English Dub Review: Jujutsu Kaisen “Girl of Steel”

Overview:

After Yuji, Megumi and Gojo pick up the next and last first year, Nobara Kugisaki, they make their way towards the next curse to expel. Gojo, seeking to test the new jujutsu sorcerer, tasks Nobara and Yuji with exorcising the creature. However, little does the new recruit know just how much curses from her hometown differ from those in the big city. 

Our Take:

With her charmingly boisterous and assertive nature, Nobara Kugisaki, “hammers” away at my heart and instantly becomes a standout. The way she can hilariously change facial expressions at the drop of a hat, like transitioning from a loving joyful expression to viciously cunning demeanor, makes her a sight to behold. Her character is also very naturally integrated within the group as well. Because of her life spent as a country girl, she naturally shares the same enthusiasm for city life like Yuji does. This is cultivated in some truly heartwarming and adorable scenes between the two as they gush about what city in Tokyo to visit. It is later capped off with the show’s classic after-credits ending scene, Juju Stroll, in which they argue about what and where to eat, only to be cutely amazed at the prospect of eating revolving sushi that’s delivered via bullet train. It’s moments like these that not only adds levity but genuine heart too. “Girl of Steel” also establishes the new rookie’s backstory as well. While I appreciate the originality and impact it has on Nobara, it could have been more in-depth. The way in which her childhood friend was alienated from the town while tragic, could have been greatly expanded upon such as more detail of the people’s reasoning and/or events that transpired leading up to her moving away. As more time is spent with the eccentric sorcerer, hopefully more will be gleaned about the events that occurred. 

As great as Nobara is, without a proper voice actress, it would be hard to get most of her. Fortunately, for the English dub, Anne Yatco brings so much to the table. She has so much great energy which allows for the character’s upbeat attitude and animated disposition which notably contributes to how she quickly becomes a favorite. 

While nothing is notable as the freshman and sophomore outings, there are some noteworthy bits of animation in this chapter as well. When Yuji is ambushed by a low level curse, he methodically cuts off its limbs with some super swift movements. Or when Nobara is getting ready to take a curse herself, a deep blue raspberry (picture a Jolly Rancher if you will) aura of energy with a thick black shell cascades beautifully around her fist.