Fairy Tail Illustrates How Gege Balances Character Survival and Storytelling in Jujutsu Kaisen

The Fairy Tail franchise enjoys significant popularity among anime and manga enthusiasts. It stands out, as the audience’s opinions create a polarized environment. Typically, discussions surrounding the show reveal a stark divide; viewers either adore it or vehemently dislike it.

When assessed critically, the series doesn’t offer much in terms of innovative storytelling. It consistently follows a predictable formula and lacks real peril. Most of the character demises don’t have lasting effects since there is often a mechanism to resurrect them.

In contrast, with the conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen, fans voiced mixed feelings. While they appreciated the thrilling ride the series provided, the loss of many beloved characters left its mark. Fairy Tail illustrates how a series can capture the audience’s heart without needing to eliminate cherished figures.

Notice: This article includes spoilers from the anime and reflects the personal views of the author.

The popularity of Fairy Tail indicates that Jujutsu Kaisen didn’t require character deaths for narrative development

JJK deaths are meaningless to the overall progression of the story. byu/Yukitze inJujutsufolk

As previously noted, Fairy Tail heavily emphasizes the theme of friendship. This concept has spawned numerous memes due to its prominence in the series. Additionally, fans recognize that the show adheres to multiple shonen conventions, which can sometimes feel repetitive.

The main character often faces defeat, engages in rigorous training, and ultimately triumphs over the very antagonist who bested them earlier. Frequently, the protagonist’s victories are attributed to the power of friendship, a narrative device that has remained consistent since the show began. Remarkably, no significant characters meet their end throughout the series.

Despite facing considerable critique, the loyal fanbase continues to enjoy the series. Jujutsu Kaisen, undeniably captivating, has played a crucial role in bringing anime into the mainstream. However, it has seen the demise of many key characters, with 12 notable deaths occurring in just the second season. Among those lost were fan favorites like Toji Fushiguro, Nanami Kento, and Riko Amanai.

Conversely, Fairy Tail avoids killing off characters to advance its story. While certain deaths hold significance and serve as pivotal moments for emotional resonance, they aren’t strictly essential for the narrative’s progression. Fans of Jujutsu Kaisen have pointed out numerous deaths that lacked importance in moving the story forward, with the loss of characters like Nanami and Principal Yaga feeling either trivial or unimpactful.

In Summary

Character fatalities can be pivotal in specific narratives. Nevertheless, Jujutsu Kaisen’s abundance of deaths might have been excessive. The continued enjoyment of Fairy Tail by fans suggests that character deaths are not a prerequisite for storytelling advancement.

Hiro Mashima’s creation refrains from offing major characters, and while that has faced some backlash, the plot has still managed to progress smoothly. It’s crucial to evaluate the necessity of character deaths alongside the intentions behind them.

Stay updated for more insights into the anime and manga scene as we step into 2024.

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