Jujutsu Kaisen has made waves across the globe, not just as an anime sensation but also as a cornerstone of modern manga. Launched by Gege Akutami in March 2018, the manga rapidly built a dedicated fan base, thanks to its intricate storylines, well-developed characters, and stunning artwork. As the series approaches its highly anticipated conclusion on September 30, 2024, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what has made Jujutsu Kaisen such an enduring success and what readers can expect from the manga after the anime.
The End of Jujutsu Kaisen Manga
On August 19, 2024, Shueisha announced that the Jujutsu Kaisen manga would conclude with five final chapters. This means that by the end of September 2024, the adventures of Yuji Itadori, Megumi Fushiguro, Nobara Kugisaki, and Satoru Gojo will come to a close in the 44th issue of Weekly Shonen Jump. Since its launch in 2018, the series has been serialized continuously in the magazine, with 27 volumes released as of July 2024.
For many fans, this marks the end of a beloved era in Shonen Jump history. However, it’s important to note that the anime, which has been faithfully adapting the manga, will continue to air, giving new life to the stories we’ve come to love.
How Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Transcends Anime
While the Jujutsu Kaisen anime brought the story to a broader audience, the manga offers a richer, more in-depth experience. MANGA Plus and Viz Media have made the series easily accessible to international readers, while the anime aired on Crunchyroll has been a massive success since its 2020 debut.
One of the strengths of the manga is its pacing and depth. Where the anime dazzles with action-packed episodes and top-tier animation by MAPPA Studios, the manga allows readers to take their time, absorbing the subtleties of character development, dialogue, and intricate fight sequences. Those who started with the anime often find themselves turning to the manga to get ahead of the story, especially as they await the release of new anime seasons.
The Impact of Season 2 on the Manga’s Popularity
Season 2 of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime, which premiered in July 2023, covered significant manga arcs, including the Shibuya Incident and the backstory of fan-favorite characters like Gojo Satoru and Suguru Geto. This season aired over two cours, or two quarters of a year, ensuring a steady influx of new episodes for six months. The arc, known for its emotional weight and intense battles, drew in a substantial new audience.
Many anime-only viewers transitioned to reading the manga, eager to know how the Culling Game Arc unfolds. Manga Volume 263, which delves deeper into these storylines, saw a massive spike in sales after the anime aired, with fans not wanting to wait for the upcoming adaptation. The synergy between the manga and anime has been crucial to keeping Jujutsu Kaisen at the forefront of pop culture.
What to Expect After the Manga Ends
Although the manga is ending, fans should not despair. With the anime still ongoing and MAPPA committed to adapting the Culling Game Arc, the Jujutsu Kaisen universe will continue to thrive for years to come. The conclusion of the manga may even lead to more spin-offs, OVAs (Original Video Animations), or even movies that explore untold stories or expand on fan-favorite arcs.
It’s also worth considering that in the world of manga, endings are often just new beginnings. Series like One Piece and Naruto have shown that after the main storyline concludes, there are still plenty of opportunities for side stories, prequels, and even sequels. With a fan base as large as Jujutsu Kaisen’s, it’s not unreasonable to expect additional content in the future, especially with platforms like MANGA Plus continuing to bring these stories to international audiences.
MANGA Plus and Shonen Jump: Expanding Manga’s Global Reach
The rise of digital platforms like MANGA Plus has made manga more accessible than ever before. Gone are the days when international fans had to wait for months to get their hands on physical copies. With Jujutsu Kaisen, fans can read new chapters almost simultaneously with Japan, fostering a global community that shares theories, fan art, and discussions in real time.
Weekly Shonen Jump, the magazine that has serialized Jujutsu Kaisen since its inception, is home to other major titles like One Piece, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer. These series, like JJK, have benefited immensely from the availability of digital platforms, which have allowed them to grow beyond Japan’s borders and dominate pop culture in places like the United States.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Legacy in Manga and Anime
When future generations look back on the 2010s and 2020s, Jujutsu Kaisen will undoubtedly be considered one of the defining works of this era. Its mix of dark fantasy, action, and psychological themes resonated deeply with readers and viewers alike. The anime, produced by MAPPA Studios, has consistently been praised for its high-quality animation, particularly during its most pivotal fights.
However, it’s the manga that remains the heart of the series. Fans will remember Gege Akutami’s storytelling, the intricate plots surrounding cursed energy, and the emotional journeys of its characters long after the final chapter is released. With the Culling Game Arc currently being adapted for the anime, fans have much to look forward to, even after the manga’s conclusion.
Conclusion
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga may be ending, but its impact on the world of manga and anime will be felt for years to come. With both digital and print platforms like MANGA Plus and Viz Media continuing to make the series available to a global audience, the legacy of Jujutsu Kaisen is far from over. Whether you’re a longtime reader or new to the series, now is the perfect time to dive into this epic tale and experience it in all its forms.
FAQs
Q: When is the final chapter of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga being released?
A: The final chapter will be released on September 30, 2024, in the 44th issue of Weekly Shonen Jump.
Q: How many volumes of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga are there?
A: As of July 2024, there are 27 compiled volumes of the manga.
Q: Will there be a sequel or spin-off after the Jujutsu Kaisen manga ends?
A: While nothing has been confirmed, it’s possible that more content, such as spin-offs or OVAs, could be produced in the future.
Q: Where can I read the Jujutsu Kaisen manga online?
A: You can read it on platforms like MANGA Plus and Viz Media, which offer both digital and print versions.
Q: What arcs are currently being adapted in the anime?
A: The anime is currently adapting the Culling Game Arc, with MAPPA continuing to produce the series.