Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Faces Criticism for Quality Drop: What About Season 3?

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Faces Criticism for Quality Drop: What About Season 3?

The arrival of each new season of Jujutsu Kaisen is met with immense enthusiasm from fans. However, the production challenges faced by studio MAPPA occasionally overshadow the immense popularity and engaging narrative of the show. Season 1 set a high bar with its stunning animation, while some viewers expressed disappointment over the lack of consistency in the visual quality during season 2.

From the gripping confrontation between Sukuna and Gojo in season 1 to the climactic series finale, the animation team consistently showcased their best work. So, what was it that affected the dynamic fight scenes in season 2, leading to a perceived drop in quality?

Yuji’s Confrontation with Mahito in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Doesn’t Measure Up to Season 1

Many fans of Jujutsu Kaisen attempt to rationalize MAPPA’s mismanagement of particular fight sequences in season 2, but the clash between Yuji and Mahito stands out as an exception. Episode 21 depicts a conflict involving Mahito, Yuji, and Sukuna, yet the animation in this segment didn’t quite live up to the standards set in the first season.

Several segments cut from this battle revealed a lack of finesse in background animation. This action sequence, which should have been compelling, felt disjointed compared to the smoother choreography crafted by Keiichiro Watanabe. The limited number of essential frames contributed to this disconnect.

Since this was orchestrated by Keiichiro Watanabe, criticism about the animation quality is somewhat difficult, although it’s apparent that the scenes possessed a much higher potential. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with the studio and its management for these shortcomings.

What Led to the Drop in Animation Standards for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2?

The animation team working on Jujutsu Kaisen remains dedicated and works tirelessly. Despite encountered challenges, they strive to maintain high standards. Yet, MAPPA’s choice to undertake several simultaneous projects, many with demanding action scenes, has resulted in staff being overburdened and given inadequate time to focus on detail.

Key animator Roccia Nobili shared insights about the challenges faced during production, noting on Twitter the exceptionally tight deadlines. Many animators expressed their desire for more time to polish their work.

The detrimental effects of poor management and strict deadlines at MAPPA have impacted the show significantly. The studio has been criticized repeatedly for mistreating its animators, raising concerns about the future viability of the series.

MAPPA’S Treatment of Its Animation Staff

MAPPA has gained notoriety for the excessive workload imposed on its animators. In a newsletter, Rohan Jagannath highlighted allegations that animators frequently work overnight, spending days in the office to meet deadlines. The culture within MAPPA often expects staff to compromise their health and well-being for their work.

Animators at the studio are held to unrealistic deadlines. Ridge Harripersadr articulated this concern:

“Before season 2 aired, another MAPPA animator, HoneHone, stated on Twitter/X how unreasonable the schedules were, and the studio did little to nothing to make things better for the staff. They also commented how the Jujutsu Kaisen 0 film had to be finished in only four months, whereas most animated films would spend 2–3 years.”

Across nearly every episode of season 2 of Jujutsu Kaisen, animators faced these demanding timelines. Generally, their compensation does not reflect the immense contributions they provide. In a now-deleted post, animator Chike Nwaenie expressed:

“When things get tough, I get flooded with work requests, but when it comes to money negotiations, it gets postponed for over a month. That’s the kind of company MAPPA is.”

There are numerous instances where MAPPA delays contract negotiations and underpays junior staff. In an interview with Terumi Nishii, a seasoned animator known for their work on Jujutsu Kaisen and Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, Nishii commented on the challenges faced:

“In general, overtime hours are extremely long, or there are strange quotas that you can never hit — and, therefore, you never get to go home,’ Nishii said of the worst companies in the industry. ‘Japanese companies have existed in an environment where those who become full-time employees have been forced to work hard for the past 20 or 30 years — but it seems that instead of becoming ‘full-time employees,’ it’s more like they are ‘slaves.’”

What Awaits Us in Season 3 of Jujutsu Kaisen?

Currently, Jujutsu Kaisen season 3 has received confirmation and will focus on the ‘Culling Game’ arc, a prominent story arc from the manga. This arc is distinguished by its thrilling battles and high-intensity action, making it a much-anticipated adaptation for fans. However, a precise release date remains unspecified, with expectations suggesting it won’t be available until late 2025 or early 2026.

The ‘Culling Game’ arc promises exhilarating combat sequences that fans eagerly await, but there’s hope that MAPPA will rise to the occasion. Most importantly, with the production of Jujutsu Kaisen season 3, there is a collective wish for animators to be treated with the respect and fairness they rightfully deserve.

Overview of Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen, also referred to as Sorcery Fight, is a renowned Japanese manga series created by Gege Akutami, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump since March 2018.

An anime adaptation produced by MAPPA debuted in October 2020.

The narrative centers on Yuuji Itadori, a high-school student who, despite his aversion to sports, possesses extraordinary physical abilities. Yuuji gets drawn into the realm of sorcery after consuming a powerful talisman to safeguard his friends from its curse.

Recognizing that Yuuji remains relatively unscathed by the curse, Satoru decides to enlist him in a mission to save the world.

Source

Related Articles:

Getting the Flashlight in Silent Hill 2 Remake: A Guide to Navigating the Darkness
Nana Shines in Gorgeous Backless Top at D’Alba Night Party: ‘The Woman You Are’

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *