Tite Kubo Discusses His Favorite Jujutsu Kaisen Fight and More in Exclusive Interview

In a recent edition of Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, an interview with Bleach’s creator, Tite Kubo, highlighted his thoughts on Jujutsu Kaisen. During this discussion with Gege Akutami, the mangaka of the renowned series, Kubo shared his top fight scene and what aspects of Akutami’s work he admires the most.

This part of the conversation is particularly noteworthy, considering the considerable impact Kubo’s Bleach has had on Akutami’s Jujutsu Kaisen. This excerpt was disseminated by well-known series insider and leaker, @Go_Jover, on X (formerly Twitter), attracting the attention of the wider fan community.

Kubo lauds Jujutsu Kaisen Manga

According to Kubo in a fresh interview for Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump, his favorite battle scene in Jujutsu Kaisen features Maki Zen’in’s onslaught against the Zen’in clan, taking place during the Perfect Preparation Arc, specifically from chapters 148 to 152. Kubo’s appreciation of this sequence stems from its narrative depth and its effectiveness as a fight scene.

Kubo elaborates that the combat scenes in Jujutsu Kaisen are characterized by their intricate techniques. He emphasizes that Akutami’s true talent lies in their skillful transitions between present events and flashbacks. The dream sequence featuring Mai and Maki Zen’in amid the clan massacre is a standout highlight, showcasing an exceptional blend of action and storytelling within the series.

Additionally, Kubo praises the distinctive visual techniques employed by Akutami, noting that they are both striking and accessible at a glance, creating an appealing aesthetic on the page. While his commendation encompasses the series as a whole, it particularly resonates with the Zen’in clan massacre’s execution.

Regarding this intense sequence, Kubo specifically commended the graphic violence present in the battles, expressing a sense of envy over the creative freedom granted to Akutami by Shueisha and other editorial departments. This sentiment underscores a notable shift, as Kubo’s own iconic work was once among the more violent titles in the Weekly Shonen Jump lineup.

Kubo concluded with high praise for the narrative arc surrounding Naoya Zen’in in the massacre scene, describing the build-up to Maki’s encounter with Naoya as seamless and thrilling. He ultimately conveyed that this intricate melding of elements showcases the fervor of an author, clearly indicating his endorsement of the series.

This acknowledgment is particularly significant, as many fans view Jujutsu Kaisen as a spiritual successor to Kubo’s work. The similarities in protagonist dynamics, cultural nuances, and humor styles serve as strong links between the two series. Kubo has previously interviewed with Akutami, where they focused on their works’ shared elements.

Conclusion

Akutami earns Kubo's stamp of approval in latest interview (Image via MAPPA Studios) — Akutami earns Kubo’s stamp of approval in latest interview (Image via MAPPA Studios)

While fans of Akutami’s work across the globe were already aware they had created something special, it’s incredibly thrilling to see Kubo validate their efforts. For Akutami, this recognition is particularly meaningful considering the profound influence Kubo’s work had on their own creations.

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