the series, however, there were only three who showed true mastery of their barrier technique, and of those three, only two were able to perform something truly unmatched. Sukuna and Kenjaku both managed to activate their Domain Expansions with open barriers, meaning they applied their innate techniques to the space within their open domains. Though this may seem confusing, the narrative goes on to explain that opening a Domain Expansion with an open barrier is like painting on air instead of painting on a canvas. Not only is Sukuna able to have an open Domain, but he is also able to change his Domain specifications on the fly when having Domain clashes with Gojo. Do to his time in the Prison Realm, Gojo can shrink and manipulate the barrier of his Domain to give him the advantage against Sukuna in a Domain clash. During the very same chain of clashes where Gojo adapted on the fly, Sukuna was shown to be able to match the adaptations per clash.

There is one final feat that Sukuna can pull off, which we get to see as his last-ditch effort in his fight against all of the remaining students. Sukuna had continued to take sustained damage and had his output reduced by Yuji and the remaining students, and he still had not regained the use of his Domain Expansion because of the aftermath of his fight with Gojo. In response to being backed into a corner and faced with the very real possibility of defeat, Sukuna once again demonstrated his mastery over sorcery and forged a new Domain Expansion using a different portion of his brain and different hand seals to revive his once tired-out Domain. Every ounce of evidence in Jujutsu Kaisen points towards one fact, and it is that the students do not fully grasp the power system in which they exist. This is, however, not the student’s fault as one, they are at Jujutsu High to learn and two, the sorcerers they face who truly understood sorcery were forged by constant battles and long lives where they must learn to live by their ideals and techniques or die.

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Jujutsu Kaisen’s final arc, the Shinjuku Showdown, is the most popular and controversial part of the series, and it’s hard to argue otherwise. It kicks off with the battle of the strongest, a deadly match against Gojo and Sukuna, something the fans have been anticipating for years. After Sukuna takes over Megumi’s body and acquires the power of all his twenty fingers, he’s confident he’s strong enough to defeat the strongest sorcerer of the modern era. The fight ended in Chapter 236 with Gojo’s death, which turned the fandom upside-down. Fans were confused after Chapter 235, where Gojo was supposed to have won the fight. However, his death happened too suddenly, which is why it took a while for fans to accept it.

In Chapter 236, Gojo meets the people he was close with in some sort of an afterlife, represented by an airport. After coming to terms with his defeat, he is given the choice of going south or north. Going North suggests that the deceased has a desire for new experiences and development while going South suggests that the person wants to remain who he is. Gojo’s fate after his death remains unknown, but it’s implied that he chose to go south. A recent Q&A reveals that the Jujutsu Kaisen creator, Gege Akutami, was inspired by Season 2 director Shota Goshozono.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Still Can’t Accept How Powerful This Underrated Hero Is]

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Director Inspired a Pivotal Scene From Chapter 236

After Sunghoo Park established his own studio and left MAPPA, Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 was handed over to Shota Goshozono, who even received the Best Director Award from Crunchyroll. Gege and Goshozono hit it off during the production of the second season, and surprisingly, both media influenced one another. Currently, a Jujutsu Kaisen Exhibition is being held in Osaka, Japan, exploring the behind-the-scenes process of creating the manga, alongside Q&A from the author, Gege Akutami. 

One of the answers confirmed that Goshozono influenced the famous “Going South” scene in Chapter 236. Since the Exhibition is only being held in Japan and there are no official translations available, the Q&A is being discussed on social media platforms by fans, mostly those who were present there. @lightningclare is a famous translator in the community who usually provides clarifications on mistranslations and their own explanations of complex scenes.

Lightning also officially translated Chapter 236, when John Werry, the English translator of JJK, was on leave. On their official X account, Lightning shared, “Gege was inspired by his discussions with him & Director Goshozono (anime season 2). It’s a case where the current anime influences the original work.”

The answer continues, “As for the way it turned out, Gege really thought about it for a very long time. He constantly worried over whether it’d be interesting or not, & that such a straightforward depiction of the battle from start to finish wouldn’t properly convey what he wants to readers.” While the scene is widely accepted in the community now, it caused a lot of controversy when the chapter was released. Now, however, Chapter 236 is considered one of the best, if not the best, chapters in the show, and the “Going South” scene has a major role to play in it.

H/T: @lightningclare

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Jujutsu Kaisen is coming back to theaters with a new movie showing off Season 2’s most depressing arc in a whole new kind of way, and the creator behind it all is celebrating its impending release with some special new art for Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 ended with some of the biggest status quo shifts in the anime to date, so fans have been eagerly waiting to see the franchise return for its third season. But before that happens, the anime will be hitting theaters across Japan with a new movie helping to get fans back up to speed.

Jujutsu Kaisen will be hitting theaters in Japan later this May with a new compilation movie for the Hidden Inventory and Premature Death arcs seen in the TV anime‘s second season. This will be offering a new look at a very important mission from Gojo and Geto’s shared past, and helped to explain some of the events we see between them later in Jujutsu Kaisen 0. To celebrate this new movie, original series creator Gege Akutami is sharing a special sketch of the duo with fans who get tickets in Japan. Check it out below as spotted by @soukatsu_ on X.

What to Know for Jujutsu Kaisen’s New Movie

Jujutsu Kaisen’s new Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc movie will be hitting theaters across Japan beginning on May 30th, but has yet to reveal any international release plans as of the time of this publication. The new film will be taking on the Gojo’s Past saga as seen in the TV anime’s second season, but it’s also yet to be revealed if there will be any new materials not seen before. But for fans of these two characters especially, it’s likely going to be an eventful time at the theater.

What has been revealed about the new movie, however, is that it will featured a remixed version of “Where Our Blue Is,” which was originally performed by Tatsuya Kitani for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2’s opening theme. This new feature film will be bringing the anime to theaters for the first time since the release of Jujutsu Kaisen 0, but you can currently catch up with the rest of the second season now streaming with the likes of Crunchyroll and more.

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Fans Still Can’t Accept How Powerful This Underrated Hero Is

What’s Next for Jujutsu Kaisen?

Jujutsu Kaisen officially came to an end last year with Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, but series creator Gege Akutami is clearly not done celebrating the franchise yet. It’s especially needed as fans are currently waiting on the TV anime to return for its third season. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 was quickly announced to be in the works following the end of the second season, but has yet to confirm a release window or date as of the time of this publication. Nor has it revealed any staff or date details about what to expect from it either.

What has been confirmed for the new season, however, is that Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 will be officially adapting the Culling Game arc from Akutami’s original manga series. If the Shibuya Incident arc broke your hearts with how many characters had died over the course of all of its fights, or annoyed with how many new characters seemed to make their debut during the chaos, then the Culling Game arc is going to do both of those things in a more extreme fashion when it finally hits in the future. It’s going to be a wild one to see fans react to.

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As a battle shonen manga and anime, Jujutsu Kaisen fans had high expectations from almost every character. In the final arc of the manga, almost the entire cast made some kind of contribution, regardless of how small or big it was. Among them, Yuta Okkotsu, the only remaining special-grade sorcerer, played a key role. His most significant contribution is killing Kenjaku while using as little power as possible so he would have enough energy to fight the King of Curses. Such a feat was only possible through a team effort with Fumihiko Takaba and Aoi Todo, but Yuta was held back, having to deal with countless cursed spirits in Kenjaku’s arsenal thanks to Geto’s Cursed Technique.

Right after that, he joined the battle against the strongest and lent Yuji a hand, who was cornered by the villain. He also revealed his Domain Expansion for the first time before clearing a path for Maki to sneak an attack on Sukuna with her Split Soul Katana. Yuta suffered fatal injuries due to that but still returned to the battlefield. This time, he uses Gojo’s body after copying Kenjaku’s technique. He puts his life on the line more than once, and it’s not an exaggeration to say that it would’ve been almost impossible for the sorcerers to win without him. Even so, his contributions are often not only overlooked, but some fans refuse to believe that he’s stronger than Kashimo.

[RELATED: Kagurabachi Sneaks In a Slick Jujutsu Kaisen Reference (And the Fans Love It)]

Jujustu Kaisen’s Latest Rumors Resurface the Old Yuta vs. Kashimo Debate

After the JJK Exhibition in Osaka, Japan commenced on April 19th, 2025, several accounts started sharing translated versions of Q&A by Gege Akutami. Of course, some of them were proven to be wrong, including the one shared by @Go_Jover where he claimed Sukuna thought of Kashimo as his biggest threat after Gojo’s death. About three days later, he clarified that the statement was just made up by a Japanese fan. Unfortunately, during the three days, fans believed the misinformation since it came from a popular source.

The question asked by this leaker is about a scene from Chapter 234 when the battle against the strongest was in its last stage. Realizing Gojo is in danger, Yuta is about to jump onto the battlefield, but Kashimo stops him by saying that it’s his turn next. There was already tension in the air but Kashimo had his priorities straight, as he wanted to fight Sukuna after his battle against Gojo was over.

After the leaker shared the false statement, he opened up the discussion, asking if Kashimo would have won if he actually fought Yuta. As expected the question once again divided the fandom in two. @OP_Powerscaler replied, “MBA Kashimo > Yuta > No CT Kashimo, if they fought here Yuta would’ve won, Kashimo is saving his CT for Sukuna.”

“Kashimo is top 3 in the verse after Sukuna and Gojo,” said @kingofcurses.

@PabloInhuman supported Yuta, “Bro, there is nothing to think about. Kashimo is and always will be a domain victim.”

Is Yuta Okkotsu Stronger Than Kashimo in Jujutsu Kaisen?

There has always been a debate among Jujutsu Kaisen fans concerning which character is stronger, even though Yuta’s power easily puts him above Kashimo. Kashimo was the strongest sorcerer in his era, but his Cursed Technique, Mythical Beast: Amber, allows him to transform into a lightning-based entity, resembling a divine or mythological form. However, the downside is that he can only use it once in his lifetime since it restructures his body into pure cursed energy infused with lightning and destroys it in the process. While it does give him enough power, it’s basically a suicidal technique since he will just die regardless of the outcome of the battle.

Additionally, he can’t use Domain Expansion, which places him significantly lower than Yuta in power scaling. Not only that, but if the two actually fought in Chapter 234, then Kashimo wouldn’t have used his technique since he was saving that up for his fight against Sukuna. Without Mythical Beast: Amber, he would easily lose against Yuta, who has an unimaginable amount of cursed energy along with several techniques and a domain. However, even though Kashimo is weaker than Yuta, because of the hype around him in the Culling Game Arc when he was introduced, it’s not an exaggeration to consider him one of the strongest in the series.

H/T: @Go_Jover on X

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In a bizarre and unexpected turn of events, it has been revealed that Gege Akutami, the mangaka behind possibly the biggest manga of this decade, Jujutsu Kaisen, will put a spin on one of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventures characters with a unique illustration. Furthermore, other successful and popular manga artists are slated to also make art alongside Gege, and they will be released very soon.

