The combination of high-stakes actions, distinct characters, and compelling storylines has always been a trademark of the Shonen genre. However, as the genre evolves, it comes under thorough scrutiny from its own passionate fans. Similarly, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has received several criticisms for its increasingly outlandish and comedic elements. Particularly after Luffy’s Gear Five form was introduced, there has been a great deal of critique about it as some people have accused Oda of driving the genre into absurdity.
But before Shonen fanatics jump to conclusions, it’s crucial to take into account the larger picture of modern manga. Jujutsu Kaisen, a series known for its dark and gory themes, has a character that exhibits the same ridiculous comedic aspect that some One Piece fans find offensive. In Gege Akutami’s story, a failing comedian turned sorcerer named Takaba Fumihiko has a Cursed Technique that equals Gear Five’s chaotic and ridiculous nature. This brings a new light to the evolving nature of the Shonen genre.
Takaba Fumihiko as the Underdog of Jujutsu Kaisen
While Jujutsu Kaisen had earned a reputation as a more “serious” Shonen manga with its gloomy settings, Gege Akutami introduced a character whose powers and personality seemed ripped from a different genre altogether. Takaba Fumihiko, a struggling comedian turned jujutsu sorcerer, possesses a Cursed Technique that is as bizarre as it is powerful.
He is a sorcerer turned by Kenjaku in order to participate in the Culling game. His innate technique turns the battlefield into a stage for his absurd comedy, allowing anything that seems funny to him to come true. Whether it’s boasting an impressive level of cursed energy or turning the tide with well-timed goofiness, Takaba’s presence in Jujutsu Kaisen is a stark contrast to the series’ otherwise serious tone.
Despite being extremely powerful, Takaba’s goofy nature makes people underestimate him. Even though normally he could have been written off as a comic relief, Akutami skillfully included him in the plot to display the unpredictable nature of the curses. Chapter 242 of Jujutsu Kaisen proves that even the darkest of stories can benefit from a touch of humor and as a genre, Shonen manga is not bound by rigid tonal boundaries.
One Piece‘s Gear Five Luffy as the Frontman for Shonen Absurdity
The Gear Five transformation of Luffy has sparked both amazement and doubts within the One Piece fanbase. The form’s visual design, which is similar to classic Western comics, was a striking deviation from the darker undertones that had defined One Piece in previous arcs. For some fans, it displayed a new form of creativity while for others it was a step too far — a jump into the world of outright absurdity.
However, it’s important to note that these comedic character designs demonstrate that comedy and power are not mutually exclusive in Shonen manga. In fact, when the two are combined, a series can have some of its most powerful and memorable moments.
Both Oda and Akutami challenge conventional ideas of what Shonen should be by pushing beyond the boundaries of what is possible in their own worlds, paving the way for fresh approaches to storytelling and character development. Luffy’s Gear Five and Takaba’s Cursed Technique have a lot in common. In both cases, the norms of reality are twisted to fit the whims of the characters, resulting in a sort of hilarious invincibility.
Thus, the claims made against Eiichiro Oda for ruining the Shonen genre fail to take into account the larger patterns influencing modern manga. Both in One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen, these seemingly absurd and cartoonish characters highlight the genre’s capacity for innovation and its ability to blend different tones and styles in ways that enrich the story.
You can read One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen on Viz Media as of 19th August, 2024.
