The official Jujutsu Kaisen illustrations for Weekly Shonen Jump (WSJ) #48 and Jump Giga Autumn 2023 volume have sparked renewed speculation about Gojo's potential return. Fans are speculating that Gojo may confront Kenjaku in the ultimate showdown of the manga, similar to the Yuji vs. Sukuna battle. It is worth noting that Gojo was killed by Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 236, where Mahoraga, the King of the Curses, used a dimensional-slashing cleave to cut Gojo in half. However, fans still hold onto the belief that the most powerful sorcerer of modern times could resurrect and settle his unfinished business by facing off against Kenjaku.
Cover art of Weekly Shonen Jump 48 and Jump Giga Autumn 2023 hints at Gojo's return to Jujutsu Kaisen
The cover illustrations for the upcoming 48th issue of Weekly Shonen Jump and Jump Giga Autumn 2023 volume, set to be released on October 30, 2023, have already surfaced online. It is noteworthy that both issues showcase Jujutsu Kaisen artwork, hinting at Gojo's comeback on the battlefield. As per the leaks, the cover art for Weekly Shonen Jump's 48th issue (2023) displays Yuji Itadori and Sukuna, the latter in his Heian-era form. The illustration depicts a determined Yuji Itadori, prepared to confront the ancient curse, with wrath and resolve evident in his eyes, and his fists charged with cursed energy.
The cover illustrations for WSJ 48 and Jump Giga Autumn 2023 (Image via Shueisha/X) depict Sukuna with a calm yet sinister expression. Despite only showing half of his face, Sukuna's appearance radiates chaos and unease, hinting at the intense encounters between him and Yuji Itadori in the upcoming chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Yuji vs. Sukuna's highly anticipated clash is set to occur in the upcoming chapters of Jujutsu Kaisen manga. As a teaser for this epic showdown, Weekly Shonen Jump 48 presents a captivating cover illustration. Meanwhile, the cover image for Jump Giga Autumn 2023 has ignited a flurry of theories and lively discussions on various social media platforms.
The forthcoming issue of Jump Giga showcases Kenjaku in Geto's body alongside Satoru Gojo, leaving Jujutsu Kaisen fans speculating on the potential return of Gojo. This intriguing illustration serves as an enticing glimpse into what lies ahead in the series.
This image depicts Gojo as portrayed in the anime (Image via MAPPA).
It is clear from this visual that Gojo's hand gesture corresponds to him activating his domain expansion, known as Unlimited Void. On the other hand, Kenjaku's sinister eyes serve as a reflection of his malevolent nature. Similarly to Sukuna's appearance on the cover of WSJ #48, Kenjaku's portrayal also highlights only half of his face.
While some fans believe that the inclusion of Gojo and Kenjaku's illustration on the cover could be seen as a form of promotion for the Shibuya arc, there is a compelling reason behind it that strongly suggests Gojo's eventual return. Numerous observant fans have pointed out that when the WSJ 48 and Jump Giga Autumn 2023 covers are placed side by side, they form a complete image.
Kenjaku, as seen in the Jujutsu Kaisen anime (Image via MAPPA)
Sukuna's half-face in the WSJ 48 official cover art matches Kenjaku's half-face in the Jump Giga's cover image. The first illustration in WSJ depicts Yuji and Sukuna in a fight that is about to begin. With this in mind, it is possible that Gojo may revive in the manga and confront Kenjaku. In other words, Satoru Gojo may battle Kenjaku in the future, paralleling Yuji's upcoming fight against Sukuna.
The return of Gojo in the anime adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen (Image provided by MAPPA)
Despite the apparent demise of Gojo in the manga, there remains a glimmer of hope for his potential comeback. Following the conclusion of the epic battle, Gojo's body has remained unseen by anyone. Speculations among fans suggest that Yuta and Shoko might employ the reverse cursed technique to restore the white-haired sorcerer.
Moreover, the purgatorial sequence in Gojo's journey hinted at his intention to explore the northern region and uncover a fresh dimension within himself. Additionally, the recent cover illustrations have added weight to the possibility of Gojo's comeback.
It is interesting to consider the potential return of Gojo, especially considering his personal grudge against Kenjaku, which mirrors Yuji's rivalry with Sukuna. It would be fitting for Gege Akutami to depict a final showdown between Gojo and Kenjaku, with Yuji simultaneously facing off against the ancient curse Sukuna, in Jujutsu Kaisen. Stay tuned for further anime and manga updates as 2023 unfolds.