Despite the anime adaptation's massive success, the manga has come under fire, with Akutami receiving harsh backlash—even reportedly facing death threats. This article examines why the criticisms arose and how Akutami responded.
Disclaimer: This article reflects the opinions of the writer.
What Went Wrong with the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga?
The final chapter of Jujutsu Kaisen was released on September 30, 2024, sparking mixed reactions. While some fans remained loyal to Akutami, others criticized various aspects of the manga’s conclusion. Issues such as declining artwork quality, controversial character deaths, and inconsistent storytelling were among the primary complaints.
1) Decline in Artwork
As the manga neared its conclusion, fans noticed a significant drop in the quality of Akutami’s artwork.
The illustrations became rougher, with less detail and an increased use of thick, bold lines. Many chapters appeared incomplete, resembling unfinished sketches rather than polished manga panels.
One of the biggest disappointments was Chapter 262, featuring the battle between Sukuna and Yuta, which spanned only seven pages. Fans felt cheated out of what could have been an intense, visually striking climax.
2) Controversial Character Deaths
Akutami’s decision to kill off certain beloved characters was met with strong disapproval. Many fans argued that these deaths felt unnecessary and poorly executed. The backlash was so intense that it reportedly took a toll on Akutami’s mental health.
3) Inconsistent Storytelling
Fans also criticized the storytelling for its lack of cohesion. Underdeveloped characters, erratic pacing, and questionable narrative choices led to widespread dissatisfaction. Chapter 261, in particular, was heavily scrutinized for misleading fans into expecting Gojo’s return, only to reveal that Yuta had used Kenjaku’s technique to switch bodies.
Gege Akutami’s Response
At the end of the final volume, Akutami released a two-page letter addressing the criticisms. In it, he admitted to the manga’s shortcomings, expressing his frustration with the process.
“Jujutsu Kaisen was ‘pssed out’ over six and a half years, nearly seven if you count the special issues. What I learned was: ‘I am really an idiot...’”* he wrote.
The letter read like a venting of frustration, hinting at Akutami’s struggles with mental exhaustion. He admitted to feeling absentminded and acknowledged that the pressure and criticism had affected him deeply.
“The reason I did not talk much between the volumes was because I had become absentminded,” he added.
Despite everything, Akutami concluded with a note of determination:
“I will take the lessons of these seven years to heart, and I want to overcome my problems after this.”
Looking Ahead
For a mangaka like Akutami, who has expressed interest in future projects, learning from the mistakes of Jujutsu Kaisen is crucial. Fans have every right to critique his work, but constructive criticism should be delivered with respect—especially considering the relentless schedule of weekly manga creation.
It’s evident that the immense pressure and negativity affected Akutami, possibly contributing to the manga’s shortcomings. Despite this, many fans remain hopeful that he will return stronger, applying the lessons learned from Jujutsu Kaisen to his future works.
As the manga industry moves forward, it’s important to strike a balance between holding creators accountable and respecting the immense effort they put into their craft. Fans can only hope that Akutami’s next project reflects growth and refinement, making for an even better storytelling experience.
