Jujutsu Kaisen: Episode 2 and 3 Review

Genre: Action,Demons, Horror, School, Shounen, Supernatural
Produced by MAPPO Studios
Creator: Gege Akutami

Hey Everyone, this is Neonblue. Im picking up the new series Jujustu Kaisen that was developed by MAAPO studios. This is my review and story breakdown of episode 2 & 3. So quick warning, anything past this point will be spoilers. If your interested in watching the show, Jujustso Kaisen is available to crunchyroll.

Episode 2 - For Myself

Fushiguro faces off against Yuji on top of the school rooftops. Yuji has been transformed by eating the talisman(Cursed object) and he is now possessed.  Just before Fushiguro can attack,  a character called Kakashi, I mean, Satoru intervenes. He's very tongue in cheek and introduces himself as a teacher from the Tokyo Metropolitan Technical College.  And instead of fighting, he tests Yuji's control over the cursed spirit by releasing Sukana for 10 seconds. Once released from control, Sakuna takes over Itadoris body and immediately attacks Satoru. Its a fantastic fight scenes. But once the time is up, Yuji is able to take control of his body without any issues.

It's revealed the cursed object is a finger from a legendary curse (Spirit/Demon?) called Sukana. Normal methods can not destroy his fingers but if Yuji dies, the parts he has consumed will also be destroyed. Instead of immediate execution he is offered delayed time. Delayed time to be trained, seek the missing fingers and consumed them all before he is executed.  Yuji sees this as a chance to use his gifts to help people and save lives. Like what his grandfather wanted. Its a very self sacrificing sentiment and I find it difficult to believe. I'm sure its true but he unrealistically doesn't display any fears or anxiety. He never disputes the execution or questions the legitimacy of an education institution dishing out death.

Yuji arrives at high school and he is introduced to the principal to be interviewed. Saturo is chastised for being late *Cough* Kakashi *Cough*.  I feel like this is Kakashi's Team 7 with Sasuke, Sakura and Naruto. They even share similar dispositions. But back to the story, the principal Yaga Masamichi is surrounded by a variety of colorful plush dolls.  They are called Cursed Corpses, infused with the principal's curse. The principal asks Yuji why he would want to be a Sorcerer and Itadori replies it was his grandfather's wish. This is an unacceptable answer and Masamichi sends one of dolls to attack Yuji. The doll attacks and pushes him to answer truthfully. Finally Yuji declares he wouldn't be able to ignore this responsibility as its unique to his talents. This is something only he can do. The principal accepts his answer and Yuji is admitted into the school.

Episode 3 - Girl of Steel

Yuji  discovers there is only three students in their year due to the rarity of their talents. Saturo takes the two boys to the train station to pick up the third student, Nobara Kugisaki. She is introduced as someone with what I would describe as a combative personality type. She is conceited and unimpressed upon meeting her class mates. But despite this rough introduction, I never feel like I'm against her. I don't find her annoying. I remember very clearly not liking Sakura from Naruto. Again, similar character types. But Nobara's obtuse nature is  acknowledged and comedically presented.

Saturo offers to take the students on a tour of Tokyo but instead takes them to a haunted spot. After tricking the students, Saturo instructs Yuji and Nobara to exorcise the curse from an abandoned building. He tell Fushiguro this is a test for Nobara. He wants her to experience the danger of curses in cities compared to countryside towns. Meanwhile, despite Yuji's concerns, Nobara impatiently goes on her own to quickly finish the job. Yuji is sent reeling from Nobara's hectic behavior. "Your emotions are every where!"  A hilarious comment by Yuji and perfectly timed.  I could honestly imagine that line from a western sitcom. 

Finally we get to see Nobara in action as she comes across a room with mannequins. She attacks a curse and finds a young boy hiding. Before she can do anything, another curse takes the boy as a hostage. But Yuji crashes through the wall like a Kool-aid ad and frees him. Nobara uses another technique and is able to dispatch the curse before it can escape. Saturo and his students take the boy home and the show ends as they head back together.

Summary:

I'm on board with the writing on this show. It had genuine laugh out loud moments. Yuji is told to take the interview with the principal seriously and he introduces himself with  "Hi, I'm Yuji and I'm really into girls like Jennifer Laurence". Its difficult to land conversational jokes. It didn't sound forced or creepy. I scoffed and didn't see it coming. The series is showing off a trend of comedic elements highlighting the show. I would continue watching this series based on that strength alone.

I was on the fence with the animation but the fight scene in episode 2 between Sukana and Saturo was a fantastic example of its frame rate and detail. But there's this textured effect they use on the curses, its like a static camouflage pattern. I dont understand its design and I personally find it off putting.  However I should point out all the fight scenes so far have been great.

The pacing of the story is still gaining some traction and there isn't any urgency or immediate threats. But as I write this review, I can see the story is still introducing core concepts and characters.  They really gave some screen time for Yuji and Nobara to be fleshed out. Fushiguro on the other hand is as featureless as a paper bag. We didn't get any deeper background into his character but I expect to see more in future episodes. Again, if your interested in watching the show, Jujutsu Kaisen is available to crunchyroll. Please leave a comment, Id love to hear what you think about the series so far.

Characters