As confirmed by the reputable X (formerly Twitter) account, JoJo’s Bizarre Encyclopedia, Gege Akutami has been confirmed to be one of the mangaka to make tribute art of the franchise’s spin-off manga, Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan. This will be published in the JOJO magazine 2025 summer issue. This unlikely combo of a mangaka and character makes it a very interesting prospect, and there is very little doubt that Gege will deliver a good illustration, especially now that he is free from the stressful weekly schedule in Shonen Jump.RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 and Why the Culling Game Changes Everything

RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 and Why the Culling Game Changes Everything

Gege Akutami Is a Major JoJo’s Fan

Other manga who will be making tributes are Chica Umino, creator of March Comes in Like a Lion and Honey and Clover, Bkub Okawa (Pop Team Epic), Shiwasu Hoshikawa (Bungo Stray Dogs: STORM BRINGER), Aki Mochida (A Story to Read When You First Fall in Love) and Yajima (The Old Man Who Was Reincarnated as a Cat). Past big mangaka who drew Rohan are Gosho Aoyama (Detective Conan), Takeshi Obata (Death Note) and more.

While Gege’s main inspirations as a creator are Bleach, Hunter x Hunter, and Naruto, he is also a big JoJo’s fan, as are many creators in the manga world. In fact, he has revealed in an interview that while making Kirara’s ability (a character who will appear in Jujutsu Kaisen season 3), he was thinking of making their ability as complex as those in Stone Ocean and beyond. There are also some references to the series, and even more when you factor in the anime series. As a long-time fan of the legendary battle shonen that influenced many series, Gege’s take on Rohan will be something that fans should witness.

Who Is Kishibe Rohan?

For those unfamiliar with the character, here is a character who served as an antagonist in JoJo’s Part 4: Diamond Is Unbreakable. As the protagonist of Thus Spoke Kishibe Rohan and other spin-offs, he is a professional mangaka with the Stand ability to turn anyone into a book and read them for inspiration. In the spinoff, he goes around the world in search of ideas and in his quest, encounters all sorts of supernatural phenomena.

H/T: @jojo_wiki.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Creator to Reveal His Twist on JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s Best Spinoff appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s second season changed the anime game for the year it arrived as Studio MAPPA both investigated the series’ past with the Hidden Inventory Arc and its devastating present with the Shibuya Incident. To no anime fan’s surprise, the production house wasted little time in confirmed that a third season was in the works as MAPPA aims to bring the storyline known as The Culling Game to life. Though it’s been some time since season two came and went, Jujutsu Kaisen’s anime is still bringing in some major milestones, even past the manga’s grand finale last year.

For both the Hidden Inventory Arc and the Shibuya Incident Arc, Studio MAPPA created two unique intros to journey to both the past and present of Jujutsu Tech. In the first arc of season two, anime fans experienced the origin story of Gojo and Geto as the former friends found themselves on a collision course thanks to the nightmarish scenarios they experienced. For the milestone in question, the Hidden Inventory Arc’s intro has garnered over one hundred million views on Jujutsu Kaisen’s Official YouTube, proving that there is still plenty of gas in the tank for the supernatural shonen series.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Finally Explains Why Gojo Lost His Biggest Battle]

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Season Three Debut

As mentioned earlier, Jujutsu Kaisen’s third season will dive headfirst into the Culling Game, a tournament of sorts that was created by Suguru Geto during the Shibuya Incident Arc’s finale. Now that countless curses and cursed energy wielders have been unleashed on the world, Yujiro is on the run from friends and foes alike thanks to Sukuna’s reign of terror in season two. With the second season seeing vast swathes of characters killed in Shibuya, season three’s return is one of the most anticipated events in the anime world, and for good reason. While no release window has been confirmed for Jujutsu Kaisen’s anime return, fans are crossing their fingers that it will be sooner rather than later.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s manga ended last year, bringing Yuji and his friends’ stories to a close thanks to creator Gege Akutami. Based on the storylines of the publication, it’s possible that the anime will receive another season past season three, though at this point, it’s anyone’s guess. Thanks to the battles that were displayed past the Shibuya Incident, Jujutsu Tech fans should prepare themselves to say goodbye to quite a few major characters. With Studio MAPPA continuing to have some big projects on its plate, the question of when season three will arrive is up in the air though it’s a fairly safe bet that we won’t see Jujutsu Tech return this year.

Want to see what other milestones Jujutsu Tech manages to blow past following its series finale? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for all the latest updates on Jujutsu Kaisen and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Shatters Major Record Following Manga’s Finale appeared first on ComicBook.com.

With the rise in popularity of the anime and manga industry, the leak culture also gained massive attention. Although on the surface, it’s frowned upon, fans can’t help but consume the information that is available to them before any official confirmation. When the Jujutsu Kaisen manga was ongoing, the chapters were leaked every single time, and they gained several million views. Almost all fans on social media platforms, especially X (previously known as Twitter), would find out what will happen before the official release. Even after the manga stopped airing, the final volumes’ release and the Exhibition all had new information to share with global fans.

Of course, that information will be readily available to Japanese fans, and they can discuss it online. The worst part, however, is that it’s also just as easy to spread misinformation since there’s no guarantee of what’s true or lies on social media. Currently, Jujutsu Kaisen is holding an exhibition in Osaka, Japan, featuring behind-the-scenes glimpses of the JJK’s creation as well as the process of Gege Akutami creating the works using digital drawing methods. It also includes a set of questions and answers, where Gege provides interesting insights about his manga. Most Q&A currently being discussed on social media revolve around the final arc, but not all of them are true.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Finally Explains Why Gojo Lost His Biggest Battle]

Jujutsu Kaisen Translator Clarified Some Major Misunderstandings

@lightningclare is a famous fan translator who also officially translated Chapter 236 of the manga. It’s the most controversial chapter of the series, which suddenly featured Gojo’s death after his supposed victory in Chapter 235. Lightning is known for clarifying confusion regarding the series, especially because fans reading the series in English had to deal with several mistranslations. After the JJK Exhibition began, several accounts were sharing their own versions of Q&A, which caused a lot of discourse in the community. Even @Go_Jover shared several statements, and fans believed it blindly. Luckily, the translator, who is personally visiting the Exhibition, promised to clarify all the statements.

As expected, some of the statements were indeed false. The statement about Kashimo actually being a threat to Sukuna was shared by @Go_Jover, an account with over 850k followers, which caused discourse among fans for days. In the manga, Kashimo lost too easily against Sukuna, so he wasn’t even a challenge against the King of Curses. This is why a statement like that confused everyone, but fans believed it regardless since it came from a famous source.

Even so, mistakes are bound to happen, and it was clarified shortly afterward. That rumor was picked up by Japanese forums, which the leaker believed to be true. Not only that but there was another Q&A that Kenjaku would’ve treated Yuta like Miwa if Takaba wasn’t there. It was another false rumor to downplay Yuta’s character and make him seem significantly weaker than the villain. The exhibition will continue till June 9th, so there are chances that more rumors will circulate within the fandom till then. It’s best to keep your eyes peeled and only trust reliable sources.

H/T: @lightningclare

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Translator Debunks Misinformation About Final Arc appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular series in recent times, with both the manga and anime breaking records with their success. The series, with its complex power system, intriguing cast, and short but captivating storyline, has received countless praises from fans worldwide. Even though the manga ended last year, the series has a wide and dedicated fanbase who are awaiting upcoming projects, including Season 3 of the anime. Hence, it wouldn’t be surprising if a series like that continues to inspire new manga, including Kagurabachi. Takeru Hokazono’s WSJ manga went viral as soon as it debuted and continues to rise in popularity through the present.

Following Chihiro Rokuhira, we see another new yet complex world as he struggles to get revenge for his father’s murder. Despite the difference in power systems and the plot, fans of both manga have pointed out several similarities before. Both series are considered dark shonen and set in modern Japan, and revolve around sorcery and mysterious powers. Although previously, there has been no direct confirmation that Kagurabachi was inspired by JJK. Hokazono mentioned that Naruto is a major influence behind his manga, and JJK is inspired by both Naruto and Bleach. However, Kagurabachi recently sneaks in a major Jujutsu Kaisen reference, and fans love it.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Proves It’s Still Shonen Jump’s Top Selling Series of the Era]

Kagurabachi Chapter 75 References One of Jujutsu Kaisen’s Most Iconic Scenes

Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 178 from the Sendai Colony part of the Culling Game Arc is still one of the most iconic, yet a controversial moments in the series. Despite the cliffhanger of a three-way Domain Expansion, it didn’t work because the barriers of the individual domains were too fragile to withstand the clash of multiple domains. In Chapter 179, we see a gorgeous cover of Yuta, Ryu, and Uro activating their domains. The three-way battle between the sorcerers continue and it’s one of the biggest highlights of the arc. Luckily, fans will get to experience it in the highly-anticipated Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3.

On the other hand, the ongoing Sword Bearer Assassination Arc of Kagurabachi introduces several new characters. Chihiro agrres to hand Shinuchi to the Kamunabi on the conditions that he joins the organisation. Meanwhile, Hishaku aims to kill the former wielders of the Enchanted Blades to render the blades in their possession usable.

In Chapter 74, the battle between Chihiro, Samura, and Hiruhiko is a lot similar to the popular JJK scene. By the end of the chapter, each of these characters activate their best attacks, leading to an epic cliffhanger. Chihiro is clashing with Hiruhiko, Samura’s sudden appearance is bad news for both sides. Despite wielding an ordinary blade, Samura has proven himself to be quite an exceptional swordsman, possibly even stronger than Chihiro, the wielder of one of the Enchanted Blades. Additionally, the Chapter 75 directly references the cover of JJK Chapter 179, which instantly became famous between both fandoms. Taking advantage of the chaos, the Hishaku finally make their move.

H/T: @Go_Jover

The post Kagurabachi Sneaks In a Slick Jujutsu Kaisen Reference (And the Fans Love It) appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Jujutsu Kaisen manga ended in September 2024, leaving behind several unanswered questions. One of them was still the mystery behind Gojo’s death, and the fact that he lost to Sukuna because of one attack. The battle of the strongest is one of the most hyped fights in recent years, with social media exploding every week due to the intense battle between Gojo and Sukuna. Their fight was hinted at since the beginning of the story, making fans all the more excited about it. However, while the few weeks were entertaining for everyone, the conclusion was extremely controversial.

