Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Incident Arc - Short Review

Introduction

Despite the recent chapter arcs where, spoiler alert, key characters are getting killed off for nonsensical high-stakes purposes, and yes, you know who those characters are, especially if not one of the most well-written robust characters in Jujutsu Kaisen Gojo Satoru. It still had, if not one of the best arcs in Jujutsu Kaisen or possibly in anime history; the choreography, the writing, the stakes, the godlike soundtrack or even its animation was beyond anything we could have imagined despite Mappa's overworked staff having an extremely tight schedule to release. It is a powerful arc that sets up the next arc so well, but the unique development of Yuji Itadori, the main character, truly stands out.

What Is Jujutsu Kaisen?

Jujutsu Kaisen is driven by a unique yet fantastic main protagonist, Yuji Itadori. His decision to eat a cursed object, Sukuna's finger, to protect his friends sets the stage for the series. Despite the consequences of Sukuna manifesting in Yuji's body, he agrees with Gojo, the strongest sorcerer of today, to join Jujutsu High. Their mission is to eliminate curses formed from negative emotions and take down Ryomen Sukuna, the king of curses who has the power to rival Gojo Satoru himself.

The Story

This part of the overall saga is not just a chapter in the story but a pivotal moment that revolves around the sealing of Gojo Satoru. As he poses a more significant threat towards Geto, or Kenjaku, an old sorcerer from when even Gojo Satoru was the strongest, the curses are let loose to wreak havoc across Shibuya. This sets the stage for Yuji and the sorcerers from Jujustsu High to step up and take on this threat, preventing the curses from harming innocent bystanders or causing further chaos.

You Are My Special

The 'Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Arc' is not just about the plot but also the profoundly emotional character moments. Each character's journey, whether it's Yuji, Megumi, Choso, or the lovable Aoi Todo, resonates with us, drawing us deeper into the narrative. Nanami, a grade 1 sorcerer, is a prime example. His wisdom aids in Yuji's growth, and his transformation from a salesman to a Jujutsu Sorcerer is a testament to the emotional depth of the series. He learns to protect others by pragmatically finding and exploiting the weaknesses of curses.

The emotional depth that comes along with it is his wandering to places where he finds his purpose and connection. Whether he can truly move on from the hauntings of the idea of emptiness from his past is an emotional yet distinctive character arc from the rest of the arc, something that genuinely resonates with me in being scared of not finding something that keeps me going. His death is brutal to embrace, yet it teaches us the cruelty of living in a Jujutsu world. Significantly pushing Yuji's character, he confronts the harsh reality of life and death while destroying curses as a role Jujutsu Sorcerer, a cruel yet significant journey.

Speaking of curses, I want to talk about Mahito, not Sukuna, until we get to the action section. Mahito is the opposite of humanity. Yuji's purpose and humanity stand in stark contrast to Mahito's goal of exterminating the human population and replacing them with curses. It heightens the stakes in who will prevail regarding ideology and their conviction to achieve their goal no matter the cost, especially in challenging Yuji's morals.

The character arc these characters experience is incredible on a small screen, especially if it feels like a collection of characters facing challenges in a different location that impacts the conclusion of this arc. Despite the recent arcs Gege wrote, it shows how well he writes characters and possibly gives their deaths a sense of meaning, yet cruelty, in the new up-coming sorcerers having to face someday to take down curses.

The Malevolent Kitchen

It is so hard to talk about anything other than, if not the most legendary fight of this generation in my opinion, Sukuna Vs Jogo, or should I say the most excellent name, Jogoat and Mahoraga, the powerful yet uncontrollable Shikigami from Megumi's unique ability Ten Shadows technique.

After the fascinating fight between Choso and Itadori, Jogo brings the ten fingers to awaken and strengthen the king of curses in going according to Geto's or, should I say, Kenjaku's plan. It leads to the terrifying awakening that even makes the disaster curse, and two other characters, Mimiko and Nanako, bow to the king of curses. The main focus begins when Sukuna kills Mimiko and Nanako. The king of curses rewards the disaster curse for fighting him, and even with just a touch or attack, Sukuna would do what the curses want him to do.

Sukuna Vs Jogo

The animation and action in the Sukuna Vs Jogo fight were immaculate. The way the fight was choreographed and the fluidity of the animation made it one of the most visceral battles of this generation. The masterful, sublime soundtrack and the sheer intensity of the combat scenes truly evolved our overall experience. Every strike, every movement, and every spell felt electrifying, making it a standout moment in the arc. The sheer power and scale of the fight were so gripping, and it was a true testament to Mappa's fantastic animation work done by the team despite being under pressure.

