Jujutsu Kaisen: Can Mappa save Megumi's reputation?

There are several characters in the modern shonen genre who have experienced both a rise and a downfall in their journeys, such as Megumi Fushiguro from Jujutsu Kaisen. His character was introduced as intense and full of potential. Megumi has become a hot topic of debate, particularly regarding how his character arc was handled in the manga during the final arc.

As MAPPA Studio is currently handling the anime adaptation of Jujutsu Kaisen, the studio is now finding itself at a unique crossroads. Fans wish to see Megumi under a different light, and with the current popularity of the series, a question keeps lingering in everyone’s mind: Can MAPPA salvage Megumi’s reputation?

From the earliest episodes of Jujutsu Kaisen, Megumi was established as the deuteragonist and was given a heavy backstory to maintain his analytical nature. Moreover, his stoic attitude and intense personality with a strong instinct to protect everyone, set him apart as a protector-type character. It is a common archetype in the shonen genre, but his character was hinted to be more refined.

When he was actively participating in combat, Megumi’s Ten Shadows Technique had immense potential to grow. His summons were diverse and creative, and his range was vast, evident from his Divine Dogs to the monstrous Max Elephant.

Megumi was also one of the rare characters who was able to have a Domain Expansion. All of this pointed towards the idea that Megumi was not a simple background character but was building to be a key player as the story unfolded.

Earlier, manga and anime fans looked at him as be cool-headed genius as he skillfully fought against the Finger Bearer in Season 1, and Megumi attempted his first Domain Expansion. This was the point when expectations around him skyrocketed. But these expectations soon became a double-edged sword.

As Jujutsu Kaisen progressed, it shifted to darker and more intense arcs. With his progressions, Megumi’s character also took a sharp turn. During the events of the Shibuya Incident and the subsequent arcs, Megumi was impacted physically and emotionally, suddenly appearing helpless, which was highly unlike him.

Gege Akutami’s decision to shift Megumi’s character arc was one of the most controversial decisions, as many fans felt that his potential had been slandered and his story had been hijacked by plot mechanics. This is where MAPPA Studio comes in, where they have a golden chance to redeem their character.

MAPPA Studio has the power of emotional framing. Usually, manga panels can fail to convey emotions and feel rushed. Animation, on the other hand, can cover aspects that manga failed to achieve. Furthermore, they can achieve this through voice acting, pacing, and musical scoring.

The studio can also go deeper into Megumi’s psychological state by delivering more monologues and flashbacks. They should let the audience sit with Megumi's pain and choices. So scenes that are confusing and brief in manga could be given more clarity with anime, which would have more emotional impact to resonate.

Animations are great for allowing visual metaphors to shine in a way that the manga cannot emphasize. With the use of color palettes, lighting, and dreamlike sequences, MAPPA Studio can convey Megumi's story in a way that would give him a more active role even in scenes where he's otherwise sidelined.

The Fan Divide: Can everyone be satisfied with the Jujutsu Kaisen anime?

Of course, not all fans will be on board with Megumi’s redemption. Some believe his arc is too far gone, while others feel that focusing too much on salvaging his character will feel distant from the main storyline.

Still, shonen anime is full of comebacks—both literal and metaphorical. We have seen in other characters like Zuko (Avatar: The Last Airbender), Sasuke (Naruto), and even Gohan (Dragon Ball) have all gone through the same wave of criticism and recovered, as it all depended on how their arcs were executed or reinterpreted.

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In conclusion, without taking anyone's side in the debate of whether Megumi could be redeemed or not lies a single truth: Megumi Fushiguro is one of the most narratively rich characters in Jujutsu Kaisen.

Whether fans see him as a failed character or a sidelined prodigy, his arcs stir emotions, and that in itself is a testament to his importance. For now, only time will reveal if MAPPA will save Megumi’s reputation.

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