As the conclusion of Jujutsu Kaisen draws near, fans are expressing concerns that the manga is hurrying through its final chapters. However, a closer examination reveals that the series is not rushing its ending as some may believe.
Jujutsu Kaisen, created by Gege Akutami, is currently entrenched in the Shinjuku Showdown Arc, featuring a high-stakes battle against Sukuna. Announced this summer, it was revealed that this arc would be the final chapter of the series, leading to the series’ conclusion later this month. This revelation may contribute to the perception of the manga accelerating towards its end.
Over recent arcs, including the Shibuya Incident and the Culling Game, Jujutsu Kaisen has been characterized by a series of intense battles. The sudden shift to the final arc, without ample forewarning, has caught many readers off guard. This abrupt transition can make the concluding chapters seem hurried, despite the fact that the pacing aligns with the series’ narrative arc.
Chapter 268, which marked the climax of the battle against Sukuna, was notably swift. Sukuna’s defeat, occurring early in the chapter, might have seemed anticlimactic given the extensive build-up. After enduring numerous powerful attacks, Sukuna’s demise at the hands of Nobara’s Resonance appeared surprisingly sudden. This impression of haste is exacerbated by the unanticipated announcement of the series’ imminent conclusion.
In contrast, My Hero Academia, which also concluded this summer, provided a more gradual build-up to its ending. The final arc of My Hero Academia was protracted before the series announced it would wrap up in just five chapters. This extended conclusion allowed fans more time to acclimate to the impending end, making the conclusion feel less abrupt.
Ultimately, the perception that Jujutsu Kaisen is rushing its finale stems from the unexpected timing of the final arc announcement and the compressed schedule for its conclusion. The series’ pacing is consistent with its narrative structure, and the seeming haste is more a result of readers’ rapid adjustment to the series’ unexpected end rather than any deliberate rush by the creators.