Unveiling the Similarities: Analyzing Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 Episode 17 in Comparison to the Manga

Many MAPPA animators spoke out about the harsh working conditions they faced while producing Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 17, causing a delay in its preview and raising concerns about a possible upcoming hiatus. However, upon its release, the episode garnered high praise from fans for its unique animation style during the fight scenes. Despite this, the anime faced criticism for the disparities between the events depicted in the manga and the anime. What notable discrepancies exist between the two mediums?

What are the differences between Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 episode 17 anime and manga scenes?

Yuji Itadori's flashback scene at the beginning

The image shows Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 Episode 17 (Image via MAPPA).

In the beginning of the episode, viewers are treated to a flashback of Yuji Itadori's past from the anime's first season. Yuji's grandfather, Wasuke Itadori, can be heard offering him advice. Recognizing Yuji's strength, Wasuke wanted him to use his abilities to assist others. Yuji has embraced this principle as one of his core values, always striving to help and protect people to the best of his abilities.

However, Ryomen Sukuna's intention to kill thousands of people in Shibuya in the episode indirectly placed responsibility for those potential deaths on Yuji Itadori. Although the manga did not include a flashback of this nature, the MAPPA animators utilized it to convey to fans the severity of the situation faced by Itadori. Through this particular scene, the anime also showcased the stark contrast between the host and the king of curses.

Haruta Shigemo's technique explanation was split

Shown in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 Episode 17, Haruta Shigemo had a minor role throughout the episode. However, the anime studio opted to divide the explanation of his technique into two parts to highlight his unfortunate fate in the end. In contrast, the manga fully elucidated Haruta's Cursed Technique just before his demise.

Ryomen Sukuna trying cola and popcorn

However, his belief in his fortune for surviving the Mahoraga ordeal ultimately proved fatal, as he had depleted all his saved miracles while battling Nanami Kento.

Shown in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 Episode 17 (Image via MAPPA), Ryomen Sukuna initially engaged in battle with Mahoraga in the manga. Despite this, the anime studio chose to incorporate additional scenes where the King of Curses sampled cola and popcorn.

Sukuna appeared to show no interest in cola but had a distaste for popcorn. The scene, which fans adored and used as a basis for theorizing about Sukuna's experiences with human food, was absent in the manga, causing frustration among a significant number of fans.

Additional fight scenes between Sukuna and Mahoraga

The showdown between Sukuna and Mahoraga, featured in Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 Episode 17, garnered attention from manga enthusiasts. It was evident that the anime embellished the battle with additional scenes, making it more impactful. While the animation sequences were praised by fans, there arose concerns regarding potential conflicts between the anime-original fight scenes created by MAPPA and future developments in the manga.

Editor's P/S

In the highly anticipated episode 17 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2, the anime adaptation diverged from the source material in several notable ways. One significant change was the inclusion of a flashback scene featuring Yuji Itadori's grandfather, Wasuke Itadori. This scene, which was not present in the manga, added depth to Yuji's character and motivations, highlighting his desire to help and protect others.

Another notable change was the decision to split the explanation of Haruta Shigemo's Cursed Technique into two parts. In the manga, Haruta's technique was fully explained just before his demise. However, in the anime, the explanation was divided into two parts, with the first part airing in episode 17 and the second part likely to be featured in a future episode. This change may have been made to increase the suspense and build anticipation for Haruta's ultimate fate.

Overall, episode 17 of Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 was a visually stunning and action-packed episode that diverged from the source material in several significant ways. While some fans may have been disappointed by the changes, others appreciated the anime's unique take on the story.