Gege Akutami’s approach toward storytelling has been one that managed to turn heads ever since Jujutsu Kaisen first started serializing. There has always been a range provided in the manga as well as the anime, one that brings it both praise and criticism. In the way the story is written, there is a flow that can disappoint yet excite fans at the same time.
Such is the case with pacing, character understanding, and the direction in which the story is going. For Jujutsu Kaisen, the tail was already set in stone before it began. Itadori’s fate was decided and with it, everything else that came with his journey. Akutami’s editor noticed this too, loving the way the story blends two different groups together.
Jujutsu Kaisen is for Everyone
In an interview with Viz Media, Jujutsu Kaisen’s editor Tatsuhiko Katayama, opened up about working with Gege Akutami. The entire experience was unique, including the way Akutami derived the entire story. Comparing it with Black Clover, he acknowledged the fact that the mangaka had their ideas set straight, it was just the execution that they needed to work on.
“It’s a shonen manga for adults or a more mature manga for kids. Meaning, adults will be reminded of how they felt when they were younger, and kids can read it and feel like they’re growing up. They get to see a glimpse of a cool, adult world. So basically, it’s a series that anyone can enjoy! That’s the basic sales pitch that I came up with. But to be more specific, the dialogue is really sharp.”
Another factor that came into play was how dark the manga really is. Standing in as one of the top three dark shonen works, there is a fine line between the age groups that can indulge in such a genre. The editor stated that the series managed to bring about a sense of nostalgia while also directing into darker tones.
It became something that both children and adults could enjoy at the same time. This brought about the possibility for everyone to enjoy the series without any issues.
Gege Akutami Knows What to Do
During the interview with Viz Media, Tatsuhiko Katayama added further that in the way that Gege Akutami writes Jujutsu Kaisen and puts in the characters, they become more real. They grow individually and in their own dark journeys. A character as light-hearted as Itadori Yuji is put through the biggest turmoils.
“All the characters are really unique and speak as if they are real people. That’s what sets it apart from other series. Also, the plot is really dire. Like the main character almost dies immediately, and there’s some really grotesque stuff in it. But the themes of the story require that. It’s not just thrown in there without reason. How will the characters develop under these cruel conditions? It’s serious, but it touches your heart. That’s the kind of manga it is.”
Every dark aspect isn’t added for the shock factor. Instead, there is a reason behind each and every move. Itadori is almost killed when the story first starts, then actually killed right before the Kyoto Goodwill Event arc. He then gets revived again, only to be put through one obstacle after another, without break.
The pacing of the story is serious in all ways. From Gojo’s character to Nanami’s, they all suffer from PTSD or other issues that are perfectly portrayed in different means. Light-hearted as it may be for some viewers, it becomes just as serious for others; making it compatible for all age groups.
Jujutsu Kaisen is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
