In a recent Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine issue, an interview was conducted with Bleach mangaka Tite Kubo, which touched on Jujutsu Kaisen. Speaking on mangaka Gege Akutami’s original smash-hit series, Kubo revealed his favorite fight overall and what he particularly enjoys about Akutami’s manga.
The interview is especially significant when considering the influence Kubo’s Bleach had on Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen in many ways. This section of the interview was shared to X, and the series’ larger fanbase likewise by reputable series leaker and news source @Go_Jover.
Jujutsu Kaisen manga receives lofty praise from Bleach’s Kubo
Per the latest interview from Shuiesha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, Kubo’s favorite fight scene in Jujutsu Kaisen is Maki Zen’in’s massacre of the Zen’in clan. This comes during the Perfect Preparation Arc and is highlighted from chapter 148 through chapter 152. Kubo’s general praise of the series relates heavily to what the massacre sequence does, explaining why it’s his favorite fight.
Kubo begins by explaining how battles in the series are generally known for complex techniques. However, he argues that Akutami’s true brilliance is in their ability to shift back and forth from reality to flashbacks. Mai and Maki Zen’in’s shared dream sequence during the Zen’in clan massacre chapters mentioned above specifically come to mind here. It’s one of the best intertwinings of action and story in the entire series.
Kubo goes on to say that the visual techniques Akutami uses are striking, easy to understand with just a glance, and aesthetically pleasing on the page. While this praise from Kubo references the series overall, it happens to be something the Zen’in clan massacre sequence excels at.
Especially relating to the sequence is Kubo’s subsequent praise of how the series’ battles are packed with intense gore. Kubo goes as far as to say he’s envious of the freedom he’s received from Shueisha and the various editorial departments. This makes sense, as Kubo’s flagship manga was once considered one of the more violent offerings in Weekly Shonen Jump.
Kubo ends by praising the Naoya Zen’in aspect of the Zen’in clan massacre sequence. He calls the narrative leading up to Maki’s fight with Naoya smooth, flawless, and exhilarating. Kubo said all of this combines to show what it looks like when an author is on fire, stamping his approval of the series.
This is especially significant, given that many consider Jujutsu Kaisen the spiritual successor to Kubo’s series. The two are similar in their protagonists, cultural references, trendy jokes (for their times), and more. Kubo even did an interview with Akutami in which his main contribution was discussing how their two series are similar.
Final thoughts
While fans of Akutami’s series the world over already knew they had struck gold, it’s significant to see Kubo agree. This is especially significant for Akutami, as their manga was heavily inspired by his, as detailed above.
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Edited by Joseph Brogan
