The New Season of JJK is FIRE - Closer Look at the Animation
At last, the long-awaited return of Jujutsu Kaisen has arrived with an all-new season! Yet, this time it’s not all about the much-anticipated Shibuya Incident Arc. In an intriguing twist, the first five episodes take us on a flashback journey, exploring Geto's transformation into a villain and the epic face-off between Toji and Gojo. This season already promises to be nothing short of a masterpiece! However, the focus of this article isn't just about the storyline. It’s more about the extraordinary animation of this new season and the brand-new approach the creators have adopted to take this series to unparalleled heights.
New take on Design
So, in season one, the character designs were very polished and refined, with a lot of detail in every scene. This isn't inherently a bad thing but it does stray away from the manga's original style.
But, season 2's design philosophy seems to be centred around simplicity and fluidity. It has a more stripped-back aesthetic when compared to season 1, but that isn't to say it's lacking. There's a lot of depth and detail in these seemingly simple designs, and the attention to storytelling through visuals is truly commendable. What I like about season 2 is that it seems to honour the manga's rough art style more faithfully, making it feel more authentic to the source material.
However, this also means it may not appeal to everyone, particularly those who favoured the more detailed aesthetic of season 1. Regardless, it's evident that a lot of thought has been put into the design philosophy and I hope they carry it throughout the entire season!
In the screenshot shown above, you can see Geto, shrouded in darkness. It's an interesting cut, where the character is in the shadow yet the darkness doesn't consume the features entirely. The way they've used just a few lines to suggest the character's features really sparks your curiosity, and that eerie gaze? It jumps right at you, mainly because everything else in the scene is kept so straightforward and uncluttered. The use of shadow and light is expertly handled, with the sun's overhead position creating accurate shadows. We have already seen a lot of shadow smoothing in the previous season, but this time around, they kept everything raw!
Amazing Transitions
The other thing worth noticing here is the smooth transition in the scenes. There's no abrupt cut or change in the tone of the shots. The thing I appreciate here is the attention to simple details and the dynamic animation. The scenes are very smooth, there's a lot of movement, and yet everything seems in place and nothing feels overdone or chaotic. Going from a peaceful dialogue to a brief shot of some spectacular action sequence; This sense of cohesiveness can be easily awarded to strong storyboarding. The use of sharp lines and smears to denote fast motion is also very well executed.
In episode 2 of the anime, where Geto fights a mercenary sent by an evil cult, the guys at MAPPA cleverly use the character's reflection to transition between the two scenes. It's fascinating to think about the complexity of the genga (original picture) for this cut. They also blurred the frame into motion.
Now, this is a technique that might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's undeniable how it brings a sense of real movement to the scene. Then, the moment you've been waiting for arrives - the scene bursts into vibrant colours as we transition from the glass reflection to the actual scenario. It's as if the world comes to life! This, my friend, is the magic of animation!
Complex Animation
Creating scenes like these in animation is no small feat. It involves a ton of drawings, each one capturing a different moment in time. What's really fascinating here is their use of very simple sketches. It's like they've embraced a philosophy that values the rough and the real. And speaking of real, have you seen the animation in the final scene where Gojo and Toji fight in an epic showdown? Just look at the contours of the character's cheeks – it's remarkable! You might even find this layout familiar if you've ever watched One Punch Man. It kind of reminds me of episode 5. But, honestly, I’m impressed!
In episode 4 of the season, there's a moment that really takes the scene to another level. It's when Gojo steps into the picture, all fired up to fight Toji. You can practically feel the intensity of him being high on bloodlust.
The way they portray the reversal of his curse is quite fascinating. They kind of wash out the colors, giving the scene a greyer tone, and they play around with the lighting in a circular pattern. It's a unique way of representing his power, making the scene much more dramatic.
And then, there's the way they handle the composition. It's like they've layered additional artificial light that seems to blaze behind Gojo. At the same time, they've made the shadows even darker, creating a sense of depth. All these details work together to put emphasis on the scene and make Gojo's entrance all the more impactful.
Final Verdict
The first 5 episodes have been a masterpiece, and fingers crossed, they keep
So, what's the bottom line? Trust me, this season is something you really don't want to pass up. Do yourself a favor and give it a watch. I promise, it's worth your time!
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