"Naoya’s face is killing me," "I’m so hyped even before the premiere"—Fans ecstatic over Gege Akutami’s new Zen'in Clan illustration for "Jujutsu Kaisen"

The official "Jujutsu Kaisen" X account has sparked massive buzz by releasing the latest illustration by the original creator, Gege Akutami. This post serves as a dual celebration: the broadcast of TV anime Episode 51, "The Reed-Biter," airing January 23 at 0:26, and the announcement of a reprint for the spin-off "Jujutsu Kaisen ≡" (Modulo). Fans flooded the post with congratulatory messages and high expectations.

The released image is a dynamic piece rendered in monochrome brushstrokes. At the center is the powerfully built Jin'ichi Zen'in (VA: Takeutora), surrounded by other elite members of the Zen'in clan: Ogi Zen'in (VA: Keiichi Sonobe) drawing his blade, Naoya Zen'in (VA: Koji Yusa) with a defiant smirk, and Ranta Zen'in casting a sharp gaze. The illustration includes a handwritten message from Akutami: "Modulo Vol. 1 reprint confirmed!! Much appreciated!! & Ep 51 broadcast!! A must-watch!!" alongside his signature cyclops-cat icon. The lineup of characters central to the upcoming episode’s core has left fans overwhelmed.

"Jujutsu Kaisen" is a mega-hit manga by Gege Akutami, originally serialized in Shueisha’s "Weekly Shonen Jump." The story follows high schooler Yuji Itadori (VA: Junya Enoki), who enters the world of sorcery after the seal on a powerful "cursed object" is broken. Depicting the brutal struggle between curses born from human negative emotions and the sorcerers who exorcise them, the series has earned a global following for its intricate power system and shocking plot developments.

In response to the post, fans swarmed the comments to poke fun at Naoya, saying, "Naoya’s face looks so goofy lol," "Naoya has gone full Light Yagami lmao," "Naoya looks like an Abnormal Titan," and "Naoya is losing it, I'm weak lol." Others expressed their excitement for the episode, with comments like "I’m already hyped and it hasn't even aired yet" and "I’m definitely watching this live." Some fans even referenced the "Kukuru Unit Reviews" from the Vol. 17 bonus pages, commenting, "Isn't Jin'ichi-san kind of cute? I'm the only one who truly appreciates his charms." The surprise illustration from the creator has successfully cranked up the hype as viewers gear up for the new episode.

(C)Gege Akutami/Shueisha