Review of 呪術廻戦 23 [Jujutsu Kaisen 23] by Gege Akutami
As a long-time fan of the Jujutsu Kaisen series, I can’t help but feel a swell of excitement whenever a new volume drops. Volume 23, in particular, struck a chord with me for its intricate web of emotions, sacrifices, and the relentless battle between good and evil. Gege Akutami’s brilliant storytelling continues to captivate, and this installment takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the dark alleys of sorcery and human connection.
In this volume, we witness Yuji Itadori conveying a heavy revelation to Megumi: Sukuna is like the fallen angel, complicating their quest to save Megumi’s sister from the game of extinction. The stakes here couldn’t be higher. Itadori, ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for Hana and her symbiote to free Gojo, encapsulates the series’ central theme of friendship and selflessness. The emotional weight behind these characters is tangible, and I found myself rooting for them even more fervently.
I was also struck by the backstory involving Kenjaku and the U.S. government, revealing a sinister manipulation aimed at harnessing cursed energy as a more potent power source. This spooky political insight adds another layer to the narrative, cleverly intertwined with the main plotline. Akutami seamlessly blends world-building with character development, making each revelation hit harder than the last.
The pacing in this volume is relentless. The action sequences are kinetic—especially the showdown between Kenjaku and Choso. The latter pushing back against an overwhelming foe symbolizes resilience in the face of despair. Kenjaku’s brutal onslaught showcases not only his power but the struggles that our heroes must endure. I felt my heart racing, caught in the ebb and flow of battle; moments of hope punctuated by despair kept me glued to the pages.
Yuki’s discussions with Tengen added philosophical depth. Their conversation about power, sacrifice, and past choices resonated with me—there’s so much nuance wrapped in these characters’ complexities. The revelation of Tengen’s non-binary identity and Yuki’s connection to Riko—again, layered with emotional weight—illustrates Akutami’s commitment to creating diverse, well-rounded characters.
One of the most striking moments was the climactic battle leading to Yuki’s tragic fate. The scenarios woven around creating a black hole to absorb Kenjaku, and the historical friend connection between Kenjaku and Tengen, leave not just surprises but also a sense of melancholy. Witnessing one beloved character perish in such a brutal fashion hits hard, making the dramatic stakes all the more present.
In conclusion, Jujutsu Kaisen 23 is a heart-pounding, emotional exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the morality of power. It’s perfect for fans of dark fantasy and those who appreciate character-driven narratives. Akutami’s ability to blend moments of pure action with profound emotional resonance is nothing short of artful, making this volume unforgettable.
If you’re someone who enjoys tales where every page is a mix of excitement and existential pondering, this volume is definitely for you. As for me, I walked away not just entertained but deeply reflective about the battles we all fight, both on and off the page.
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