The Climax of Jujutu Kaisen: Unveiling the Shibuya Incident Arc

Highlights

Despite receiving some complaints about the animation quality in the recent episode of Jujutsu Kaisen, the series has consistently presented captivating episodes, despite encountering certain production challenges.

Mei, Ui, and the Smallpox Deity engaged in a fight that unveiled Mei's cursed technique and Ui's anti-domain technique, offering valuable insights to the audience. The episode concluded with the thrilling arrival of Toji, ensuring a plethora of exhilarating battles for the remainder of season 2.

Attention: The subsequent content includes spoilers for Episode 38 of Jujutsu Kaisen titled "Fluctuations," currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

Fans of the popular series Jujutsu Kaisen have expressed their dissatisfaction with the latest episode's animation. The criticism primarily revolves around the backgrounds, with viewers commenting on its perceived unfinished or unpolished state. It is widely known that the show has encountered production challenges, which animators have openly discussed. However, it is plausible that the disappointment stems more from viewers' expectations rather than the actual quality of the episode.

Not too long ago, the conversation revolved around what many considered to be the fight of the year, with episode 37 surpassing all expectations. Season 2 showcased exceptional animation several times before, cementing its reputation for outstanding quality. Despite facing production challenges, the studio consistently delivers these remarkable episodes, deserving immense recognition. Jujustu Kaisen could rely solely on its compelling story, but the anime adaptation goes above and beyond, elevating it to even greater heights.

Die For Me

Despite the animation concerns raised in this particular episode, there are still some moments that flawlessly address any critiques. A standout example is the captivating 5-minute introductory scene that showcases the intense battle between Mei, Ui, and the Smallpox Deity. The fluidity of their movements and the precision of their ax strikes are truly remarkable. Even the crow strike is executed exceptionally well, which is not surprising. It is likely that the animation issues surfaced later in the episode as the deadline approached.

In addition to the animation, this fight provided valuable insights into Mei's cursed technique and the reason for having Ui accompany her despite his twisted sense of life value. Mei's crow control possesses a devastating final move that inflicts immense damage and is nearly impossible to avoid. By entering into a death-binding vow with the crows, their maximum cursed energy output multiplies, resulting in a lethal strike. Essentially, they sacrifice themselves in a kamikaze attack that only Satoru Gojo has managed to counter.

On the other hand, Ui has his own secret weapon when it comes to domains. He has a binding vow with his sister, which restricts his cursed energy until she grants him permission to engage in combat or utilize jujutsu. While his cursed technique remains unknown, he possesses the New Shadow Style: Simple Domain. Against the Smallpox Deity, he employed this technique to nullify the gravestone's impact, providing Mei with an opening to launch an attack and ultimately defeat the cursed spirit.

The Projection Technique

After the introduction, the episode shifted to an intense battle involving Kento Nanami, Maki, and Naobito Zen'in against Dagon. Despite starting as a mere womb, this cursed spirit displayed equal strength to other cursed spirits and quickly mastered new techniques and domain expansion. However, Naobito, the esteemed leader of the Zen'in clan, proved to be a formidable opponent.

In a moment of Fluctuations, Naobito showcased the extraordinary power of one of the clan's inherited techniques: Projection. This remarkable ability allows the user to divide one second into 24 frames and execute a predetermined set of movements within that time frame. As a result, the user appears to possess incredible speed. Furthermore, any object or individual touched by the user must adhere to the 24 frames per second rule; failing to do so results in freezing for one second within an animated frame. With Naobito's expertise as a master in hand-to-hand combat, this technique is undeniably dangerous. It will make a reappearance in Season 3.

Megumi For the Rescue

Dagon's realm, known as the Captivating Skandha Horizon, pushed the trio to their limits. Naobito skillfully defended against some certain-hit attacks with the anti-domain technique, Falling Blossom Emotion, but eventually succumbed to overwhelming force and lost his right arm. Nanami and Maki suffered severe injuries but managed to survive as Dagon focused his attention on Naobito.

Just as they were on the verge of defeat, Megumi entered the realm and unleashed his own incomplete domain, effectively nullifying the guaranteed hits from Dagon's realm. While engaging in a domain battle would have likely resulted in a crushing defeat for Megumi, his strategic move to release his domain and create an opening in the barrier proved to be perfect. Throughout this intense battle, the animation showcased impressive shots, particularly when Nanami courageously shielded Megumi from harm.

Family Reunion

The episode concluded on a high note, as just as they were preparing to depart the area, Toji unexpectedly entered through the hole created by Megumi. Toji's entrance was dramatic, accompanied by a completely casual expression, and he even appeared genuinely happy. This iconic scene was faithfully translated from the manga into the anime, yet it faced some criticism from fans.

In an earlier part of the season, a different perspective was introduced in the anime adaptation for another iconic moment, specifically the fight between Toji and Satoru. Some fans were unhappy with this "overly creative" approach, as it deviated from the original source material. Interestingly, now that the scene was portrayed exactly as it was in the manga, it received a similar response. From a technical standpoint, both scenes are flawless and accurately depict their intended message.

Jujutsu Kaisen's high standards stir up discussions, inevitably leading to disappointment regardless of its actual content. Nevertheless, as Toji takes center stage in the conflict and thrilling battles lie ahead, season 2 remains promising, regardless of any critique towards its animation from certain fans.