While Jujutsu KaisenWhile the supernatural and dark fantasy elements of 's have received the most attention from fans and critics, its true genius lies in its focus on one of the more traditional aspects of shōnen manga, namely fighting, combat, and battles between rivals for supremacy. At its core, Jujutsu Kaisen is a fighting manga – and one of the best ever published.
A big factor in the vitality of the shōnen manga industry is due to battle manga. Battle manga refers to a genre of manga where fighting and combat are central to the plot and character development. Conflict is a given in most manga and anime, of course, but in battle manga, explosive conflicts are pivotal moments that drive the story forward. Furthermore, battles in battle manga tend not to be just regular. Instead, they are long, epic, beat-down battles between opponents with nothing but hatred for each other.
In Jujutsu Kaisen is a manga series fighting in witch costumes
Jujutsu masters don't need magic to defeat you
While fighting and swordplay are the foundation of fighting manga, the best titles in the genre don’t stop there. In addition to epic battles, the best fighting manga also include other elements that add to the importance and appeal of the battles. First, there must be a main rivalry. Nothing gets fans more excited than a big brawl between two characters who will stop at nothing to prove their superiority. Second, there must be a clear and present explanation of the power system. How can fans judge the outcome if they don’t understand the strength and abilities of their opponents?
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Third, battles cannot be an end in themselves. In line with their purpose of advancing the story, battles must be depicted in a way that promotes character growth and development. In other words, regardless of the outcome, battles should provide some benefit to the protagonist. In addition to these three characteristics, the best battle manga also include a number of other elements, such as discussing the tactics and strategies that opponents use to overcome barriers to success or 'locking in' defenses to their weaknesses.
In Jujutsu Kaisen, fighting is the rule, not the exception.
Applying these fighting manga statistics to Jujutsu Kaisen, it's clear that this series deserves to be mentioned in the discussion of the greatest fighting manga of all time. First, featuring epic battles of Jujutsu KaisenWhile some battles are short and intense, like the opening battle of the series where Megumi and Yuji face off against the curse unleashed at the school, others are long and drawn out, like the recent months-long struggle to defeat Sukuna in the Jujutsu Kaisen manga.
Regardless of their length, every battle in Jujutsu Kaisen is legendary. The battles are not only thrilling and visually impressive, but also leave the reader with a sense of excitement and awe. While author Gege Akutami often frames these battles with magic and sorcery, at their core they are rooted in classic, old-fashioned hand-to-hand combat. One of the reasons Sukuna is so hard to beat is his incredible ability to endure physical punishment while simultaneously overpowering his opponents.
Jujutsu Kaisen also boasts equally epic rivalries.. These rivalries have captivated fans, who often wait years to see them play out on the battlefield. While the Gojo-Sukuna rivalry—the greatest living mage against the greatest mage ever—immediately comes to mind, a number of other compelling rivalries drive the story for much of its runtime. These include the tensions between the Tokyo and Kyoto schools of magic, Yuji and Mahito, Maki and Mai, Maki and the Zenin Clan, and of course, Kenjaku and Gojo. In short, the series has more than enough tension and conflict to fuel its epic battles.
Jujutsu Kaisen is filled with unforgettable battles between some of Manga's most interesting characters.
Battles advance character arcs and advance the plot in interesting ways
If epic battles and fierce competition weren't enough, Jujutsu Kaisen also has an interesting power system.. This power system is both one of the most engaging and one of the most complex, adding depth to the fights. For example, Gojo's Infinity Technique — an incredibly powerful ability that makes Gojo seem invulnerable for much of the series. Then there's Yuki Tsukumo's innate technique, which allows her to increase her mass to the point where her punches have the impact of a mountain falling on her opponent's head.
For a large number of Jujutsu Kaisen fans, learning and understanding how the power systems work, including their strengths and weaknesses, is a highlight of the series. Furthermore, the debates within the fan community about how these power systems should work against different opponents have fostered a strong sense of community. These discussions have contributed to some of the most informed and engaging fan communities in modern manga. But beyond the battles, what makes Jujutsu Kaisen particularly compelling to me is how those battles advance both the characters and the story.
Fighting in Jujutsu Kaisen is how the characters develop
Gege Akutami is known for cleverly using scenes, comments, and props in previous chapters to foreshadow important events or developments later on. Often, these revelations occur during battles. Perhaps the best example of this is Nobara's sudden return in Chapter #267. While most fans believed that she had no chance of returning, Akutami had been laying the groundwork for her return long before that.
In Chapter #126, Arata Nitta, who treated Nobara after she was injured, hinted that she might be saved, though there was no guarantee. Both her “death” and “rebirth,” which took place during intense battle scenes, were some of the most memorable moments in the series. These instances perfectly illustrate how battles are not just fan service, but essential elements that drive the story.
Last but certainly not least, Jujutsu Kaisen uses battles as important opportunities for character development.. Whether you are a wizard or a curse, if you survive a battle in Jujutsu Kaisen, Akutami always makes sure that you will learn something. You will either adapt by changing your fighting style or approach to avoid similar situations in the future, or you will undergo profound, life-changing changes.
Perhaps the best example of this is the King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna. Despite being a mage/curse who lived centuries ago, his ability to constantly update his skill set in real-time combat is one of the strongest in the series. This highlights the transformative nature of combat in Jujutsu Kaisen and illustrates why it is considered one of the best fighting manga.
