8 Years Ago Today, Shonen Jump Released Its Most Modern Shonen Series (And It Changed the Industry)

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This recent Shonen Jump series concluded over a year ago, but it’s still praised for being a fresh take on a classic formula. For the past fifty years, Weekly Shonen Jump has shaped the shonen genre, starting with Dragon Ball and continuing with popular titles like Naruto, Hunter × Hunter, My Hero Academia, Black Clover, and the still-running One Piece. While each of these series is enjoyable, they all share noticeable similarities, making them feel quite alike.

Many popular manga series follow a similar pattern: a determined hero with a clear goal sets out on a journey. These stories usually avoid darker themes, focusing instead on exciting adventures. While this formula is successful, it started to feel repetitive in Weekly Shonen Jump. Luckily, Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami arrived and proved that a shonen series could break from these traditional tropes and still be incredibly popular – perhaps even more so.

Shonen Jump Saw a Shift With the Release of This Dark Shonen Series

I remember when Jujutsu Kaisen first started appearing in magazines eight years ago today, on March 5th, 2018. It felt different right away, like it was going to offer something new to the shonen genre. The story is built around this idea of ‘cursed energy’ that everyone naturally has, and how skilled sorcerers can use it with their own special abilities. Gege Akutami really created a unique world, mixing action and fantasy with elements of real-world concepts and Japanese martial arts. Even from the beginning, it felt like this series had what it needed to succeed, but over the last six and a half years, and nearly 300 chapters, Jujutsu Kaisen has proven to be much more than just another typical shonen story.

What makes Jujutsu Kaisen unique – and why it’s hard to categorize as a typical shonen anime – is its main character. While most shonen heroes are motivated by big goals, Yuji Itadori is different. He doesn’t strive for some amazing dream; instead, he simply wants to be surrounded by loved ones when he dies, a wish passed down from his grandfather. This simple desire is what truly sets him apart and makes him a compelling protagonist.

Many modern anime heroes feel similar, but Yuji from Jujutsu Kaisen stands out because he’s uncertain about his future – a feeling many viewers can relate to. In a world with so many choices, it’s hard to know what you want to do with your life, and Yuji embodies that struggle. This realistic approach is a key reason why Jujutsu Kaisen influenced a change in how shonen stories are told. Series like Chainsaw Man and Gachiakuta continue this trend, suggesting we’re moving away from heroes with far-fetched goals and towards more down-to-earth characters. Jujutsu Kaisen was a pioneer in this shift, and its impact on the anime and manga world is still felt long after the series concluded.

Jujutsu Kaisen Continues to Be a Major Part of Shonen Series

Even though the Jujutsu Kaisen manga finished over a year and a half ago, it’s still incredibly popular and influential. The third season of the anime is currently airing and is quickly becoming a top contender for Anime of the Year – potentially winning the title for the third year in a row. Plus, the sequel manga is also nearing its end, continuing the series’ strong impact on the manga world.

The sequel series, Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, will conclude on March 8, 2026. Set nearly 70 years after the original Jujutsu Kaisen, Modulo quickly became a standout success for Weekly Shonen Jump and one of the best new manga of last year. While the sequel is ending, the Jujutsu Kaisen franchise will live on through its popular anime adaptation. Plus, creator Gege Akutami plans to continue making manga, ensuring the series will likely remain popular for years to come. Jujutsu Kaisen’s success comes from its unique take on the shonen genre and its devoted fanbase, making it a benchmark for future series.

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2026-03-05 22:11