Many fans were upset with the off-screen death and not being able to see Gojo’s reaction in his final moments. This left a lot of room for several Gojo revival theories for weeks, but when the heat died down, fans moved on with the story and focused on the Sukuna raid. However, throughout the manga, we never found out the answer about how Gojo fell victim to such an attack. Lucky for us, Jujutsu Kaisen creator finally breaks his silence on the controversy surrounding Gojo’s death.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Proves It’s Still Shonen Jump’s Top Selling Series of the Era]

Jujustu Kaisen Creator Answers the Question About Gojo’s Death in an Ongoing Exhibition

An official Jujutsu Kaisen exhibition is being held in Osaka, Japan, from April 19th to June 9th. The same exhibition was held in Tokyo, Japan from July 6th to August 27th last year. It features behind-the-scenes glimpses of the JJK’s creation as well as the process of Akutami creating the works using digital drawing methods, along with his commentary. Both exhibition also include a set of Q&A sessions. This time, Gege revealed the truth behind Gojo’s death.

https://twitter.com/Go_Jover/status/1913592205559865357

The author explains, “After defeating Mahoraga, Gojo thought that Sukuna had no way to bypass his infinity anymore. I think that the usual Gojo would’ve sensed that something was amiss & could’ve avoided a fatal wound.”

Since the exhibition is being held in Japan, the questions and answers are being discussed with fan translation. Gege’s latest statement was shared by @Go_Jover, a reliable account on X, known for sharing all kinds of updates about JJK and even the manga leaks. Gege confirming that Gojo only lost because he let his guard down finally puts rest to all the confusion regarding this epic fight.

Gojo letting his guard down in the most crucial moment has happened a couple of times before, and those mistakes have changed the course of the story. During his high school years, he let Toji sneak an attack on him because he was tired after not sleeping for several days. This resulted in Riko’s death, and the tragedy was the step towards Geto’s betrayal. In the Shibuya Incident Arc, he fell for Kenjaku’s plan and got trapped inside the Prison Realm. This caused the biggest tragedy with several thousand deaths because of the disaster curses and Sukuna running loose with no one being capable enough to stop the villains.

H/T: @Go_Jover on X

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Creator Finally Explains Why Gojo Lost His Biggest Battle appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Jujutsu Kaisen has undergone various aesthetic and thematic changes in just its first two seasons. Several changes to the anime production team were made between the seasons, with Shōta Goshozono taking over as the series director from Sunghoo Park, who served in that position for season 1 and directed the prequel film Jujutsu Kaisen 0. With the shift, the latest season featured a distinct change in the visual style of the series, featuring a much more free-flowing art style and cinematic feel with its camera work, color grading, and even the soundtrack. Interestingly, the shift from various artists on the soundtrack to a single composer has made the anime’s music its best quality by far.

While opening and ending songs have always been hot topics of discussion for anime in general, scores can often be overlooked. Sure, ending songs like Ali’s “Lost in Paradise” for season 1 of Jujutsu Kaisen or the opening song “Specialz” for season 2 dominated the pop culture zeitgeist. Still, Yoshimasa Terui’s diverse score for the second season elevates the beautiful animation and pulse-pounding, emotionally resonant story. With its frenetic jazz tracks, its emotional piano pieces, and quieter acoustic sound selections, Jujutsu Kaisen’s soundtrack is easily its best and perhaps most overlooked quality.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Genre-Spanning Soundtrack Is Also Thematically Consistent

Despite varying genres with each subsequent track, Jujutsu Kaisen season 2’s music stays consistent in telling a story using leitmotifs that are interwoven throughout the cacophony of sounds. The various themes created for characters, such as Nanami’s “Working Overtime” theme, carry over from the first season to maintain consistency and get viewers even more emotionally invested when a recognizable leitmotif plays, signifying a character’s entrance. Another significant example is Gojo’s leitmotif, which can be heard in the opening track “Hidden Inventory”, the aptly titled track “Limitless Cursed Technique”, and “Arrogance”.

Gojo is a significant focus of both the Hidden Inventory and the Shibuya Incident story arcs. Although he is absent for most of the latter arc, it heavily revolves around his place in the Jujutsu Sorcery Heirarchy. Because of this, his energetic theme is heard in the score’s jazz compositions and piano arrangements and even comes back into play in the unforgettable scene in which he activates his domain expansion for a split second on the Shibuya platform. Each time his theme makes a return, it signifies a shift in the story and Gojo’s mindset.

It isn’t just Gojo’s leitmotif that gets attention (though it is certainly up there in terms of receiving the most), as several characters receive unique renditions of their themes. Sukuna is another character that stands out, as he not only receives some of the most stunning and hyper-choreographed fights from Studio MAPPA, but his theme evolves depending on the encounter. When first awakened inside Yuji by Jogo in Episode 15, a sinister choir is immediately heard (in the fittingly titled track “Awaken”), with the soundtrack shifting entirely to a much more ominous and unsettling tone.

The music track “Thunderclap” continues using Sukuna’s leitmotif as he fights Jogo, maintaining the choir but also upping the tempo to match the frenetic energy of the fight. In a completely different arrangement with the same underlying choir that’s become symbolic of the King of Curses, the track exemplifies Sukuna’s savagery and Jogo’s erratic and nervous fighting, elevating Season 2, Episode 16 (also titled “Thunderclap”). In maintaining consistency with character themes but diversifying the instrumentals around them, the Jujutusu Kaisen soundtrack soars.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Proves It’s Still Shonen Jump’s Top Selling Series of the Era]

The Music of Jujutsu Kaisen Tells a Story In and of Itself

Aside from its consistency in leitmotifs for various characters, Jujutsu Kaisen’s soundtrack has the incredible ability to tell a story with just its music. Despite not writing or being involved with Tatsuya Kitani’s opening for the first half of Season 2, titled “Where Our Blue Is”, Yoshimasa Terui weaves in elements used in both Gege Akutami’s original story and the visuals and clapping instrumentals from the opening to tell a grim and tragic story. The clapping seen in the visuals of “Where Our Blue Is” signifies not only the divide between Gojo and Geto but the religious sect that actively applauds Riko Amanai’s death in the arc, something that actively disturbs the duo.

So, the track titled “Premature” featured towards the end of Season 2, Episode 9 (in reference to the title of the arc and the premature death of Geto’s lofty and upright ideals as a Jujutsu Sorcerer) tells its own story. As Geto takes the stage of the religious cult he takes over, the track consists entirely of clapping. What starts as scattered, disarrayed clapping slowly turns into methodical, rhythmic clapping when he massacres those who object to his takeover. What was once an auditory reminder of Geto’s biggest failure soon represents what it’s turned him into. Musical storytelling doesn’t get better than this.

The soundtrack isn’t just used for somber and heavy moments, either. In Yuji and Todo’s fight with Mahito in the final episodes of season 2, an anime original moment becomes so much more hilarious and unhinged with Terui’s song “Highest Jumping”. Whereas the manga made Todo’s noble sacrifice of his only remaining hand to switch places with Yuji a brief moment, the anime gives viewers an extended glimpse into Todo’s disturbed psyche. Imagining himself fighting alongside his idol Takada, the grim color palette is replaced with bombastic, colorful, and heart-filled visuals as Todo beats up Mahito in his imagination.

The lyrics of “Highest Jumping” feel straight out of the opening of a romance anime, adding some much-needed levity to what had been a dark and depressing season up to that point. Without the music, this scene would not have been nearly as tonally jarring as it needed to be, further proving the profound impact Terui’s music has on the series.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Is As Good As Anime Soundtracks Get

Jujutsu Kaisen was already an impressive anime in its first season, with its soundtrack of diversified artists and sounds leaving its mark. However, the consistency and singular creative vision for Season 2’s music helped to take the anime to another level. Studio MAPPA has repeatedly shown that they take pride in Jujutsu Kaisen and want to do justice with some stellar animation work. However, its greatest and perhaps most overlooked quality is the level of detail and care put into the series’s music. While there are some minor grievances with the music choices in the series, such as the inclusion of the second opening of season 2, “Specialz”, during Yuji’s emotional breakdown, the series mostly hits the mark musically.

Hopefully, the upcoming third season of Jujutsu Kaisen will bring Yoshimasa Terui back into the fold to continue creating phenomenal music. Plenty of new and returning characters will be brought into the fray of the Culling Games, giving Terui new opportunities to expand the canon of Jujutsu Kaisen’s already impressive music library. The music of an anime is often overshadowed by songs made for openings and endings. Hopefully, Jujutsu Kaisen’s brilliant and detail-oriented score will get more attention than it already does.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen’s Best Quality Has Nothing To Do With Its Animation appeared first on ComicBook.com.

It’s been nearly two whole years since MAPPA released the last season of Jujutsu Kaisen and four since the series first made its debut, and yet fans are still just as eagerly waiting for Season 3. Though the series’ renewal was officially confirmed by MAPPA right after the Season 2 finale, fans are yet to receive an update on when they can expect the next season to air, and with the manga also having concluded, anticipation surrounding the anime’s return only continues to grow. That said, Season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen may end up disappointing fans despite the long wait, and there’s unfortunately nothing MAPPA can do about it.

Season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen is expected to cover the Culling Game Arc of the story, which, as the name implies, involves a battle royale set into motion by Kenjaku at the end of the Shibuya Arc as the next step of his grand plan. While the arc introduces many interesting new characters like Hiruguma, Takaba, Kashimo, and Hakari, who all play a crucial role in the series’ finale, the arc has largely been dubbed as lackluster, especially in comparison to the Shibuya Arc with even the series’ creator Gege Akutami openly regretting not making the Culling Game Arc a more overtly tournament-style battle instead. Despite having quite a few interesting matchups, the Culling Game Arc’s poor structure and pacing hold the arc back from being great, and not even the anime may be able to fix this and the many other inherent issues with the arc.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Culling Game Misses the Mark as a Tournament Arc Due to Pacing and Structure

Other than the initial Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc which was also interrupted half way, the Culling Game Arc is arguably the closest Jujutsu Kaisen has come to having a tournament arc, which are mong the most beloved story arcs in almost any shonen series. However, Jujutsu Kaisen’s Culling Game Arc fails to evoke the same excitement as a traditional tournament arc for multiple reasons. The first and foremost complaint about the Culling Game Arc is the pacing. Unlike the series’ previous compact story arcs, the Culling Game Arc is the longest arc in all of Jujutsu Kaisen, spanning a whopping 63 chapters. This is why it is doubtful whether Season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen will be able to adapt the entire arc even with two cours.

Another huge complaint about the Culling Game Arc is that it lacks any real stakes or tension, even though it very much has an underlying sense of urgency throughout, and this is a consequence of both the slow pacing and the structure of the arc. For one, the arc moves from one sorcerer to the next, from colony to colony, staggering out the arc’s fights. As a result, the arc feels more like a bunch of mini-arcs squashed together under one umbrella, building up and defusing any tension with every move to another colony.

