Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 1: A Deep Dive into the Beginning of Gege Akutami’s Dark Fantasy Masterpiece
Introduction
Every great story has a beginning, and for Jujutsu Kaisen, Chapter 1 laid the foundation for one of the most gripping modern shonen series. Launched by Gege Akutami in Weekly Shonen Jump on March 5, 2018, Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 1—titled “Ryomen Sukuna”—thrust readers into a world of curses, sorcery, and a pink-haired teen with a monstrous twist. Its explosive debut, adapted into a 2020 anime by MAPPA, skyrocketed JJK to global fame, with VIZ Media reporting over 70 million manga volumes sold by 2024 (VIZ Sales Update). Fans adore its dark fantasy edge—think Bleach’s grit meets Naruto’s heart.
This article unpacks Jujutsu Kaisen Ch 1: its plot, character intros, themes, and why it’s a must-read Jujutsu Kaisen manga chapter 1. Whether you’re revisiting Jujutsu Kaisen chapter 1 or discovering it fresh, here’s why Akutami’s opener is a masterstroke. For more shonen excitement, check out our MHA Chapter 431 recap to see how My Hero Academia continues to evolve.
Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 1 Summary
Titled “Ryomen Sukuna,” Jujutsu Kaisen manga ch 1 (VIZ) kicks off with a bang, introducing Yuji Itadori and the cursed chaos that defines JJK.
Opening Scene
We meet Yuji Itadori, a high schooler at Sugisawa Municipal High, casually hurling a shot put 30 meters—superhuman strength masked by a carefree grin. It’s June 2018, and he’s dodging the track team to visit his dying grandfather in the hospital. The old man’s last words—“Always help people” (VIZ Page 8)—etch a moral code into Yuji that echoes through JJK.
First Brush with Jujutsu Sorcery
Enter Megumi Fushiguro, a stoic first-year from Tokyo Jujutsu High, hunting a Cursed Object: one of Ryomen Sukuna’s 20 fingers. He confronts Yuji at school after sensing the finger’s seal weakening—hidden in the Occult Club’s stash (VIZ Page 14). Megumi’s urgency hints at a darker world simmering beneath Yuji’s normal life.
The Curse Unleashed
Night falls, and Yuji’s pals unseal the finger, summoning grotesque Cursed Spirits. Yuji races back, finding Megumi battered by a curse. With no options, Yuji swallows Sukuna’s finger (VIZ Page 27)—a reckless act that awakens the King of Curses inside him. Sukuna briefly takes over, cackling as he slaughters the curse (VIZ Page 31), but Yuji wrests control back—a rare feat.
Gojo’s Arrival
Satoru Gojo, a white-haired enigma in a blindfold, struts in (VIZ Page 35). He tests Sukuna’s grip—knocking Yuji out with a flick—and ponders: execute Yuji or harness him to collect Sukuna’s fingers? The chapter ends on this dilemma, teeing up JJK’s core conflict.
Per Jujutsu Kaisen Wiki, Jujutsu Kaisen Ch 1 is a 47-page hook that blends action, stakes, and mystery.
How Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 1 Sets Up the Story
Jujutsu Kaisen manga chapter 1 isn’t just a debut—it’s a blueprint. It introduces:
- Cursed Energy & Spirits: Megumi explains Cursed Energy as negative emotions birthing malevolent spirits (VIZ Page 16)—JJK’s dark engine.
Sukuna’s Power: His finger’s potency summons a curse instantly (VIZ Page 23)—a 20-piece threat looms large.
Yuji’s Morality: His grandpa’s dying wish (VIZ Page 8) clashes with Sukuna’s evil, seeding Yuji’s struggle.
Foreshadowing abounds: Gojo’s casual dominance hints at a Sukuna showdown (VIZ Page 37), while Cursed Objects and Jujutsu Schools tease a sprawling lore (ANN JJK Lore). Yuji’s control over Sukuna—unheard of per Megumi—plants his internal battle, per Manga Studies 2023. Jujutsu Kaisen chap 1 primes a saga of sacrifice and sorcery.
