Okay, I finished. And now for my votes, review, and final goodbye for Jujutsu Kaisen.
1) Mission: Yozakura Family-Probably the best plot twist and development I could ever ask for a finale. I know we aren’t done yet, but I knew things were to quick and easy. But now with this wrinkle, I’m excited and probably glad this is happening compared to another series that did the same thing but didn’t fully commit which ended.
2) Shinobi Undercover-Another funny chapter that also gave more proper fleshing out of the side cast. Glasses girl is my favorite as her no holds bar to take out enemies is hilarious.
3) Ichi the Witch-A good chapter that helps to explore the capital and has good humor as well while still being engaging since it began.
As for my number 4 and 5 (in their order), Hakutaku and Jujutsu Kaisen (the reason JJK is number 5 is out of respect for its ending).
And now for the review.
-Jujutsu Kaisen: The early parts of the chapter really didn’t amount that much. But I started to get it with helping someone who had an ability on the right path (though the reason for messing up peoples looks makes no sense). The comedy to an extent felt more of a stall than anything. But getting that flashback and seeing how some characters are ready to move on felt right as lingering on to something is like a curse. But I did like the last 2 pages as that is how I want to see the story tie itself up in the end. Though unfocused, I do think it had that right kind of message and that’s the image I want to see in the end compared to how it started in the beginning.
-Mission: Yozakura Family: A good brief flashback that had some weight (with a bit of comedy), but to understand Asa and his plans, that is really dark and scary, I like it. But to see this new development, I couldn’t be more happier for the sake of making this have even greater stakes in terms of it being close to a tragedy (narratively speaking). That decision of taking away someone’s rights and free will for control is something that I really am terrified of. I hope that that 23 chapter prediction I made is correct, cause it will be a great finale if Gondaira delivers.
-Undead Unluck: From galaxy-juices prediction with the planets and my own with a possible boss rush, let’s give ourselves a round of applause. Now with this chapter, it sets up the finale really well. Though it is stalled for now, I know that the Earth will be at stake. But looking at the final page for the fight against the Master Rules, I now know who is fighting who. And we know where all the rules are, except for one. And it is, THAT one that is unaccounted for. But knowing if this series will survive, we will know in the coming weeks.
-Sakamoto Days: Sad to learn about the unexpected break, but I do think we left off on a good chapter. Just to see Shin’s growth in his abilities being an esper is mind blowing due to how some here compared him to Professor X from X-Men. I would have had a fish joke thinking that they were using a halibut, but it is a yellowtail. So I won’t use it. Now that we are going to LV2, what will we see them face. While also, I am starting to get used to Ms. Atari in the series.
-The Elusive Samurai: Quite low for Takauji, but in a disgusting way to a child (let alone a 12 year old girl). The fight on the water is cool, but the end, I know that I am going to cry if she is gone. But if this is the way, I hope her sacrifice is not in vein. But now I want to see Takauji taken down even more. But more importantly, how much further do we have in this story?
-Witch Watch: If I didn’t give JJK my vote and wasn’t good this week, I would have given this series my vote this week. To see this character go for a redemption moment and ask for forgiveness was touching to see, even though what was said was in breadenese. I would say the last 2 chapters were okay at best, but not funny enough to make me get a laugh for the week. But I am glad that it was changed up for an emotional chapter (with some pieces of comedy to help), and I think the chapter was worth it in the hopes to see her again. Also, I think the plot quickened a bit for Morihito to tell Nico the truth about her current state.
-Blue Box: Congratulations are in order for Miura in getting the anime and its premiere yesterday. And the hopes of it becoming a high seller for her. Now with this chapter, I am glad that it is really focusing on Kyo here and his struggle with this love triangle. And yet with one of the girls, I automatically compared this relationship to….(and note that I already posted it earlier so I will do it again).
That is what it feels like with that neighbor, he knows that it isn’t good. And am hoping he sees that this girl is the one for him (note that I will not give names here anymore just cause the anime starting and it will count as spoilers if I were to say them). But I am glad in the end he is starting to turn around and see her himself.
-Akane-banashi: So Issho has a dark secret, I want to know more. But now that Akane has started to really get the attention of the rakugo world, it was nice to see everyone we have met along the journey as well as some of their praises (and bitter rivalries) because of Akane’s presence and influence. But to end the chapter where she is going to learn “THAT” story, hype.
