Unveiling the Mind-Blowing Changes Coming in Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2

Highlights

Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2's new director brings a distinct and refreshing creative approach to the series, with each episode feeling uniquely directed.

The Hidden Inventory storyline delves into intricate concepts of sacrifice and self-neglect, all the while captivating the audience with its clever humor and breathtaking character designs.

The adaptation dares to take creative liberties, enriching the visual spectacle by expanding the intensity of fight scenes and implementing strategic resource-conservation techniques, showcasing the exceptional skills of the team.

Caution: The following may contain slight spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2, Episodes 1-5, available on Crunchyroll.

In the previous month, the initial arc of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 concluded, providing a concise reintroduction to the series. Despite the temporary break the show is currently on, the brevity of this arc may have been the ideal way to rekindle viewers' interest. With a fresh director at the helm, some were apprehensive while others were optimistic, but overall, fans were simply thrilled that the show had finally returned. Now, with the completion of the "Hidden Inventory" arc, the series may have reached its peak.

Jujutsu Kaisen’s first season concluded in early 2021 and was immediately followed by the prequel film Jujutsu Kaisen 0, both of which received immense recognition. Both projects were helmed by the talented director Sunghoo Park. However, with Park's departure from MAPPA to establish his own studio, the responsibility of the show now lies in the capable hands of Shota Goshozono (affectionately known as Gosso). The transition in leadership became evident surprisingly quickly.

Starting Fresh

The prospect of any significant creative alteration comes with the risk of losing its distinctive essence, and Season 2 ignited a plethora of discussions, although not all were productive. Social media platforms buzzed with comments concerning modifications in character designs, and some even lamented the perceived decrease in intricacy within Gojo's eyes. Yet, those well-versed in the world of animation glanced at the roster of talented individuals behind the scenes, sensing an imminent wave of exceptional talent.

As mentioned in our Summer 2023 preview of Season 2, Jujutsu Kaisen has always brought something new to the table with each appearance. While Sunghoo Park returned to direct the movie, it still had a different feel compared to the show, mainly because it was a prequel with its own self-contained story. Now, with the new season diving even further into the past, it's only natural for it to have a radically different vibe.

In fact, the arc's progression makes it clear that each episode has its own distinct direction, with some being particularly noteworthy. The premiere, helmed by Gosso himself, sets a haunting atmosphere for the upcoming arc and treats viewers to a spectacular array of visual styles, some of which surpass expectations.

One aspect that truly stands out is an early cut designed to resemble an analog home video. It effectively captures the ambiance and era, while creating a poignant contrast to the dilapidated state of the house where the opening scene unfolds. The term "unnecessary" is often tossed around amongst sakuga enthusiasts when discussing this season; however, it should not be mistaken as an insult. The desire to push boundaries and explore new territories is what contributes to its greatness.

Protecting The Vessel

In the Hidden Inventory arc, Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru, both former students, are tasked with accompanying Riko Amanai. Riko has been chosen as a sacrifice to Tengen-sama, the guardian of Jujutsu High's protective barrier. Despite the grim nature of her role, Riko willingly embraces the opportunity to merge with Tengen-sama, leaving behind her life. However, enemy Curse-users pose a threat as they seek to capture or eliminate Riko before she can fulfill her purpose.

This dilemma raises intriguing questions about the willingness to let go of one's life and identity, and how Gojo and Geto come to terms with their involvement in this ritual. The story becomes particularly heart-wrenching as the characters form close bonds during their brief but impactful time together. Amidst the initial fast-paced action, there are moments of introspection where one young woman's final experiences are depicted in vivid detail through the art of painting.

The series benefits from its exceptional sense of humor. The direction effortlessly transitions between dark seriousness and light-heartedness, both in the story and visually. Sayaka Koiso’s stunning new character designs are consistently captivating. However, they truly shine when they transform into charming, bean-like caricatures, bringing a smile to your face. This delightful transformation plays a crucial role in forming an emotional connection with these characters.

This youthful Gojo possesses a similar charm to his adult counterpart, albeit with a slightly lower power level. Witnessing him struggle to execute a reverse cursed technique in Episode 2 heightens the anticipation of his eventual mastery, even if it comes at a significant cost. What's even more thrilling is that the audience finally glimpses the persona that Geto once had before transforming into an antagonist, and it's practically a reflection of their previous depiction.

Creative Liberties

Hidden Inventory, depicted in Jujutsu Kaisen 0 as a pinnacle of evil, reveals his reasons for betraying his comrades in a captivating and chilling manner. The transformation is effectively conveyed in Episode 5 through the exceptional artistry of animation directors Takuya Niinuma and Souta Yamazaki. Their realistic character animation and vibrant illustrations distinguish themselves from the rest of the series, creating a visual style that is truly unparalleled.

When it comes to adapting a work of art, there are various opinions on the proper ethical approach. Some argue for utmost faithfulness, but adaptation entails a shift in medium, thereby necessitating a flexible definition of what is acceptable. In the case of Jujutsu Kaisen, the changes made thus far have rightly received praise for their ability to enhance certain sequences and make the most of the exceptional talent within the team.

This primarily refers to Episode 4, where the fight between Geto and Toji is reimagined to include new elements of the setting that were not originally present in the manga. Instead of a stationary fight, the characters are constantly in motion, leading to a more visually captivating confrontation. The dialogue feels more natural and immersive when it takes place during the pursuit of one another, rather than a face-to-face monologue, especially considering the tragic events that precede the battle.

In fact, the entire season so far has made a conscious effort to keep things dynamic and prevent the visuals from becoming dull. This approach can also serve as a strategic way to save resources, as seen in Episode 1 when the camera captures a rainstorm through a window. Just because a shot is economical doesn't mean it can't be impactful and artistically impressive.

With the impressive delivery of this initial arc, such resourcefulness will undoubtedly prove invaluable in the future. Despite being a MAPPA production with a demanding timeline, it is natural to approach it with some skepticism. Nevertheless, we should acknowledge the abundance of talent involved and the creative liberty they have been granted, even if the production becomes less compelling over time.

The second season of Jujutsu Kaisen can be described as a continuation led by talented artists from the first season. Although it retains a familiar feel, the show is unafraid to venture beyond its predecessor's visual style, opting for a fresh and bold approach. This allows the directors to have a stronger creative control over each episode. After many years, fans will be delighted to see the main trio on screen again, as envisioned by this exceptional team. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 will premiere on August 24, starting with the Shibuya Incident arc. You can stream the show on Crunchyroll.