How Jujutsu Kaisen’s Sukuna was written so amazingly, and why this is the perfect execution of the Demonic Possession trope.

Jujutsu Kaisen has captured the hearts of many anime and manga enthusiasts worldwide, and one of the key reasons is undoubtedly its formidable antagonist, Ryomen Sukuna. The character of Sukuna embodies the perfect execution of the demonic possession trope, blending ancient folklore with modern storytelling to create an engaging and terrifying villain. This blog post dives deep into why Sukuna’s character is so compelling, exploring the nuances of his creation, his powers, and his impact on the story. We will also discuss how Sukuna, despite being the quintessential evil figure, captivates the audience. Let’s unravel the elements that make Sukuna a masterpiece of villainy in the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.

Ryomen Sukuna (両面宿儺, “Two-Faced Fiend”)

Ryomen Sukuna, often referred to as the “King of Curses,” is one of the most iconic characters in Jujutsu Kaisen. The legend surrounding Sukuna states that he was a fearsome sorcerer during the golden age of jujutsu who wreaked havoc and instilled fear in the hearts of many. With unparalleled power and a sadistic personality, he was eventually defeated and his remains were turned into cursed objects—his 20 indestructible fingers. These fingers are scattered throughout the world, each hosting immense cursed energy, making them highly sought after by both jujutsu sorcerers and curses alike. The duality in Sukuna’s nature, as implied by his moniker “Two-Faced Fiend,” is more than just a reference to his physical appearance. It reflects his complex personality, as he often exhibits moments of cunning intelligence, terrifying brutality, and even occasional, albeit rare, sardonic humor. This multidimensional character design not only enhances Sukuna’s role as a villain but also creates a deeper connection with the audience, who find themselves both horrified and intrigued by his actions and motivations.

Voiced by: Jun’ichi Suwabe (Japanese), Ray Chase (English) Foreign VAs Osvaldo Trejo (Latin American Spanish), Mattia Bressan (Italian)

The voice actors behind Sukuna have played a pivotal role in bringing this character to life. In the Japanese version, Jun’ichi Suwabe lends his voice to Sukuna, infusing the character with a menacing charm that chills viewers to the bone. Suwabe’s deep, resonant voice captures Sukuna’s malevolence perfectly, adding an extra layer of dread and sophistication to the character. His performance is lauded for its ability to convey the sheer power and authority that Sukuna commands, making every scene with Sukuna an unforgettable experience. In the English adaptation, Ray Chase voices Sukuna, delivering a performance that’s equally compelling. Chase’s interpretation of Sukuna is both ruthless and sarcastic, capturing the essence of a villain who finds joy in chaos and destruction. This duality is essential for Sukuna’s characterization and helps in differentiating his voice from that of Yuji Itadori, whose body he often inhabits. The international voice actors, Osvaldo Trejo and Mattia Bressan, also do a commendable job in their respective languages, ensuring that Sukuna’s menacing presence transcends linguistic barriers.

Jujutsu: Shrine (Dismantle and Cleave, Divine Flame), Reverse Cursed Technique, the Jujutsu of the body he’s currently occupying

Sukuna’s cursed techniques are a testament to his status as the “King of Curses.” His innate domain, Malevolent Shrine, is a territory expansion that doesn’t actually create a barrier, but instead, manifests a Buddhist shrine-like structure. Within this domain, Sukuna can deploy his two main techniques: Dismantle and Cleave. Dismantle is a slashing attack that can sever nearly anything it touches, while Cleave is an attack optimized for cutting through opposing cursed energy. Together, these techniques make Sukuna nearly unbeatable within his domain, allowing him to dismantle both physical embodiments and concepts like cursed energy with surgical precision. Another crucial aspect of Sukuna’s arsenal is his reverse cursed technique which allows him to heal himself and others from severe injuries. While primarily used for himself due to his inherently selfish nature, this ability showcases his deep understanding and manipulation of cursed energy—a skill that sets him apart from most sorcerers and curses. Additionally, Sukuna retains access to the jujutsu techniques of the body he resides in, further increasing his versatility and unpredictability in battle.

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Sukuna’s backstory is shrouded in mystery, but what little is known paints a picture of a once-magnificent sorcerer who used his incredible power for personal gain and destruction. Before his death and subsequent transformation into a curse, Sukuna was a human sorcerer feared by many. His name became synonymous with terror, and he was eventually defeated and sealed away by powerful jujutsu sorcerers. The process of sealing Sukuna into 20 fingers was a desperate attempt to contain his overwhelming cursed energy, but even in this fragmented state, his influence persists. In the Jujutsu Kaisen storyline, Sukuna’s resurgence begins when Yuji Itadori consumes one of Sukuna’s cursed fingers, inadvertently becoming the vessel for the curse. This act sets off a chain of events that brings Sukuna back into the world of the living, albeit in a constrained form. Despite being bound to Yuji’s body, Sukuna gradually tests and challenges his host, constantly seeking opportunities to exert his influence and regain his full power.

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The overarching plot of Jujutsu Kaisen weaves Sukuna’s presence throughout its narrative, ensuring that his character remains a constant and ominous threat. From Yuji’s initial consumption of Sukuna’s finger to the gradual gathering of the remaining fingers, the story constantly revisits the peril Sukuna represents. This timeline of events not only highlights Sukuna’s significance but also provides a framework for understanding his growing influence and power. Each encounter with Sukuna reveals a new layer of his abilities and personality, making the audience ever more invested in the unfolding drama. As the plot progresses, the other characters’ interactions with Sukuna also enrich the narrative. The jujutsu sorcerers’ quest to thwart Sukuna’s resurrection adds tension and stakes to the storyline, while Yuji’s internal struggle against his unwelcome guest offers a profound exploration of identity and morality. These plot points collectively create a robust index of Sukuna’s journey, emphasizing his pivotal role in shaping the series’ direction and themes.

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Looking ahead, the future of Sukuna’s character holds significant promise for the development of Jujutsu Kaisen’s story. As more of Sukuna’s fingers are discovered and consumed, the anticipation builds for a potential full resurrection, raising the stakes for all characters involved. The prospect of a fully revived Sukuna presents numerous narrative possibilities, from epic battles to complex power dynamics, ensuring that his presence will continue to captivate audiences. Furthermore, future arcs might delve deeper into Sukuna’s origins, exploring his past and the events that led to his downfall. Understanding Sukuna’s history could provide valuable insights into his motivations and the broader lore of the Jujutsu Kaisen universe. Ultimately, the evolution of Sukuna’s character remains a key element for maintaining the series’ intrigue and excitement, promising fans a thrilling journey filled with suspense and revelations.