Every frame was filled with vibrancy, energy, and gravity. Each move dished out by both Jogo and Sukuna caused irreverent consequences, creating a mesmerising spectacle that truly captivated my attention. No wonder this fight reintroduces yet reinforces the power and malice behind Sukuna's title as the king of curses. Still, one moment truly stands out as one of his unique cursed abilities. The fire arrow, part of his arsenal, is something not to be reckoned with, especially how it killed Jogo in an intense cowboy standoff. It cuts to Sukuna giving Jogo a speech, if not infamous, that says, "Stand proud you are strong." It highlights his power and respect for the disaster curse in putting up an intriguing fight by using the fire arrow technique to kill Jogo.

Sukuna Vs Mahoraga

After the ferocious fight between the disaster curse and the king of curses, Mahoraga, one of the ten powerful yet uncontrollable Shikigami summoned from Megumi, comes into frame and duels Sukuna into a bloodbath never before. Significantly, the stakes have been heightened as everyone in Shibuya has been massacred by powerful forces between the two. What truly made this the top 5 fights is not just in this series or anime but possibly in animation history. It does not show the fluidity or choreography but highlights their dangerous ability and how each side deals with either. With Mahoraga, his abilities consist of adaption, magic, elemental manipulation, sword of extermination and his powerful physique.

But to go into his trump card, adaption makes him terrifying, especially how he fares against 15-finger Sukuna, a tremendous feat worth noting. It did not just adapt to Sukuna's cursed technique of cleaving and dismantling but how he pushes the king of curses into utilising his trump card, Malevolent Shrine.

The fight between Sukuna and Mahoraga was truly destructive and tactical in Sukuna finding out Mahoraga's destructive abilities and weakness while getting the thrill of the battle throughout the destruction of Shibuya; it does not just showcase strength vs strength but Sukuna's intelligence of utilising his ways of cleave and dismantle while using a binding vow to summon his malevolent shrine while extending the range and power of his domain expansion. Sukuna's goal in beating Mahoraga was not just pure strength nor his abilities but a well-executed strategy that challenged and stopped Mahoraga's adaption to his attacks.

However, he wants to protect Megumi for his gain, so he limits his range from two hundred to one hundred and forty. He uses the cleave technique to destroy entities with cursed energy while dismantling against inanimate objects. These techniques would not be enough to take down Mahoraga in Shibuya, so combined with the fire arrow to take down Mahoraga.

So, what makes this battle truly grand yet creative?

The sheer creativity and inventiveness in the combat sequences set this battle apart. Using cursed energy, domain expansion, and character strategic manoeuvring added depth and complexity to this fight and Sukuna's character. The clash of powers and the strategic calculations made by Sukuna while fighting Mahoraga escalated to an unforgettable crescendo.

Moreover, the climactic confrontation was enhanced by a masterful, sublime soundtrack, Thunderclap, which heightened the brutal and dramatic impact of every moment. The evocative musical score complemented the action on screen, intensifying the experience and leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

In summary, the Sukuna vs. Mahoraga battle was a testament to the creative prowess of the Jujutsu Kaisen: Shibuya Arc. It delivered a grand, visually stunning, and awe-inspiringly rich spectacle that captivated audiences with its meticulous attention to detail and awe-inspiring creativity.

Conclusion

To conclude Lobotomy Kaisen, sorry my bad; Jujutsu Kaisen, delivers an gripping narrative, profound character development, and breath-taking action sequences that have solidified it as one of the best arcs in this fantastic anime. Exploration of not just emotional depth of the characters but the high stakes, and the moral dilemmas Yuji and other characters face which creates an compelling and immersive experience.

From the awe-inspiring battles to the powerful emotional moments, this arc has set a new standard for in writing and animating the story itself. The impact of the Shibuya Arc extends beyond its stunning animation and fight choreography; it delves deep into the human experience, exploring themes of sacrifice, morality, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

For those who haven't experienced the Shibuya Arc, it is a must-watch for anyone seeking a powerful, thought-provoking, and action-packed anime that will leave a lasting impression. Whether you are a fan of intense battles, intricate character arcs, or gripping storytelling, Jujutsu Kaisen's Shibuya Arc has something for everyone. It's a testament to Gege's incredible storytelling and the emotional depth that sets Jujutsu Kaisen apart, making it a standout series in the anime world. If you haven't already, give it a watch.