The end of these iconic works also marks a shift away from some of the magazine's long-standing traditions. Jujutsu Kaisen, for example, broke with one such tradition—or perhaps "curse" is more fitting—in its official epilogue.
It's common for creators to release epilogue chapters after a popular shonen series ends, tying up loose ends from the final arc. Many of these epilogues humorously feature the main character with an unfortunate haircut. However, Yuji Itadori's final appearance in the Jujutsu Kaisen epilogue showcased a surprisingly stylish haircut that stayed true to his character.
This contrasts with other Shonen Jump series like Bleach, Naruto, and My Hero Academia, where protagonists were given terrible haircuts for their farewell. This trend extends beyond Shonen Jump, with fans even criticizing Eren's hairstyle in his final appearance in Attack on Titan. Although it's a minor detail, this trope is often a source of amusement rather than serious criticism.
Despite its immense popularity and commercial success, Jujutsu Kaisen's ending, particularly the epilogue, has faced criticism from longtime fans. Without giving away too many spoilers, fans have expressed disappointment with the rushed feeling of the ending and the many unanswered questions left to interpretation.
For instance, while some appreciated seeing Maki and Yuta's grandchildren in the epilogue, others wished to see how the characters looked after their ordeal. Readers do get to witness Nobara's reunion with her mother and Yuji's apparent date with Yuko.
Despite the negative feedback on the ending, Gege Akutami expressed gratitude to fans for their support at Jump Festa 2025. He also praised the anime adaptation, highlighting director Goshozono's work and expressing excitement for the upcoming Culling Games arc.
