Horikoshi and Akutami: Horikoshi and Akutami's first author comments prove My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen couldn't be more different from each other

Horikoshi and Akutami's first author comments prove My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen couldn't be more different from each other

By Casey Mendez

Modified Aug 18, 2024 11:30 GMT

Comments by My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen creators prove each series' uniqueness (Image via Sportskeeda)

My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen stand among the most popular modern-day animanga series. Initial releases for each series garnered considerable attention, and with time, gained a huge cult following. Undoubtedly, when speaking of current top-rated series, these two cannot be discounted.

Authors Kohei Horikoshi and Gege Akutami, through their respective series, have established themselves as expert mangakas. But not to be mistaken, these two tales are vastly different from each other. Horikoshi and Akutami's comments at the beginning of each series' first volumes further cement this statement.

Evident from Horikoshi's words, he prefers to take a relaxed approach to his writing, choosing to enjoy what he puts forth. But in Akutami's case, they tend to allow to their thoughts to run wild as they put pen to paper. Here's a closer look at each author's comments.

Comments by My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen creators prove each series' uniqueness

As often seen, authors usually leave a brief comment at either the beginning or end of chapters in their manga. This can be quite literally anything, i.e., the author's thoughts/opinions, a hint to the next chapter, an important announcement, etc.

Similarly, both Horikoshi and Akutami kicked off their respective series with a few introductory lines. At the time, they seemed customary. However, at this juncture when looking back on them, these very statements prove how dissimilar the series is.

Kohei Horikoshi's comments

"This is my third series to be collected into graphic novels. Forgive me if this sounds reckless, but the thing I prioritize most when drawing manga is creating something that I can enjoy. This one might not remain popular, but for now, I'll just be happy if everyone finds it as fun as I do" - Kohei Horikoshi.

Firstly, My Hero Academia is Horikoshi's second series, the ones prior being Barrage and Oumagadoki Zoo. Horikoshi commented on the opening page of the First Volume of MHA. Now, according to the mangaka's comments, Horikoshi looks to be more relaxed about his work. He prefers to steer things in a direction that makes working on it enjoyable for him. After all, people perform better when they actually enjoy what they are doing.

The series of events of My Hero Academia reflect these statements. While they do adhere to Shonen tropes, they exude a positive vibe in a general. The big Heroes vs Villains battle ended with casualties, granted, but on the former end, damage was kept manageable. Although Deku lost One For All, his new suit permitted him to continue being a Hero and overall, Class 1-A achieved what they set out to.

Gege Akutami's comments

"The other day, I saw a video of myself laughing hysterically. I was a little taken aback by how demonic I looked...I hope you enjoy that type of person's first graphic novel" - Gege Akutami.

Inspired by Tite Kubo's Bleach and series like Hunter x Hunter and Evangelion, Gege Akutami published a few one-shots before finally giving us Jujutsu Kaisen. 265 chapters in and no one knows what to expect next from the author. Such is reflective of their comments in the series' first volume.

Moreover, true to what was stated, Akutami's writing has been unpredictable and appalling. They seem like someone who whimsically shape their work and can take dark turns at certain points. While the series heavily references Buddhism, Akutami uses unique and twisted concepts to make things seem terrifying when looked at closely.

My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen stand as vastly different from each other

Izuku Midoriya and Gojo Satoru (Image via Sportskeeda)

As mentioned, My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen are very different from each other. This would be obvious considering how distinct each author is as well. While one (Horikoshi) prefers a more eased-up approach that brings him delight, the other (Akutami) lets their imagination run wild to conjure up the bizarre.

The topics/themes in Jujutsu Kaisen are more mature, darker and fantastical. In comparison, My Hero Academia takes a lighter stance and focuses on more positive themes like heroism, perseverance, friendship, etc. Next, the antagonists in Horikoshi's series (except All For One) look to have a deep-seated issue that led to down a destructive path, i.e., they still have a shot at redemption.

However, the key antagonists of Jujutsu Kaisen are irredeemable, i.e., evil is just pure evil. There may be exceptions to this statement but even so, the likes of Kenjaku and Ryomen Sukuna cannot be saved. Reasons like these distinctly separate My Hero Academia and Jujutsu Kaisen from each other and if not enough, each author's initial comments stand as further proof.