Move aside Batman and Superman, a new superhero has come to town. After just receiving a Guinness World Record for being the most in-demand anime in the world, Jujutsu Kaisen continues to break walls for Japanese animation. But Gege Akutami’s unbeaten manga/anime series isn’t just breaking walls, it’s breaking multiverses—specifically DC!
The character breaking these walls, unsurprisingly, is none other than Yuji Itadori himself! April 16’s Nightwing #113 (Legacy #300) features Jujutsu Kaisen‘s main protagonist outside of a pizzeria with a scheming smile on his face. Albeit an unofficial arrangement between the hit series and the DC universe, this recognition and homage from Western comics is a welcome surprise to anime lovers worldwide.
Jujutsu Kaisen and Anime Is Loosening up Westward
If Jujutsu sorcerers get bored fighting curses, do they all go to Bludhaven or even Gotham City for some pick-me-up pizza? Yuji Itadori, wearing his usual black long-sleeve shirt with a red hood and shoes to match, is an obvious find in the special issue.
This exciting easter egg is no more than a tribute from DC Comics to the team and fans behind Jujutsu Kaisen. The manga has surpassed all expectations, boasting 90 million copies in circulation driven by its fantastic plot, amazing characters, and detailed artwork. The series has already bested its Western competition—topping in multiple states and helping manga reach new places.
Yuji Was Found in Nightwing #300
Nightwing #113 is a milestone for the fictional superhero as it marks the 300th issue in its legacy. The only characters from DC Comics who have been running for a longer time are a handful, with names such as Superman and Batman. This longevity is what made Dick Grayson and his Nightwing so popular throughout the years—consistently pumping out great panels and storylines for each issue.
The celebratory issue features a main story befitting of a special occasion. From reuniting Nightwing with his fellow Robins, Damian Wayne and Tim Drake, to peppering the story with intriguing clues for the final arc, writer Tom Taylor and the creative team maximized the potential of this unique opportunity. Dick even shared some special moments with Barbara Gordon in this issue. Daniele Di Nicuolo and Bruno Redondo were huge parts of this project, spearheading the beautiful artwork seen in the comic. Michael Conrad and Howard Porter also gave Nightwing #113 the extra spice it needed, serving up a backup story that complemented the main story well.
To bring anime and Western adaptations even closer, the upcoming Suicide Squad anime series will be released in 2024 where DC Comics characters are finally stepping into the light of anime. Yuji might not be fighting a cursed Superman or a sorcerer Batman, but Harley Quinn and the Joker are ready to brawl for some anime respect. But as for Yuji and his new friends over at Bludhaven and Gotham City, fans are quick to wish the protagonist a more official project with DC Comics in the coming future. Now, fans hope that it’s a matter of when, not if.