REVIEW: ‘Jujutsu Kaisen,’ Episode 18 – “Sages”

Jujutsu Kaisen is a horror-action anime produced by MAPPA. With the Exchange Event in full swing, the students continue to test themselves against each other. But something unexpected is coming in Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 18, and the two schools will have to put their battle on pause if any of them are going to survive what comes next.

Nothing ever brings people together like a shared threat. Mutual self-interest is a powerful motivation that can make what was once the most crucial of missions falls by the wayside. This is certainly true of our Jujutsu Sorcerers. As some unexpected guests crash the Exchange, all the previous episodes fixation on Itadori seems to fall away. Especially as the power level of the intruders is made painfully clear.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 18 opens with Fushiguro being pursued by some curiously flying arrows. As these projectiles take numerous 90 degree turns, and exhibit the telltale visual signs of cursed energy, it is clear that these are no ordinary arrows.

It is soon revealed that Fushiguro’s opponent is a student known as Kamo. As a high ranking member of the same clan as Maki and Mai, Kamo exhibits a form of blood manipulation power. The range of options Kamo’s skillset provides him is quite impressive, and it is instantly clear that Fushiguro has a real fight on his hands.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 18’s narrative takes a hard right as several curses show up to crash the event.  Curses new and familiar are present as the combined schools begin to scramble to respond to their presence. It looks like the next few episodes could get quite interesting.

With this new assault upon the Exchange Event, MAPPA takes the opportunity to showcase some of the new characters’ techniques. Several of these are fairly unique from any previous abilities shown in the series. The constant introduction of abilities that function in new and surprising ways can easily become a liability for a show. As powers can easily spiral out of control, or some new technique always pops up to allow whatever plot point to work out as the story needs. Luckily thus far MAPPA has managed to avoid introducing these new abilities in such a way that they feel simply like plot cheats. Plus, when so many of them look as cool as what MAPPA delivers, can you complain?

Speaking of looking cool, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 18 delivers one of the most gorgeously designed and animated moments of the series to date. I won’t spoil what it is, but the art takes on a bit of a different style for this moment of the episode as a familiar character breaks out a new attack that has a visual that looks akin to a painting come to life.

When all is said and done, Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 18 delivers an abrupt change in course for the season. It delivers some great new combat styles, while also setting up some moments for the next episode that have my curiosity piqued. What the story is going to show us next is anybody’s guess.

Jujutsu Kaisen Episode 18 is streaming now on Crunchyroll.