Gege Akutami returns with a new manga, but it's futile to expect another Jujutsu Kaisen

When Jujutsu Kaisen by Gege Akutami concluded in 2024, it marked the end of one of Weekly Shonen Jump’s most dominant modern titles. Gege Akutami’s dark supernatural saga had not only matched but occasionally surpassed One Piece in sales, cementing itself as a cultural juggernaut.

This September, Akutami returns with a brand-new short-term serialization titled Mimojuro, a collaboration with Cypher Academy artist Yuji Iwasaki. While the news has electrified manga fans worldwide, it’s important to temper expectations. Gege is back, but this isn’t Jujutsu Kaisen 2.0, and perhaps it never should be.

Mimojuro will debut in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #41 (September 2025). Unlike Jujutsu Kaisen, Gege will not be handling both writing and art. Instead, he is purely the writer, while Yuji Iwasaki of Cypher Academy fame provides the illustrations.

The series is described as a short-term serialization, likely running anywhere between 10 to 20 chapters. That makes it more akin to a limited manga run or an extended one-shot rather than a sprawling saga. Its first chapter will be around 54 pages, with fans able to read it for free on Manga Plus.

The title itself, Mimojuro (ミモジュロウ), remains mysterious. Still, the collaboration with Iwasaki suggests something stylish and experimental, as Cypher Academy was known for its striking designs and cerebral storytelling.

Here’s the truth fans need to face: Mimojuro will not, and cannot, be another Jujutsu Kaisen. And that’s okay. To expect Gege to replicate that with a short, experimental series would be unfair and ultimately futile. Instead, Mimojuro should be seen as a creative reset.

Why this experiment by Gege Akutami matters

Mimojuro proves Gege isn’t done. After finishing a massive hit, some mangaka disappear for years or retire altogether. By returning so soon, Gege shows his passion for storytelling hasn’t burned out.

Moreover, this series highlights the value of collaboration. Pairing Gege’s sharp writing with Iwasaki’s polished art could produce a synergy fans didn’t expect. If successful, it may inspire more collaborations in Jump.

It gives Gege room to heal. By stepping back from the grueling pace of weekly illustration, he can focus on his health while still engaging fans with new work. And finally, it keeps fans connected. Even a short series reminds fans that Gege’s voice is still active in manga. For many, that’s enough.

Looking ahead: A future beyond curses

Mimojuro begins serialization on September 6, 2025, with its first chapter available digitally on Manga Plus. Fans around the world will be able to dive in immediately, and given its short-term nature, the entire story may be wrapped within a year. Instead, Mimojuro should be approached with curiosity and openness: a chance to see where Gege’s imagination takes him when freed from the shadows of cursed energy and fan expectations.

Final thoughts

Gege Akutami’s return is cause for celebration, but also reflection. Jujutsu Kaisen was a rare phenomenon, an era-defining manga that won’t be replicated anytime soon. With Mimojuro, we aren’t getting a replacement, and we shouldn’t want one. What we’re witnessing is an artist resetting, experimenting, and perhaps rediscovering the joy of creation outside of overwhelming pressure.

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Fans may laugh at memes of “Idol Gojo” or lament the absence of Gege’s art, but in the end, Mimojuro is about something bigger: giving one of manga’s most important modern voices the freedom to tell new stories on his own terms.

And if there’s one thing Jujutsu Kaisen proved, it’s that when Gege Akutami tells a story, no matter its size, the world will be watching.

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