Jujutsu Kaisen’s Ending: Why It Was Already Fantastic Even Before the Epilogue

In recent years, few manga series have sparked as much debate over their conclusions as Jujutsu Kaisen. Following the announcement of its concluding chapters, the series faced critical examination. Gege Akutami, the series’ mangaka, was accused of hastily wrapping up the narrative, leaving several plot threads unresolved. Compounding the issue, certain unexpected twists—most notably the surprise reappearance of Nobara Kugisaki—were labeled as mere fanservice. Conversely, others expressed disappointment regarding significant omissions, such as the anticipated return of Satoru Gojo.

Crafting a finale that satisfies every fan is no small task, and Jujutsu Kaisen‘s final volume delivered an epilogue alongside an afterword written by Akutami. This added insight reflects the mangaka’s thoughts and feelings in light of the varied reactions from the fanbase. While some readers appreciated the expanded conclusion, others empathized with Akutami’s challenging position as the creator of a wildly successful series. Still, there seems to be a prevalent misunderstanding: the ending of Jujutsu Kaisen was robust and captivating, yet it remains tragically overlooked by many.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Afterword Offers Insight Into Its Creation

A Mixed Message from Gege Akutami

Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 30 Cover featuring Yuji

Gege Akutami succinctly describes his feelings about Jujutsu Kaisen‘s conclusion, stating that the series was “pissed out.”This vivid metaphor could mislead fans into perceiving it as an expression of dissatisfaction concerning the manga’s ending. While Akutami candidly addresses the immense pressures he faced as the creator of such a successful franchise—especially given his relative inexperience—he firmly stands by his narrative decisions. His farewell to Gojo and acknowledgment of the challenges faced in the series’ final chapters reveal a commitment to the story as originally intended.

It’s undeniable that the final chapters exhibited a sense of haste, with some analyses highlighting noticeable inconsistencies in art style between individual chapters and the final versions in the collected volumes. This disparity underscores a perceived decline in quality; however, fans who lament the “rushed”conclusion risk overshadowing a key theme of Jujutsu Kaisen: the acceptance that some events, despite their unpleasantness, exist as they are, offering no alternatives.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Epilogues: Excellent Yet Unnecessary

Jujutsu Kaisen Extra Color Page featuring Sukuna and Yuji

Despite its imperfections, Jujutsu Kaisen stands as a testament to Akutami’s relentless dedication. Even amidst debates over the quality of the final chapters, he maintained complete control over the story’s direction, including any flaws that arose in its execution. While the series may not showcase a flawless narrative, it accurately reflects the circumstances that shaped its creation, rather than an idealized version that never truly existed.

Moreover, the epilogues introduced in the final volume serve to enhance the story, but they may not be entirely necessary. The original ending was characterized by its succinctness and clarity, and despite the struggles during its creation, the narrative unfolds with an impressive focus. The lack of extraneous details allows the significance of key events to shine through effectively.

Readers often prefer to overlook the value of straightforward storytelling, yet the epilogue hints at a more complex narrative structure that could have been. History shows that many stories, like Naruto, can stray into excessive side narratives that distract from the primary plot. In contrast, Jujutsu Kaisen culminates in a tightly woven conclusion that prioritizes narrative beats and character arcs without getting bogged down in unnecessary subplots.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s Ending: A Misunderstood Masterpiece

Reader Experience Influences Story Value

To illustrate how the context of consumption affects perception, consider the example of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. The series introduced its eighth part, Jojolion, contemporaneously with the boost from the anime adaptation. While Jojolion is rich and layered, its slow pacing created a disconnect for some readers during monthly releases. In hindsight, binge-reading the manga reveals its intricate narrative threads and cohesive storytelling. This experience underscores how context significantly shapes a story’s impact.

Jujutsu Kaisen is likely to undergo a similar reassessment as time passes. High expectations can overshadow the enjoyment of individual chapters, causing key moments—like Nobara’s unexpected return or the intense final battle between Yuji and Sukuna—to feel rushed. However, as readers step back and explore the series holistically, they may come to appreciate the efficiency with which Akutami concluded the narrative while exploring essential themes.

The recent epilogue and afterword may be engaging, yet there’s a concern that they may mislead readers into misinterpreting a narrative that was, by all accounts, beautifully crafted. I firmly stand by the ending of Jujutsu Kaisen, asserting that the series as it exists is a culmination of intentional storytelling decisions. As Akutami distinctly states, “This is the end of the Jujutsu Kaisen I have drawn,”with unwavering conviction and pride.

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