Gege Akutami has demonstrated exceptional storytelling talent, particularly when he strategically killed off a character. This shocking plot twist likely prevented the cancellation of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga series early on when its future was uncertain.
Now with the hugely popular anime adaptation, Jujutsu Kaisen is back for a highly anticipated second season. Loyal fans have been enthralled as the show delves into backstories, including the once-strong friendship between leading characters Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto.
Since the manga first launched in 2018, the franchise has steadily amassed devoted followers to become a top-viewed supernatural battle series.
During its initial phase, Jujutsu Kaisen manga was in danger of getting cancelled/axed due to low reception from audience
So, Gege was ready to permanently kill Yuji when he died in Chap-9 and wrap up the manga in few more chaps before it gets axed https://t.co/dl7EKvj9pa
— JJK (Mya) (@JJK_Mya) January 15, 2024
However, in those vulnerable early days, the risk of the manga getting axed prematurely loomed large before Akutami revived its prospects. Through crafty narrative risks that jolt readers, he seems to have rescued Jujutsu Kaisen from an abrupt ending.
How a Bold Twist Saved Jujutsu Kaisen from Cancellation
In a revealing interview, Gege Akutami confessed that Jujutsu Kaisen was on the chopping block facing cancellation early on. This precarious situation prompted his bold decision to kill off the main protagonist Yuji Itadori, the fate of whom was left uncertain at the cliffhanger ending of manga Volume 1 with the cryptic line “Among them, one died.”
This cunning narrative trick whipped fans into a frenzy wanting to know Itadori’s outcome, generating renewed interest that likely saved the manga from getting axed.
This same emotionally charged scene was later adapted in the anime series to similar shock and intrigue, leaving viewers hung up on the edge of their seats.
Akutami’s expertly crafted plot twist delivered the shot in the arm needed to ensure both manga and anime survived cancellation threats. By cleverly orchestrating Itadori’s death, he stimulated the fan investment necessary to extend the Jujutsu Kaisen franchise lifecycle.
His razor-sharp storytelling instincts recognize killing beloved characters paradoxically resuscitates reader and viewer loyalty, granting the series a new lease on life.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Prolonged Narrative and the Enigmatic Sukuna
Gege Akutami had originally targeted concluding the Jujutsu Kaisen manga storyline by the end of 2023. However, events took an unexpected turn when the manga was forced into a brief publishing break last year. Due to this disruption, Jujutsu Kaisen will no longer reach its finale in 2023 as intended.
Nonetheless, Akutami has mapped out defined ending arcs for protagonists Yuji Itadori and Megumi Fushigoro despite the prolonged storyline.
Their character journeys now have a firm direction. Intriguingly, the one major figure whose fate remains undecided is the sinister antagonist Sukuna, who has been intricately woven into the overarching narrative.
Even as the writer has crystallized decisive resolutions for the heroes, the key villain’s endgame stays shrouded in uncertainty.
This suggests Sukuna and his motives still have hidden twists in store to challenge fan assumptions before Akutami plays his final card.
While granting consoling closure for some beloved personalities, the mercurial mangaka is sustaining nerve-wracking suspense around his darkest creation – likely to set up further explosive story developments that delay a neat finishing point.
More About Jujutsu Kaisen
The story centers on gifted high schooler Yuji Itadori who resides in Sendai. As his grandfather lay dying, he imparted life philosophies to selflessly aid others and surround yourself with loved ones when your time comes.
Afterwards, Yuji’s Occult Club friends unwittingly unleash deadly supernatural Curses that attract attention from Jujutsu Sorcerers, specializing in combatting Curses.
To shield exorcist Megumi Fushigoro, Yuji ingests a cursed talisman housing the powerful Curse Ryomen Sukuna’s remnants, becoming his vessel. This dooms Yuji since all Jujutsu practitioners are obligated to eliminate threats like Sukuna.
Yet senior Sorcerer Satoru Gojo sees Yuji resisting Sukuna’s control and convinces his Tokyo school to temporarily delay Yuji’s execution to study this phenomenon, having him train as a Jujutsu apprentice instead.
Meanwhile, rogue antisocial Curses led by the devious Mahito and seemingly resurrected corrupt Sorcerer Suguru Geto secretly scheme to overthrow humanity’s bastion against Curses – Jujutsu society.
Gojo mentors Yuji plus Nobara Kugisaki and Megumi to harness their talents, but reckless actions provoke Sukuna into completely possessing Yuji and massacring adversaries.
To prevent future possessions, a guilt-ridden Yuji requests death, but Sukuna preserves him to continue witnessing Megumi’s growth after taking interest in his rare magic potential, while Gojo hides Yuji’s revival from superiors.
Attempting to exorcise another dangerous Curse, Yuji befriends a vulnerable student who falls prey to Mahito’s manipulation, stoking Yuji’s rage towards Curses.