When done correctly, anime resurrections can bring a story to new levels, but if not executed properly, they have the potential to damage both the story and the characters involved.
Over the past few years, it has become a growing trend in anime to revive deceased characters. These resurrections often serve as a means to introduce new plot developments, but in certain instances, they are used to rectify past errors.
Despite being known for its unpredictable and brutal deaths, Jujutsu Kaisen has also become notorious for not sparing even its main characters. While character deaths outnumber revivals in the series, the recent resurrection of Nobara Kugisaki sparked controversy among fans who were displeased with how her return was handled.
Keeping that in consideration, we will examine four anime resurrections that outshone Nobara Kugisaki’s and four that were poorly executed.
Four Anime Resurrections that Outdid Nobara Kugisaki’s in Jujutsu Kaisen
Yusuke Urameshi (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Despite being one of the few anime series to kill off its main character from the start, Yu Yu Hakusho’s decision to do so was crucial for the development of the plot. Throughout the series, the main character’s growth and journey made his eventual resurrection one of the most memorable and skillfully executed moments in anime history.
Upon his sudden death, Yusuke Urameshi was met by the Grim Reaper who revealed that due to his unexpected heroic sacrifice in saving a child, the Spirit World had decided to grant him the opportunity to return to the human world as a Spirit Detective.
Yusuke’s series of trials throughout the show were integral in proving his character and making his revival both justified and impactful. In contrast, Nobara’s return in Jujutsu Kaisen is considered by fans to lack any significant buildup or significance.
Eren Yeager’s Role in Attack on Titan
Similarly to Yusuke, Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan also met a gruesome and anticipated fate early on in the story. However, unlike Yusuke, Eren’s resurrection served a greater purpose than simply advancing the plot.
Despite witnessing a Titan devour him in front of Armin Arlert, Eren’s eventual comeback was both astonishing and captivating as it unveiled his power to shift into a Titan, serving as a pivotal moment in the narrative.
The revelation of Eren somehow being alive was not the only focus, as it also introduced a major twist that unveiled the new danger of Titan-shifters, in addition to the existing threat posed by the Titans.
Subaru Natsuki (Re:Zero)
Despite its potential as a narrative tool to explore the psychological impact of repeated death, Subaru Natsuki’s “Return By Death”ability is often viewed as a curse in the world of Re:Zero. This is due to the fact that no matter how many times he dies, he always returns to a specific point in time before his demise. As Subaru’s deaths become increasingly gruesome and traumatic, the true weight and burden of this ability are revealed.
Despite the frequent and devastating consequences of his deaths, Subaru’s subsequent returns were more harrowing than triumphant, taking a toll on him mentally and emotionally.
Despite this, Subaru is able to overcome his repeated failures and eventually turn things around. This adds a sense of deserving and meaning to some of his revivals, in contrast to Nobara’s resurrection, which lacked the same emotional depth.
The Entire Cast of Higurashi: When They Cry
The initial installment of the Higurashi: When They Cry anime series effectively created a sense of tension and intrigue among its audience. It left them pondering the cause behind the recurring deaths and misfortunes that plagued the seemingly serene village of Hinamizawa in 1983.
Luckily, the second season of the anime provided a thorough explanation for the recurring deaths and revivals. It was revealed that all the characters were stuck in a twisted time loop, specifically Rika Furude who was constantly sent to different worlds and timelines after her demise. In every world, Rika and her friends were destined to meet their tragic fates.
Despite constantly reliving their collective demises throughout the series, Rika and her friends were able to break free from the tragic cycle of death by the end of the second season. This made their victory feel even more hard-earned and significant.
4 anime characters who came back from the dead in a way that is just as tragic as Nobara Kugisaki’s in Jujutsu Kaisen
Katsuki Bakugo (My Hero Academia)
The passing of Katsuki Bakugo was undeniably one of the most significant and poignant character deaths in My Hero Academia, generating a massive reaction on the Internet at the time. Nonetheless, his sudden return to life felt somewhat lacking in justification and hastily executed, diminishing the impact of his demise.
Furthermore, Nobara’s return reflected the dissatisfaction of her return, as it essentially undid one of the most emotionally devastating moments in the series without any significant impact.
Lelouch Lamperouge – Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection
Despite being a central plot point in the Code Geass: Lelouch of the Re;surrection movie, Lelouch’s return from the dead has been heavily criticized for undermining the poignant finale of the Code Geass anime. Many viewed his death as a masterful conclusion to his character development, as it showcased his willingness to play the role of a villain and ultimately sacrifice himself in order to unite the world against him.
The decision to bring him back in the anime’s second season only diminished the impact of his death. It seemed like an unnecessary addition that greatly weakened the story and the emotional significance of his sacrifice.
3) The main cast of Tokyo Revengers
Despite its emotional impact, the repetitive use of character revivals in Tokyo Revengers ultimately lessened their impact. Throughout the series, the main plot point revolves around Takemichi Hanagaki traveling back in time and preventing the deaths of his friends, rendering their deaths meaningless.
Nevertheless, it is undeniable that the frequent revivals did lessen the impact of certain character deaths, particularly towards the end of the series, where nearly every character was brought back to life and had a happy ending.
The Entire Cast of Dragon Ball
The Dragon Ball franchise is known for its tendency to handle major character deaths and revivals in a more relaxed manner, often relying on the use of the Dragon Balls. As a result, the deaths of prominent characters such as Goku and Vegeta lack emotional weight due to the ease of their revival.
Moreover, in Dragon Ball, the frequency of characters dying and then returning has reached a point where it is now a recurring joke among fans rather than moments of true emotional impact that contribute to the storyline.
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