Jujutsu Kaisen: 6 Anime Moments That Were Better in the Manga

MAPPA’s adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen has been a huge success, turning Gege Akutami’s already popular manga into a global hit. The anime’s fight scenes take the excellent choreography from the manga and refine it even further. MAPPA also made the complex dialogue and explanations of the series’ magic system, like Domain Expansion, easier to understand and visually engaging. However, some of the original manga’s rough and intense energy is still best captured in the original panels.

The animation brings vibrant color, dynamic movement, and a memorable soundtrack to the series. However, the unique ink work and panel layouts in the manga create atmospheres that are hard to replicate on screen. Sometimes, a character’s expression feels more impactful in black and white, or subtle details are lost in the fast pace of the animation. These moments truly shine in the original manga. If you want the complete experience, here are six scenes from Jujutsu Kaisen that many fans find even better when read in the manga.

6. Yuta Okkotsu vs. Yuji Itadori

Since When Is Throwing Cars Not Considered “Peak Cinema”?

The “Execution” arc begins with intense conflict as Yuta is tasked with capturing Itadori. The anime adaptation is visually stunning and flows well, though it tones down some of the brutal desperation present in manga chapters 140 and 141. Specifically, the anime removed or altered scenes where Itadori aggressively used his surroundings in the fight. While the manga left the outcome uncertain, the anime heavily implied Yuta would win, a change that many fans disliked, particularly Yuta’s dramatic entrance pose.

A memorable scene from the original manga showed Itadori demonstrating incredible strength by punching and throwing a car to create an advantage against Yuta. The anime adapted this fight in a similar location, but focused more on swordplay and quick movements. Fans often point to this moment as a clear illustration of how quickly Itadori gained immense power, becoming a truly formidable force – almost like a demon – in a short amount of time.

5. Sukuna and Mahito Laugh at Itadori

Getting Laughed At By Villains Hits Harder In Ink

Following the tragic transformation and death of Junpei Yoshino, Itadori is left utterly devastated and desperately begs Sukuna for help, only to be mocked. The voice acting in this scene is superb, with both Junichi Suwabe and Nobunaga Shimazaki delivering fantastic performances. However, the manga paneling in Chapter 27 is particularly unsettling, amplifying the feeling of dread. The way Sukuna and Mahito’s faces tower over a defeated Itadori emphasizes a sense of overwhelming, almost universal, cruelty.

The manga version of this scene is well-known for its creative use of laughter bubbles, filling the panels around Itadori’s words to show how the villains’ cruelty overwhelms his sadness. While the anime rushes through the moment, the manga lets you linger on the disturbing joy the villains feel. This is a pivotal moment for Itadori, and the manga emphasizes its impact by portraying the villains as monstrous with exaggerated, twisted faces, creating a more intense and unsettling experience.

4. Sukuna vs. Mahoraga

Wait, Did Anyone Actually See What Happened There?

The battle in the Shibuya Incident is famous for its incredible animation, but it also sparked debate about how easy it was to follow. While visually stunning with massive destruction, the anime fight became too chaotic. It was difficult to understand the full strategy because of all the action. Important details about Mahoraga and his powerful Eight-Handled Sword Divergent Sila Divine General were often hidden by explosions and debris.

The manga version of this story unfolds at a more deliberate pace, highlighting key details like how Mahoraga’s back transforms into a wheel and the precise moment the shikigami adjusts to Sukuna’s attack. By using static images, Akutami clearly shows the step-by-step logic of this adaptation. We see exactly how Sukuna weakens Mahoraga with “Malevolent Shrine” and ultimately defeats him with Fuga. For fans who enjoy the strategic battles and complex power dynamics in Jujutsu Kaisen, the manga provides a clearer understanding of how this incredibly powerful shikigami actually functions.

3. Itadori’s “I’m You” to Mahito

That “I’m You” Stare Was Way More Terrifying In Black And White

The conclusion of the battle with Mahito is brilliantly told, marking a turning point for Itadori as he comes to terms with his role as a tool for exorcising curses. The anime’s snowy forest setting is visually stunning and creates a beautiful, immersive atmosphere. However, the manga in chapter 132 delivers a more unsettling impact. Itadori’s expression, specifically his cold, lifeless eyes – a stark contrast to his usual warmth – transforms him from a relatable hero into something much more predatory, like a hunter stalking its prey.

Fans often point out that the stark black-and-white artwork in the manga makes Itadori look truly frightening in this moment. While the anime portrays him as determined, the manga suggests he’s lost something of himself. The art creates a sense of inner darkness as he stares down a horrified Mahito and declares they are the same, highlighting the immense mental toll the Shibuya Incident took on him. It’s a scene that showcases both Itadori’s heroic qualities and a deeply unsettling change within him.

2. Final Moment of Nobara Kugisaki

The Manga Didn’t Even Give Us Time To Say Goodbye To Nanami Yet

A particularly moving moment in the series is Nobara’s apparent death during the Shibuya arc. The anime adaptation enhanced this scene with a poignant chair metaphor and a longer flashback, which many viewers preferred over the manga’s more abrupt depiction. However, the initial injury in chapter 125 of the manga is arguably more impactful due to its shocking visual presentation. The manga portrays the attack – a swift, brutal, and lasting blow to her face – with stark and devastating violence.

Viewers have noted that the manga portrays the story’s shift in tone as abrupt and shocking, as the series suddenly became more intense and unforgiving. By keeping the scene brief and the depiction of the injury realistic, Akutami emphasizes the chaotic and unfair nature of the sorcerer killings. While the anime’s artistic choices were visually stunning, the manga’s quick, impactful brutality serves as a stark reminder that in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, even beloved characters can be unexpectedly eliminated without a drawn-out farewell.

1. Gojo’s “Honored One” Awakening

That “Drunk On Power” Look We All Fell For

As a huge Jujutsu Kaisen fan, I have to say the Hidden Inventory arc really shines when Gojo comes back – especially considering how close he was to dying during that fight with Toji! The anime did a fantastic job making that return visually striking with its bright colors and unique style. But honestly, the Gojo we see in manga chapter 75? That’s something else entirely. He just oozes this powerful, almost legendary confidence, like he’s completely untouchable. That panel of him floating against the sun, with his hand perfectly positioned… it’s instantly iconic. It’s a moment that just sticks with you, and it’s hard to imagine any adaptation capturing that same feeling.

Throughout Heaven and Earth… I Alone Am the Honored One — Gojo Satoru

The manga version of Gojo is so impactful because of his expression. The artist, Akutami, drew him with wild, intense eyes, showing he’s not just recovered, but practically overflowing with cursed energy. The anime portrays him as more gentle and peaceful, but in the manga, he feels like a god realizing his own invincibility. For many fans, a particular panel – often called the ‘Honored One’ – truly captures the birth of the strongest sorcerer, and the stark art style perfectly conveys a sense of overwhelming, divine pride that defines the character.

2026-02-02 18:35