The Jujutsu Kaisen manga would have been significantly altered if it were not for the first editor’s involvement. However, creator Gege Akutami has acknowledged feeling remorseful about the outcome.
Despite being a relatively recent release, Jujutsu Kaisen has become incredibly popular within the Shonen manga genre. The manga is based in a world where negative emotions give rise to curses, and only a select few individuals possess the ability to see and combat them.
Before the release of JJK 0, Akutami had a different vision for the story. However, this does not change the fact that there are still two high schools solely focused on training the future Jujutsu sorcerers, as it is currently portrayed.
The editor found the initial premise intriguing, however, they felt that the setting was too dull and gloomy. As a result, Gege modified the story’s setting to align with their editor’s requests.
Wow the initial setting for JJK woulda moved mountains but unfortunately a boring editor had to ruin it for everyone. pic.twitter.com/zNQXfBLOsD
— ÆŠKĒŁŁÆD 📖 Gachiakuta (@SHINGEKIYAIBA) August 21, 2024
Recently, a translated version of a fanbook related to JJK 0 has been shared by a Jujutsu Kaisen fan on Twitter/X. The fanbook features Gege’s recount of his experience working with his first editor, Yamanaka. In the translated version, Gege mentions his personal criticisms towards Yamanaka, but he quickly moves on from that and focuses on the present.
“The prototype for the first chapter was inspired by a horror manga created out of desperation, with the main character declaring, ‘I’ll do what I want and if it doesn’t work out, I’ll give up!’”
“The characters of Okkotsu and Rika-chan remain unchanged, but the proposed storyline involved them visiting haunted locations and encountering vengeful spirits. These spirits posed a threat to Rika, who was driven by jealousy to harm Okkotsu’s family members, particularly his younger sister. The goal was to exorcise Rika and put an end to her destructive actions.”
In order to ensure public safety, a clandestine government organization was tasked with exorcising spirits in different locations utilizing individuals such as Okkotsu. Following his recruitment by a member of this agency, Okkotsu embarked on a mission to vanquish Rika-chan (with Maki being the one to approach him for recruitment).
“Even at this point, I must confess that I still have a preference for this version. This is because I believe I would be able to maintain a consistent tone throughout, even once I have completed the first chapter.”
The story of Jujutsu Kaisen starts with a prequel volume that introduces Yuta Okkotsu as the main character. After that, author Gege Akutami shifts the focus to Yuji, the protagonist, a year after Yuta has joined Jujutsu Tech High School.
The mangaka’s editor required him to change the setting to a high school. Despite this, Jujutsu Kaisen remains the mangaka’s first serialized manga, and he still holds a strong attachment to his initial vision. It is evident that he still harbors some regret over the direction his story took.
The release date for the final chapter of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga will be announced in a few weeks, so make sure to stay updated.
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