ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘Jujutsu Kaisen,’ Volume 15

With Gojo trapped, countless other sorcerers dead, Sukuna and Mahito are free to wreak havoc in Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 15, written and drawn by mangaka Gege Akutami, and published by VIZ Media. English translation is done by Stefan Koza and Jon Werry, with touch-up art and lettering by Snit Aharon. Jujutsu Kaisen is serialized in Shonen Jump.  Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 15 contains chapters 125-133. Chapter 125 briefly looks into Nobara’s childhood, while the rest continue The Shibuya Incident arc where volume 14 left off. 

After witnessing Nanami’s brutal death at the hands of Mahito and the murderous rampage of Sukuna, Yuji’s resolve has faltered as he begins to think that he is nothing more than a murderer. He’s ready to give up and run away. This is a direct contrast with who he was, as I’ll explain later. But when Todo shows up, he reminds Yuji that they’re Jujutsu sorcerers. They can’t view life and death in such a black and white way. And that by giving up, Yuji is disrespecting the memories of those who have died. This provides Yuji with the kick in the ass he needs to not only fight Mahito again but to unlock more of his power.

The Shibuya Incident arc has been a long one, as of Volume 15 reaching part 50. But the pacing is phenomenal, as Akutami expertly balances action with moments that drive the emotional development of the characters. Within this arc alone, Yuji alone has undergone an incredible amount of growth.

One of the most fascinating things Akutami has done with Jujutsu Kaisen is exploring Yuji’s motivation for becoming a Jujutsu sorcerer and his purpose in life. Yuji joins Jujutsu society to save as many people as he could before he dies. But as Sukuna’s vessel, he’s partially controlled by a cursed spirit with no desire to save anyone. Akutami gives readers the feeling that no matter what Yuji does, he’s living on borrowed time with Jujutsu society only delaying his execution because he’s been useful thus far. His usefulness, and the defense of Gojo.

With Gojo gone for the foreseeable future, or perhaps forever, Yuji’s lost his most powerful defender at a time when his life is more at risk than ever. This feeling of powerlessness, of limited time, are pervasive in Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 15, making the stakes feel that much higher.

On the other side, Mahito is as loathable as Yuji is sympathetic. He’s not the biggest nor the baddest, Sukuna, and even Geto, are more dangerous. But they didn’t directly kill Namani or transform Junpei into a curse the moment he finally found happiness. After all of his crimes, it’s cathartic to watch Todo and Yuji wail on him. And even though he takes her down, Nobara gets a few well-deserved shots in.

Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 15 features many pages solely driven by action with the only writing being sound effects. But Akutami has a fantastic grasp of movement and perspective within these scenes. They’re visually appealing while also naturally drawing the eye to key moments as they flow across the page. 

While I read the chapters as they’re serialized in Shonen Jump, I loved reading Volume 15’s story again. Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 15 is a perfect encapsulation of the thrilling action and emotional devastation contained within The Shibuya Incident arc. 

Jujutsu Kaisen Volume 15 is available wherever books are sold on April 5th, 2022.