MAPPA’s long-runningAttack On Titanis finally at an end, regardless of how much the anime postponed its own finale. This dark fantasy anime was a sensationalized hit after its 2013 debut, and over the past decade, earned a loyal following that is deeply invested in the series. Some may herald thatAttack On Titancould possibly be the best anime ever made. The claim is a bold one and a definitive statement that could also be challenged. Obviously each person’s favorite anime or movie or TV show is deeply subjective. When it comes to claiming one is an all time best, personal preference, narrative direction, art style, genre, and other elements factor into how each anime is perceived. However, there are definitelygoodanime out there. There are alsogreatanime, and thebestanime does exist. While it is notAttack on Titan, it also comes from MAPPA:Jujutsu Kaisenmay be a recent release, but its prestigious reputation is more than deserved.
Jujutsu Kaisenis a masterclass in storytelling, and each episode is even more compelling than the last. Its macabre themes are refreshing for the shōnen genre. The animation alone is stunning, andeven if the show doesn’t resonate with an audience on a narrative level, it’s gorgeous from an artistic standpoint. It’s risky to say thatJujutsu Kaisenis flawless, but simultaneously, the show takes risks to stand out and be considered “the best.” It nimbly dodges shōnen clichés, is supported by stellar screenwriting, it’s backed by strong voice performances, and highlights its female cast.Jujutsu Kaisenisn’t afraid to go dark when incorporating horror influences into its core plot in an unapologetic way. Overall,Jujutsu Kaisen’s ability to seamlessly knit together high-quality elements, all while being one streamlined series, proves its worthiness as the best in the game.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s anime first aired in 2020, shortly after themanga entered publication in the summer of 2018. Also known asSorcery Fight,Jujutsu Kaisencomes from Japanese manga writer and illustratorGege Akutami. It follows powerful Jujutsu Sorcerers on their quest todefeat a curse known as Ryomen Sukuna.In theJujutsu Kaisenuniverse, all living beings carry a form of cursed energy that is associated with negative energy, and Jujutsu Sorcerers are tasked with eliminating these Curses before they can wreak havoc on humanity.MAPPA’s adaption ofJujutsu Kaiseninto anime form was a successful one, faithfully recounting the events of the manga while elevating its the series' story through the studio’s signature touches. Longevity does not always equate to superiority, but even as a relative newcomer to the anime world,Jujutsu Kaisenhas set out to achieve greatness.
Jujutsu Kaisen
A boy swallows a cursed talisman - the finger of a demon - and becomes cursed himself. He enters a shaman’s school to be able to locate the demon’s other body parts and thus exorcise himself.
‘Jujutsu Kaisen Exceeds’ In Its Storytelling Ability
It’s incredibly difficult to write a compelling, captivating script. Fortunately forJujutsu Kaisen,MAPPA is able to shake off any doubts about the show’s narrative quality.Jujutsu Kaisen’s seamless means of telling a fascinating story has taken a complex plot and broken it down into thrilling episodic bits. MAPPA’s strategic cliffhanger formula has assisted in heightening howJujutsu Kaisenlays out its plot arc-by-arc, and the animation studio has masterfully timed how to align its anime with the manga. Writing the story is not often the highlight in a shōnen genre anime.Attack On Titanhas been applauded for its overarching plot and somemajor cornerstones within the series. However, some shōnen anime are guilty of relying onfiller episodesto carry the weight of their show and cut out any extensive exposition.Jujutsu Kaiseneliminates the need or want for filler, and instead focuses on the most important aspects of its source material. Time skips are used as a tool to keep the series flowing, and honestly, are far more interesting than relying on plot armor to pad a plot. EvenJujutsu Kaisen’s riveting fight scenes are designed to achieve the series' ultimate goal and play a significant role in the plot. These thrilling showdowns aren’t just fun to watch - they’re vital to the more dramatic elements ofJujutsu Kaisen.
WhileJujutsu Kaisenadmittedly isn’t for everyone, every episode has the ability to flow together without any form of disconnect and it doesn’t dull down any part of its story in order to be more tame.Jujutsu Kaisenis the best anime (so far) because of how it carries itself — there’s no moment whereJujutsu Kaisenis asking its viewership to wade through clunkier episodes, or tough out any declines in quality. This comes from how strong its core narrative is, andJujutsu Kaisenhas mastered the art of engrossing a fanbase in itstwo seasons(and movie). The excitement around each episode’s release is well-warranted, and with them, there’s a promise that MAPPA will carry on with its display of exemplary storytelling. That’s not to sayAttack on Titandoesn’t have that same magnetism, butJujutsu Kaisenhas that something special.
‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Subverts Shōnen Clichés
Jujutsu Kaisenis the best anime because of its rejection of being a traditional shōnen anime. The insistence of avoiding the stereotypes and expectations of other shōnen anime has grantedJujutsu Kaisenthe means of standing out in a more memorable, impactful sense. That’s not to claim thatallofJujutsu Kaisenis anti-shonen or the anime completely departs from some traits shared with others in the genre, but its sense of maturity and unabashed desire to be darker has promoted its standing among its competition.Approaching the shōnen genre with a more adult tone keepsJujutsu Kaisenmore grounded as a wholewhile being able to nod back to fundamental pillars. That being said, the series also bypasses the inclusion of incompetent villains, extensive training sequences, overly sexualized female characters, and flashback sequences for good measure.Jujusu Kaisen’svillains aren’t sympathetic, and that’s a good thing. That genuine disdain for evil and injustice encourages a sense of hatred for these major antagonists, and that disdain expressed for them makesJujutsu Kaiseneven more interesting. On the contrary,Jujutsu Kaisenenhances the typical shōnen qualities by keeping the doomed protagonist, powerful mentor, and competent supporting cast front and center.
The choice to exempt any direct romantic subplot fromJujutsu Kaisencontributes to the show’s esteemed reputation.Women in anime have had a long and complicated relationship.Anime has been guilty of reducing women down to love interests (sometimes with unbelievably unrealistic body standards) and, on occasion, gives them little to no significance.Jujutsu Kaisendismantles the role of women in shōnen anime, and instead, promotes its femme leads to be strong and fierce. Namely,Nobara Kugaski and Maki Zen’in.Jujutsu Kaisen’s female characters sets the show ahead of other anime. Both Nobara and Maki play essential roles inJujutsu Kaisen, and the series' decision to turn them into fearsome Jujutsu Sorcerers contributes to how important they truly are. Each are fully developed characters that do not rely on a masculine counterpart for validity, visibility, or relevancy.
Jujutsu Kaisenis also the best anime because of how skillfully it weaves in flavors of horror.Jujutsu Kaisen’s willingness not to hold back and push boundaries is what makes the series so great. It challenges genre expectations and exceeds them by not being afraid to introduce more violence.Jujutsu Kaisenalready stands out as an action-adventure anime; laying on horror with a heavy hand makes these darker themes last with a unique impact.The show isn’t scary, but instead, is chillingly intriguing. Contrary toAttack On Titan’s way of ignoring anime stereotypes,Jujusu Kaisenbalances tradition while also forging its own path. There are still familiar beats that the series hits, such as lighter moments that feel like slices of life.
‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ Is Thought-Provoking and Its Themes Are Deep
Often, other anime touches on some themes or talking points that relate to the real world, butJujutsu Kaisenhas gone beyond just mentioning these parallels.In fact,Jujutsu Kaisencan be deeply uncomfortable. Death, grief, and guilt are all active ingredients inJujutsu Kaisen’s moral recipe that’s baked into the plot, and a great emphasis is put on how they directly impact each character.While other anime, such asAttack On Titan, also work these ideas into their storyline, Yuuji Itadori must face the consequences of hosting Lord Sakuna while training to be a Jujutsu Sorcerer — all while being a high school student. He’s forced to live with actions that aren’t really his and face the reality of his tortured bond with Sakuna as his quest for destruction rages on.The complex plot ofJujutsu Kaisenalso digs into family relationships and their complicated natures, especially when it comes to Toji Fushiguro and the Zen’in Clan.
Jujutsu Kaisenharbors conversations around ethics, the consequences of actions, and existentialism while tapping into these themes through the heart of the anime. The villains ofJujutsu Kaisenare also thought-provoking: look at Geto Suguru, who wants to remove Cursed Energy for good. His intention to eliminate all non-Jujutsu Sorcerers from the planet is controversial at best.One could liken Geto’s mission to non-fictional acts of genocide and oppression against marginalized groups, and it can be related back to what’s really happening in today’s current events.
The animation used to bringJujutsu Kaisento life is absolutely stunning.Jujutsu Kaisencan be named as one of the best animes from an artistic point of view, just because of how advanced and skilled the animation team is.MAPPA’s unceasing dedication to ensuring thatJujutsu Kaisenis beautiful, even in its most brutal moments, is incredible. The art style in anime is completely subjective, though the overall quality ofJujutsu Kaisen’s art direction is stunning. MAPPA’s unique aesthetic is perfectly paired withJujutsu Kaisen’s source material, and it is able to enhance how the original manga is illustrated through striking, unforgettable visuals. A pleasing art style doesn’t always mean that the anime is good, as quality and aesthetics can always operate at different wavelengths, butJujutsu Kaisenpromises that the high standards of its animation are parallel to the excellence of the rest of the series. It’s incredibly rare that an anime as exceptional asJujutsu Kaisencomes along. Because of its outstanding core narrative, unconventional approach to the shōnen genre, and gorgeous animation,Jujutsu Kaisenis one of the most impressive anime series today.