As for the stakes, the Culling Game Arc starts out with three fairly simple and specific objectives, which are to find the sorcerer named Angel so she can unseal Gojo, to protect Tengen from Kenjaku, and to obtain enough points and add rules to the game so as to prevent Megumi’s sister Tsumiki from having to join the bloodshed. Though the main purpose of the arc becomes to gather points and add rules in their favor, this is arguably just as integral to foiling Kenjaku’s plan, as are unsealing Gojo and protecting Master Tengen. However, the slow pacing of the arc further puts a huge damper on any built-up tension there may be, also making it difficult to keep track of these three primary goals.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Has Bad News for Fans Waiting for Season 3]

The Culling Game is Ultimately Set Up For Jujutsu Kaisen’s Final Arc

Another reason why the Culling Game arc is challenging to embrace, which is not talked about nearly enough, is the sheer number of new characters it introduces. Many of these characters, like Hakari, for example, have incredibly confusing techniques and abilities, which, together with the overwhelming number of new characters introduced, make it hard to keep track of the plot and characters.

What’s more frustrating is that many of these new characters end up being irrelevant at the end of it all. Hakari is yet again an excellent example of a character who has interesting fights in the Culling Game Arc but ends up being a wasted character, as his entire battle against Uraume takes place almost entirely off-screen. Besides characters that went nowhere, the Culling Game Arc also has storylines that went nowhere to the chagrin of the readers. This includes Kenjaku’s meeting with the US Government and the entire army plotline that ended up being a waste of time with no real significance to the series or Kenjaku’s plan as a whole.

As a whole, the Culling Game arc comes across as set up for the Shinjuku Showdown and an attempt to shoehorn a bunch of new characters in as quickly as possible in time for the finale. Many fans often compare the Culling Game Arc to the Shibuya Arc, which is quite an unfair comparison, as the Shibuya Arc is very much a high-stakes climax of the first half of the story, while the Culling Game Arc is set up for the second and final half of the series, the climax of which is the Shinjuku Showdown Arc.

The Culling Game Arc no doubt has excellent fights in store, full of well-written character growth, like Yuji versus Higuruma, Megumi versus Reggie, Yuta’s three-way battle against Uro and Ishigori, and Maki’s enlightening fight against Miyo. That said, it is difficult to deny that the Shibuya Arc has raised the bar impossibly high for the series going forward, which is the biggest reason why fans may be disappointed when Season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen comes around with the Culling Game Arc.

Jujutsu Kaisen can be streamed up-to-date via Crunchyroll.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Is Going to Be a Letdown and Here Is Why appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The second season of Jujutsu Kaisen aired in 2023 and became a global sensation almost immediately. The anime was even more successful than the first season, receiving praise from fans and critics alike. MAPPA announced a third season right after Season 2 concluded in December 2023. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 is confirmed to cover the Culling Game, another brutal and action-packed arc of the story. However, even more than a year since its announcement, there’s been barely any updates from MAPPA. Jump Festa 2025 shared a key visual featuring Yuji but didn’t share a release window or the first look at the anime.

The winner of the Best Director award at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, Shota Goshozono will be returning as the director of Season 3. He took over the helm after Sunghoo Park left MAPPA in 2021 and established his own studio, E&H Production. During the highly anticipated AnimeJapan 2025, Jujutsu Kaisen also set the stage to announce news regarding its upcoming projects. However, there weren’t any updates about the third season’s release date, placing it at a more likely 2026 debut window. Instead, they focused on promoting the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc compilation film, which will hit Japanese theatres on May 30th.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen’s Creator Leaves Encouraging Final Message to the Fans]

What Should You Expect From Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3?

While JJK Season 3 is confirmed to cover the Culling Game Arc, it will begin with Itadori’s Extermination Arc before moving on to the Perfect Preparation Arc. While both these arcs are short, they highlight the consequences of the Shibuya Incident Arc while also setting up the premise of the Culling Game. Yuji is once again being targeted by the elders, who order Yuta Okkotsu to be his executioner. Season 2 ends with a major cliffhanger as the youngest special-grade sorcerer shows hostility towards Yuji.

Yuta is the protagonist of the prequel movie and one of Gojo’s most trusted students. His actions may seem like he is out for blood, but he has his own plans. Moreover, the Perfect Preparation Arc focuses majorly on Maki and her struggles with the Zenin Clan. Culling Game is the battle royale set up by Kenjaku who craves destruction out of boredom. The Culling Game is the longest arc of the manga, so if Season 3 plans to wrap up these three arcs within 24-26 episodes, they will have to cover quite a lot of content compared to the first two seasons.

Fans Expect Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 to Release in 2026

While there’s no guarantee about this, the speculation stems from the fact that Season 1 debuted in 2020 and Season 2 in 2023. With a three-year gap between the first two seasons, MAPPA may as well take the same approach this time as well. While JJK Season 3 didn’t share any new updates in AnimeJapan 2025, the franchise has plenty of chances this year. Aniplex Online Fest, which is usually held in September, and Jump Festa, which takes place every December, are another two major events fans can keep an eye out for as they await a teaser and release date of Season 3. In the meantime, you can catch up with the first two seasons and the prequel movie on Crunchyroll and Netflix.

H/T: @Go_Jover on X

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Jujutsu Kaisen announced a Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc compilation film in JujuFest 2024, which was held this past August. The film also shared its first key visual in Jump Festa 2025 and the Japanese release date. While it’s confirmed the film will hit Japanese theatres on May 30th, 2025, the global release date has yet to be announced. The second day of AnimeJapan 2025, one of the largest anime events in Tokyo shared the first trailer of this movie. Several production houses take part in this two-day event and promote their upcoming projects. JJK promoted the film with an exhibition on the first day and unveiled the trailer on the second.

The 90-second trailer features glimpses from one of the series’ most tragic arcs. Known as Gojo’s Past Arc in the manga, this flashback is one of the most popular arcs in the story. The anime adaptation in the first five episodes of Season 2 is still praised for its stellar animation, attention to detail, and incredible soundtrack. Fans will get to witness the same story of the strongest duo on the big screen as we learn the truth about their separation. The animation is pretty much the same, but the runtime is expected to be around two hours so we can expect extended scenes or additional moments.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Proves It’s Still Shonen Jump’s Top Selling Series of the Era]

Why Fans Still Love Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc in Jujutsu Kaisen

JJK has its fair share of action-packed arcs with fast pacing and high stakes. Compared to the Shibuya Incident and Culling Game Arcs, this arc focuses more on character interaction along with thrilling battles. Satoru Gojo is one of the most popular characters in recent times, and fans have always loved almost every scene he is a part of. An arc focusing on his teenage years is sure to grab attention, especially if it highlights his struggles despite being the strongest. Gojo and Geto’s friendship and separation were revealed in the prequel movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0.

However, the flashback arc reveals what led to such tragedy. Beneath its cheerful spring atmosphere, the arc highlights the brutality of the Jujutsu world and the impact it has on the younger generation who are unable to bear the burden. Manga fans are quick to notice the subtle details added in the storyboard that highlight the complexity of the characters. Additionally, the second season has some of the best animations in the modern series, making this arc more interesting than ever.

The post New Jujutsu Kaisen Movie Drops First Trailer: Watch appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The first day of AnimeJapan 2025 is over and it announces several exciting anime news. It’s an annual two-day event held in Tokyo where anime professionals and enthusiasts gather to witness several exhibitions and get updates on the latest news regarding highly anticipated anime series and movies. This year as well, AnimeJapan collaborates with major production studios such as Bandai Namco, Pierrot, Production I.G., Toei Animation, TMS Entertainment, and more. Jujutsu Kaisen is also setting up a stage this year and will unveil news about the Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc compilation film. However, there is no confirmation that fans will get any update about the third season.

While the news is expected to be revealed on May 23rd, 2025, the official X account of Jujutsu Kaisen hypes up the film with an exhibition focusing on Gojo and Geto. In a 21-second video, we see two separate panels including frames of Gojo and Geto from their youth to their adulthood. Additionally, there’s a screen in the middle, featuring a scene from Season 2 of the anime. The film was announced on August 25, 2024, during the JujuFest 2024 event and will hit Japanese theatres on May 30th, 2025. There has yet to be an announcement regarding a global release date, but we can expect an announcement sometime around the Japanese release date.

What to Expect From the Jujutsu Kaisen: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc Movie?

The film will compile and remaster the first five episodes of the anime’s second season covering Gojo’s Past Arc. The arc is called Hidden Inventory/Premature Death in the anime as it takes us 12 years back in the past following the strongest duo during their high school years. The friendship and the separation of the duo were implied in Jujutsu Kaisen 0, the prequel film released in 2021. However, the story unravels their tragedy just before the Shibuya Incident Arc. The arc is pretty popular among the fanbase with Gojo being the focus of the story.

The two young Special-Grade Sorcerers are tasked with protecting a young girl Riko Amanai from bounty hunters. She is the Star Plasma Vessel born in 500 years, with a hefty price on her head. Her role is to merge with Master Tengen who can sustain their immortality with the young girl’s sacrifice. Tengen has existed for centuries and is responsible for maintaining the barriers of Jujutsu High. Because some religious organizations that worship Tengen believe the merger will make the immortal sorcerer “impure,” they do everything they can to kill Riko.

With Gojo and Geto being on duty, the possibility of her reaching Master Tengen’s location increases significantly. However, Gojo and Geto are conflicted over leading the young girl safely to her doom and snatching her future from her. The strongest duo is unaware that an infamous Sorcerer Killer has his eyes on the prize and is watching their every move. He plans everything from a distance, waiting for the right chance to strike. The finale of this arc explains the reason why Gojo and Geto separated and what led them to become enemies.

H/T: @animejujutsu on X

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Weekly Shonen Jump’s latest hit, Ichi the Witch, is winning hearts with its captivating storyline, gorgeous art, intriguing world-building, and, of course, lovable characters. Written by Osamu Nishi and illustrated by Shiro Usazaki, the series debuted in September 2024. The story is set in a world where only women have an affinity for magic, and no male has been able to pass the unique trials given by magical beings known as Majiks. After a series of chaotic events, Ichi ends up becoming the first male witch and, thus, begins his journey as he comes to terms with his new identity. The story takes a massive turn after the appearance of the World Hater Majik.

It’s the strongest villain we have seen so far, someone who even Desscaras couldn’t defeat easily. The brief fight against the Mantinel Witches Association and the World Hater Majik ends with the latter leaving the battlefield. However, Ichi swears to one day hunt the villain. Things get even more tense when a prophecy arrives, claiming that Ichi will acquire the World Hater Majik but will also die as a result. The series recently commences a new arc where Ichi and his companions travel to Bakugami, a place where it’s prophesized he will meet an ally to help fight the World Hater Majik. All hints point towards Gokuraku being the ally Ichi is searching for. However, their team-up may be too chaotic for the Witches Association to handle.

