English Dub Review: Jujutsu Kaisen: “Tomorrow”

Overview: “Tomorrow” brings the first cour of Jujutsu Kaisen to a close as Nanami (David Vincent) and Yuji (Adam McArthur) team up to give Mahito (Lucien Dodge) the beatdown that he so rightfully deserves after all the pain and death he has caused. Also Nanami’s reasoning for becoming a Jujutsu Sorcerer is revealed and Yuji begins to question what a proper death is. 

Our Take: Mahito, my lad. You truly brought this asswhooping on yourself. As Yuji and Nanami realize how to defeat Mahito by not letting him store up cursed energy, MAPPA commits to the concept of fast-paced ferociousness with an insane relentless onslaught of brutal blows from the Jujutsu Sorcerer duo. Due to the animation studio’s continuously incredible track record, I have been, consequently, going around in circles in praising them. But just try and stop me. The harsh conditions, unfair workload of various productions, like Attack on Titan and Assault Lily: Bouquet on their plate along with unacceptable time constraints somehow result in amazing quality. It honestly shouldn’t correlate in the slightest. But somehow the staff is able to persevere and will themselves to greatness despite all that. Just in case it isn’t said enough, thank you MAPPA and every single  staff member working tirelessly to make some damn fine art. So just consider every one of my reviews about them to be MAPPA appreciation day until they prove otherwise, if they ever do. 

After getting caught into Mahito’s domain expansion, we’re given a closer look into the always-dapper Nanami. His ideology goes beyond simply being pragmatic and this warmth in particular is what lends him to be so likable, other than his amusing dry wit that is. The very real demoralizing nature of working at a demeaning job also helps in making the character’s transition all the more impactful as well. 

After being forced to do the one thing he tried his damndest not to, Itadori struggles to find the meaning of what a ‘proper death’ truly is. One of the exceptional qualities of Jujutsu Kaisen is the complexity of each character and how they’re not one note like most of those featured in other Shonen. The series continues to drive that point home as Yuji questions the true meaning that served as the foundation of why he became a Jujutsu Sorcerer in the first place. These are aspects that, obviously, keep him fresh and from turning stale overall. While perhaps conventional, I do think these lay the groundwork nicely for why he wants to be stronger and get me revved up for not only more introspection from the main cast in general but more MAPPA! 

Episode 13 ties up the Vs. Mahito Arc of this supernatural series in a neat little bow as the series gets ready for the Kyoto Goodwill Event Arc in the remaining 11 episodes.