English Dub Review: Jujutsu Kaisen: “For Myself”

Overview:

After saving his classmates and swallowing a special grade cursed object, Yuji Itadori comes to terms with how he chooses to spend the rest of his life. 

Our Take:

Almost right out the gate, a truly stunning high octane battle ensues that also brilliantly serves to progress other aspects as well. There are various reasons to appreciate this fight scene such as how: it moves the plot forward at a fast pace, the extent we learn about Jujutsu Sorcerer, Satoru Gojo, and, quite simply, it’s just rad as hell to watch. 

As Sukuna and Gojo duke it out (or as Sukuna attempts to keep up with Gojo), pan around almost three dimensional sequences amaze the senses. CG is commonly used for this particular type of animation and more often than not looks poor comparatively and inconsistent with that of which is more traditional, 2D hand drawn throughout. Thankfully, the latter was chosen and, as a result, it not only looks more unique but doesn’t have the stiffness that can be present with computer generated animation. 

Satoru stands out the moment he hits the scene. Kaiji Tang leads the charge as Gojo with his joyous and playful spirit that immediately lightens the weighty scene between Itadori and Megumi and adds some great levity. His blasé attitude during the fight while he happily talks about whipped cream had me grinning ear to ear not just then but whenever he was on screen. Also the eccentric character’s fierce power and dedication to Megumi shows he’s a force to be reckoned with and also has a commanding presence. 

Another stand out part of this episode is how it’s also able to further flesh out Yuji’s reasoning for becoming a jujutsu sorcerer and entering the world of curses and sorcery. While his initial intentions are noble, they are also a bit trivial as well. Itadori’s battle with the principal of Jujutsu Tech, Masamichi Yaga, places a deeper look at what his true aspirations are and his kind and down to earth nature. It also provides hilarious physical comedy with the principal’s combat dolls proving to be over the top and very amusing. Although it is brief, the character Masamichi makes the most of his screen time and presents himself not only as an internal conflict to Yuji but supplements it with some funny dry wit. His stern personality  plays off of Gojo’s nonchalant attitude well. 

The episode ends with a fun tease for the next first year student to be introduced and generates great anticipation for how Anne Yacto’s Nobara, in particular, will play off her new team.