-Kill Blue: The fight is great. Both Ogami and Taishoken, are giving it there all. But man that blow would have almost killed him. But I am also hyped with how it ended due to how it ended and hope Ogami wins.
-Nue’s Exorcist: I thought the vice captain of Division 1, was interesting. But then the whole, “Do You Have A Lover,” question came, and I checked out. Look, I have no trouble when romance plays a part, but I just don’t like it with Gakuro cause he is such a wet blanket when it comes to his personality that I question why he is the lead. But the fact that there is a confession arc, I am wondering if it is speeding up. In all honesty, I would say that Blue Box and Witch Watch are better as they have personalities. The girls and some of the other characters in Nue are better, but not by much as they are so bland (some have exceptions cause of their backstories and helps to give some depth), it makes me want to have a conversation with galaxy-juice to know and compare to other series that feel like they are better and what about Nue they don’t like. And this isn’t a dis galaxy, I am curious about your thoughts on the matter.
-Kagurabachi: Samura is so cool. His fight in the present while also giving a brief flashback to show his gentle side when connecting with Chihiro was good as it helped to give a bond. Though he is like how Wes Anderson characters are in most of his movies, an adult that is a contradiction and acts a bit like a child. But you can tell that he has a caring side when you get to know him. But also cool that he uses echolocation to help him see when he fights enemies as that helps him heighten his senses. Excited for the next chapter and hope that it still keeps this excitement up.
-Super Psychic Policeman Chojo: The idol chapter was okay. Though I was more interested in Ippongi’s outfit as she was cute. But with Chojo’s wig, I wonder if he got it on loan from Sia. Anyway, it was fine, but to see Ban in something like this was funny due to us knowing him, but also, his persistence reminds me of those movies where the lead cross dresses for a mission or their benefit (like Tootsie or Mrs. Doubtfire) but are persisted by another man all Pepe le Pew style like Jawanna Man or White Chicks. But to see Ban help in the end was a good tie up until he was shocked by the result. But I am glad that it ended nicely, so good on it. Now can we bring back the Chinrangers again? I’m begging Numa to bring them back as that was the best chapters of the series so far.
-Astro Royale: I know that I was supposed to connect with this flashback, but in all honesty it kind of felt a bit forced just for Wakui to show us this and connect. Now look, I know that people are going to go on me here, but please, let me explain myself. Now I don’t think that the flashback was bad. In fact it helped explained things a bit. But I just feel like I have to ask the question, why did we have to go to this hideout, why did Reri just happen to coincidentally have this Astro ability? It just feels a bit too convenient for the plot to make me even want to care, and I feel like I am seeing right through it due to Wakui trying to corse correct the early mistakes of the story. I just think he is forcing it a bit and is more of a rapid change in tone that didn’t ease its way as much as it should be. But I now have questions regarding what the Yotsurugi Family and the government have that are tied to the Daybreak Ore. But I do feel bad for Kinpa and that the man who killed her parents will face justice. If anyone wants to ask me on my opinions regarding why I felt that this flashback is forced, feel free to do so.
-Ultimate Exorcist Kiyoshi: And so that brief encounter with that rival that went nowhere, Kurama from Naruto has come to attack. Just kidding. It was a funny chapter. But the main problem is that the inconsistency with Kiyoshi regarding him going from scaredy cat to a bad ass (albeit with some humor). It also doesn’t help and I think people here said it, but it almost feels like it is running too quick while also things are being resolved in some way. I don’t dislike the series, but I am starting to weigh on if the story is good. I won’t say that it is terrible as the humor and characters are good. I just think the story might be rushing and that the exam arc idea should have been saved for later. Maybe it should have been a monster of the week to build on these characters. But that is just my opinion. In all honesty, I am okay with the series, and know that it can be better, but if it goes, I won’t be too upset.
-Hima-Ten!: And now Kanna knows, and she is okay with it. It was just a character building chapter. But now the seeds for a harem are planted, which I really didn’t want. But I am glad they are encouraging to Kanna. And to hear that Himari possibly likes Iemori, of course that is what is going to happen. I really do wish I had some material to talk about here.
