Eiichiro Oda’s one-shot manga Monsters recently got an anime adaptation with the title Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation which was released on January 21 on Netflix. The series revolved around the story of Shimotsuki Ryuma from One Piece, who was known for defeating a dragon all by himself. He is considered to be the strongest swordsman to ever exist in the One Piece universe.
The anime adaptation was directed by Sunghoo Park, who is a South Korean animator and director. He is majorly known for directing the first season of Gege Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen anime. Park’s contribution to the anime adaptation was one of the reasons why Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation became such a huge hit.
What many Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece fans didn’t know was that Park sneaked a small easter egg in the series that was a direct reference to one of the bleakest moments in Jujutsu Kaisen’s first season. When this reference was pointed out, fans were too shocked to find out the crossover between Jujutsu Kaisen and Monsters.
Monsters Anime Adaptation’s Director Added a Small Reference to Jujutsu Kaisen
When Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation was released, a Jujutsu Kaisen fan account @JJK_Mya on X(Formerly Twitter) pointed out the Jujutsu Kaisen reference that director Park sneaked into the episode. The reference involved the protagonist Yuji Itadori, antagonist Sukuna, and the secondary antagonist Mahito.
The reference is from the first season when Mahito used Junpei for his personal gain and later transformed him into a transfigured human. Mahito then forces Junpei to fight Yuji and in a desperate attempt, Yuji asks Sukuna for help. But Sukuna being the menacing figure he is, refuses to help Yuji, and both villains are seen laughing over Yuji’s suffering.
A similar reference was included in Monsters anime where the two major antagonists of the series Cyrano and D.R. are seen laughing over Flare’s naivety when she finds the truth about Cyrano and how he looted her village and killed her parents seven years ago. Although the plotlines of the scenes were different, they shared a similar animation style.
Fans Were Shocked To Find The Jujutsu Kaisen Reference in Monsters Anime
Park including the Jujutsu Kaisen easter egg in Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation was the perfect surprise for both Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece fans. As the Monster series delved into the life of Shimotsuki Ryuma who was one of the most prominent characters in One Piece, getting an additional bonus worked perfectly in the favor of the series.
When @JJK_Mya pointed out the nod, Monsters anime had for Jujutsu Kaisen, fans were startled. They instantly filled the comments with their opinions about the crossover.
While some fans pointed out Park’s discreetness, some were just happy to see a peak anime referencing another peak anime.
Peak X Peak pic.twitter.com/2P3Ufpeycv
— jass (@JASS1000001) January 22, 2024
How jjk gets references in other anime shows it created a great influence
— Lyra (@lyrashizo) January 22, 2024
One piece and JJK? pic.twitter.com/HaC2YUQxE6
— J (@_Joxhan_) January 22, 2024
Peak x peak pic.twitter.com/UBnqRm6jsN
— .👨🍳 (@Yerioflagoss) January 22, 2024
— 👤Mahoraga🦍 (@aaron_dx02) January 22, 2024
Peak recognize Peak. pic.twitter.com/dflyytWjae
— The ONE & ONii (@KAGURABA_CHi) January 22, 2024
Although it has not been officially confirmed by Park or the other creators of Jujutsu Kaisen or the Monsters anime, the reference indeed helped the series and was greatly appreciated by Jujutsu Kaisen and One Piece fans.
You can watch Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation on Netflix and Jujutsu Kaisen on Crunchyroll.