[RELATED: Ichi the Witch Takes a Dark Jujutsu Kaisen-Style Twist With New Companion]

Ichi the Witch’s Ichi and Gokuraku Is the Funniest Duo We Have Seen Since Yuji and Todo

Ichi the Witch has only just introduced Gokuraku but he has the potential to be an excellent ally to Ichi. In JJK, Yuji and Todo are one of the most beloved duos even though they don’t have much screen time together. Compared to Megumi, who is also a great ally to Yuji, Todo matches Yuji’s energy far better. Todo also pushes Yuji to get stronger amid the fight, making their dynamic even more interesting. It was Todo’s enthusiasm that led the two of them to work together and become friends.

A subtle similarity can be seen in the way Gokuraku comically “forces” Ichi to work with him. Gokuarku debuts in Chapter 22, looking menacing as he beats up a Majik and asks how to acquire it. His debut gives the impression that he will be difficult to deal with, but he’s surprisingly a funny character. This again parallels with Todo, who was introduced as a brute and ended up beating Megumi simply because he found the latter’s taste in women “boring.” The resulting quote he draws out of Yuji about his tastes in women is nothing short of iconic and hilarious.

Things take a major turn in Chapter 23 when Gokuraku is impressed by Ichi’s ability to use magic despite being a man. In Chapter 24, he takes the protagonist away and asks him to teach them how to become a witch. The two get to know each other more during the time Ichi is separated from Desscaras and Kumugi. However, all hell breaks lose in Chapter 26 when the two do the unthinkable by hurting Bakugami, who is considered to be a savior. Gokuraku is instigating Ichi to attack Bakugami, which is the worst crime in the land. However, the man’s intention doesn’t seem to be out of malice since he is aware of Bakugami’s true nature.

Gokuraku Will Be One of the Most Important Characters in Ichi the Witch

The story has all but confirmed that Gokuraku is the companion Jikishirone talked about in the prophecy. In Ichi the Witch Chapter 22, as soon as Jikishirone’s letter mentions “companion,” the scene shifts to Gokuraku, who is torturing a Majik. This heavily implies that he’s the one Ichi and the others need to find. If that wasn’t enough to convince us, the next chapter unveils that the prophecy instructs Ichi’s team to hunt a human hater Majik. This will lead them to the companion, and sure enough, the team finds Gokuarku in the South Bakugami, where the only human hater Majik dwells.

Gokuraku’s powers are unlike anything we have seen so far. He has embedded magic crystals in his body in hopes of becoming strong. He is also actively trying to look for a way to become a witch. Gokuraku’s actions appear to stem from desperation instead of greed for power. The story will likely delve deeper into it as the arc continues. Furthermore, given his strength and his experience in beating Majiks to a pulp, there’s no doubt he is already a worthy ally to Ichi.

The post Shonen Jump Reveals Its Most Chaotic Duo Since Jujutsu Kaisen’s Yuji and Todo appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The director of Jujutsu Kaisen’s first season and the prequel, Sunghoo Park, established his studio, E&H Production, in March 2021 after leaving MAPPA. The studio changed the director for the second season, while Sunghoo Park focused on his own studio. JJK is one of the most popular series in recent times, and Sunghoo’s work in the first season still gets praised. Sunghoo is also known for his work in the anime adaptation of The God of High School. In 2024, he released an action-packed series, Ninja Kamui, that caught the public’s eye. However, the pipeline continues with Park’s latest project, Bullet/Bullet, an original net anime set to drop for Disney+.

However, one day he is brutally attacked and his family murdered by assassins from his old clan seeking revenge for his defection. The tragedy forces him to walk down the path of revenge as he uses his ninja skills to avenge his loved ones. The animation is known for its fast-paced and fluid action sequences, dynamic visuals, and intricate character designs. Sunghoo’s latest series is set in a post-apocalyptic world, and it’s another original story from the same studio. The series will be released on July 16th as confirmed in the latest promo from Bullet/Bullet’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.

[RELATED: New Sci-Fi Mystery Anime Releases Profound New Trailer and Ending Theme: Watch]

What Is the Plot of Bullet/Bullet?

Since the anime is an original work, not much is known about the story. Written and scripted by Kindaichi, the writer of Uma Musume Cinderella Gray, the story follows a group of thieves who accidentally steal the secrets of the world. What follows next is a series of car chases and remarkable battles. As the story continues, the thieves will learn several shocking turths of the world one after another. The fate of this world lies on a group of thieves to put everything on the line to change the world.

The character designer and general animation director is Yoshimatsu Takahiro, best known for his work in Hunter x Hunter. Additionally, Tenjin Hidetaka, who has worked on mecha and world design for several anime and video games is responsible for the concept and mechanical design of Bullet/Bullet. Misawa Shin, the director of Initial D First Stage is the car action director of the show.

More Works By E&H Production

While Ninja Kamui gained a lot of attention because of Sunghoo Park’s reputation, E&H Production’s other popular work is a one-episode special, Monsters, in 2024. It’s based on Eiichiro Oda’s prequel one-shot manga Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation, following the story of Ryuma, the legendary swordsman from Wano. He wielded the legendary blade Shusui, which belonged to Zoro until the Wano Country Saga. Ryuma’s legend dates back to 200 years ago when he single-handedly slayed a dragon.

Additionally, in the same year, E&H Production released Red Cat Ramen based on a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Angyaman. The story takes place in a ramen shop established and run by talking cats. Following Tamako Yashiro, a human woman who is working part-time behind the scenes, the series focuses on the day-to-day antics of her and her fellow feline employees.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Director’s New Anime Reveals Release Date With New Promo appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The Jujutsu Kaisen manga concluded in September 2024 with a bittersweet ending after the intense battle against the King of the Curses. The final arc featured the battle of the strongest and quickly moved to the Sukuna raid, highlighting almost every character’s importance in the final fight. The anime’s second season aired in 2023 and the third season is currently under production. So far, MAPPA has only released a key visual featuring Yuji and the rest of the details will be shared later on. After covering the two short arcs, Itadori Extermination and Perfect Preparation, the third season will adapt the Culling Game Arc of the manga, one of the most brutal battle royale in the Shonen series.

The manga already released its final volumes last year but only in Japanese. It usually takes a few months, or even a year for a volume to be released and distributed in English. The Japanese version of Volume 25 was released on January 4th, 2024, and will finally be globally available with its English translation on April 24th. Unfortunately, it still has the major translation issues fans often complained about during the manga’s serialization.

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Proves It’s Still Shonen Jump’s Top Selling Series of the Era]

Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 25 Didn’t Change the Controversial Translation Errors

Scenes from Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 25 quickly made the rounds on X (formerly Twitter) of these translations not being updated ahead of the volume’s official release. The top panel in the image from the fan account Go_Jover is from Chapter 218, which covers Sukuna vs. Yorozu, where she actually urges Sukuna to use his Cursed Technique, “Shrine.” However, the translation by John Werry says “Malevolent Shrine,” which is actually his Domain Expansion. Additionally, the bottom panels are comparing the official translation vs the fan translation.

Surprisingly, the fan translation is more accurate and easier to understand while the official one is quite confusing. The scene is from Chapter 220, right before Gojo’s release from the Prison Realm as Shoko reminisces about him. She also makes it clear that she would never fall for either him or Geto, and that hell would freeze over before that happens. Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 25 includes Chapters 218 to 227. Fans also acknowledge the controversial mishaps in translation, with comments such as the following:

@JOTADefender shares, “Man…If only somebody made a Kickstarter so that they retranslate all of it because it’s looking gloomy.”

@bammi057 tags the official account of VizMedia and writes, “Please, this is embarrassing fix this.”

Unfortunately, Viz Media has yet to acknowledge any of the fans’ complaints despite the recurring issue with the translation, and comments reaching years back into their original localized Jujutsu Kaisen chapters.

Jujutsu Kaisen Had Recurring Translation Issues Since the Translator Changed

In 2020, Jujutsu Kaisen’s translator was arrested for possessing and distributing child pornography. In May 2023, Jujutsu Kaisen’s initial translator, Stefan Koza, was sentenced to ten years of jail with seven years suspended. John Werry, a popular translator who has worked in Demon Slayer, Claymore, One Punch Man, etc., began translating Jujutsu Kaisen in Chapter 133.

However, the manga has had several issues with the flow of the dialogues and techniques’ names changing frequently. Many fans have been complaining for years, even tagging Viz Media on several occasions to address the issue. Back in August 2024, Yuji’s English voice actor, Adam McArthur, shared a funny JJK gif on X with the protagonist saying “I see. I don’t get it.” He also captions the post, “John Werry,” calling out the translator for the confusing dialogues even in the Final Saga. Adam gathered a bunch of mixed reactions but it again highlighted the severity of the issue.

While Viz Media has yet to publicly acknowledge fans’ complaints, they quietly fixed a couple of errors including the iconic scene in Chapter 221 where Gojo says, “Nah, I’d win.” The original version simply said “No,” leading to surprisingly widespread outrage. This is only one of the examples of the publisher fixing the error, while most of them still remain the same.

Even the manga volumes aren’t fixing the problems, so people who don’t read fan translations wouldn’t know they are reading the scenes completely wrong. Another controversial blunder, and a major one at that, happened in Chapter 256 when Gojo specifically explains he can’t use Black Flash because of his Six Eyes. When actually, he cleared up the misunderstanding that his inability to use Black Flash at will isn’t because of his Six Eyes.

Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the most popular manga and anime series in recent times, and the manga sales have been generational for the past few years. Unfortunately, these carelessnesses reduce fans’ trust in the official version and disappoint them further. Fans reading this manga in other languages, such as Spanish and French, have also voiced out a few mistranslations, but the English version has been the most controversial globally. Including Volume 25, JJK still has to release six volumes so it’s unclear if these errors will continue or not.

H/T: @Go_Jover and @ninjamac on X

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Still Didn’t Fix a Major Issue in Latest Release appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Jujutsu Kaisen fans are taking the anime into their own hands, and one animation has gone viral for bringing Satoru Gojo’s biggest attack to life. Jujutsu Kaisen is now in the works on returning for Season 3 of the anime at some point in the future, but has yet to confirm a potential release date or window as of the time of this publication. This means fans have been stuck in a sort of limbo as they wait for new episodes of the anime as Yuji Itadori and the others now need to take on one of their deadliest challenges yet.

Jujutsu Kaisen might currently be working on an adaptation of the Culling Game arc from Gege Akutami’s original manga for its next season, but fans are already looking ahead beyond this arc to what’s next. It’s because once Gojo is back in action, the series then runs full steam ahead right to the end of it all. Artist @Nelson_MorinJr has gone viral with fans on X for sharing an animated sequence depicting Gojo’s coolest moment with a Hollow Purple charged all the way to 200% power. Check it out:

What’s Next for Jujutsu Kaisen?

