There are always some mangas and anime that help pave the way for other artists; Eiichiro Oda and Jujutsu Kaisen writer Gege Akutami understand that very well. On one hand, most of the big works have a touch of Dragon Ball in them, with Akira Toriyama having a hand in inspiring these artists. For Akutami though, the credit goes to Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach.
The writer has never tried hiding the fact that the big three are perhaps the blueprints and stepping stones for other mangakas to learn from. However, in their opinion, there is another perspective that comes into play.
With enough observation, one can understand just what may have inspired an author to write their heart out. Whether it is about the mythological references or pop culture. In Akutami’s opinion, there will always be two people whom no one will be able to live up to.
Jujutsu Kaisen is Nowhere Near 2 Mangas
In an interview with Gege Akutami and Tite Kubo for the Jujutsu Kaisen Official Fanbook, the former admitted to having taken inspiration from Bleach. A fact that is no surprise either. Although, that is not it. While the manga did have a part to play in the making of Jujutsu Kaisen, it was nowhere near a copy.
“It’d be unwise for commoners like me to carelessly imitate authors of their caliber. Since their creations are products of the instincts and talents that come with having such a strong identity, I’d only hurt myself if I tried to copy their methods. That’s why I go out of my way to avoid this pitfall.”
Akutami revealed that 2 mangakas, namely Tite Kubo and Chainsaw Man writer Tatsuki Fujimoto; have a unique sense of style and storytelling. One that no one can compare to. They have set up a base that lays the foundation of what others would thrive in order to achieve a unique outlook such as their own.
However, to get to that point would require a great amount of dedication and patience.
Gege Akutami Would Never Copy Tite Kubo
During the interview, Gege Akutami also added that it would be unwise and only invite trouble if they ever tried copying such intriguing and unique mangakas. Inspiration and plagiarism are two very different things. While the lines are often blurred, boundaries are set at the same time.
“I know that imitating it would be the death of me. Ultimately, I can’t copy it because it’s too unique. So whenever I hear people say that my series reminds them of Bleach, I hesitantly reply with something like, ‘Well, sure, I guess… But…”
The writer straight-up claimed that copying such masterpieces would be the worst mistake ever. Even if they tried to copy it, the style and way those stories have been formed and the art has been drawn would take away the essence of what those mangas stand for.
Moreover, Akutami isn’t fond of the idea of Jujutsu Kaisen being compared to Bleach. Not because of how it takes away from the originality but because their work would never compare to Kubo’s magnum opus.