-Ichi the Witch: And now we are at the capital. Good to know that we are not stalled like other series (I’m looking at you Red Hood, and Ice Head Gil). Some more exposition that felt more informative and less stalled talking about how the witch society works. The comedy is still there with its consistency. But now I wonder if that mail cadet witch will join now that she knows. But seeing Ichi go around town and then trying to help return that fallen letter got a laugh out of me. Even using those boots just made it really wild with what is happening. And how it ends by crashing into the wall to meet the head witch, solid.
-Shinobi Undercover: I am really liking Yodaka and Aoi even more. And to get more of the other 2 Shinobi was fun. Seeing our glasses girl go wild and attack the kidnappers was my treat and how Ippon has really leveled up his humor since Candy Flurry not holding back. I’m also glad that Yodaka was such a team player and how that these 3 Shinobi will do anything to help Aoi (despite knowing that she wants to spend more time with Yodaka since he is the realest one). I hope a good arc will come to help heighten the story as I am just enjoying it.
-Hakutaku: Hearing about what the game is, reminded me of this online game to the now defunct website of Cartoon Network, it reminded me of one of their old cartoon series, Whatever Happened to Robot Jones. Where in one of those online games, you have to get his Jones brain back from the bully brother duo by navigating the school while avoiding obstacles. It was a fun game, though it took me quite a while before I completed it. Anyway, back to the chapter, as much as it put our MC in the spotlight and reduced the bullying (slightly), we got a good amount of Noto where we got her backstory. And I get where Noto is coming from. You see, I have said I am an aspiring filmmaker. I wanted to be an editor and as time progressed and I experienced other departments, I was interested in telling some new stories. But one of the things that I lack is focus and confidence. And I feel more comfortable with working with a partner to bounce off my ideas and hear their input as well. With Noto, she does have the instincts of what would be called, a producer, where she can spot talent and know what good games and stories are (now I added stories cause think about how far gaming has come where there was more than just a playable factor and that the games felt like they are close to movies [early games from the NES/Famicom days did have stories but were getting there if you followed the prologues and read the manuals and players guides but hindered due to the technology of the time]). And it is one thing to say that you want to make a game or manga that everyone will love (which yes that is so broad as a goal), but for people who work in that field or in other creative fields (like me) that is something we strive for. And we see their library/credentials as we go along. So as much as it isn’t Bakuman with the idea of a marriage proposal, at least we see their passion in wanting to make something through trial and error. So yes, Hakutaku is a possible axe candidate, but I thought chapter 2 was better than chapter 1 in terms of fleshing out Noto’s character.
And that is it for the review of the series. And now for my final goodbye to Jujutsu Kaisen.
When I heard about Jujutsu Kaisen, it was before I read and joined here as I heard it through watching Super Eyepatch Wolf’s Current State of Shonen Jump video of 2018. And hearing it, I found it interesting. But when I started reading it, it was around the time of the Shibuya incident when Yuji was fighting against Choso in the subway. But as I read it, the madness and seeing all the death (with a few exceptions) within the arc as well as the twists and turns that came really said just how much JJK would bring. And to see the anime on top of that was what sold me on continuing to read JJK. I was invested and I was more interested with the idea of The Culling Game. I was enjoying it all the way through the Pre Preparation arc. But then when that break came due to Akutami’s health, I was concerned. But then, he came back and I was still excited. And then, I felt a sudden change in demeanor that didn’t feel as focused or engaging as it should be. And it kept at this up until the twist at the end of the arc. And then the Shinjuku Showdown arc came and that was when that arc reached my breaking point with how dragged out and pointless things went in terms of the writing and asking why did I care. Don’t get me wrong, I know Akutami is good. But unfortunately, that final arc really weighed on my patience as well as how I didn’t like certain characters that were sidelined, taken out, or brought back. If he had the same editor he would have more structured this story so that it wouldn’t be this exhausting mess and made ask a lot of why questions. Now do I think that the ending was the worst ending ever. No, I don’t think so as I knew what Akutami was going for. But they have to at least know what’s necessary and what isn’t. But then again maybe this is a mundane anticlimactic ending with a climatic ending. I just felt the epilogue portions could have had more focus. And how some things were more realized than what we got in the last 2 arcs. But with that said, I am thankful for what Akutami brought and will miss them. But at the same time, I am so glad that Jujutsu Kaisen is over as I felt the pain of the writing due to the amount of text that was completely unnecessary in terms of the exposition being to complex for his own good. I will miss Jujutsu Kaisen but I am ready to move on and see what the future will hold for the magazine with what we presently have.
