The mastermind behind the immensely popular manga and anime series Jujutsu Kaisen, Gege Akutami, is well known for their unique storytelling and skill in fusing horror aspects with the Shounen genre. However, according to many revelations, Akutami may not have reached the full extent of his potential as a horror writer because of editing choices that shaped the series into what it is now.
Jujutsu Kaisen 0, released in December 2018, is a sequel to Akutami’s Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School. It was serialized in Shueisha’s Jump Giga from April to July 2017. As a horror fan, Akutami initially wanted the story to have a darker theme, but the suggestion provided by the first editor altered the direction of the storyline forever.
The Origin Behind the Production of Jujutsu Kaisen Manga
Jujutsu Kaisen was initially envisioned by Akutami to be a much darker series. The original idea was to present a grim story with Yuta Okkotsu and his cursed spirit Rika Orimoto as the primary characters. Refereing a video from YouTube by @cedgehoganime,
The plot was supposed to revolve around the search and the creation of strong sorcerers who could put an end to Yuta and Rika‘s violent killing spree. This concept offered a deep dive into horror, highlighting the horrifying results of evil curses and unrestrained power.
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However, despite finding the compelling nature of this idea interesting, Akutami’s editor found it too dark for the target audience. The editor proposed a major shift in the series’ direction, suggesting that a lighter and more approachable setting would appeal to a wider demographic. This idea gave rise to the school setting that fans have grown used to, where young sorcerers train to fight curses in a structured environment.
Akutami was initially displeased by the editorial choice to change the focus from a horror to a school setting. Known for their love of horror and dark themes, Akutami’s initial vision was proof of their passion for the genre. The change not only impacted Jujutsu Kaisen‘s plot, but also might have hindered Akutami’s full potential as a horror author from being fully explored.
Gege Akutami’s Horror Inspirations
Horror served as the primary source of inspiration for Gege Akutami in several aspects of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga. Hideous curses, spooky settings, and scary moments have prevailed throughout the series. As an avid follower of found footage, horror films, and the occult, Akutami’s references are evident in the graphic and unsettling scenes that fill the narrative.
In addition to Yuta’s story, characters like Mahito, whose abilities are deeply unsettling, and the backstory of characters like Junpei Yoshino, provide glimpses of the darker themes Akutami is capable of exploring. These elements are a demonstration of what Jujutsu Kaisen could have been if the original darker concept had been fully utilized.
It is impossible not to think about the terrifying stories that could have been while we continue to enjoy the exciting adventures of Yuji Itadori and the others. It would be interesting to see Akutami return to their horror origins in the future with a new project. A project like this might provide an expanded exposure to Akutami’s abilities as a true horror writer.
You can watch Jujutsu Kaisen on Netflix.
