Warning: Contains spoilers for Attack on Titan and Jujutsu KaisenI’ve seen more shonen series than I can count over the years. As one of the most popular genres, there are many amazing anime to choose from that fall under the shonen category. Despite all the different ones I saw, Two series have always been my favorites: Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan. Although their plots, characters, and general animation are not comparable, I love these two series for the same unexpected reason.
Both Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan have a very high number of deaths, on a larger scale than most other anime series. Since Attack on Titan takes place during a war, the death count quickly reached a staggering number of over a billion. Jujutsu Kaisen the deaths didn’t reach that horrific level, but over forty important main characters died, making these losses feel all the more personal. While it may seem strange to enjoy a series for such a dark quality, my admiration for both Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan resides in the respectful and emotionally impactful way these series deal with death.
Both Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan They have a high number of deaths, raising the stakes in a grim way
These Shonens Handle Death Better Than Any Other Series
Attack on Titan revolves around humanity’s war against man-eating creatures called Titans, who threaten to exterminate all humanity, while Jujutsu Kaisen The premise focuses on a group of sorcerers who dedicate their lives to exorcising evil curses, led by the worst villain of all, Ryomen Sukuna, who also plans to destroy humanity. Since both shonens take place during a war, it makes sense that a major death would play a role in these stories. The greatness the loss of human life increases the risk of these storiesencouraging fans like me to invest even more in the plot.
Due to the prevalence of death, Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan they have a strong emotional effect that not all anime have. Gege Akutami, mangaka by Jujutsu Kaisen, and Hajime Isayama, mangaka from Attack on Titan, certainly never shies away from killing off important characters, like JJK Gojo or AOT Eren, often sparking outrage and disgust among the fandom. Despite fan complaints, these plot points not only provoke tears, they helped me become more interested in these series and eager to see what would happen next and whether the characters who passed away would be avenged by their companions by the end of the story.
Deaths like Nanami and Eren were treated with respect and emotion
These hard-hitting deaths offered respectful, emotional farewells to the series’ best heroes
These shonens don’t end the characters’ lives just for pure shock, which is a dangerous trap that some series fall into. I respect both Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan deeply for the respectful way in which they deal with these deaths. The final moments of characters in both series are often tragic and portrayed with emotional effect. For example, Nanami Kento’s death in Jujutsu Kaisen The second season was one of the most hard-hitting anime deaths of all time, to the point that real-life memorials were built around the world for fans to pay tribute to the character.
Nanami was one of the most powerful and relatable jujutsu sorcerers. He often made witty comments about hating his old, unsatisfying corporate job and was dedicated to protecting the weak, two qualities that fans especially resonated with. Node Shibuya incident arc, he was murdered by the Cursed Spirit, Mahito, being burned and then transfigured beyond recognition. Although Nanami’s death was horrible and heartbreaking, in some ways, it was a perfect send-off for the heroic figure. As he died, he imagined a beautiful Malaysian beach, the place he planned to retreat to before his horrible death ruined that hopeful possibility.
Jujutsu Kaisen The deaths are some of the saddest, but best written
Nanami and Nobara’s deaths are unforgettably tragic, but filled with symbolism and meaning
While Nanami’s death certainly made me cry, I also appreciated the care and emotion with which her final minutes were portrayed. His fantasy of Malaysia allowed him to die peacefully, even though he was probably in pain. Furthermore, his persistence in continuing to fight until he physically could not continue proved his dedication to the cause of fighting evil. Nanami’s death, although sad, is One of the best death scenes I’ve ever seenand one of the most powerful. Also in Jujutsu Kaisen, Nobara Kugisaki’s death also had a tremendous effect, due to how quickly it occurred.
Nobara was killed by Mahito so quickly that I barely had time to process it, I was in complete shock. The main character, Yuji Itadori, shared the audience’s dismay when one of his best friends was annihilated right before their eyes. Nobara’s sudden downfall effectively proved how far Mahito was willing to go and how high the stakes of battle really were. Attack on Titan the saddest and best-written deaths also provoked my emotions, proved how risky the war was and made me more attached to the series. Attack on Titan went one step further Jujutsu Kaisen, killing the main character, Eren Yeager.
Attack on Titan Even boldly killed off his own main character
The series’ shocking deaths show how serious the war against the Titans is
Eren Yeager’s best friends, Mikasa Ackerman and Armin Arlert, had to kill him to stop him from committing genocide and killing everyone but the Eldians. His death was the most heartbreaking and heartbreaking moment in the serieswhile his grief-stricken friends mourned the loss of their childhood friend. Hange Zoe’s death also stands out, due to her heroic sacrifice. They charged into a horde of attacking Titans, knowing full well they would die, all to save their friends and protect humanity. Both deaths, while harrowing, were necessary to the story and revealed just how significant the war against the Titans is.
These examples explain why I appreciate the deaths in these shows very, even though I hate seeing my favorite heroes die. Instead of relying on deaths for shock value, these series create harrowing moments that convey the dire circumstances of the battles the characters are fighting. It’s hard to get so attached to these characters, just to watch them die, but these two shonen anime give these heroes the deaths they deserve, showing great respect for them and their heroic acts. Overall, because of these emotional scenes, Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan They made me more invested than any other series.