In the current scenario of the anime industry, action shonen fans have a wide variety of options, including prominent series such as âJujutsu Kaisenâ and âDemon Slayerâ. This diversity allows for detailed comparisons between the series, especially with regard to the different tropes and ideas each presents. Each anime has its unique strengths, but some stand out in specific ways.
âJujutsu Kaisenâ and âDemon Slayerâ share a similar premise of heroes fighting supernatural threats. However, when comparing elements like character design, humor, drama, and themes, we noticed significant differences. âJujutsu Kaisenâ, for example, is recognized for its unique aspects, which put it ahead in certain aspects, contributing to its inclusion in the so-called âdark trioâ, to which âDemon Slayerâ does not belong.
10. The Approach to Humor in âJujutsu Kaisenâ and âDemon Slayerâ
Humor is a crucial component in shonen action anime, serving to alleviate tension and make characters more friendly. âDemon Slayerâ features humor based on exaggerations and panic situations, especially with characters like Zenitsu Agatsuma. âJujutsu Kaisenâ stands out for its more natural and convincing humor, evident in the interactions between characters such as Satoru Gojo, Yuji, Nobara and even between the villains.
9. The âHalf-Otherâ Trope in âJujutsu Kaisenâ
In âJujutsu Kaisen,â Yuji Itadori represents the âhalf-otherâ trope by being the living vessel of Ryomen Sukuna. Unlike other anime characters who deal with their monstrous sides, like Naruto, Yuji faces a greater challenge, as Sukuna is a real threat and not an anti-hero. This element brings an emotional complexity to the character, especially in moments of crisis and carnage, that is more impactful than Nezuko’s experiences in âDemon Slayerâ.
8. Moral Ambiguity of the Leaders in âJujutsu Kaisenâ
While in âDemon Slayerâ we have leaders like Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who are trustworthy and benevolent, âJujutsu Kaisenâ explores moral ambiguity with its conservative and ruthless leaders. This approach creates a scenario where the protagonist, Yuji, finds himself in conflict with the very authorities that should support him, generating constant tension and a darker tone for the narrative.
7. âJujutsu Kaisenâ Layout in Eliminate Heroes
âJujutsu Kaisenâ stands out for its courage in eliminating heroic characters, an aspect less common in âDemon Slayerâ. This willingness to show the death of important characters increases the narrative tension and establishes real risks, differentiating itself from other shonen series where the heroes’ mortality is less evident. This is illustrated with the losses of characters like Mechamaru and Kento Nanami, in addition to the near death of Nobara Kugisaki.
Each of these aspects demonstrates how âJujutsu Kaisenâ uniquely approaches the classic elements of action shonen, creating a different experience for viewers. While âDemon Slayerâ has its own strengths, âJujutsu Kaisenâ excels in areas like humor, character development and world-building with more complex moral nuances.
6. Superiority of the Main Trio in âJujutsu Kaisenâ
âJujutsu Kaisenâ surpasses âDemon Slayerâ in terms of the dynamics and cohesion of the main trio. While the âDemon Slayerâ trio â Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu â presents somewhat unbalanced characteristics and comic relief scenes, âJujutsu Kaisenâ offers a more harmonious trio. Yuji, Nobara and Megumi are balanced as shonen heroes, without the internal disagreements or cowardice that sometimes slow down the âDemon Slayerâ trio. This aspect makes the âJujutsu Kaisenâ trio more effective and better written.
5. Variety of Powers and Abilities in âJujutsu Kaisenâ
Comparing combat systems, âJujutsu Kaisenâ offers a wider diversity of powers and abilities compared to âDemon Slayerâ. While âDemon Slayerâ focuses primarily on breathing techniques for sword combat, âJujutsu Kaisenâ features a wider range, from Satoru Gojo’s dominant Infinity Power to Mai Zenin’s ranged combat techniques. This variety ensures that each battle in âJujutsu Kaisenâ is unique and unpredictable, unlike the fights in âDemon Slayerâ, which tend to follow a more uniform pattern.
4. Superior Mentors in âJujutsu Kaisenâ
In the mentoring aspect, âJujutsu Kaisenâ also stands out. While âDemon Slayerâ has less memorable mentors like Sakonji Urokodaki, âJujutsu Kaisenâ features Satoru Gojo, a notable mentor to Yuji Itadori. The relationship between Yuji and Satoru is marked by effective training and a strong friendship, contributing significantly to the development of the main character.
3. Better Rating System in âJujutsu Kaisenâ
As for classification systems for powers and monsters, âJujutsu Kaisenâ again stands out. Its system is simpler and more straightforward, ranging from tier 4 to tier 1 sorcerers and curses, with special categories for the most powerful. This system is more effective and interesting compared to âDemon Slayerâ, where the rating structure is less relevant and attractive to fans.
2. Longer and Substantial Story Arcs in âJujutsu Kaisenâ
âJujutsu Kaisenâ takes advantage with its more extensive and content-rich story arcs. While âDemon Slayerâ features shorter, more focused arcs, âJujutsu Kaisenâ develops longer narratives, such as the Shibuya Incident arc, which deeply explores elements such as conflicts, character development and the combat system itself.
1. More Complex Mental Scars on Yuji Itadori
Finally, when it comes to the characters’ mental scars and traumas, Yuji Itadori, from âJujutsu Kaisenâ, presents a deeper emotional complexity compared to Tanjiro Kamado, from âDemon Slayerâ. Yuji faces constant challenges with Ryomen Sukuna, culminating in devastating events like the Shibuya Incident. This marks Yuji with more recent and impactful mental scars, delineating him as a darker and more complex shonen hero.
These points highlight how âJujutsu Kaisenâ differentiates itself in terms of character development, narrative and thematic complexity, offering a richer and more diverse experience compared to âDemon Slayerâ.