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 ended the Shibuya Incident arc with a massive tease for what’s to come. Gojo was trapped within the mysterious Prison Realm by the supposed Suguru Geto, and Yuji and the other Jujutsu Sorcerers were then left to face off against the Cursed Spirit threats all by themselves. This resulted in some of the wildest carnage and biggest deaths in the series to date, but this is only the beginning as the final episode of the season saw Yuji preparing to head out to the rest of Japan to see just how much damage Geto and the spirits have done since.

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 will be taking on the Culling Game arc, which takes place immediately after the Shibuya Incident. As part of the fake Geto’s plan, a number of ancient sorcerers and spirits have been revived (or are having their powers awakened) after the Shibuya Incident. This kicks off a deadly tournament with a number of new fights featuring all sorts of new characters, foes, allies, and more in the moments to come. So Yuji really is jumping right from one intense battle to another without any real time to rest in between. It’s nothing but stress until the end of the series.

RELATED: Kaiju No. 8 Star Adam McArthur Talks Jujutsu Kaisen, Megan Thee Stallion and More

How to Catch Up With Jujutsu Kaisen

As for the original manga itself, Gege Akutami officially ended Jujutsu Kaisen’s run with Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine last year. The series briefly returned with a new epilogue story with the launch of the final volume of the manga in Japan, but it has yet to be revealed when fans in North America will be able to grab this final volume for themselves. For now, you can catch up with the entire series with Viz Media’s digital Shonen Jump library or Shueisha’s MangaPlus service with a paid subscription.

If the anime is more your speed, there are a ton of ways to watch the episodes released thus far. You can now find the first two seasons of Jujutsu Kaisen now streaming with the likes of Crunchyroll, Netflix, Hulu and more. You can also check out the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 feature film, which takes place before the events of the anime and focuses on Yuta Okkotsu. He’s going to be very important in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3, so it’s best to see how his story begins before jumping into the next season.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Viral Video Animates Gojo’s Biggest Attack at Last appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One Piece has hundreds of characters, but only a select few have major fanbases. These characters are always significant to the story, an impressive achievement in itself with a series sprawling across over a thousand chapters. It’s a tradition for One Piece characters to get stunning birthday art released on social media or through official channels. Each illustration has a personal touch, further fleshing out the characters’ personalities and backstories by adding certain elements to the illustrations. Fans love to share and discuss these official illustrations during the birthdays of their favorite characters as they connect to the series on a deeper level. These arts are drawn by Toei Animators who contribute to the series.

For Shanks’ birthday, a popular Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece animator, @Hone_honeHONE on X, drew a gorgeous illustration. In the art, Shanks is unsheathing his sword as the light’s reflection from his blade lands on his scar. His scar has a deep meaning in the story since it’s given to him by Blackbeard, one of the major antagonists in the show. HoneHone is credited for having recently contributed to Episodes 1074, 1114, and 1115 of the One Piece anime. They also drew Katakuri’s illustration back in November 2024. However, before One Piece, HoneHone was best known for his work in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2. During the time Season 2 was airing, the animator publicly spoke about the challenging working conditions at MAPPA studio, earning recognition among the fandom.

Shanks Shares His Birthday With Two More One Piece Characters

One Piece character birthdays are either decided by Oda or fans, based on what the author deems fit. A lot of birthdays are chosen based on Japanese wordplay using numbers. In Japanese, numbers can be read in different ways, allowing for puns related to a certain character’s name. Since Oda doesn’t always follow a strict rule, oftentimes, fans come up with these wordplays, and they are featured in the SBS columns of the manga volumes. Shanks and Franky sharing the same birthdays is a coincidence.

In the SBS for One Piece Volume 54, a fan asks Oda to have March 9th as Shanks’ birthday because of his name. The fan came up with it since “Shan” means 9 and “Kusu” means 3. Additionally, in SBS Volume 43, a fan came up with the birthdays of several Water 7 characters, including Franky. Cyborg is read as “Saibōgu” in Japanese, and “Sa” means 3 while “Gu” means 9. Finally, in Mihawk’s case, it appears Oda decided the birthday on his own since there are no records in the SBS.

Whether it’s a coincidence or not is unknown. It could also be another wordplay like Shanks and Franky. Their birthday arts were also shared by @OPcom_info on X, the official account of the One Piece portal site. However, Shanks and Mihawk sharing the same birthday is surely fascinating. The two only have a five-year age gap, but they are often portrayed as rivals. A few years before the current timeline, they crossed swords, but the victor was undecided. They are both swordsmen and characters who are feared for their devastating powers, with One Piece fans debating over who is the stronger of the two. Hence, these two are often mentioned together, whether in the series or in real life.

H/T: @Hone_honeHONE on X

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Animator Unveils Stunning Birthday Art of One Piece’s Shanks appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- is now working its way through the climax of the Counterattack Arc in Season 3, and the newest episode gave fans one of the best fights in the arc yet thanks to some help from a prominent animator who’s worked on One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen and more. After making its comeback for Season 3 last Fall before taking a hiatus, Re:Zero is now back in action with the second half of its third season this Winter. After all of the build up last Fall, it’s just one big fight after another in the latest epsiodes.

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- Counterattack Arc has been showcasing how Subaru and the others are now facing off against the Witch’s Cult members, and the newest episode shifted its focus back to the fight between Garfiel Tinzel and the eight armed revived swordsman, Kurgan. The two of them have been going back and forth through the arc thus far, and now this fight has come to an end thanks to an awesome scene brought to life by Vincent Chansard, a major animator behind some of One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen‘s coolest fight scenes.

What Happens in Garfiel vs. Kurgan?

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- Season 3 Episode 13 sees Garfiel continuing his fight against Kurgan, and he’s been struggling the entire time. It’s revealed that Kurgan comes from a race of four armed fighters, but was ostracized due to being born with eight arms. Despite all of that, he demonstrated his strength by defending his village all by himself. Garfiel also learns that if Kurgan doesn’t use all of his chosen swords in battle, then he doesn’t recognize his opponent as strong. So Garfiel is facing an uphill battle in a number of different ways.

When Kurgan knocks him into one of the underground spots where people are hiding, he sees the young children he bonded with before. With them cheering him on, Garfiel decides that he needs to defeat his opponent once and for all. This gets Kurgan to recognize his strength, and this lead to the cool animated scene that brings about the end of their fight. Thankfully, Garfiel was successful and was able to defeat Kurgan while also getting the legendary figure to recognize him as a warrior. It’s Garfiel’s biggest victory in the series to date.

RELATED: Re:Zero Season 3 Kicks Off Its Comeback With New Opening: Watch

What’s Next for Re:Zero?

Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World- Counterattack Arc is only scheduled to run for eight episodes, and that means the final episode of the season is rapidly approaching. As the Winter 2025 anime releases start wrapping up their respective runs as well, Re:Zero Season 3 is getting ready for its own explosive finale. There have been some big hits to the Witch’s Cult over the course of this half after everything that happened last Fall, and it really seems like Subaru and the others are really close to an actual victory.

But as seen with Re:Zero -Starting Life in Another World– in the past, Subaru and the others really shouldn’t be comfortable until they are fully safe and clear from all of these fights. Regardless, this has been the most action-packed arc of the series to date as each episode has been filled with some big fights and action scenes. It was already a good looking series, but the latest episode has gone to a whole new level thanks to animators like Chansard who are able to take that even further. Now it’s time to see what’s coming next.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece Animator Just Gave Re:Zero Its Best Episode Yet appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The last year or so has seen many of Shueisha’s top series including My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen conclude their serialization. Readers everywhere were left unsure as to the future of Shonen Jump and which new manga would rise to take the place of these global giants, with top contenders being Osamu Nishi’s Ichi the Witch and Takeru Hokazono’s Kagurabachi. That said, there may have been no need to worry after all as Jujutsu Kaisen just proved that it’s still one of Shonen Jump’s best-selling series of the era and the love surrounding the franchise has not died one bit since the story’s conclusion.

A recent post on X by WSJ_manga reveals that Jujutsu Kaisen is still in the top ten of Oricon’s weekly comic sales ranking. The hit battle shonen manga by Gege Akutami has been ranked seventh for the last week of February with 44,388 copies sold, most of these being of Volume 30, which was released on December 25th, 2024. Don’t forget, 2024 was the year that saw JJK dominate runner-up One Piece’s sales by a 2 million volume margin. As per Oricon, Jujutsu Kaisen is also ranked eighth for the entire month of February. Both of these rankings are quite an impressive feat considering the series released its final chapter way back in September, with the final volume having released well over two months ago.

[RELATED: “Passion Can Cross the Line”: Jujutsu Kaisen & One Piece Staff Discuss Online Hate]

Jujutsu Kaisen is Still Flying Off the Shelves

Jujutsu Kaisen, for nearly the entire six years of its serialization, was considered one of the major pillars of Shonen Jump, with its popularity taking off on a global scale with the anime’s release in 2020. After 271 glorious chapters, Jujutsu Kaisen sadly concluded on September 29th, 2024, and though there were inevitably those unsatisfied with the series’ ending, fans, for the most part, were sad to see the series go.

Jujutsu Kaisen even became one of the few illustrious manga series to reach 100 million copies in circulation back in September, and it seems the series’ popularity has not died down once bit since then. Since the release of the final two volumes in December of last year, Jujutsu Kaisen has consistently remained in the top ten of Oricon’s weekly rankings and though it has fallen to the bottom five in the last month or so, the series’ weekly sales numbers are nothing to scoff at, ranging anywhere between 30-50 thousand copies.

It is difficult to say whether the series will be able to keep this momentum for another month or more. Having said that, with the franchise still thriving on the anime side of things, Jujutsu Kaisen will most definitely continue raking in the money for Shueisha, both in terms of licensing and Blu-ray sales for years to come. Jujutsu Kaisen’s enduring popularity only goes to show the profound impact the series has had on fans for the last few years and that perhaps Shuiesha doesn’t necessarily need to scramble to find its next big hit just yet.

Jujutsu Kaisen is available to read from Manga Plus and Viz Media.

Source: WSJ_manga on X and Oricon.

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Proves It’s Still Shonen Jump’s Top Selling Series of the Era appeared first on ComicBook.com.

The anime industry has never been bigger but there are still many problems that persist within it. Studio MAPPA has had quite a few controversies surrounding its work in recent years despite making a name for itself with anime adaptations of Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, Chainsaw Man, and many more. In a recent interview with MAPPA Vice President Hiroya Hasegawa, the executive discussed the problems that remain a part of the anime world and how the studio is hoping to address both future challenges inside and outside of its workforce.

When it comes to bolstering the industry itself, MAPPA’s Vice President listed some of the ways that the production house is looking to aid its own “human resources” department, “The animation production department is planning to actively hire new graduates, expand the scope of work while checking aptitude, and give them opportunities as soon as possible starting next year. Also, we want to think about a way of education where one person can equally transfer their skills to multiple people, so we are currently considering various things.”

