Attack on Titan: Jujutsu Kaisen manga's ending lost to Attack on Titan on one crucial aspect

Jujutsu Kaisen manga's ending lost to Attack on Titan on one crucial aspect

Modified Nov 03, 2024 20:00 GMT

Mega series Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan have proven to be masterpieces that captivated audiences with their dark themes, extremely detailed world-building, and high-stakes conflicts. Each tale boasts a unique narrative style and a roster of characters readers can relate to quite well.

Following Attack on Titan's conclusion in November 2023, Jujutsu Kaisen too drew the curtains on its story in September 2024. Both climactic conclusions sparked passionate debates about how well each one tied up its themes and character arcs. While the two might possess a similar tone and complexity, one crucial aspect separates them - the endings.

Jujutsu Kaisen's conclusion fell to Attack on Titan in one vital detail

To begin with, Jujutsu Kaisen was a top-rated series with adrenaline-pumping action, mind-boggling techniques and concepts, complex plot twists, and a unique lineup of characters. Spanning about 271 chapters, it told the story of Yuji Itadori who was thrust into the world of Cursed Spirits and Jujutsu Sorcerers following a fateful encounter with a Special Grade Cursed Object.

While the story itself was engrossing, the same cannot be said for the ending. Many felt that it was rushed and the series did not receive the proper conclusion it deserved. To elaborate, we learned about Kenjaku's grand plan of merging Tengen with Humanity to see what kind of beast would emerge and also about Ryomen Sukuna and how terrifying he was in his prime during the Heian Era.

However, these very anticipated points were left unaddressed. We did not get to see the King of Curses completely possess Megumi Fushiguro and reach the peak of his powers. Nor do we know what would happen if the Merger actually succeeded, i.e., this aspect was left open-ended and to the reader's imagination despite Kenjaku hinting at his will being passed on. So all in all, the build up to both of these events fizzed out quickly.

Elsewhere, Attack on Titan did a commendable job on rounding off the emphatic conclusion to its story. Though divisive, the ending was deeply introspective and emotionally charged, highlighting the story’s main themes of freedom, sacrifice, and the price of revenge. In the final bits, Eren Yeager unleashed the Rumbling, decimating much of humanity for the sake of his homeland.

This blew away the story's established moral lines. Eren was ultimately defeated by his comrade, Mikasa in particular, who delivered the final blow and cemented her role in the story and showcased the complexity of their bond. It was also revealed that Eren was pulling the strings behind a number of tragic events, which compelled readers to doubt his motivations in a morally gray sign-off.

The aftermath was also shown - 3 years post the Battle of Heaven and Earth, the survivors headed for Paradis as Marlean ambassadors to negotiate for peace. During their sail, a letter from Historia Reiss alerted them the remaining Yeagerists banding together to defend Paradis from the outside world. Eren's actions will always be condemned, but his intentions to ensure his friends' future while dealing with his own monstrous role echo with the Tragic Hero archetype.

In conclusion

When compared to Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen was packed with action and exciting confrontations but was judged for rushed character developments and omission of several important threads. The final showdown featured Yuji and Jujutsu High take on the formidable Sukuna in a fight to the death.

However, some fans feel that it left out an a crucial reflection on the story’s central themes like the nature of Curses, fate, and the complex ties between Humans and Curses. Although fast-paced and thrilling, the conclusion felt like it had limited insight into the ultimate motivations of faces like Gojo, Sukuna, and Yuji

Attack on Titan took the cake by sticking to its commitment of addressing moral ambiguity and the results of Eren’s actions. Being one with these themes allowed Hajime Isayama's conclude on a note that faced humanity's darkest inclinations and ethical bargains. Jujutsu Kaisen was on point with its battles, characters and storyline, but arguably missed out on an emphatic finale.