The Jujutsu Kaisen manga has become one of the most exciting, fast-paced, and emotionally gripping stories in modern anime culture. Written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, it combines intense supernatural battles, rich world-building, and deep character psychology, making it one of the top-ranked manga series of the decade.
If you’ve heard about Jujutsu Kaisen through the anime or online fandom but haven’t started reading yet, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, including how to begin, which volumes to start with, and how the Jujutsu Kaisen manga connects with its prequel and spin-off series.
1. What Is the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga About?
At its core, Jujutsu Kaisen manga is a story about exorcising curses, supernatural entities born from negative human emotions. The protagonist, Yuji Itadori, accidentally consumes a cursed object known as Ryomen Sukuna’s finger, turning himself into the host of the most dangerous curse in existence.
From that moment, Yuji’s life changes forever as he joins Tokyo Jujutsu High, where sorcerers are trained to protect humanity from curses. What makes Jujutsu Kaisen manga special is its blend of dark fantasy, moral questions, and character-driven storytelling, all set in a world where even heroes struggle with loss and regret.Where Should You Start Reading the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga?
The best way to experience Jujutsu Kaisen manga is to begin with Volume 1, which introduces Yuji, Megumi Fushiguro, and Nobara Kugisaki. The first volume establishes the tone and themes that carry through the entire series.
- Volume 1–4: Introduction to curses, Jujutsu High, and Yuji’s bond with his classmates.
- Volume 5–8: Kyoto Goodwill Event and the rise of more powerful curses.
- Volume 9–16: The Shibuya Incident Arc — one of the most critically acclaimed arcs in recent manga history.
- Volume 17 onward: Explores the Culling Game arc and deeper layers of sorcery and humanity.
Don’t Miss the Prequel: Jujutsu Kaisen 0
Before the main story begins, Gege Akutami released a prequel titled Jujutsu Kaisen 0, also known as Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical School.
This short but powerful story follows Yuta Okkotsu, a timid student haunted by the cursed spirit of his childhood friend, Rika Orimoto. The events of Jujutsu Kaisen 0 connect directly to the main series — introducing Satoru Gojo, the strongest sorcerer, and establishing the emotional foundation for the world of curses.
Many fans recommend reading Jujutsu Kaisen 0 either before or right after Volume 1, since it enhances understanding of Gojo’s motives and the world’s cursed-energy mechanics.
Main Arcs You’ll Experience in the Jujutsu Kaisen Manga
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga is structured around several major arcs, each with its own tone and growth for the characters:
- Introduction & Fear of Death Arc (Vol 1–4): Yuji’s initiation into the world of curses.
- Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc (Vol 5–8): Team battles between Tokyo and Kyoto schools.
- Shibuya Incident Arc (Vol 9–16): A tragic, high-stakes war that reshapes the entire story.
- Culling Game Arc (Vol 17+): The most complex arc, blending survival, politics, and evolution of cursed energy.
Spin-Offs and Related Works
While the Jujutsu Kaisen manga remains the main story, several related works expand its universe:
- Jujutsu Kaisen 0: The official prequel manga and anime film.
- Jujutsu Kaisen Official Fanbook: Contains exclusive interviews and concept art by Gege Akutami.
- Light novels: Two light novels, Soaring Summer and Returning Autumn and Night Parade of a Hundred Demons, explore side stories and unseen character moments.
These spin-offs enrich the lore and provide a deeper look into the cursed world’s emotional complexity.
Why You Should Read the Manga (Even if You Watched the Anime)
While the Jujutsu Kaisen anime adaptation by MAPPA is phenomenal, the manga offers far more depth and nuance.
- Unfiltered storytelling: Manga readers experience Akutami’s raw vision before adaptation changes.
- Detailed fight choreography: Complex cursed-energy battles are often clearer in panel form.
- Character emotions: The manga’s pacing and panel composition highlight each character’s inner conflict in greater detail.
Where to Read Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Safely
To support the creators, always read the Jujutsu Kaisen manga through official and licensed platforms like:
- Shonen Jump App (VIZ Media)
- MANGA Plus by Shueisha
Tips for New Readers
If you’re just beginning your journey through the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, here are a few helpful tips:
- Start with Volume 1 or Jujutsu Kaisen 0 to grasp the basics of cursed energy.
- Follow the official volume order to avoid spoilers.
- Take notes of arcs and characters — the story introduces many terms and techniques.
- Engage with the community — discussions and analyses can help you understand deeper meanings behind each arc.
- Don’t rush — the manga’s emotional weight hits harder when read thoughtfully.
Themes That Make Jujutsu Kaisen Manga Stand Out
The Jujutsu Kaisen manga explores powerful themes rarely tackled in shonen series:
- Death and Acceptance: How humans cope with mortality and fear.
- Power and Responsibility: The cost of wielding immense strength.
- Loneliness and Belonging: Even the strongest sorcerers struggle with isolation.
- Hope Amid Darkness: Every battle ends with a lesson in resilience and self-worth.
These universal ideas make Jujutsu Kaisen manga not just entertaining but deeply relatable.
Final Thoughts
Getting into Jujutsu Kaisen manga is an unforgettable experience — one that blends supernatural horror, complex friendships, and moral dilemmas into a masterclass of storytelling. Whether you start from Volume 1 or Jujutsu Kaisen 0, each page pulls you deeper into a world of curses, courage, and humanity.