JJK Manga: Gege Akutami’s “Jujutsu Kaisen” (JJK) has been a standout in the world of manga since its debut in Shonen Jump six years ago. Known for its dark fantasy elements, thrilling action, and complex world-building, JJK quickly became a fan favorite. The series gained popularity for its bold storytelling, unforgettable characters, and shocking plot twists. However, it was the manga’s tendency towards tragedy that truly set it apart from its contemporaries.
The Final Arc
The manga’s final arc, known as the Shinjuku Showdown, was highly anticipated by fans. It centered around the climactic battle with Sukuna, the King of Curses. The arc began with a major shock – the death of fan-favorite character Satoru Gojo. This devastating opening set high expectations for an intense and unpredictable finale.
An Unexpected Turn: The Controversial Ending
Despite the grim start to the final arc, JJK’s conclusion took an unexpected turn. The manga ended in September 2024 after 271 chapters, but the finale left many fans feeling dissatisfied. The primary source of controversy was the sudden shift to a happy ending, which felt out of place given the series’ typically dark tone.
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The Rushed Finale
Following the announcement that JJK would end in just a few chapters, the story wrapped up with surprising speed. Yuji Itadori, the main protagonist, defeated Sukuna in what many fans felt was an anticlimactic manner. The final chapters then quickly summarized the fates of the surviving characters and the state of the jujutsu society, ending on an uncharacteristically positive note.
Tonal Inconsistency
One of the main criticisms of JJK’s ending was its inconsistency with the series’ established tone. Throughout the manga, JJK had excelled at portraying the harsh realities and consequences of the characters’ actions. The finale, however, seemed to abandon this approach.
Characters who were presumed dead, such as Higuruma and Takaba, were revealed to be alive. Nobara Kugisaki, a main character thought to have died earlier in the series, made a sudden return. Even Megumi, who had suffered severe physical and mental damage as Sukuna’s vessel, recovered without much explanation.
Unresolved Plot Threads
Many fans felt that the ending left numerous plot threads unresolved. Major threats, like Kenjaku’s Merger, were seemingly avoided without explanation. The characters appeared to move on with their lives without fully acknowledging the weight of their experiences or the sacrifices made along the way.
Fan Theories and Expectations
The unexpected nature of the ending led to various fan theories. Some readers speculated that the happy ending might be a dream sequence created by Yuji’s domain expansion technique. Others hoped for an announcement of a sequel series that would address the unresolved plot points. However, these theories did not come to fruition, and the epilogue remained the definitive end of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Fan Reactions: Disappointment Over Anger
While some manga endings face harsh backlash or anger from fans, JJK’s conclusion was met primarily with disappointment. Many readers felt that the ending didn’t live up to the high standards set by the rest of the series. The emotional resonance that had been a hallmark of JJK seemed lacking in its final chapters.
Fans had developed high expectations based on the series’ potential and its dedicated following. Many hoped to see certain story elements play out, such as Gojo’s funeral or flashbacks to the Heian era. When these expectations weren’t met, it led to a sense of unfulfillment among the fanbase.
The Impact of High Expectations
The disappointment felt by many fans can be attributed, in part, to the extremely high expectations they had for the series. JJK had built a reputation for being emotionally impactful and narratively daring. When the ending took a more conventional and happy turn, it didn’t align with what many readers had come to expect from the series.
Positive Aspects of the Ending
Despite the criticism, some fans appreciated aspects of the ending. The fact that the beloved characters got to end their journey on a positive note was welcomed by a portion of the fanbase. After witnessing the characters go through numerous hardships, some readers were glad to see them achieve a measure of peace.
The Legacy of Jujutsu Kaisen
While the ending may have been divisive, it doesn’t negate the impact JJK has had on its readers over its six-year run. The series is still remembered fondly for its dynamic storytelling, memorable characters, and intense battle sequences. JJK’s contribution to the new generation of shonen manga remains significant, even if its conclusion didn’t meet everyone’s expectations.
Conclusion: A Bittersweet Farewell
The end of Jujutsu Kaisen marks the conclusion of a journey that captivated millions of readers worldwide. While the finale may not have satisfied every fan, it doesn’t diminish the series’ overall impact. JJK’s legacy as a groundbreaking and emotionally resonant manga remains intact, even as debates about its ending continue among its passionate fanbase.
As with many popular series, the end of JJK serves as a reminder that it’s often the journey, rather than the destination, that leaves the most lasting impression on readers. Despite the controversial ending, Jujutsu Kaisen will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant and influential work in the world of manga.
