After the shocking finale of Jujutsu Kaisen, creator Gege Akutami is preparing to launch a new short manga titled Mojurō. Scheduled to debut in Weekly Shonen Jump issue 40 on September 8, 2025, the series will feature Akutami as writer and Yuji Iwasaki (Cipher Academy) as illustrator. Early reports suggest it may be a short-run project, possibly even a spin-off in the JJK universe.
With expectations running high, fans are already debating what Akutami must do differently this time. While Jujutsu Kaisen was a global hit, its ending drew criticism. To avoid repeating past missteps, Akutami will need to sidestep three major pitfalls.
Shallow Female Character Development
One of the loudest critiques of Jujutsu Kaisen was its inconsistent treatment of female characters. Characters like Maki Zenin and Kasumi Miwa showed huge potential but were sidelined just as their arcs gained momentum. Even Nobara Kugisaki, positioned as a female lead, disappeared from the story without closure.
For Mojurō, Akutami must ensure that any central female characters have consistent, impactful arcs that influence the main plot from beginning to end. In a short-run series, there’s no room for half-developed side stories.
A Lack of a Clear, Central Villain
Jujutsu Kaisen featured multiple antagonists—Mahito, Kenjaku, and Sukuna—leading to confusion about the true “final boss.” Fans argue that Kenjaku, with his centuries-long schemes, should have been explored more deeply instead of being abruptly overshadowed by Sukuna in the climax.
With Mojurō, Akutami should define one main antagonist early. A clear villain with well-developed motives and backstory will give the series focus and prevent readers from feeling lost in shifting conflicts.
Avoid Creating Another “Gojo Problem”
While beloved, Gojo Satoru’s overwhelming power and charisma often overshadowed Yuji Itadori, the supposed protagonist of Jujutsu Kaisen. This imbalance made Yuji’s presence feel weak, with some readers joking that Megumi felt more central to the story.
In Mojurō, the protagonist must shine. Supporting characters should enhance—not eclipse—the main character’s journey. A balanced cast ensures the lead remains the emotional and narrative anchor.
Gege Akutami’s return with Mojurō is one of 2025’s most anticipated manga events. By avoiding half-baked female arcs, villain confusion, and protagonist overshadowing, he can deliver a story that satisfies both JJK fans and new readers.
If executed well, Mojurō could prove that Akutami isn’t just a one-hit wonder—but a storyteller capable of evolving and learning from past critiques.
Sources: GameK
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