Unmasking Mahito: Jujutsu Kaisen Anime Did It Better Than The Manga

Discover how the anime's portrayal of Mahito offers a deeper understanding of the Cursed Spirit's character, from subtle details to nuanced portrayals, find out more here!

By Sneha Sam

Published on Feb 19, 2024 | 03:17 PM IST | 534.5K

Jujutsu Kaisen [Gege Akutami, MAPPA, Crunchyroll]

In this Article

How the anime explores Mahito's true nature in ways the manga could not
Exploring the subtle details and complexities of Mahito's characterization

The Jujutsu Kaisen anime, entertaining viewers since its 2020 debut, has spurred a surge of interest in its source material, becoming one of 2023's most-read manga. Amidst reflections on its second season, fans highlight Mahito's adaptation as especially exceptional.

Jujutsu Kaisen [Gege Akutami, MAPPA, Crunchyroll]

How the anime explores Mahito's true nature in ways the manga could not

Mahito, a Cursed Spirit, gained infamy during the Shibuya Incident arc, notably for his impact on key characters. His ruthless actions, particularly the brutal demise of Kento Nanami and Nobara Kugisaki, alongside the crippling of Aoi Todo, left a lasting impression. Following his absorption by Kenjaku, fans revisited the anime, focusing on a subtle yet significant detail: Mahito's blood depicted as red rather than the usual purple.

This color choice, observed by fans on X (formerly Twitter), reinforced Mahito's origin as a manifestation of human negativity. While the series repeatedly emphasized this aspect, the anime's portrayal of Mahito's red blood offered a clearer representation of his tie to humanity. This visual detail resonated profoundly, simplifying comprehension for viewers compared to the manga.

The anime's ability to convey such nuances underscores its superiority in accessibility over the manga. The black-and-white format of the latter often complicates discernment, making animated adaptations preferable for clarity whether it be for color or voice tones. Jujutsu Kaisen's anime, boasting seamless animation quality across both seasons, enhances critical moments from the manga, including Mahito's characterization.

Jujutsu Kaisen [Gege Akutami, MAPPA, Crunchyroll]

Exploring the subtle details and complexities of Mahito's characterization

Throughout the anime, Mahito is depicted as a sadistic Cursed Spirit deriving pleasure from manipulating human emotions. His callous disregard for human life aligns with his belief in the superiority of Cursed Spirits over humans. However, Yuji Itadori's defiance ultimately leads to Mahito's defeat, revealing his vulnerability and, ironically, his inner connection with humanity.

This moment of vulnerability almost humanizes Mahito to the viewers, drastically affecting the way he is, or was, portrayed. Despite his origins as a Cursed Spirit, facing imminent death evokes a fear of death and a desperation to live quite similar to that of humans. It served as a distressing reminder of the blurred lines between humanity and curses that exist within the series.

The Jujutsu Kaisen anime masterfully translates such nuances, offering a deeper understanding of characters and themes when compared to the manga. While the latter establishes the groundwork, the former enriches the experience with visual storytelling and audio cues, using the enhanced clarity to evoke emotions in fans that the manga simply could not.

The Jujutsu Kaisen anime's portrayal of Mahito's true nature exemplifies its ability to elevate the source material. Through meticulous attention to detail and skillful adaptation, it provides viewers with a richer, more immersive experience, reaffirming its status as a standout among anime adaptations.

Stay tuned to Pinkvilla for more theories and reveals from the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.