It seems that every MAPPA show has to start off with a big bang. I was already looking forward to this show based on its PV and what people were saying, but I have to say that I was pretty impressed. Animation aside, because of course it was amazing, the story seems pretty cool too and I really enjoyed this premiere.
Though I will admit, it feels very Shounen Jump. I still like shounens but it can be funny when you can just feel the shounen-ness coming out of the show as you have silly protagonist who is freakishly strong for some reason, who gets a strong power, the more serious stranger who turns into friend eventually, etc. It’s not necessarily bad but the same formula is there. As long as the story is good and the characters entertaining I obviously don’t mind, and thankfully I got good vibes from this episode.
We meet Yuuji Itadori, our main character who cares for his dying grandfather and takes life on pretty easily. He’s silly but not too silly, more of a laidback type but still can be funny. He hangs out with the Occult Club as he enjoys his time there more, but with his insane athletic ability he used to be part of track and he has a reputation around school for being so ridiculously strong. I’m wondering if there’s a reason why Itadori is so strong, and his grandpa kept mentioning going to his club (I’m guessing he still thought he was in track) and that he had a strong body. It’s probably nothing because, well, this is a shounen. He’s probably strong just because and we gotta accept it. Still, I’ll keep it at the back of my mind if there’s something more to it, and if his parents have anything to do with it. They were very briefly mentioned by the grandfather so there must be some importance. Also wow the grandfather died so quickly it shocked me! I feel like we’ll see him in some flashbacks but the death was so quick I didn’t even believe it at first until I saw the paperwork. I was worried the show was rushing through things but maybe that’s just how it was in the manga?
The next important character is Fushiguro and he’s after the school’s cursed object, which seemingly Itadori had until he revealed that his Occult Club friends actually had it. The explanation of the cursed objects and curses was really interesting, and it makes me wonder if Itadori’s grandfather died from a curse. Curses manifest through strong negative emotion such as anger, regret, etc. It sounded like Itadori’s grandfather lived with a lot of regrets in the end with the way he spoke so I wonder if Itadori himself will pick up on that. It’s a pretty sad thought.
Fushiguro and Itadori head to the school to stop his friends from breaking the seal off the cursed object, Ryoumen Sukuna’s finger, or else they’d die. And boy he wasn’t kidding. The monsters in this show are no joke, their designs are very scary and unsettling. The way they appear from the floors and ceilings is equally scary and I could actually feel the fear from the characters. This is when things get really exciting as we got to see the amazingly animated action scenes and it was just so fun to watch. I did think it was pretty funny that Itadori somehow was able to jump through the window of the 4th floor! And kick the monster! Because…yeah, sure! That’s probably the only thing that took me out of the action scenes, Itadori’s strength, but they kept talking about his crazy strength from the start so whatever. It was extremely fun to see the designs of the curses and Fushiguro’s shikigami, and of course enjoy the action because it was wonderful. I feel like MAPPA’s just been getting better and better with every show, and while I did not like God of Highschool (I ended up dropping it), the animation there was just as amazing. So it was just so fun to watch everything.
In the end, Itadori had to eat the finger so he could gain cursed energy, to which he does and he easily takes down the curse. Problem is, Ryoumen Sukuna was able to come back to life and take possession of Itadori’s body. Question is, how is this going to work and what’s going to happen now? Ryoumen seems like a terribly dangerous person, but thankfully Itadori can still have some control over his body. It’s an interesting turn of events and I’m excited to see what happens next!
The episode was really fun! I expected Itadori to be a more serious character, but he’s a little more nonchalant with just a touch of silliness and I don’t mind it. Fushiguro acts exactly as imagined, and Itadori’s friends were fun too. One interesting thing with Itadori are his views on death. He seems afraid of it, but he seems more concerned how people die and not if they do. He believes there’s a “right” way to die and I wonder how he came to think this way, since it’s a pretty unique mindset. I’m not sure if there’s a bigger reason to that thought process but it interests me.
While the story has a shounen formula, it really grabbed my attention and I’m curious to see what’s going to happen next. The monsters are scary and the action is great, so far so good!
Possibility of watching: Guaranteed
Possibility of blogging: High
As a Manga Reader this episode was just Top Tier, that pacing was done right they even added a bit of chapter 2 into the intro which was a nice touch and everything from Music and especially the Animation were just breathtaking, Mappa didn’t Disappoint, all hyped thrusters are engaged.
Also I have to say that this Opening was… I have no words to describe how amazing it just took my breath away, the song was fire and hit hard and visuals the were just soo stunning every second 10/10 and this is possibly one of the best Openings this year, hands down.
I’m glad you enjoyed it, and hearing a positive response from a manga reader makes me feel even better. And yes oh my god, I can’t believe I forgot to mention the OP. The song was great but the visuals were absolutely gorgeous. They’ve put in a lot of effort for this show so it kind of pumps me up. ^_^