Jujutsu Kaisen concluded its manga with Chapter 271 on September 29, 2024, sparking one of the most divisive discussions in recent manga history. Gege Akutami’s story faced heavy criticism for its lack of closure and the mere teases of Gojo’s return. Fans have wondered if Gojo’s survival could have changed the story’s impact, but would it have been enough to fix the broader issues with the ending?
Rushed Plotlines and Unresolved Arcs
The ending felt hurried, leaving many plotlines either unresolved or poorly concluded. While Jujutsu Kaisen is a battle shonen, and the focus on fights is expected, the final chapters failed to tie up the numerous story arcs and characters it had built up over time. Kenjaku’s elaborate plans, which had been brewing for much of the series, were abandoned in the last stretch. This created a lack of cohesion, leaving readers with more questions than answers.
Gojo’s Role and Thematic Closure
Gojo is undeniably one of the most important characters in the story. He was built up as an almost godlike figure, and fans expected him to be the key to solving many of the series’ conflicts. However, Gojo’s ultimate fate, while satisfying for some, did not resolve the larger issues with the story. His death at the hands of Sukuna and the passing of the torch to the next generation made sense thematically. Still, the rushed execution of the ending overshadowed his impact.
What Could Have Been
The lack of attention to major characters, sudden resurrections of previously dead characters, and unresolved conflicts meant that even with Gojo surviving, the ending would have struggled to meet expectations. The narrative’s structure and pacing had overarching flaws that no single character’s fate could resolve.
The Future of the Franchise
Despite these criticisms, Jujutsu Kaisen remains a beloved series. While the manga has ended, the anime adaptation continues. Fans are hopeful for additional content with the release of season 3 in 2025. Whether or not Gojo’s survival could have truly changed the outcome, the broader issues with the story’s rushed and incomplete ending would have likely persisted.
