Shounen collection are sometimes constructed on their interesting characters. Many function a big forged so that every fan can discover their favorites, with every character having a unique aesthetic, character, and energy set. However some titles will subordinate different features of storytelling to prioritize “rule of cool” above all else—if one thing serves to make a piece extra superior and thrill followers, logic and consistency can take a backseat.
One title that instantly involves thoughts is Bleach, whereas the largest instance in latest reminiscence must be Jujutsu Kaisen.
The ridiculous reputation of Jujutsu Kaisen is plain. Placing apart the 11 wins final 12 months on the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, it each sells effectively and occupies an enormous chunk of the present fandom mindshare. It additionally attracts followers of all genders, ages, and walks of life. Once I have a look at the characters, it seems like each is supposed to be the best particular person on the earth to a particular kind of viewers. This isn’t inherently dangerous, nevertheless it’s such a serious side of JJK that I feel it will possibly detract from the collection.
Examples:
- Gojo Satoru is like half the characters in Naruto as a result of he has particular eyes. In some ways, he’s Hatake Kakashi x2: Gojo doesn’t simply cowl one eye however each. His energy set relies on infinity and damaging infinity or one thing, and it’s interesting to individuals who desire a man who can have his fingers in his pockets whereas warping actuality and minds. Mix that together with his svelte determine, pale complexion, and naturally lovely eyes, and you’ve got somebody who’s effortlessly fashionable.
- Fushiguro Toji takes a unique angle. Slightly than have the largest, baddest energy, he’s principally an amoral, barrel-chested Occult Batman with the demonic equal of a utility belt. For many who worth being the supposed underdog and profitable by means of sheer arduous work and tactical prowess, Toji is the epitome of a personality they will get behind.
- Nanami Kento is a straitlaced man in a enterprise swimsuit who appears to be like like an workplace employee—as a result of that’s what he was. He’s stoic however variety, and his powers invoke the idea of additional time to energy him up whereas additionally utilizing math ratios to create weak factors. For many who see a caring and dependable particular person because the truest instance of greatness, Nanami suits the invoice to a tee.
- Okkotsu Yuta is principally Ikari Shinji from Evangelion if he grew to become sturdy and decided (and is actually voiced by Ogata Megumi).
In these instances and extra, almost each character in Jujutsu Kaisen seems like what you get when you requested 100 individuals to every write their very own energy fantasy + supreme accomplice. There’s an actual thrill to all of it, however I feel it will possibly come on the expense of a coherent narrative, typically feeling like too many issues are tacked onto every character with none sense of moderation.
I typically see individuals praising totally different features of Jujutsu Kaisen. They’ll speak up the motion. They’ll reward the characters. However I virtually by no means see anybody reward the plot or the storytelling. “Rule of cool” turns into “dominated by cool,” as if the collection is a spotlight reel. That’s generally all it takes for a shounen collection to succeed, however I do find yourself wanting extra.