[RELATED: Cowboy Bebop Creator’s Lazarus Anime Sets Release Window in New Promo]

Anime Challenges

Hasegawa also detailed the challenges facing both Studio MAPPA and the anime industry as a whole at the moment, even with the medium being bigger than ever before, “There are a lot of challenges, but not just at MAPPA, in recent years, unlike when we joined, more people are now casually involved with animation, so when they actually get involved in anime production, there are many cases where a gap is created, such as the world being different from what they imagined. That being said, there’s no point in actively promoting that animation is difficult, so I’m thinking about how to fill that gap. In terms of work style, I get the impression that there are more people in the production field who want to separate work and private life and balance it than before. In line with the times, it’s important that companies don’t leave it up to individuals to work in a way that doesn’t balance, and that they don’t allow it.”

Finally, the Vice President had a message for those looking to enter the anime industry and how to bounce back from failure, “You may have the opportunity to learn about the commercial anime we make at vocational schools and universities, but you won’t be able to learn about production on this scale through practical training, so it will be your first try after joining a company. It’s rare to get it right the first time, so don’t think you’re not suited to it after one failure. There are far fewer people who get it right from the start, so I think it’s best to be patient and try your best in the hope that you’ll grow.”

MAPPA’s Issues

When it comes to Studio MAPPA, the production house has been legendary thanks to the high quality of its animation and the sheer number of projects it has released in a relatively short amount of time. Unfortunately, this reputation comes with a price as many animators for the company have reported the harsh working conditions of bringing some of your favorite anime to life. Perhaps most notably, Jujutsu Kaisen’s second season was rife with reports from MAPPA employees of the harsh deadlines and conditions that were needed to create the Shibuya Incident Arc. Fingers crossed that the production house will take lessons learned from its controversies and work toward creating a better work environment for its animators.

Want to see what the future holds for the anime industry’s work conditions? Follow along with Team Anime on ComicBook.com for all the latest updates and hit me up directly @EVComedy to talk all things comics and anime.

Via Real Sound

The post Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan Studio Addresses Anime Industry Controversies appeared first on ComicBook.com.

Anime Funko Pop collectors just keep winning as the latest drop from the company features characters from the popular anime series Jujutsu Kaisen. Fan-favorite characters like Gojo, Yuji, Choso, Sukuna and more are included in this drop and there are a ton of exclusives to collect. Many of the figures show the fighters in action, capturing their techniques in motion. Yuji’s Pop looks especially detailed since his face looks a little worse for wear. If you want to snag some of these figures, pre-orders are expected to open up today, February 21st at 12pm ET here Entertainment Earth and here on Amazon. Head there for the commons. The collection of exclusives can be found in the wave breakdown below, and direct links will be added after the launch.

• Jujutsu Kaisen Gojo (Prison Realm) – Entertainment Earth Exclusive
• Jujutsu Kaisen Suguru Geto – GameStop Exclusive
• Jujutsu Kaisen Toji Fushiguro (Chance at Chase)– Chalice Collectibles Exclusive
• Jujutsu Kaisen Toji Fushiguro (Possessed) – Funko Exclusive
• Jujutsu Kaisen Yuji Itadori
• Jujutsu Kaisen Choso
• Jujutsu Kaisen Sukuna (Fire Arrow)
• Jujutsu Kaisen Megumi (Rabbit) Funko Pop! & Buddy
• Jujutsu Kaisen Gojo (Hidden Inventory)
• Jujutsu Kaisen Nobara (Chance at Chase)

While the Jujutsu Kaisen manga came to a close last year, fans are still eagerly awaiting season 3 of the hit anime show. Jujutsu Kaisen was expecting to start promoting the show again this month, so when the Valentine’s Day promo arrived fans weren’t surprised by the new photos and merch. What might’ve been surprising was the ‘ship they decided to focus on. 

TOHO Animation used the Valentine’s Day holiday to celebrate the adorable Gojo and Geto. The company has an official account on X solely for promoting and circulating the merch released by the TOHO Animation goods team and they announced they’d be accepting preorders of Gojo and Geto stuffed toys on Valentine’s Day.

While Gojo and Geto are not a canon romantic ship, their relationship of childhood best friends who become sworn enemies is a great story, and fans clung on. SatoSugu became one of the most popular ships in the fandom, so maybe it really isn’t a wonder why Toho Animation would choose them as their promo pair. Friends to enemies is one of the best tropes around.

Want to stay up to date on the latest anime news and collectibles? Then keep an eye on our Gear Page!

The post Jujutsu Kaisen Pops Are Ready For Battle In New Funko Drop appeared first on ComicBook.com.

One of the most popular manga of recent times, Jujutsu Kaisen, reached its conclusion in September 2024 and released the Japanese version of the final Volumes 29 and 30 in December of the same year. The manga still hasn’t announced the release date of the English version. Additionally, fans are still awaiting the third season of the anime. MAPPA has yet to announce a release window, even though the second season concluded in December 2023. Season 3 will continue the story after the tragic Shibuya Incident Arc.

The villains succeed in trapping Gojo inside the Prison Realm while the Sorceres not only attempt to free him but also fight against the villains. Whether it’s Tokyo or the Jujutsu society, everything is in chaos going into the Culling Game. After the Shibuya Incident ended with unimaginable casualties, the top brass declared Gojo a traitor. They also plan to execute Yuji by Yuta’s hands. However, even this won’t stop Gojo’s students from fighting for their beloved Sensei. Unfortunately, things will continue to spiral down in the Culling Game Arc as the manga introduces more characters. The arc also has some of the best fights in the series, and one fan has just made an incredible animation of Hakari vs Kashimo.

Warning: This article contains spoilers from the Jujutsu Kaisen manga!

[RELATED: Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 Debuts Stunning First Look]

Jujutsu Kaisen Fan Animates Hakari vs Kashimo

In the 25-second video, we see Jujutsu Kaisen’s Hakari and Kashimo running around and attacking one another in an accurate, stylized fan-animated production. The presentation is black and white and extremely fluid, even having voiceovers and impressive sound design. The animator is a popular artist on X and YouTube. The video quickly went viral on both platforms.

Hakari is a third-year student who was suspended after getting into a physical altercation with a conservative member of the Jujutsu higher-ups due to a disagreement. Although his name was mentioned in the first season of the anime, Hakari will properly debut in the third season of Jujutsu Kaisen. In the Perfect Preparation Arc of the manga, Yuji and Megumi approach him in hopes of having him fight on their side.

It takes a while for them to convince Hakari, but he proves to be a worthy ally. The Culling Game Arc, which is a brutal battle royale that Kenjkau started, includes several thrilling fights. Hakari fights Kashimo, a reincarnated sorcerer from over 400 years ago. The fight continues from Chapter 186 to 190, with both sides using flashy techniques and enjoying the thrill of a battle.

Hakari proves why Gojo believes he is one of the students, along with Yuta and Yuji, with the ability to surpass him. The fight ends with Kashimo’s defeat, but the young sorcerer refuses to kill his opponent. Hakari believes this barely counts as a victory since he gave it his all while Kashimo didn’t even use his Cursed Technique. Kashimo’s technique is a double-edged sword, as it will instantly kill him after one use. Thus, he saves that one chance to fight against Sukuna and fulfill his dream in the Shinjuku Showdown Arc, as any other use would not be worth it.

H/T: DarkPlatinum1 on X

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Adam McArthur has been in some of the biggest anime and animated releases in recent memory, and ComicBook recently got the chance to speak with the voice actor about some of his biggest roles so far. Anime fans might recognize McArthur as the voice behind some key English dub releases of anime such as Kaiju No. 8, Jujutsu Kaisen, Tokyo Revengers and more. Chances are if you have been watching anime in the last few years specifically, then you have heard McArthur in some of the biggest roles. So big that we just had to ask McArthur all about his experiences.

McArthur recently sat down with ComicBook and we got the chance to ask him all about some of the bigger hits of his long career such as his take on Reno Ichikawa in Kaiju No. 8, Yuji Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen (and surprisingly in a Megan Thee Stallion track), and even went further back to ask about his time as Marco Diaz in Star vs. the Forces of the Evil.

Read on below for our interview (which has been edited for length and clarity) with Adam McArthur celebrating some of his biggest roles, and let us know how you feel in the comments!

NICK VALDEZ, COMICBOOK: Right now, you’re involved with one of the biggest Kaiju blockbusters we’ve seen with Kaiju No. 8. It’s had a huge release in terms of not only getting the dub at the same time as the original, but we’re also seeing it on X. For you who’s at the center of all of this, how do you feel seeing the response to Kaiju No. 8 so far?

ADAM MCARTHUR: Kaiju No. 8 is the perfect example of cohesive marketing. It’s amazing because, it doesn’t happen very often in anime, weirdly. And that’s not necessarily a critique or anything like that. It’s just when you’re licensing stuff from Japan and it’s here, you have hoops to jump through for promoting here. It has to have approval here, and then it also has to have approval in Japan. So sometimes rollouts of these shows can be very clunky. And with Kaiju No. 8 everything just seems to be firing on all cylinders, and it’s really, really cool.

Everything on this show from the music, to the action, to the characters, to the story…I tell people one of the things I love most about it is you can get attached to the characters because they don’t die. So you know the stakes are still high, but it’s not like other shows that I’ve been a part of where you know your favorite character is gone the next week. It’s been really cool to be a part of this show, and having bands like One Republic, and artists like Youngblood be a part of the the music. I think it’s bringing in a lot of people who might not necessarily, have watched before.

It’s really felt like a worldwide celebration. You star as the deuteragonist, Reno Ichikawa, who is pretty much the real second in command. Even though Kafka is the guy who turns into Kaiju No. 8, Reno is a lot of the heart of the series. So what has been your favorite Ichikawa moment so far?

There’s so many fun moments. This show actually really caught me off guard. I didn’t know I was gonna be working on it, up until a couple of weeks before and and a couple of weeks after Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 had ended, I got cast. I was very excited. I knew it was gonna be cool, but I hadn’t done a super deep dive into the manga at that point. I knew it was gonna be cool, but what caught me off guard was how funny it is. The show is so funny, and Kafka and Reno are truly like an odd couple, and their dynamic together, I think, like you said, just has so much heart.

My favorite Reno moment is probably right after Kafka swallows the Kaiju in the hospital and they break out of the hospital. There’s that whole running sequence where, if you haven’t seen the show and you’re reading this, Kafka pees out of his nipples. That’s a thing that happens. So there’s that. There’s just the realization of the craziness that they’re gonna be getting into with this new transformation, and it’s so much fun.

[Kaiju No. 8] Season 2 is coming up later this year. What are you hoping to see for Ichikawa? Now that you’ve gone through a whole season with him and got to explore his character a bit, what are you hoping to see next?

