Is Jujutsu Kaisen the Next Bleach? Exploring the Similarities and Differences

The anime world is a vast and ever-evolving landscape, where new series rise in popularity and capture audience attention while classic favorites continue to hold a special place in the hearts of fans. In the last few years, the emergence of Jujutsu Kaisen has sparked a debate among anime fans on online communities such as reddit: could this new shonen series be the next Bleach?

Both Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach have carved out their own distinct identities. Each captivating viewers with their unique blend of action, supernatural elements, and complex story arcs. As fans delve deeper into these two anime powerhouses, their similarities and differences become increasingly intriguing, inviting closer examination.

Supernatural Entities: Curses and Hollows

Both Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach explore the spiritual realm and how it affects humans. In Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji Itadori, has the ability to control and fight powerful curses, which are created from human negativity. This concept is similar to the Hollows of Bleach, which are depraved souls that prey on both the living and the dead. 

These television shows incorporate supernatural themes into their narratives, resulting in a universe where the distinction between the human and spiritual domains is inherently blurry. 

Yuji Itadori and Ichigo Kurosaki: Their Transformative Journeys

Another key similarity between Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach lies in the main characters and their transformative journeys. Both Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen and Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach are high school punks who are draggedinto the world of the supernatural. Here they have no choice but to grapple with their newfound abilities and responsibilities. Yuji has to confront the powerful Cursed Spirit named Sukuna, which is sealed within him. While in Bleach, Ichigo unexpectedly gains the powers of a Soul Reaper and must learn how to control his newly acquired abilities.

As these young heroes navigate their respective realms, they are forced to confront their own limitations, make difficult choices, and ultimately grow into powerful individuals capable of protecting those they hold dear. The parallels between Yuji and Ichigo’s character arcs are undeniable as they struggle to reconcile their ordinary lives with their extraordinary destinies. 

Expansive Worldbuilding and Intricate Lore

Bleach has an advantage over Jujutsu Kaisen when it comes to worldbuilding and lore. Bleach has a vast universe consisting of diverse realms such as the Soul Society, Hueco Mundo, and the human world, each with its unique cultures, factions, and power structures. For example, the Soul Society is where the Soul Reapers reside, maintaining the balance between the living and the dead. On the other hand, Hueco Mundo is the home of the Hollows, where they gather and evolve.

Jujutsu Kaisen, in contrast, has primarily focused on the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers and the Cursed Spirits they battle. It has only given brief glimpses into the larger supernatural landscape. Although Jujutsu Kaisen has the potential to expand its worldbuilding in future arcs, Bleach’s more established and intricate lore gives it a distinct advantage in this regard.

Iconic Villains and Antagonists

When it comes to iconic villains and antagonists, Bleach once again seems to have the upper hand, at least for now. The series’ primary antagonist, Sosuke Aizen, is widely regarded as one of the most compelling and complex villains in anime history. His calculated schemes, immense power, and chilling sense of superiority have left an indelible mark on the Bleach fandom.  Aizen’s betrayal of the Soul Society and his manipulation of the events leading up to the Thousand-Year Blood War arc are considered some of the most iconic moments in the series. 

Although Jujutsu Kaisen has introduced some tough adversaries, such as Mahito, who can control the “innate domains” of humans, they haven’t yet achieved the same level of legendary status as Aizen or Ywach. Nevertheless, as the series progresses, it may introduce even more fascinating and unforgettable villains who could compete with the likes of Aizen.

Thematic Depth and Emotional Impact

One area where Jujutsu Kaisen excels is in its thematic depth and emotional impact. The series delves into complex themes of morality, the nature of curses and sorcery, and the burden of power and responsibility.  These themes are often explored through the lens of the characters’ personal struggles and relationships, creating a level of emotional resonance that can be deeply affecting for viewers.

The relationship between Yuji Itadori and Sukuna, the powerful Cursed Spirit sealed within him, is a prime example of the series’ thematic depth. Yuji’s struggle to maintain control over Sukuna and prevent the Curse from harming others is a powerful exploration of the nature of good and evil, as well as the consequences of wielding immense power. 

While Bleach also explores weighty themes, such as the nature of the afterlife and the struggle between good and evil, Jujutsu Kaisen has been praised for balancing these themes with a strong sense of character development and interpersonal dynamics. This has allowed the series to connect with audiences on a more personal level, making it a standout in the shonen genre.

Captivating Visuals and Animation

Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach are known for their distinctive visual styles and captivating animation. Bleach is renowned for its striking character designs, bold color palettes, and dynamic fight sequences, which have become iconic within the anime community. For example, the series’ use of vibrant reds and blues and the unique appearances of the Soul Reapers and Hollows have left a lasting impression on fans.

However, Jujutsu Kaisen has also garnered significant praise for its exceptional animation quality, particularly in its intense and visually stunning battle scenes. The series’ use of fluid movement, creative camera angles, and striking visual effects have elevated the action sequences to new heights, captivating viewers and earning it a reputation for being one of the best-animated shonen series in recent years. The series’ depiction of the Cursed Spirits’ otherworldly and unsettling appearances and the dynamic fight choreography has been particularly praised by fans.

Embracing the Diversity of Anime’s Future

As the debate over whether Jujutsu Kaisen can be considered the “next Bleach” continues, it’s clear that both series have carved out their own unique places in the anime landscape. While they share undeniable similarities in their supernatural themes, protagonist journeys, and captivating action sequences, each series also brings its own distinct strengths and creative vision to the table.

Ultimately, the comparison between Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach serves as a testament to the ever-evolving and diverse nature of the anime industry. As new series emerge and captivate audiences, they inevitably invite comparisons to the classics that have come before them. But rather than viewing this as a competition, it’s an opportunity to appreciate the rich tapestry of anime and the creative talents that continue to push the boundaries of the medium.

FAQs About Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach

What are the key similarities between Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach?

Both Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach feature protagonists who are high school students thrust into the supernatural world, where they must confront powerful spiritual entities (Cursed Spirits and Hollows, respectively). Both series also focus on themes of morality, the nature of power, and the burden of responsibility. For example, in Jujutsu Kaisen, Yuji Itadori struggles to control the powerful Cursed Spirit Sukuna sealed within him, while in Bleach, Ichigo Kurosaki must learn to harness his newfound Soul Reaper powers. 

How does Jujutsu Kaisen‘s worldbuilding compare to Bleach‘s?

While Jujutsu Kaisen has primarily focused on the world of Jujutsu Sorcerers and Cursed Spirits, Bleach has a more expansive and intricate worldbuilding, with diverse realms like the Soul Society and Hueco Mundo. 

Which series has the better villains?

Bleach‘s primary antagonist, Sosuke Aizen, is widely regarded as one of the most captivating and complex villains in anime history, with his calculated schemes, immense power, and chilling sense of superiority. While Jujutsu Kaisen has introduced formidable antagonists like Mahito, who can manipulate the “innate domains” of humans, they have yet to reach the same level of iconic status as Aizen.

Are Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach related?

Yes, Jujutsu Kaisen and Bleach are related in the sense that Jujutsu Kaisen appears to have drawn significant inspiration from Bleach. Jujutsu Kaisen‘s author, Gege Akutami, has openly acknowledged Bleach as a major influence on his work. 

Is Gege Akutami a fan of Bleach?

Yes, Gege Akutami, the Jujutsu Kaisen creator, is a Bleach fan. In the Jujutsu Kaisen: The Official Character Guide that Edomonogatari has provided an excerpt, Akutami openly states that Bleach was a major influence on him and that he was impressed by the series from the very first chapter he read as a child.