Jujutsu Kaisen has proven to be a massive hit among shonen audiences, even more so with its highly successful anime adaptation that was recently wrapped up earlier this year. And while a second season has yet to be announced, MAPPA has confirmed a film adaptation for Jujutsu Kaisen's Volume 0 -- a canon prequel to the rest of the series. This volume follows Yuta Okkotsu, a character referenced in the main series, during his first year at Jujutsu High. With his story being told in a single volume, that makes it perfect for a film format.
Canonical anime films are becoming more popular in modern times, and with the success of Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, this trend isn't likely to slow down anytime soon. With other series, like Black Clover, eager to release a canonical film of their own, Jujutsu Kaisen is only one of many, but Vol. 0's unique angle could make it a stand-out among other anime films.
Written and illustrated by Gege Akutami, the volume consists of four chapters. It follows Yuta -- a Special Grade cursed human -- haunted by his late childhood friend turned Cursed Spirit, Rika, who is determined to protect Yuta at all costs. His unusual circumstances capture Satoru Gojo's attention who convinces Yuta to enroll in Jujutsu High, so he can train his Cursed Energy to one day be able to keep Rika under control. His experiences also draw some comparisons with Yuji Itadori and even Junpei Yoshino.
Unlike Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, Vol. 0 does not progress the story linearly, but it is still canon. As such, it would be jarring for the series to tell Yuta's story in stops and starts with flashbacks or as a short arc that takes away from Yuji and the main story, especially since it takes place one year in the past when Maki, Toge and Panda are only first years. While being canon, Vol. 0 doesn't directly benefit or change Yuji's story -- though it introduces elements that play into it -- and would have no place interrupting the flow of the bigger story. Thus, there is no proper point in the series to watch Vol. 0 as it can be enjoyed no matter where you are in the anime or manga.
While this prequel story does flesh out the world of Jujutsu Kaisen and adds depth to certain characters like Gojo, Maki, Toge, Panda and Suguru Geto, it doesn't do so in an advert way and also isn't necessary to understand the main storyline. Significant bits of information are teased but never properly explored, only foreshadowing what is bound to become a larger part of the main story, possibly for Yuji, Megumi and Nobara to discover.
That being said, Yuta's story is engaging and thrilling as its own piece, well-deserving of its time in the spotlight. Being told in conjunction with future events would only be disruptive, watering down what's otherwise a great tale.
As a film, it can be viewed separately from the series, which is how it is supposed to be seen based on how the volume has been presented. Therefore, it will work particularly well in a film format by holding our interest in one go. At the same time, the audience is introduced to a character that fans are eager to learn more about in a fun and compelling side story featuring familiar characters in a time before we get to know them properly.
Yuta's story is just that: his. It doesn't involve any of the other characters in an overly new way and is careful not to go into too much depth. Vol. 0 is merely his backstory told in extensive detail, while Yuta himself doesn't make his official debut in the manga until Chapter 137. But by then, how we knew him in the prequel is different from who he is now. So again, it's not necessary to follow the main series, but it is still beneficial to read (and eventually watch).
Through the popularization of canon anime films, Jujutsu Kaisen appears ready to reap the benefits of producing one of their own. And with the unique standpoint of Vol. 0, there is no worry of confusing new fans by placing a must-see film in-between seasons. Additionally, with only one volume consisting of four chapters, Vol. 0 has just the right amount of material to adapt into a movie and will be a shonen spectacular for any Jujutsu Kaisen fan. The film is set to release in winter 2022.
For now, Jujutsu Kaisen vol. 0 is available to read on Viz Media and through other retailers both physically and digitally.