I’m excited for Ichikawa to keep leveling up. I think him and Kafka both have their journeys to go through. And I think, while Ichikawa’s resolve is strong and he’ll never give up, and that’s his thing, I think he has a long ways to go to reach his full potential. So I’m excited to see maybe more of what gives him that mindset, maybe some backstory. I always love when an author and an anime put characters in really tough positions, and we get to see how they react and how they get out of those. So I would like to see Ichikawa in some some tough positions.

I’m curious as to your approach to anime dubbing in general. You’ve mentioned reading the manga [with Kaiju No.8], is that something you do when signed on to a role? What kind of research do you do before jumping into a new role?

It really depends. I try and do as much of a deep dive as I can. I feel it’s really important as an actor to be connected to the source material, and to have that knowledge. I also have peers who prefer to be surprised when they’re in the booth. They want to have a surprise reaction when they’re acting. But for me, I like to know where the the story is headed so that I can maybe pepper in some foreshadowing here and there. It helps me understand why a scene is in place if I know what the payoff is later. So I feel like it’s important to do that.

So for shows like Kaiju No. 8 where I’m coming in at the beginning, as soon as I got cast, boom, I started reading the manga. Made sure I knew what was going on, who is Ichikawa, what he’s all about, what’s his relationship like with Kafka. And, same thing for Jujutsu Kaisen. The other thing I try not to pay too much attention to…these shows both have had so much hype prior to them releasing, which can be a hindrance, and I try to ignore it. But where I do let it impact me is I got to make sure I’m prepared. I can’t go in and just be like, “Ah well, we’ll see what happens.” So I do try and and read the source material and be ready.

Some shows, it’s just simply not possible. For example, I voice a character named [Saigiku Jouno] in Bungo Stray Dogs, and he comes in Season 5. I got the call, I think at like 9PM the night before they needed me in the session at 9AM. And I’m like, “Alright. There’s no way I’m reading all of Bungo Stray Dogs tonight or watching four and a half seasons of anime to try and get caught up.” So in that case, I’m very reliant on the director who’s been with the project since the beginning, and them to sort of help guide me and guide the performance. Those are always kind of the scarier sessions because you are really relinquishing control, and it becomes even more collaborative than animation already is. But, yeah, it sort of just depends on the project.

The Jujutsu Kaisen of it all is very interesting in terms of the kind of the pressures you’ve faced as not only did it have hype beforehand, but it kind of hit a whole new scale following Season 2. As Yuji Itadori himself, how are you feeling right now after absorbing it all? How is it sitting with you?

Right now, I would say I’m sitting in a pretty good spot. I feel very proud of the work the cast did for Season 2. I think we all really did a great job, and I’m very critical. I’m very critical. My castmates, I think they’re all stellar no matter what they do. But I’m very critical of myself, and Jujutsu Kaisen was a beast. Going into Season 1, the context of it all for us was it was October of 2020, so we were in the thick of COVID. Everyone’s recording from their home. And for me, it was a brand new studio, a brand new director, and a brand new genre. It was the first anime I had ever worked in.

So stepping into the booth with all of that happening and mind you, because we’re recording from home on our own, we’re not only actors. We’re also now audio engineers handling the audio we’re sending to the studios as they record remotely and all this stuff, so it was a lot of pressure for Season One. I would say that I didn’t necessarily know how much I could decide on my own about how I wanted things to sound tonally and how I wanted them to go. I feel like you hear a little shift.

Side note, every new show that happens there’s an adjustment period for the actors. If you go back to Friends, you’re like “Wow, they’re really different than they end up.” So I have to be a little gracious with myself, but I do feel like I settled in probably around episode four or five of Season One. Then tonally, I just feel like with the Shibuya Incident and the Hidden Inventory arc, everyone was just delivering fantastic performances week over week. It’s been good, but it’s a lot of pressure. It is a lot of pressure, but it’s a lot of fun, I think.

Yuji goes through some really rough stuff in [Jujutsu Kaisen] Season 2, so as a performer, where do you go to dig into those dark places? Because he’s going through some really tough emotions.

It’s tough, man. The first scene that’s the big tough one in Season 2 is when Sukuna gives Yuji back his body, and he sees the devastation that Sukuna has caused. And, obviously, I’ve never leveled a portion of Tokyo, so it’s hard to relate on the scale that it happened in. But I will say what I try and do is I think about what Yuji’s feeling in that moment. And to me, Yuji’s feeling an immense amount of guilt and, how could he have done this? But guilt was sort of this thing that I kept going back to. The actor’s job is to sort of bridge the gap between you and the character. Well, the thing is, coincidentally, I’ve felt an immense amount of guilt throughout my life. I think we all have and everyone can relate.

I do think that’s why that moment is so relatable and so impactful. But for me, I sort of just have to think about those times where I felt those things and, what it meant to not only me, but what it meant to the people around me and why I was feeling that way. Then when I go into the booth and I’m recording those lines, those emotions that I’ve just sort of not re-lived, but that I can remember and that I’ve experienced in my life, they’re just available to call upon during those moments. It was really important for me to make sure that all of the difficult, emotional, tearful scenes with Yuji felt really real and not like an anime main character crying. You know? I wanted people to know that I was leaving the booth, and bursting into tears in my car because it’s just so heavy.

I feel like it all turned out really, really well. There’s a few episodes back to back that had stuff like that. And so it was interesting because, I’d go in and I’d record for sometimes 20 minutes because that portion of that episode is such a short thing. That’s all Yuji’s in the episode for. So my session was fifteen, twenty minutes long. You go in with all this emotion kind of ready to draw on, and you do this really emotional scene. And then the director clicks the button, and they’re like, “Alright. Thank you so much. Great job, Adam. I’ll see you next week.” It was a little more somber than that at that point.

But it’s just a really interesting thing. I have to leave and get in my car, go home and pretend like everything’s normal and I’m fine, and then be ready to be in that headspace the week after. At the end of Season Two, I was like “I finally understand why actors need a break from certain characters,” And, I was like, “Can I just do a romance anime? Where’s Food Wars when you need it? Give me a cooking show or something. But then Kaiju No. 8 came came along, and I got to have a lot of fun with that one. So it all works.

Speaking of fun, as Yuji you got to have a little bit of fun in a pretty prominent way with Megan Thee Stallion for “Otaku Hot Girl.” How did that even come together? Were you approached by her team? Talk me through the process a little bit.

Well, Nick, I’m a rap god, and they listened to my mixtape, which dropped. I’m just kidding. So back in 2021, the episode came out of Jujutsu Kaisen where Todo asked Yuji, “What kind of woman’s your type?” And he said, “I like a tall woman with a nice big ass like Jennifer Lawrence.” So when that came out, I like to pay attention to what fan reactions are and what the fans are saying about episodes. I feel very much like this is a community we’re all equal participants in. So I like to be in there and see what’s going on.

I saw that there was a group of people who were like, “You know, Jennifer Lawrence, nothing against her.” I mean, I think she’s fine. But they were, like, “Tall, big ass. We could do better than this. What about Megan Thee Stallion?” And I was like, “Listen. I’m a man of the people.” If the people are gonna request it, I have to respond. So I went into my home studio, and I re-dubbed myself saying, “I like a tall woman with a nice big ass like Grammy winner Megan Thee Stallion,” and that video has lived on my TikTok and Twitter since 2021. Basically, the long and short of it is they licensed the audio from my post and used it in her track. That’s how it all came to be.

I would say that probably the funniest part is I didn’t know what was happening until the song was out. I wasn’t aware that it was happening. All of this stuff was happening behind the scenes. I’m sitting at home one Thursday night. Like, I had just finished dinner. It might have been around, 9:00 or something like that. My phone just started blowing up and everyone was, “Congratulations. Congratulations, Ninja Mac” on all this stuff. “Oh my god. I can’t believe Ninja Mac’s on a Megan Thee Stallion song.” And I was like, “What are they talking about?” Then shortly, obviously, a little Internet sleuthing that didn’t take more than twenty seconds, found out that they had, used the audio, and it was being licensed. And, yeah, I’m on a Megan Thee Stallion song, which is just crazy.

That’s not something everybody could say.

Yeah, trust me. That’s why I’m leaning into it. That’s why my auto response is that I’m a rap god now.

Rounding out the questions here, one of the roles that I know you very well for is Marco Diaz in Star vs. the Forces of Evil. I love the show, but it’s been so long since it ended. I do have to ask as there are shows that come back with reboots, sequels, or other projects. I saw you’ve done work with Chibiverse as the character, so if there ever was a full Star vs. the Forces of Evil revival, is that something you’d be interested in returning for?

There’s zero question in my mind about what I would do in that situation. I would 100% come back to voice Marco. This year is our ten year anniversary of its premiere, and it’s the six year anniversary of it finishing. You know the way it ended left so much else to be done and I think the show has legs. If Disney wanted to do a movie or a miniseries or something like that, the fandom would go crazy. So, yeah, like I said, I’m a man of the people. I want to do it. I know that people would love it.

I hear all the time from fans how much the show means to them and how special it was, and I do truly believe that it was a unicorn show for Disney. No pun intended. But I do think that it was. Gravity Falls was also one of these shows, but it came right on the heels of Gravity Falls, and so a lot of those fans came to Star. It was just a really special time in the type of shows that Disney was making. And from it we saw shows like Amphibia and The Owl House go on to tell these serialized, episodic shows that are not very common in for “kids animation.” I hope at some point we get to do some more of it. I’d love to see what Star and Marco are up to. I have my theories about magic and if it’s really gone, who the real villain is, and what what we could see.

Just as a fan, what would you want to see from Marco if they came back with something new?

We’re in a whole new location. Earth and Mewni have collided. Star and Marco are together. I think it would be really interesting to see what would happen if magic wasn’t actually destroyed, but maybe it was just dispersed. And maybe Toffee is actually back and kind of helped orchestrate all this. He wanted magic spread out because then it meant that it would be harder to actually defeat him. And Mina Loveberry, who we met as the villain in the end of Season 4, was actually a big distraction. Star and Marco realized magic’s not dead and they have to go on this quest to restore what little there is left to defeat Toffee. I just think it would be so cool.

We could do that with maybe a little time skip, so they’re a little bit older. I mean, anime is so popular now and Star had such an influence from shows like Sailor Moon that it might be cool to just switch up the genre and do something a little bit more anime. That’d be so cool. There’s just so much potential. It would be so cool for, I don’t know, Disney to wake up and utilize it. Maybe they are! I don’t know. They don’t tell me, I’m just an actor. Maybe right now [series creator Daron Nefcy]’s at Disney, and she’s writing something that I don’t know about. It’s all possible.

The post Kaiju No. 8 Star Adam McArthur Talks Jujutsu Kaisen, Megan Thee Stallion and More appeared first on ComicBook.com.