Gege Akutami recommends MamaYuyu by Yoshihiko Hayashi as a manga with "good taste" and believes Hayashi to be a turning point for Weekly Shōnen Jump.
Jujutsu Kaisen creator Gege Akutami takes a brief hiatus from his own series to drop a recommendation for Yoshihiko Hayashhi's MamaYuyu manga, showcasing the value of diverse perspectives in the world of manga creation.
As Akutami explains, his interest in the manga is rooted in his deep respect and admiration for its author. He emphasizes that Hayashi sensei is a pivotal turning point in Weekly Shōnen Jump, shaping the manga's history and revolutionizing its landscape forever.
In September 2023, MamaYuyu joins Weekly Shōnen Jump's newly released series, showcasing a narrative that explores the harmonious relationship between humans and demons. The story chronicles the journey of Corleo, the world's current hero, and Mamama, the formidable leader of the demon horde. Historically, humans and demons were mortal enemies, but the sacrifice of the previous hero has led to a paradigm shift, demonstrating the potential for mutually beneficial coexistence. The narrative showcases the friendly rivalry and deep bond between Corleo and Mamama, highlighting the positive and competitive relationship that emerges in the face of past animosity.
The harmony enjoyed by humanity and demons is tested, however, when a hero from an alternate reality arrives. He works to disrupt the delicate balance between heroes and demons, jeopardizing the harmonious coexistence between Corleo and Mamama. This sets off a cascading series of events, forcing Corleo and Mamama to confront their true identities and motivations as leaders, ultimately determining whether they can overcome the age-old cycle of conflict between their respective groups and achieve lasting peace.
While the narrative's typical style might suggest a straightforward Shōnen Jump manga, a closer examination of its chapters reveals that its brilliance lies in the intricate intricacies of its world-building, including a captivating power system known as sigil sorcery, an intriguing cast of characters, and a layered plot that intricately weaves through different realities and diverse factions within each reality. Akutami's meticulous storytelling style is evident in both Jujutsu Kaisen and MamaYuyu, which he enthusiastically recommends due to the numerous similarities between the two series.
Jujutsu Kaisen is a supernatural action anime that follows high school student Yuuji Itadori as he battles against magical curses. After Yuji selflessly saves a classmate by taking a curse into his own body, he is discovered and trained by a powerful sorcerer named Satoru Gojo. Gojo, who also happens to be a faculty member at the same high school, mentors Yuji to help him and other students prepare themselves for the supernatural forces that threaten humanity.