Character Analysis
Yuji Itadori
Yuji’s a goofball with a golden heart—laughing off-track recruiters yet rushing to his grandpa’s bedside (VIZ Page 5). His choice to eat Sukuna’s finger isn’t bravado—it’s instinct to save others (VIZ Page 27). His strength—tossing curses like toys—hints at untapped potential.
Megumi Fushiguro
Megumi’s cool-headed foil to Yuji, summoning divine dogs via his Ten Shadows Technique (VIZ Page 20). His seriousness—warning Yuji off the finger—grounds the chaos (VIZ Page 15).
Satoru Gojo
Gojo oozes mystery and might—disarming Sukuna with a smirk (VIZ Page 36). His playful vibe masks the “strongest sorcerer” title, setting him as JJK’s ace (Jujutsu Kaisen Wiki).
Ryomen Sukuna
Sukuna’s brief reign—gutting a curse with glee (VIZ Page 31)—marks him as JJK’s looming terror. His cryptic delight hints at deeper motives.
Themes Explored in Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 1
- Good vs. Evil: Yuji’s kindness battles Sukuna’s malice—can good host evil? (VIZ Page 33).
Sacrifice & Responsibility: Yuji eats the finger to save Megumi, shouldering Sukuna’s curse (VIZ Page 27).
Power & Corruption: Sukuna’s raw force contrasts Gojo’s honed skill (VIZ Page 37).
Loneliness & Friendship: Yuji’s grief (VIZ Page 10) finds solace in Megumi’s alliance.
Per ANN Theme Analysis, Jujutsu Kaisen Ch 1 weaves a dark moral tapestry.
Differences Between Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 1 & the Anime
The anime (Episode 1, October 2020) expands Jujutsu Kaisen manga ch 1:
- Expanded Scenes: Yuji’s school life—track antics—gets more screen time (Crunchyroll Ep 1). Manga jumps faster to the hospital (VIZ Page 5).
Megumi’s Powers: Anime flaunts his dogs with slick animation—manga’s static panels pale (VIZ Page 20).
Dialogue Tweaks: Gojo’s quips—like “You’re a bit late!”—sharpen for flow (CBR Differences).
Pacing: Manga’s 47 pages blitz; anime lingers, per Sportskeeda.
Manga’s raw punch vs. anime’s polish—both shine (Dexerto Comparison).
Why Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 1 is a Must-Read
Jujutsu Kaisen chap 1 hooks with its dark shonen brew—action, humor, and horror in 47 pages. Yuji’s instant likability, Sukuna’s menace, and Gojo’s swagger build a world worth exploring (ANN Review). It’s JJK’s lore cornerstone—miss it, and you’re lost.
Where to Read Jujutsu Kaisen Manga
- VIZ Media: Free first 3 chapters—$2.99/month for all.
MANGA Plus: Free Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 1—supports Akutami.
ComiXology & Kindle: Paid digital.
Official reads fuel JJK’s future (VIZ Blog).
Fan Reactions & Community Discussions
- Reddit: r/JujutsuKaisen lauded Yuji’s debut—“instant fave” (u/JJKFan, 2018).
Twitter/X: “Sukuna’s laugh tho” trended post-release (@AnimeHype, 2018).
YouTube: Mark’s Manga Reviews pegged Sukuna as JJK’s endgame—1M views.
Theories: Yuji’s death? X debates linger (@JJKTheorist, Feb 2025).
FAQs About Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 1
- Good starting point? Yes—Jujutsu Kaisen Ch 1 is the perfect kickoff (VIZ).
Which volume? Volume 1 (VIZ).
Vs. other shonen? Darker than Naruto’s Ch 1, per CBR.
Sukuna’s power later? Grows—see Chapter 116 (VIZ).
Conclusion
Jujutsu Kaisen Chapter 1 is a dark fantasy gem—Yuji’s leap into Sukuna’s world hooks instantly. It’s a must-read Jujutsu Kaisen manga chapter 1 for its stakes and soul. Start at VIZ—did it grab you? Comment below!
