Highlights
- Shōnen manga is changing, with more focus on tight, shorter stories like Jujutsu Kaisen‘s final arc.
- Criticism about lack of filler in modern anime like Jujutsu Kaisen raises questions about pacing.
- Fans desire longer, patient storytelling in shōnen series for deeper character connections and development.
As a long-time anime enthusiast who’s been around since the golden age of shonen, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when I see fans yearning for more time with their favorite trios, like Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara in Jujutsu Kaisen. You see, back in my day, we didn’t have streaming services or weekly releases; we had to wait patiently for a new episode each week, savoring every moment of it.
Over the last twenty years, the genre of shōnen manga has undergone considerable transformation, leading to a marked change in the types of narratives being explored and their lengths. Simultaneously, the anime industry has adapted its approach to shōnen, with the primary alteration being the reduction or elimination of filler content. However, recent discussions about Jujutsu Kaisen have sparked debate over whether a bit of filler might not be detrimental after all.
Gege Akutami’s popular shonen manga titled “Jujutsu Kaisen” is currently in the heart of its climactic storyline, known as the “Shinjuku Showdown”. As I write this, a total of 265 chapters have been published, and it is anticipated to conclude this year. The TV anime adaptation, produced by Studio MAPPA, debuted towards the end of 2020, followed by a prequel movie in 2021 (both under the direction of Sunghoo Park). A second season, overseen by Shota Goshozono, premiered in 2023.
What A Certain Fan Had To Say About Filler
On July 31st, Twitter user sukuwuna (@cybxrdxze) shared their perspective on the role of filler in modern anime. They argued that completely shunning filler can potentially diminish the quality of anime, using Jujutsu Kaisen’s characters as an illustrative example of how it can enhance a highly-acclaimed storyline.
This Person Makes an Excellent Point
Contemporary Shonen manga series are becoming shorter in length, driven by two primary factors. Firstly, creators aim for tighter narratives that stand out among their peers. Secondly, there’s pressure to attract readers quickly to avoid cancellation. Some argue that this hurried pace compromises the potential depth of character development, which could have fostered stronger emotional connections. Notably, this observation seems particularly applicable to the series “Jujutsu Kaisen,” given its more contentious nature.
Jujutsu Kaisen doesn’t have an unusually fast tempo at the beginning. Instead, it sets a thoughtful pace and invests sufficient time in laying the groundwork for its contemporary fantasy setting, outlining the rules and social order. However, following the Shibuya Incident arc, there is a significant change in direction. The tension builds as the supporting characters no longer have protective plot devices, and the familiar world the audience has come to know begins to unravel.
The character development in Jujutsu Kaisen receives both acclaim and criticism, however, some critics argue that characters are sometimes not utilized to their full potential before they meet their demise. This issue is prevalent across the entire cast, but it’s especially noticeable in the main trio, who have faced criticism for how swiftly the storyline seems to move past the necessity of keeping them together.
In the anime “Jujutsu Kaisen”, characters like Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara are captivating individually, yet their bond as a group doesn’t feel fully developed beyond Season 1. The story takes a dramatic turn by its midpoint, which leaves viewers craving more insights into these characters outside the main narrative. However, suggesting “filler” episodes might not be the best solution, as it often brings up complications. Instead, some fans are advocating for additional content or spin-offs that delve deeper into the lives and relationships of these characters.
Why Some Fans Took Issue With This Take
As anticipated, various responses ranged from positive to negative, yet it appears that much of this disagreement stems from differing views on what constitutes anime filler. To be fair, there is a history of warranted doubt when it comes to filler content. In simpler terms, anime filler refers to additional story elements generated to bridge time gaps while the production team accumulates sufficient source material to move forward with the main narrative.
As a longtime fan of shōnen anime, I can attest to the indelible mark that filler episodes have left on my memory. Over the years, I’ve watched countless series, week after week, eagerly awaiting each new installment. However, I must admit that some of those episodes, which didn’t contribute to the main storyline, were a source of frustration for me and many other fans.
As a long-time fan of manga and anime, I’ve had my fair share of debates over the term “filler.” I remember back in the days when I was eagerly waiting for each new episode of Naruto or One Piece, only to be disappointed by episodes that didn’t follow the source material. But as I grew older and started watching more anime, I came to realize that the term “filler” can sometimes oversimplify a complex issue.
It’s Not About Filler
Fans of anime aren’t just seeking unnecessary content, but rather crave extensive and thoughtful storytelling, reminiscent of classic shōnen series that took time to establish a solid base. Although there are legitimate arguments for enhancing the main pace – whether it involves filler or not – it isn’t mere nostalgia driving some anime enthusiasts to yearn for more substantial content. It’s not just innovation responsible for the tighter pacing in modern shōnen, but also an appreciation for detailed and immersive narratives.
Tastes change, certainly, but it’s also about the state of the industry and the expectations placed on new series to instantly grab an audience. Many will remember that Black Clover‘s anime was the source of much ridicule when it first aired but grew to be beloved by many. In the current state of shōnen, it’s hard to imagine many series getting that same chance to earn the admiration of its audience.
The manga “Jujutsu Kaisen” has earned its popularity through a unique blend of influences from Tite Kubo and Yoshihiro Togashi’s works, yet it manages to forge its own path. The action sequences are thrilling, and the characters, whether they get much use in the story or not, tend to be relatable and captivating. Although it has room for improvement, which is common among popular media, the series could have pushed creative boundaries to enhance the source material even more.
Instead of focusing solely on intense, storyline-driven content, we could introduce some lighthearted, day-to-day scenes reminiscent of the Juju Stroll segments or unique anime scenarios designed for character development. To put it simply, after a gap of two years between Seasons 1 and 2, it would have been delightful to spend a little extra time enjoying the characters’ camaraderie before the entire story took a dramatic turn for the worse.
In a shōnen series like Jujutsu Kaisen, characters play a crucial role. While some simple narratives have been elevated by captivating characters, and intricate stories have suffered due to weak character development, what sets Jujutsu Kaisen apart is its robust world-building, themes, and a cast that leaves an immediate impact. However, the series’ grand ambitions for its plot sometimes overshadow the complexity of its characters.
Jujutsu Kaisen is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
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2024-08-09 20:34