In the world of anime and manga, there are stories that push boundaries and challenge conventions. Jujutsu Kaisen is undeniably one such tale. While it has always had elements of horror, the Shibuya Incident arc takes the series to an entirely new level of bone-chilling terror, making it feel like a horror movie in its own right. The highly anticipated Shibuya Incident arc kicks off with a bang, and fans of Jujutsu Kaisen are left haunted by its terrifying premise. The series has never been a stranger to horror, revolving around the nightmarish world of curses and the extraordinary sorcerers who confront them. However, this arc goes beyond anything we’ve seen before.
In Season 2, episode 7, we witness Geto and his curse allies executing their sinister plan in the bustling Shibuya district, on the night of Halloween, no less. Initially, the scene seems innocuous, with regular civilians donning costumes and enjoying the festivities. But an ominous undercurrent begins to build as the revelers notice the emergence of a mysterious barrier, sealing off Shibuya from the outside world.
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A Scene Straight from a Nightmare
What happens next is truly unsettling and evocative of a classic horror film. People are inexplicably drawn into the subway station, as if being pulled by a massive, sinister whirlpool. The characters within the story themselves cannot help but draw parallels to horror movies, and the presentation of these events only serves to strengthen that comparison.
Imagine a seemingly ordinary celebration taking a nightmarish turn as individuals are swallowed by an enigmatic force, all within the confines of a subway station. It’s an experience that makes you shudder and question the very nature of reality within the Jujutsu Kaisen universe.
Horror Roots of ‘Jujutsu Kaisen‘
While Jujutsu Kaisen has always incorporated elements of the horror genre, the Shibuya arc takes it to another level. The curses featured in the series often resemble creatures right out of a horror movie. These malevolent entities exhibit cruelty and sadism that surpass the typical boundaries of shonen series.
Some curses even draw inspiration from iconic horror characters. For instance, Mahito’s character design bears striking similarities to Frankenstein’s Monster, while Dagon’s appearance is reminiscent of the nightmarish Cthulhu. Even the curses classified as non-special grade emit distorted voices, uttering twisted phrases related to their dark origins.
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A Shift in Tone
The introduction of the Shibuya arc marks a significant shift in the series’ tone and atmosphere. While previous story arcs certainly had their share of battles and action-packed sequences, the Shibuya Incident is more focused on creating a pervasive sense of suspense and unease, which are hallmark features of horror narratives.
The creators of Jujutsu Kaisen have made a conscious effort to craft an atmosphere that leaves the audience on edge, unsure of what might happen next. It’s a storytelling technique commonly employed in horror stories, and it’s executed masterfully in this arc. The slow and deliberate build-up of tension keeps viewers gripped by a feeling of impending dread.
Hints of Disturbing Twists
One cannot ignore the impact of the opening theme song (OP) of Jujutsu Kaisen. The OP for the Shibuya arc drops tantalizing hints about the unsettling twists that await our beloved characters. It foreshadows a level of indiscriminate killing and darkness that surpasses anything we’ve seen in previous episodes.
The portrayal of the whirlpool of people at the end of episode 7 is particularly noteworthy. Presented almost as if through a first-person perspective, it accentuates the sudden and deadly nature of the events unfolding in Shibuya. The sense of helplessness and chaos is palpable, and it leaves an indelible mark on the viewers.
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A Darker Future for ‘Jujutsu Kaisen‘
While Jujutsu Kaisen is unlikely to transform into a full-fledged horror anime, the Shibuya arc has undoubtedly altered the series’ trajectory. The profound darkness explored in this arc, coupled with the earlier Gojo’s Past arc in the first part of the season, is pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible within the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.
The impact of this shift in tone and narrative direction is significant. It not only shapes the future of Jujutsu Kaisen but also has the potential to influence the broader landscape of shonen manga. As fans brace themselves for the horrors of Shibuya, one thing is certain: Jujutsu Kaisen has evolved into a bone-chilling tale that feels like a horror movie brought to life.
Ending Notes..
In the ever-evolving world of anime and manga, Jujutsu Kaisen stands out as a series that dares to explore the boundaries of horror. The Shibuya arc, with its nightmarish twists and bone-chilling atmosphere, transforms the series into something akin to a horror movie. It’s a testament to the creativity and innovation of the creators behind this remarkable tale, and it promises a future that is darker and more unsettling than ever before. As we venture further into the shadows of Shibuya arc, we can only wonder what other horrors await us in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2 is available to stream on Crunchyroll.
