Key Takeaways:
– Gege Akutami initially envisioned Jujutsu Kaisen as a darker manga series.
– The first editor suggested altering the storyline to make it more appealing to a wider audience.
– The change might have limited Akutami's full potential as a horror writer.
– It remains intriguing to envision what might have befell had Akutami stuck to his original concept.
The Foundation of Jujutsu Kaisen's Making
Gege Akutami, the celebrated creator of the renowned manga and anime series Jujutsu Kaisen, had initially projected a much gloomier narrative for the series. Well admired for his talent in blending horror components with the Shounen genre, Akutami intended to pivot the storyline around Yuta Okkotsu and his cursed spirit Rika Orimoto. The plot was meant to illustrate the quest for powerful sorcerers who could end Yuta and Rika's violent spree.
Yet, according to revelations, the storyline took a different turn due to editorial choices. Akutami's editor believed that the dark themes might be intense for the target audience. Instead, a shift to a lighter, more relatable background was suggested, hoping to appeal to a wider demographic. This brought about the institutional ambiance that fans today are familiar with, where sorcerers are trained to fight curses.
The Reality Behind the Changed Plot
Despite initially disliking the change, Akutami agreed with the editor. The transition from a gruesome horror setting to a school environment marked a significant departure from Akutami's initial vision. As a keen enthusiast of the horror genre, this editorial choice might have capped Akutami's potential to fully delve into horror storytelling.
Akutami's Use of Horror Inspirations
Regardless of the changes, vestiges of Akutami's passion for horror can be discerned in the Jujutsu Kaisen series. Be it through hideous curses, horrifying backgrounds, or terrifying moments, horror clearly inspired Akutami. A zealous fan of found footage, horror movies, and the occult, Akutami's storytelling is brimming with unsettling scenes.
Furthermore, unsettling characters like Mahito, and the background stories of characters like Junpei Yoshino, provide a glimpse into Akutami's proficiency at exploring darker subjects. These elements manifest the depth that Jujutsu Kaisen could have ventured into had the original concept prevailed.
An Unfulfilled Horror Potential?
While we take pleasure in the thrill-filled escapades of Yuji Itadori and his comrades, one can't help but contemplate the chilling narratives that could have been. The concept of Akutami reemerging in the future, reverting to his horror roots with a fresh endeavor, remains intriguing.
Should Akutami embark on such a journey, this could offer us a broader insight into his capabilities as a horror author. For now, fans continue to be engrossed by the unique fusion of horror and Shounen genre in Jujutsu Kaisen – a testimony to the creative genius of Gege Akutami.
To enjoy Akutami's captivating narrative, catch Jujutsu Kaisen on Netflix.
