As anime fans gather to celebrate a special screening of Jujutsu Kaisen tomorrow, we speak with fans and cosplayers about the draw of this recent cult phenomenon
Yuji Itadori faces off a demon
Demons. High school teenagers. Battle royales. If that sounds like the terminology of an annoyed parent, you could not be more wrong. The lanes of Bandra Kurla Complex might see a flood of anime fans dressed in their cosplaying best for a special screening tomorrow. The fans will be part of a big screen show of the popular anime series, Jujutsu Kaisen. Partnered with the entertainment platform, Crunchyroll, Comic Con India is hosting the session to mark the release of the latest season on July 6.
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The manga series, illustrated by Gege Akutami, began in 2018 and has since acquired a cult-like popularity. The story of a high-school teenager, Yuji Itadori, who acquires special powers and is drawn into a subaltern world of demon slayers, has earned praise for its lore and action. It has also ranked in the top 20 of New York Times’ Graphic Novels and Manga Best Seller List in 2021.
A scene from the manga featuring Itadori and Gojo
“This is the first ever fan event by the organisation in India,” says Jatin Varma, founder, Comic Con India. While DC and Marvel remain giants of comic book subscription in the country, Varma points out that it has increasingly become easier for readers to access manga. The screening is a marker of acknowledgement by the global industry. “It will only get better with time,” Varma adds. Entry to the event is RSVP only, with fans required to register online. As the fandom gathers, we speak to cosplayers and anime fans about the draw of Akutami’s action-packed series.
On: July 20; 4.30 pm onwards
At: PVR Maison, Jio World Drive, BKC, Bandra East.
Log on to: @crunchyroll_into register
Entry: RSVP only; first come first serve basis
A tale of emotional conflicts
Vipin Aryan, 35, anime fan
For me, the core of the story revolves around the arcs of the villain, Suguru Geto and Yuji’s friend, Satoru Gojo. I was drawn into the series with Gojo’s entry. While there have been anime series before, like Naruto Shippuden or Dragonball Z, that have had action-packed storylines, I think Jujutsu Kaisen has a fine balance. At no point of this series will you feel like you were bored. I am looking forward to the battle between Gojo and Geto in the second season. You need a strong villain for the hero arc to emerge. The story presents opportunities for emotional conflicts. I am keen to see if some of the protagonists on this side turn against Yuji when he gains more powers. That would be interesting to watch.
Anime websites: Crunchyroll; ZoroTV
My recco: My Hero Academia; Demon Slayer
Intense action leaves you spellbound
Sanika Shetty, 23, anime fan
I was drawn to Jujutsu Kaisen by its mesmerising blend of intense action and gripping storytelling. It was the characters, though, that truly captured my heart. Among them, Yuji Itadori stood out as my favorite. He has unwavering determination, genuine kindness, and incredible growth. As the first season concluded with tantalising cliffhangers, the wait for the next season made me anxious. I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds further.
Anime websites: Crunchyroll, Hulu and ZoroTV
My recco: Naruto Shippuden; Demon Slayer; Black Clover
Captivating action and story
Raj Pathare, 28, professional cosplayer
I am a big fan of the animation style, and the storyline in particular. The anime, far more than the manga, uses action sequences brilliantly. It highlights the power of the characters, their movement and skills with such fluidity.
The first season ended on a cliffhanger after the battle at Shibuya, so the second one is off to an exciting start. There is something about the conflicting elements and emotional arc that make the story engrossing.
As a cosplayer, there are many characters that have great design throughout the series. But the one that truly caught my eye is Satoru Gojo. While he may not have a lot of design elements — it is a simple high school uniform with some eyewear — but for the style, cool and flash,
the character is every cosplayer’s favourite.
Anime websites: Comicsense, @Hangoutstore for merchandise
My recco: Jujutsu Kaisen; Naruto Shippuden
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