Mappa's Bold Adaptation: Unveiling the Intense Shibuya Arc in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 12
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 12 review: Did Mappa's alterations in the Shibuya Arc enhance the storytelling or disappoint fans?
Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 12, titled "Dull Knife," was released on October 12, 2023. While the episode mostly followed the manga, retaining major elements such as Nanami's confrontation with Haruta, certain crucial scenes and characters were omitted.
It is not to say that the episode itself is poor, but rather that it deviates from the corresponding manga chapters. If the creators fail to address these missing scenes, it could lead to confusion and a lack of coherence when significant moments occur. Nevertheless, the episode remains strong, showcasing animated chaos, albeit without certain elements that contributed to the chaotic atmosphere of the Shibuya Arc.
Did Studio MAPPA alter Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 12 too much? Explored and explained
Warning: The forthcoming analysis will reveal spoilers about Jujutsu Kaisen, specifically concerning significant plot developments that have not yet been portrayed in the Shibuya Arc anime adaptation. Moreover, this discussion will involve instances of canonical brutalitiy. It is crucial to note that all viewpoints expressed herein are subjective.
Anime adaptations vs. manga
Anime adaptations often deviate from the original source material by either making additions or changes that align with the audience's expectations. They may elongate a brief fight scene or give more significance to a character who had minimal development in a particular story arc. These alterations are seen in various adaptations, including those from anime to live-action or video games.
Jujutsu Kaisen follows this pattern, with numerous modifications made throughout the anime to effectively convey the manga's essence on screen. However, it is crucial to strike a balance between alterations and adhering too closely to the source material, as excessive changes can lead to discontent among fans or negatively impact the final outcome. Noteworthy cautionary examples, such as The Promised Neverland, highlight the consequences that can arise from this challenge.
There has been ongoing discourse regarding whether the alterations made to the Shibuya Incident arc, regardless of their scale, have improved or are detrimentally affecting the adaptation. A prime example can be seen in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 12, named "Dull Knife," which centers around Nanami. This installment has garnered significant backlash.
The overfocus on Nanami
The focus on Nanami searching for Ichiji and rushing to his aid, while also highlighting Haruta's victims, was a successful addition. It provided the audience with a broader perspective, demonstrating that Ichiji wasn't the initial target. This, in turn, made Nanami's defeat of Haruta even more satisfying.
However, the buildup was excessive. There were numerous unnecessary shots of Nanami entering the scene during Nobara and Haruta's fight. Additionally, the beatdown was unnecessarily prolonged. Unfortunately, this detracted from the overall experience, especially considering the absence of Toge Inumaki when Yuji hurried to Shibuya Station, and the subsequent implications this created.
The removal of Toge Inumaki
In Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 100, which is being adapted into episode 12 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, Yuju encounters Toge Inumaki while witnessing Transfigured Humans attacking innocent people. Yuju realizes that Inumaki has the situation under control. However, in the anime, Yuji is shown questioning the whereabouts of the crowd before being ambushed by Choso.
This seemingly insignificant moment holds significant importance after the Shibuya incident. During Sukuna's excessive use of the Malevolent Shrine against Mahoraga, he wreaks havoc over an area spanning 140 meters (equivalent to approximately 1.7 city blocks). This results in the deaths of hundreds of people and severe injuries to Toge and Haruta, ultimately leaving them disabled.
In the aftermath of the Shibuya Incident depicted in chapter 137 of Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuta Okkotsu agrees to undertake the assigned task of eliminating Yuji, as requested by the jujutsu council. The reason behind his decision? Yuta holds Yuji responsible for Toge losing his arm during the Shibuya Massacre. While it remains possible for Toge to make an appearance in a future episode of the anime, the absence of his character in episode 12 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 detracts from its overall appeal.
The extended fight between Nobara and Haruta
Haruta not only stabs Araki Nitta multiple times in her back and leg, but also slices her feet. The prolonged fight showcases Nobara's advancements, allowing her to keep up with Haruta even when she's not at her best. As a result, she receives consideration for a grade 1 sorcerer. In the anime, she manages to block his downward slice, whereas in the manga, the interruption occurs immediately after she gets hit.
Both Nobara and Haruta are given more opportunities to demonstrate their skills. Haruta's miracle technique is displayed during Nobara's ceiling attack, which exhausts several resources, rather than just being used against Nanami. Considering that both characters die, or at least Nobara is last seen barely alive in this arc, it is logical to give them more substance in their fights.
Fanservice or better storytelling?
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The main concern is whether the actions taken are solely focused on pleasing fans or on delivering a compelling narrative. While Nanami's excessive involvement falls into the former category, the intensified clash between Nobara and Haruta in the manga proves to be a more engaging fight.
In episode 12 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, there is a need to maintain a balance between showcasing Nobara and Araki's struggle against Haruta, Nanami's overwhelming defeat of Haruta, the commencement of the Smallpox Deity versus Mei Mei and Ui Ui confrontation, and Yuji's surprise ambush by Choso towards the end.
Toji's return, beginning of Mei Mei vs. Smallpox Diety, and Yuji racing to Shibuya
An intriguing aspect to consider is whether this panders to fans or not. It is comprehensible that memorable moments are bestowed upon three characters in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 12, considering that they meet their demise in this arc. However, complications arise when a major character is removed, similar to what happened to Inumaki, thus causing disruptions in the Shibuya timeline and impeding future events.
Mei Mei and Ui Ui provided reasoning for Mei Mei's motivations, which extend beyond money. Mei Mei's drive stems from valuing the cost effectiveness of lives and determining their worth, a concept that Ebina failed to comprehend, leading to his demise. Despite their intentions to confront Kenjaku, their plans were derailed by the intervention of the Smallpox Deity.
Furthermore, a significant development in episode 12 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 occurs when Nanami heads to the frontlines and Choso ambushes Yuji. Following Nanami's defeat of Haruta, he immediately joins Team Zenin in place of Nobara, as his skilled sorcery abilities are necessary. This marks the beginning of Choso's sought-after revenge, which he has long desired since season 1.
Final Thoughts
Episode 12 of season 2 in Jujutsu Kaisen is a compelling installment, although it significantly deviates from the original manga. It's common for adaptations to have variances, but the issue arises when crucial plot elements are omitted and replaced with fan-pleasing moments.
The timing and setting to showcase significant transformations in characters, like Mechamaru's battle in an earlier arc and Nobara's fight, demonstrate the effectiveness. However, excessively highlighting a single character, as seen in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 12 with Nanami, diminishes the overall impact, particularly when multiple characters are involved.
