My first anime review will be on Jujutsu Kaisen!
After finishing the first season, I’m kicking myself for not starting this sooner. I’ve heard so many good things about this series, though I thought it was overhyped.
It’s not.
Jujutsu Kaisen is a rare gem that, despite having similar notes from other shows, it comes together in a unique way that gives the viewer an amazing experience. Originally, it was pitched to me as Naruto meets Bleach. Despite the fact these are 2 of the Big 3 Shonen, they’re two of my favorite series. But, it felt like a wild comparison like when a new series is “the next Lord of the Rings meets Game of Thrones.” It sounds too good to be true. Here, however, there’s decent merit to using Naruto and Bleach. The main character has a malevolent entity inside them they must control, similar to Kurama sealed away in Naruto. The idea of curses, which Jujutsu Sorcerers fight, remind me a lot of hollows from Bleach, from their creation to how they’re eliminated, or “exorcised” in the series.
From these similarities though, I think the series stands out well on its own. The main three characters are well balanced and I love the supporting cast as well. The way they interact with each other is refreshing to see after some of the trios I’ve seen in other anime. After seeing memes of Gojo, I thought he’d be my favorite character. Yet the quiet Megumi who wants to protect people became the one I love. The badass Maki in the exchange program sold me on her character and I want nothing but the best for her. A lot of the characters read as morally grey, from both the “heroes” and “villains” which is refreshing. It’s not preachy on what’s good and what’s bad, with overlapping on how to survive in this world.
The story is compelling from the first episode and I needed to pace myself so I wouldn’t binge it in one night. The fights are beautifully choregraphed and look incredible. To avoid spoilers, I won’t mention the incident, but what happens in episode 12 and 13 was devastating as an audience member. Though we’re getting a movie based on the prequel soon, there’s currently no information on a season 2. So, I’m going to start the manga to get more Jujutsu Kaisen in my life because this series left me hollow with how epic it was.
5/5 Sukuna Fingers
Got any anime recommendations? Leave them in the comments!
Kaylen Azalea Grimm 