Jujutsu Kaisen has established itself as one of the pillars of modern shonen, but comparisons to other big names in the industry are frequent. A list compiled by CBR highlighted six series that share the same DNA as Gege Akutami's work, arguing that some of them manage to surpass the title in specific areas, such as the depth of its magic system or the visceral nature of its plot.
The Visceral Nature of Chainsaw Man
Chainsaw Man is often cited alongside Jujutsu Kaisen as part of Shonen Jump's so-called Dark Trio. Tatsuki Fujimoto's work is known for an even rawer and more unpredictable approach to the fate of its characters. While Akutami's work focuses on the technical refinement of its fights, Chainsaw Man stands out for its chaos and the emotional weight of its losses.
According to the publication, the emotional connection built with the protagonists and the bizarre nature of the devils give Chainsaw Man a unique visual identity. The animation, also produced by studio MAPPA, uses lighting and composition techniques that many critics consider a step above in creating an oppressive urban atmosphere.
The Influence of Devilman Crybaby and Hunter x Hunter
The list also points to Devilman Crybaby as a work that takes supernatural horror to extremes that Jujutsu Kaisen only touches upon. Masaaki Yuasa's direction offers a nihilistic and psychedelic vision of humanity and monsters. Gege Akutami himself has mentioned in interviews the influence of classic authors who explore this dark side, making Devilman a direct reference for the subgenre.
In terms of rules and strategic combat, Hunter x Hunter is presented as the gold standard. The Nen system serves as the spiritual foundation for Cursed Energy, but Yoshihiro Togashi's work is praised for a level of complexity that demands even more from the intellect of both the characters and the viewer. The analysis suggests that while Jujutsu features dynamic fights, Hunter x Hunter remains unmatched in the internal logic of its abilities.
The Epic Narrative of Attack on Titan
Another title included in the comparison is Attack on Titan. The focus here lies in the scale of the narrative and the long-term plot planning. Hajime Isayama's series is renowned for how it ties together mysteries introduced right in the first few episodes, creating a sense of urgency and epic scale that differs from Jujutsu Kaisen's structure of exorcism- and tournament-focused arcs.
More About Jujutsu Kaisen
Originally released in 2018 in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, Jujutsu Kaisen follows Yuji Itadori, a young man who swallows a cursed object and becomes host to the King of Curses, Ryomen Sukuna. The anime adaptation is produced by studio MAPPA and features two full seasons and a prequel film, Jujutsu Kaisen 0. The manga recently concluded its run in Japan, while the anime awaits production of its next phase, which is set to cover the Culling Game arc.
Source: Anmo Sugoi
