The Jujutsu Kaisen manga has taken the anime and manga community by storm since its debut in 2018. Written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, this dark fantasy shonen series blends supernatural elements, intense battles, and deep character development. With its unique power system, compelling villains, and fast-paced storytelling, Jujutsu Kaisen has cemented its place as one of the best modern shonen manga.
The Story of Jujutsu Kaisen Manga
Premise
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student with extraordinary physical abilities. After encountering a cursed object—a rotting finger belonging to the legendary cursed spirit Ryomen Sukuna—Yuji swallows it to protect his friends. This act binds Sukuna’s soul to his body, making him a vessel for the King of Curses.
Instead of executing Yuji immediately, the strongest jujutsu sorcerer, Satoru Gojo, proposes keeping him alive until all of Sukuna’s fingers are collected. Yuji then enrolls at Tokyo Jujutsu High, where he trains to become a jujutsu sorcerer while battling cursed spirits and preventing Sukuna from taking over his body.
Major Arcs
Cursed Womb Arc – Yuji’s introduction to the world of jujutsu sorcery and his first major battle.
Vs. Mahito Arc – A brutal conflict against the sadistic cursed spirit Mahito, who can manipulate souls.
Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc – A competition between Tokyo and Kyoto jujutsu schools with hidden dangers.
Shibuya Incident Arc – A game-changing arc where villains launch a massive attack in Shibuya, leading to major casualties.
Culling Game Arc – A deadly tournament orchestrated by the ancient sorcerer Kenjaku, forcing sorcerers and cursed spirits to fight.
Each arc escalates in intensity, introducing new threats and deepening the lore of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Key Characters in Jujutsu Kaisen Manga
1. Yuji Itadori
The protagonist, Yuji, is a kind-hearted but fierce fighter. His physical prowess and rapid growth make him a formidable sorcerer. Despite hosting Sukuna, he remains determined to protect others.
2. Megumi Fushiguro
A skilled jujutsu sorcerer specializing in shikigami (summoned spirits). His Ten Shadows Technique is one of the most versatile abilities in the series.
3. Nobara Kugisaki
A confident and aggressive sorcerer who uses a hammer and nails infused with cursed energy. Her resilience and personality make her a fan favorite.
4. Satoru Gojo
The strongest jujutsu sorcerer, possessing the near-invincible Limitless and Six Eyes techniques. His charismatic yet playful demeanor hides his deep commitment to reforming the jujutsu world.
5. Ryomen Sukuna
The King of Curses and the series’ primary antagonist. Even in his weakened state, Sukuna’s power is unmatched, and his sadistic nature makes him a terrifying villain.
6. Mahito
A cursed spirit who embodies humanity’s fear of each other. His ability to manipulate souls leads to some of the most disturbing moments in the manga.
Themes and Writing Style
1. The Nature of Curses
Jujutsu Kaisen explores how negative emotions generate curses, reflecting real-world issues like fear, hatred, and trauma. The manga delves into how these emotions manifest as deadly supernatural threats.
2. Death and Sacrifice
Unlike traditional shonen manga where main characters are often safe, Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t afraid to kill off major characters, adding weight to every battle.
3. Moral Ambiguity
The line between good and evil is blurred. Some sorcerers have questionable motives, while certain curses display human-like emotions.
4. Fast-Paced Action
Gege Akutami’s fight choreography is dynamic and strategic, with battles relying on wit and technique rather than just brute strength.
Why Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Stands Out?
1. Unique Power System
Cursed energy and techniques are well-defined, with rules that prevent power creep. Each character’s abilities are distinct, making fights unpredictable.
2. Strong Female Characters
Unlike many shonen manga, Jujutsu Kaisen gives female characters like Nobara and Maki significant roles and powerful abilities.
3. Darker Tone
The series doesn’t shy away from gore and psychological horror, setting it apart from more lighthearted shonen titles.
4. Well-Written Antagonists
Villains like Mahito and Sukuna are complex, with clear motivations beyond just being “evil.”
Conclusion
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga is a masterclass in modern shonen storytelling. With its gripping plot, deep characters, and breathtaking battles, it has rightfully earned its place among the greats like Naruto and Bleach. Whether you’re a longtime manga fan or new to the genre, Jujutsu Kaisen is a must-read.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Jujutsu Kaisen manga about?
Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, a high schooler who becomes a vessel for the powerful curse Ryomen Sukuna after swallowing one of his fingers. He joins Tokyo Jujutsu High to train as a sorcerer, battling curses while trying to prevent Sukuna from taking over his body.
2. Who is the author of Jujutsu Kaisen?
The manga is written and illustrated by Gege Akutami. It began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in March 2018.
3. How many volumes of Jujutsu Kaisen manga are there?
As of 2024, the Jujutsu Kaisen manga has over 25+ volumes and is still ongoing. New chapters are released weekly (with occasional breaks).
4. Is Jujutsu Kaisen manga finished?
No, the manga is still ongoing, but Gege Akutami has stated that it is in its final arc, meaning the story is approaching its conclusion.
5. What makes Jujutsu Kaisen different from other shonen manga?
Darker tone with heavy themes of death and morality
No plot armor—major characters can die unexpectedly
Unique power system (cursed energy, Domain Expansions)
Strong female characters who play key roles
6. Who is the strongest character in Jujutsu Kaisen?
Satoru Gojo is considered the strongest sorcerer due to his Limitless technique and Six Eyes. However, Ryomen Sukuna (at full power) rivals or surpasses him.
7. What is the “Shibuya Incident” arc?
The Shibuya Incident is a major arc where curses and rogue sorcerers launch a large-scale attack in Shibuya, leading to game-changing deaths and power shifts. It’s one of the most intense arcs in the series.
8. Are there any spin-offs or prequels to Jujutsu Kaisen?
Yes! Jujutsu Kaisen 0 is a prequel manga (originally titled Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School), focusing on Yuta Okkotsu. It was adapted into a movie.
9. Will there be a Jujutsu Kaisen Season 3 anime?
Yes! Season 3 will adapt the Culling Game arc, one of the longest and most action-packed arcs in the manga.
10. Where can I read the Jujutsu Kaisen manga legally?
You can read it officially on:
Shonen Jump (Manga Plus)
Viz Media
Amazon Kindle/ComiXology