Unraveling the Enigma: Gege Akutami's Portrayal of Sukuna as a Cataclysmic Force

Ryomen Sukuna, known as the King of Curses in Jujutsu Kaisen, has been labeled as "a natural disaster" by manga creator Gege Akutami, leading to the question of why. However, there are valid reasons to view the King of Curses as a calamity.

Gege Akutami originally referred to Ryomen Sukuna as a "Natural Disaster" in the series' fanbook, and later made the statement manga-canon in chapter 181. The translated version by VIZ described Sukuna as a "calamity" instead of a "natural disaster" as seen in fan translations.

Jujutsu Kaisen: Gege Akutami calling Sukuna a natural disaster was accurate

As per a Jujutsu Kaisen enthusiast on X @Creatormigraine, it was perfectly justified to label Ryomen Sukuna as a natural disaster due to his immensely destructive nature. Even in his human form, he was hailed as the King of Curses and stood in a class of his own. This makes it easy to draw parallels between him and modern-day natural disasters such as hurricanes, typhoons, and tsunamis.

Sukuna's Domain Expansion - Malevolent Shrine serves as a prominent example of his destructive power. This storm of dismantles has the ability to wipe out any living or inanimate object within its range, making it comparable to a natural disaster. Sukuna's disregard for the lives of others, as demonstrated by his ability to turn everything to dust, further solidifies his classification as a force of nature.

The portrayal of Ryomen Sukuna in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Despite people's fear of storms, they do have some positive attributes, particularly in areas that suffer from a lack of rain. In these regions, a storm can bring new life, leading to growth and increased agricultural productivity in the aftermath.

In this instance, he can also be likened to the Hindu deity Shiva, known as the Destroyer. Renowned as the great annihilator, he is destined to bring about the destruction of the universe at the end of time, paving the way for its renewal as part of the eternal cycle of death and rebirth.

Ryomen Sukuna as seen in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via MAPPA)

Sukuna's destructive nature leads to the rebuilding of society, making him a natural calamity. Furthermore, his actions have served to enhance the abilities of the Jujutsu Sorcerers. With Satoru Gojo's defeat, the protagonist Yuji Itadori now has the chance to grow and become stronger in this new era.

Ryomen Sukuna as depicted in Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via Shueisha)

Finally, Sukuna's origin might also explain why he is labeled as a disaster. His immense strength as a human may have sparked fear among others, leading to his transformation into a Curse. His birth rooted in people's dread could classify him as a force of nature.

Other natural disasters such as earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions are also attributed to the negative emotions of people. Just as Jogo was born from these emotions towards volcanoes, it is possible that Sukuna became a curse due to people's feelings towards his human self. This could explain why Gege Akutami referred to Ryomen Sukuna as a "natural disaster," a fitting description.

Editor's P/S

As a hard fan of Jujutsu Kaisen, I find Gege Akutami's portrayal of Sukuna as a cataclysmic force to be both intriguing and terrifying. Sukuna's immense power and disregard for human life make him a truly formidable opponent, and his Domain Expansion - Malevolent Shrine is a devastating force that can wipe out anything in its path. The comparison to a natural disaster is apt, as Sukuna's presence brings chaos and destruction wherever he goes.

However, I also find Sukuna to be a fascinating character, and his complexity adds depth to the story. His destructive nature is balanced by his intelligence and cunning, and he is capable of great cruelty as well as moments of surprising compassion. I am eager to see how Akutami continues to develop Sukuna's character and explore his role in the Jujutsu Kaisen universe.