Shounen series are often built on their appealing characters. Many feature a large cast so that each fan can find their favorites, with each character having a different aesthetic, personality, and power set. But some titles will subordinate other aspects of storytelling to prioritize “rule of cool” above all else—if something serves to make a work more awesome and thrill fans, logic and consistency can take a backseat. 

One title that immediately comes to mind is Bleach, while the biggest example in recent memory has to be Jujutsu Kaisen. 

The ridiculous popularity of Jujutsu Kaisen is undeniable. Putting aside the 11 wins last year at the 2024 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, it both sells well and occupies a huge chunk of the current fandom mindshare. It also attracts fans of all genders, ages, and walks of life. When I look at the characters, it feels like each one is meant to be the coolest person in the world to a specific type of audience. This isn’t inherently bad, but it’s such a major aspect of JJK that I think it can detract from the series.

Examples:

• Gojo Satoru is like half the characters in Naruto because he has special eyes. In many ways, he’s Hatake Kakashi x2: Gojo doesn’t just cover one eye but both. His power set is based on infinity and negative infinity or something, and it’s appealing to people who want a guy who can have his hands in his pockets while warping reality and minds. Combine that with his svelte figure, pale complexion, and of course beautiful eyes, and you have someone who is effortlessly stylish.

• Fushiguro Toji takes a different angle. Rather than have the biggest, baddest power, he’s basically an amoral, barrel-chested Occult Batman with the demonic equivalent of a utility belt. For those who value being the supposed underdog and winning through sheer hard work and tactical prowess, Toji is the epitome of a character they can get behind. 

• Nanami Kento is a straitlaced guy in a business suit who looks like an office worker—because that’s what he used to be. He’s stoic but kind, and his powers invoke the concept of overtime to power him up while also using math ratios to create weak points. For those who see a caring and reliable individual as the truest example of greatness, Nanami fits the bill to a tee.

• Okkotsu Yuta is basically Ikari Shinji from Evangelion if he became strong and determined (and is literally voiced by Ogata Megumi).

In these cases and more, nearly every character in Jujutsu Kaisen feels like what you get if you asked 100 people to each write their own power fantasy + ideal partner. There’s a real thrill to it all, but I think it can come at the expense of a coherent narrative, often feeling like too many things are tacked onto each character without any sense of moderation. 

I often see people praising different aspects of Jujutsu Kaisen. They’ll talk up the action. They’ll praise the characters. But I almost never see anyone praise the plot or the storytelling. “Rule of cool” turns into “ruled by cool,” as if the series is a highlight reel. That’s sometimes all it takes for a shounen series to succeed, but I do end up wanting more.