Overview
- The concluding battles in Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen uniquely feature supporting characters who initiate the confrontations rather than the main heroes.
- As the battles progress, a plethora of supporting characters join the fray, paving the way for the lead characters to face the antagonists directly.
- Ultimately, in each series, the main protagonists land the decisive blows against the weakened villains after a rigorous battle involving many allies.
Once hailed as the new Big 3 of Shonen Jump, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen have captivated global audiences through impressive sales and popularity. However, their reign has notably differed from the original Big 3, as these beloved series have begun to conclude, with Demon Slayer finishing its story in 2020, and both Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia set to end in 2024.
It is crucial for authors to know when their stories have reached a natural end, and the length of a series should not always match the extensive arcs of previous titles that surpassed 500 chapters. That said, the finales of these three prominent series share intriguing similarities, particularly within their climactic battles. Each series, while distinct in narrative and character development, exhibits surprisingly parallel structures in their final confrontations.
Initiation of Battles by Supporting Characters
In many series, the typical finale features the protagonist confronting the primary antagonist while supporting characters face off against minor enemies. This formula can be seen in prominent franchises such as Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Bleach. However, the new Big 3 diverges significantly from this trend, as their concluding battles unfold in unique ways.
Demon Slayer
In Demon Slayer, Tanjiro Kamado is the central figure, with Muzan Kibutsuji as his nemesis. Their final confrontation unfolds during the Sunrise Countdown arc, where Tanjiro begins the fight but mainly plays the supporting role, with Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, taking the lead. Giyu momentarily contains Muzan until the remaining Hashiras can join.
“I do not remember a single human being I have killed. Flesh dies and that is the end.”
–Muzan Kibutsuji, Chapter 201
Jujutsu Kaisen
Similarly, Jujutsu Kaisen features Yuji Itadori as the protagonist and Ryomen Sukuna as his primary adversary. The final battle officially kicks off during the Shinjuku Showdown arc, where the confrontation between Sukuna and Satoru Gojo, the strongest Jujutsu Sorcerer, takes center stage. During this pivotal showdown, Yuji remains on the sidelines, awaiting his turn to engage.
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia presents a slightly different scenario, as Izuku Midoriya is the main hero, and Tomura Shigaraki stands as his principal foe. The battle commences in the Final War arc, where the protagonists split the antagonists. As circumstances unfold, Izuku finds himself distanced from the main action, with Katsuki Bakugo and others engaging Shigaraki, while All-for-One faces off against Endeavor and fellow heroes.
The Role of Supporting Characters
Another distinctive factor in these three narratives is the mid-battle dynamic. Instead of allowing the main character to engage the main antagonist immediately, these series showcase supporting characters stepping in to battle first, ensuring a more inclusive and thrilling conflict.
Demon Slayer
After the initial clash between Muzan, Giyu, and Tanjiro, other Hashiras including Mitsuri Kanroji and Obanai Iguro join forces. Other Demon Slayer corps members contribute to the battle effort, striving to provide time for the Hashiras. Despite their best efforts, Muzan proves to be a formidable threat as he remains resilient. Eventually, with the arrival of Sanemi Shinazugawa and Gyomei Himejima, the odds begin to shift.
Jujutsu Kaisen
In Jujutsu Kaisen, the extensive battle between Gojo and Sukuna is a highlight and takes a significant amount of time in the overall confrontation. Following Gojo’s fall, various Jujutsu Sorcerers, including Hajime Kashimo and Yuta Okkotsu, sequentially enter the fray. Yuji Itadori becomes involved intermittently, but the focus primarily turns to Sukuna battling these potent sorcerers.
“I’ll tear you asunder, boy. And then, before your severed head, I’ll kill all those humans you prize so much!”
–Ryomen Sukuna, Chapter 265
My Hero Academia
The battle in My Hero Academia features two major confrontations simultaneously. Against All-for-One, Endeavor leads, with support from heroes including Hawks and students such as Earphone Jack and Tsukuyomi. This joint effort inflicts significant damage; however, All-for-One manages to withstand continual assaults and navigate chaotic situations. Conversely, during the face-off with Tomura Shigaraki, Bakugo, Edgeshot, and Mirko takes the lead, assisted by Eraser Head and other heroes. The stakes are high as the outcome hangs precariously, and Midoriya makes haste towards Shigaraki’s location.
Fighting Weakened Villains
As the narratives play out and more supporting characters become involved, two critical developments emerge: 1) the focus shifts toward the main character, and 2) the antagonist suffers considerable damage throughout the conflict. This formula holds true in all three series, influencing the dynamics of their respective climaxes.
Demon Slayer
Following countless injuries inflicted on both sides, the climactic duel culminates in a showdown between Tanjiro and Muzan. Although several Hashiras remain capable despite severe wounds, it primarily falls to Tanjiro to deliver the finishing blow to Muzan Kibutsuji. Weakened from prior relentless assaults, even from, the effects of Tomoyo’s poison significantly contribute to Muzan’s downfall, making his defeat all the more palpable by the first rays of sunlight.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Even though Sukuna is arguably the most formidable cursed spirit, his earlier battles have undeniably taken a toll on him. The subsequent fighters, including Yuta Okkotsu, inflict significant damage before Yuji finally steps up to confront Sukuna. In a turn of events, Yuji unleashes a rapid series of Black Flash attacks that exploit Sukuna’s weakened state. Ultimately, Megumi Fushiguro’s return to consciousness allows him to sever Sukuna’s connection to his host, culminating in Sukuna’s final defeat.
My Hero Academia
In the concluding phases of the conflict, the circumstances of Tomura Shigaraki and All-for-One vary drastically. While Shigaraki remains relatively unscathed and continues to pose a threat, All-for-One is on the brink of collapse, barely holding together against the onslaught. The final conflicts see Midoriya pitted against Shigaraki and Bakugo against All-for-One. Their unwavering resolve pushes them beyond limits, ultimately allowing these heroes to harness their full potential and secure triumph over their formidable foes.
“Sure, fine! As long as it takes, I’ll keep destroying…you…this country…everything!”
–Tomura Shigaraki, Chapter 414
In conclusion, despite the distinct narratives of Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen, their climactic battles follow a remarkably similar trajectory. The initial strikes by supporting characters, the ensuing collective efforts, and the final blows delivered by the main heroes against weakened adversaries create an engaging and cohesive structure. Each series, while adhering to this familiar framework, has crafted compelling and exhilarating final battles that captivate audiences to the last page.
Watch Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, and Jujutsu Kaisen streaming now on Crunchyroll.
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