In recent years, Jujutsu Kaisen has emerged as a powerhouse in the anime world, amazing audiences worldwide and establishing itself as a beloved new-gen series. With its gripping storyline and dynamic characters, it has garnered comparisons to the legendary Shonen Big 3—Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach.
A recent tweet by a Jujutsu Kaisen fan sparked debate by labeling the series as the “4th Emperor of Anime,” alongside the iconic Big 3. This assertion has stirred controversy among fans of the Big 3, who argue that the decades-long reign of Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach remains unparalleled and cannot be overshadowed by any newcomer.
The debate highlights the passionate loyalty of fans to their favorite series and the enduring impact of the Big 3 on the anime. While Jujutsu Kaisen’s rapid rise to prominence is undeniable, whether it can truly attain the legendary status of the Big 3 remains a subject of fervent discussion among anime fans.
Jujutsu Kaisen’s Rise: A Contender for the ‘4th Emperor of Anime’
In recent years, Jujutsu Kaisen has risen in popularity, amazing a global audience and cultivating a dedicated fanbase. This success has prompted some fans to draw comparisons between Jujutsu Kaisen and the legendary Shonen Big 3—Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach.
A Twitter user, @_chaosqueen1, shared a photo claiming that Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the “four emperors of anime” alongside the Big 3.
However, this sparked backlash from fans loyal to the Big 3, who argued that JJK lacks the consistency and iconic status of Naruto, One Piece, and Bleach. The Big 3 have dominated the shonen genre for decades, and their influence remains unparalleled.
When considering contenders for the title of the 4th Emperor of anime, Dragon Ball emerges as a top choice. Dragon Ball sparked the global shonen craze and features iconic moments such as Goku’s Super Saiyan transformation, which remains unmatched in impact and popularity. Dragon Ball Super’s Ultra Instinct transformation also caused a sensation across the internet.
The Big 3 continue to maintain their top positions, with memorable moments like Luffy’s Gear 5, Naruto’s Baryon Mode, and Bleach’s return with the Thousand-Year Blood War. Jujutsu Kaisen may take time to reach the same level of hype and impact as these established titles.
Gege Akutami, the creator of Jujutsu Kaisen, has cited Bleach as a major source of inspiration, evident in the series’ power system and character design.
Fans have also noted similarities between Jujutsu Kaisen and Naruto, particularly in the dynamic of three students with a mentor and the protagonist harboring a powerful entity within them.
While fans appreciate Jujutsu Kaisen, many believe it is more of a successor to the Big 3 than a contender at this point. The replies to @_chaosqueen1’s tweet have been humorous, with fans suggesting Dragon Ball as a more fitting choice for the 4th Emperor spot.