Can Shadow Eliminators Outshine Jujutsu Kaisen?

Shadow Eliminators, the latest manga to debut in Weekly Shonen Jump, has all the makings of a hit. But can it truly capture the hearts of fans and replace Jujutsu Kaisen?

Kento Amemiya, the author of the one-shot Shikigami series, officially debuted the manga on December 3. Fans are already talking about its potential to fill the shoes of the popular Jujutsu Kaisen, with a similar premise, compelling characters, and paranormal elements. With rumors circulating that Jujutsu Kaisen may end in 2024 and some fans feeling let down by its dark storyline, could Shadow Eliminators become the new favorite? Let's find out.

What is Shadow Eliminators about?

Shonen Jump Magazine’s Twitter page provides a quick synopsis for anyone interested in reading the series.

Check out Shadow Eliminators, Ch. 1 for a thrilling story about a high school student whose sense of justice is challenged by otherworldly beings. Read it for FREE from the official source! https://t.co/iWBYcFPcmY pic.twitter.com/pTaJc91yc4

— Shonen Jump (@shonenjump) December 3, 2023

The Shadow Eliminators series is just getting started, so there's still much we don't know about the complete plot or the intricate details of this new supernatural world. What we do know is that the story takes place in a high school, where a student with a strong sense of justice is challenged when otherworldly beings shatter his understanding of reality. Throughout the story, the student and his friends must battle the paranormal as shadows of the heart take on the form of monstrous beings.

Shadow Eliminators similarities to Jujutsu Kaisen

Shadow Eliminators is anticipated to become the next major sensation following the success of Jujutsu Kaisen. Given its similar premise and the increasing dissatisfaction of fans with Gege Akutami, it's not difficult to understand why. But a deeper examination is warranted.

Similar to the curses in Jujutsu Kaisen, Shadow Eliminators also have their own malevolent spirits known as Threads. However, these malicious spirits are referred to as Threads instead. As if borrowed from Jujutsu Kaisen's mythology, these malevolent threads are created from intense negative emotions and materialize in the human world as beings known as the Kasane.

Although possessions are not a common occurrence in Jujutsu Kaisen, there are exceptions such as with Geto and Kenjaku, and Yuta and Rika. The Kasane in Shadow Eliminators, however, are more likely to directly impact the people around them.

Yuji Itadori, known for his cheerful personality and unwavering determination, is a character that initially attracted fans to the Jujutsu Kaisen universe. Shadow Eliminators also features a Yuji-like character in the form of the main protagonist, Yayoi Asakaze.

Itadori in Jujutsu Kaisen is inspired by his dying grandfather’s wish to protect others, while Yayoi Asakaze is influenced by his former cop grandfather who instilled in him a desire to combat injustice. Similar to Itadori, Yayoi initially lacks powers but becomes involved in the world of sorcerers and decides to confront a terrifying Kasane and aid a powerful sorcerer.

Shadow Eliminators fan reactions

The release of only one chapter of Shadow Eliminators means that we cannot definitively say it is a carbon copy of Jujutsu Kaisen at this point. However, if the similarities persist, we can only hope that mangaka Kento Amemiya decides to spare more characters from being killed off.

u/TrappedInTheLoop commented in the discussion about the new series, noting that fans are already noticing the similarities between it and Jujutsu Kaisen. Additionally, there are questions about the English translation of the name, with some accusing it of being "generic".

However, it has also garnered significant positive attention, with one fan even going as far as to question whether Shadow Eliminators could be included in the top 10 manga of all time.

Be sure to explore Shonen Jump for yourself. With the high number of titles being discontinued each month, it's uncertain how long Shonen Jump will last. However, many Jujutsu Kaisen fans are optimistic that they've discovered the next big thing. While you're here, check out our Jujutsu Kaisen coverage, or browse our anime content below.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I am intrigued by the potential of Shadow Eliminators to offer a similar thrilling experience. The concept of otherworldly beings challenging a high school student's sense of justice resonates with the core themes of Jujutsu Kaisen, and the introduction of malevolent spirits known as Threads adds an exciting new element to the supernatural world. The character of Yayoi Asakaze, with his Yuji-like personality and motivations, also holds promise in terms of relatability and character development.

However, I approach Shadow Eliminators with a cautious optimism. While the similarities to Jujutsu Kaisen are undeniable, I hope that the series will find its own unique voice and narrative as it progresses. The success of any manga lies in its ability to create a distinct identity and captivate readers with its own merits, rather than relying solely on comparisons to established hits. I am eager to see how Shadow Eliminators unfolds and whether it can carve out its own space in the competitive world of shonen manga.