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The manga/anime world is filled with intriguing elements, encompassing the mutual influence and inspiration among creators.
Gege Akutami, the mastermind behind the acclaimed Jujutsu Kaisen series, also holds deep admiration for fellow manga authors, notably Tite Kubo - the creator of Bleach. Akutami recalls his daring ventures into his older brother's room to study Bleach's pages during his childhood. Kubo's influence is unmistakable in Akutami's works, emphasizing a profound connection between the two mangakas.
But it's not just Kubo; Togashi, the brilliant mind behind Hunter x Hunter, also serves as a wellspring of inspiration for Akutami, especially evident in the second season, the Shibuya Incident arc.
Gege Akutami's fervent fandom for Yoshihiro Togashi's works, particularly YuYu Hakusho and Hunter X Hunter, extends beyond mere admiration for characters. Akutami actively collaborates with Studio MAPPA to bring the Jujutsu Kaisen anime to life, seeking to blend elements that express his profound respect for Hunter X Hunter.
For instance, the Shibuya Incident arc provided Akutami with a platform to showcase this admiration, creating parallels between characters and even utilizing the same voice actors. The incorporation of narrative techniques from Hunter X Hunter, previously absent in Jujutsu Kaisen, signifies an experimental and innovative phase in this animated series, introducing fresh dimensions to the storyline.
Furthermore, the similarities in the fundamental elements of both stories, such as cursed energy and nen, serve as evidence of Akutami's profound respect and admiration for Togashi's work.
Moreover, the unique techniques of Gon and Itadori, along with their contrasting personalities, both cheerful and dark, when facing adversaries like Pitou and Mahito after losing friends, are clear indicators of Jujutsu Kaisen drawing inspiration from Hunter X Hunter.
In response to Gege Akutami's sentiments, Yoshihiro Togashi also expresses appreciation for Jujutsu Kaisen. The mutual respect between these two renowned manga authors enhances both works, adding depth and intrigue. As the Shibuya Incident reaches its climax, it is evident that the influence of Hunter X Hunter not only honors the original series but also elevates Jujutsu Kaisen to new heights.
Observing Gege Akutami's creative journey, we see how it intertwines with the works that influenced him.
This phenomenon is not exclusive to Akutami alone. Many other mangakas, like Yuki Tabata, the creator of Black Clover, also find similar creative inspiration from genre icons, such as Akira Toriyama, the mind behind Dragon Ball.
Clearly, passing on the torch of creativity from the previous generation to the next is a common occurrence in manga culture.
