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Why is the Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue so controversial? Discover the fates of every character in this concluding chapter.
An epilogue typically shows us extra tidbits and scenes after the events of the story, completing its tale for good. In the case of manga, we have seen creators give us more satisfying conclusions to character arcs and include those parts they couldn’t quite fit into the main series. Such is the case with the Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue.
Much like the main series itself, the epilogue too has sparked heavy controversy, with some people loving it and others feeling the exact opposite. Let us take a closer look at this.
What Is the Jujutsu Kaisen Epilogue?
Following the final chapter 271 of the Jujutsu Kaisen manga, Gege Akutami has released a 16-page epilogue chapter on December 25th, 2024. As the ending to the 30th and final volume of Jujutsu Kaisen, this can be labeled as chapter 271.5 of the series.
Since many fans believed the ending of the Shinjuku Showdown Arc to be very rushed, Gege has attempted to tie up any loose ends while also giving us insight into the future of the series. This supplementary chapter explores different timelines, offering a heartfelt farewell to the series we cherished deeply.
Every Character’s Fate in the Jujutsu Kaisen Epilogue
The Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue focuses on four main parts, taking us to different points in the series. These include:
1) Itadori and Ozawa:
The chapter first follows a young Itadori and Ozawa as they share their liking for the snow. This then skips over to the present timeline where Ozawa is lost in thought before being surprised by Itadori’s appearance.
She questions him about his facial scars and presence in Shibuya, to which he replies he is fine. He was also relieved that Ozawa was safe, a fact that elated her. Their story ends as Ozawa asks if Itadori still likes the snow and he replies affirmatively. She reconfirms her love for him while Nobara hilariously views them from a distance and says Itadori is becoming an adult.
This shows that despite the traumatic events they have gone through, the main cast has returned to living the same goofy life they had before. The hint that there would be future romantic development between Ozawa and Itadori is an extremely joyous reveal.
2) Panda:
The next scene takes us to two mysterious children finding the cursed corpse Panda who is much smaller than usual. While initially believing him to be like a toy, Panda awakens and calls them Yuta’s grandchildren.
The narration mentions that Panda had stopped activity in 2035 and was stuck in the Gojo Family storage. This was passed down to Yuta once he became Clan Head. This part ends by stating the current year is 2080, while Yuta’s grandchildren are still stunned by his presence.
3) Nobara and Her Mother:
The scene then shifts back to the events after the Shinjuku Showdown yet again, where Nobara meets up with her mother. Her mother is a shockingly carefree and selfish individual who shows no remorse for abandoning Nobara. She enjoys her time getting drunk and having fun.
Nobara is not really impacted by this, since the only reason she meets her mother is to fulfill Gojo’s last wish. She then surprises her mother with her grandmother, a presence who instills complete fear into her. This is a fun ending showing Nobara is still the same headstrong person at her core.
4) Sukuna and Uraume:
The Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue concludes by taking us back in time to Sukuna’s first time meeting Uraume. Uraume had no control over their freezing powers, causing their parents to die. Sukuna mentions that his refrigerator has broken and takes the little kid along with him.
While giving his new cooling system meat to ensure it doesn’t rot, Sukuna is stunned by Uraume’s skills to dry the meat and cook it properly. He questions whether it would be possible to do the same with humans. With this light touch of dark comedy, the epilogue finally ends with Uraume questioning why Sukuna doesn’t get cold near them. Sukuna poses the question back, asking the child why they don’t feel cold at his side.
This short and sweet story gives us a closer look into the bond between Sukuna and Uraume. It lays the foundation for his decision to go on a new path after his death in Shinjuku.
Why Is the Jujutsu Kaisen Epilogue So Controversial?
The Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue sparked controversy as many feel it raises more questions than it provides conclusive answers. Going past the easier doubts of Itadori’s romantic future and whether Yuta married Maki, there are bigger ones regarding the state of the Gojo Clan and the Jujutsu world.
A part of the fanbase believes that while it is still a heartwarming ending to many characters, it does not offer anything of substance. The deuteragonist, Megumi, continues taking a backseat just as he did for the entire second half of Jujutsu Kaisen. A plethora of other important characters ranging from Maki to Hakari are simply not mentioned.
Nobara’s strained relationship with her mother, though going deeper into her character, is also quite abrupt. This was never a major narrative point in Jujutsu Kaisen, and some fans believe other characters apart from Nobara could have gotten these pages.
The Fandom’s Final Reactions to the Jujutsu Kaisen Epilogue
Despite the criticisms of the Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue, it has also gotten a downpour of praise from several parts of the fandom. Many believe this lighthearted tone is just what the series needed since it is only a short chapter. Despite the sudden exposition into Nobara’s background and Yuta’s confusing future, the reactions to both Sukuna and Itadori’s stories have been widely positive.
Sukuna and Uraume’s dynamic is subtle but a major point of Jujutsu Kaisen. Watching them meet for the first time in such a wholesomely twisted way perfectly fits their characters. Itadori and Ozawa’s interactions had the perfect level of appreciation everyone wanted for the adorable protagonist.
Hence, the final reactions to the Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue reflect the belief that it hasn’t resolved the main storyline’s core issues. However, it successfully highlights the themes that made the series beloved in the first place. While debates persist over which characters deserved more screen time, each short story brought a smile to fans’ faces.
Conclusion
To conclude, the Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue aligns with the main series by sparking intense discussion and debate among fans. It provides closure while expanding the universe, highlighting the difficulty of pleasing a diverse and passionate audience.
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