The Untapped Brilliance of Jujutsu Kaisen's Geto: A Missed Opportunity by Gege

Jujutsu Kaisen has garnered a strong fan base with its diverse range of characters, among whom Suguru Geto has gained significant popularity in the anime's second season. Fans are captivated by his camaraderie with Satoru Gojo, his gradual descent into madness, and his intriguing perspective on the role of sorcerers in protecting ordinary humans.

However, manga readers are aware that Jujutsu Kaisen author Gege Akutami initially positioned Geto as a primary antagonist, but swiftly concluded his storyline. Many fans believe that Geto's potential was not fully realized and that he could have been an exceptional villain for the series. It is difficult to dispute this sentiment, considering his deep connections, compelling motivations, and formidable abilities showcased in the manga.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen.

Explaining why Suguru Geto's potential was wasted in Jujutsu Kaisen

Suguru Geto possessed all the essential elements required to become the primary antagonist in Jujutsu Kaisen: the perfect design, exceptional abilities, strong motivations, and profound connections with the central characters, particularly Satoru Gojo. It appeared that everything was in place for him to assume the role of the series' ultimate villain. However, author Gege Akutami astounded readers by unveiling that Kenjaku, an ancient sorcerer, had taken control of Geto's lifeless body following Gojo's killing blow.

Now, this is not to belittle Kenjaku, who is undoubtedly a formidable villain in his own right. However, what made Geto an exceptional antagonist was his connection to the cast, making the conflict feel much more personal. As Gojo's closest friend and a prominent figure in the modern Jujutsu world, his descent into darkness was a direct result of the corruption within the sorcerer community.

Moreover, Geto's role also served as a cautionary tale, highlighting the potential long-lasting consequences of adolescents engaging in battles against Curses without proper protection. This significantly influenced Satoru Gojo's character development, leading him to emphasize the importance of his students, such as Yuta Okkotsu or Yuji Itadori, enjoying their youth despite being sorcerers.

The full extent of Geto's abilities

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Geto's character in Jujutsu Kaisen was not fully utilized due to his backstory being revealed after his death. The decision to make the prequel canon made it challenging to demonstrate Geto's true abilities, as he held back in fighting Yuta and the other sorcerers out of respect for them. In retrospect, this decision negatively impacted his character development. Although it is highly likely that Kenjaku is more powerful than Geto, this is how the manga is written. Geto possessed the unique ability to consume Curses and gain their abilities, giving him a significant advantage against most opponents. This is precisely why Kenjaku desired his body.

As previously mentioned, both Kenjaku and Ryomen Sukuna are formidable adversaries in Jujutsu Kaisen. However, they are undeniably wicked characters, and the protagonists have no qualms about seeking their demise. What sets Geto apart is his ability to establish an emotional bond, which adds an intriguing layer to the conflict. His motivations are both deranged and captivating, stemming from his desire to prevent sorcerers from experiencing the same tragedies he endured with Riko Amanai.

Final thoughts

Suguru Geto, a character from Jujutsu Kaisen, holds immense significance in the plot and embodies a compelling ideology. While Sukuna and Kenjaku are already lauded as exceptional villains, Geto has the potential to surpass them both in terms of motivations and relationships with the rest of the cast. The portrayal of Geto in Gege Akutami's work could have been even more impactful if given due attention.