English Dub Review: Jujutsu Kaisen: “Kyoto Sister School Exchange – Group Battle 2 -“

Overview: The battles continue to unfold between the Kyoto and Tokyo schools as Yuji (Adam McArthur) continues to develop from Todo’s (Xander Mobus) tutelage while Panda (Matthew David Rudd) goes toe-to-toe with Mechamura (Keith Silverstein).  

Our Take: Yuji, for the majority of this episode, takes a backseat. But with the small amount of screen time he does get, the episode makes the most of it as he continues his instruction with Todo. Does it follow the typical trope of insane progression within a span of a few nanoseconds? Yes. But the reason why it works so well here is how much Yuji has already learned from Gojo at this point and how much is learned on channeling cursed energy. Funnily enough, I got mad Naruto vibes from the cursed energy body visuals resembling that of chakra teachings, during Todo’s explanation. Not to say that it’s ripping it off. The show goes about explaining Yuji’s mistake in a way that’s quick and painless. So much so that you will end up appreciating just how clear and concise it was. It is for this very reason that his quick progression feels more justified.  

One of the benefits of big group battles, such as these, is the spotlight getting passed around among other main and supporting characters. And that is exactly what unfolded in the battle between the huggable, lovable Panda and Kyoto’s Mechamura. Their fight is an absolute thrill due to the big, brutish, very bear-like strength, if you will, of Panda against Mechamura’s maneuverability and his versatile weaponry. And of course, the stunning animation that MAPPA is known for is on full display as Panda comes at him like a black and white wrecking ball. While they also deliver Mechamura’s fast movements, and lighting-quick, fiery, blobby, blasts with utter beauty. Things only get more intensive from there especially when Panda taps into his gorilla form. Also, thankfully it doesn’t come at the expense of the character designs as they maintain a decent level of consistency.   

As a manga reader (and someone who’s watched almost all of the season subbed), there were a lot more subtle teases for events to come earlier than I expected. I implore any fans like me ahead of the curve to rewatch this episode and try to pick up on any fun hints like Mechamura’s comments on his body and the lengths he’d go to have it restored or Yuta showing up in Panda’s memories. Also another element I had noticed is how quickly the show walks around Panda’s sister and what animal or species she is. I’m not completely up-to-date with the manga (at the time of this writing), so unless it already goes into this and I’m just not aware, I do think it was intentional. Jujutsu Kaisen sets up little breadcrumbs for things to come but also leaves questions unanswered for them to be addressed later on peaking audience interest. With all these strengths though, not everything was quite perfect though. Panda’s backstory while unexpected and therefore welcoming is generically executed. Besides the Shonen super strength trope, the one where characters state who they are, why they did that thing, and etc. as if they’re talking to an audience is a really tired one at this point. No narration and exposition spouting was needed from Masamichi. All the scenes were animated. There was no point. Show us, don’t tell us. Masamichi telling Panda about his siblings is fine because that’s a conversation that naturally occurred but the scenes beforehand seem a bit lazy. But that’s a minor gripe and not one exclusive to Shonen mind you but one they seem to favor. Lastly, Panda and Mechamaru share a sweet moment, finding common ground and capping off their chemistry, and this episode, well, in “Kyoto Sister School Exchange – Group Battle 2 -” (Trying saying even just two times fast).