The world of manga has a new sensation, and fans of Jujutsu Kaisen are already drawing comparisons to their beloved, and recently departed, Satoru Gojo. With Gege Akutami’s hit manga having reached its conclusion in September 2024, a void has been left in the hearts of many. However, a new character has emerged from the pages of Shonen Jump’s Ichi the Witch to fill that void: Desscaras, the Abyssal Witch.
The Gojo Effect: Why Fans are Captivated
Satoru Gojo, despite not always being the central protagonist, became a cultural phenomenon within the Jujutsu Kaisen universe. His captivating appearance, undeniable charisma, genuine care for his students, and unwavering confidence resonated deeply with fans. As the undisputed strongest sorcerer of his era, he possessed the ability to effortlessly dominate his enemies, a trait that both intimidated and enthralled readers. His shocking and controversial end in Chapter 236 sparked outrage and grief among fans worldwide.
A Familiar Archetype Emerges
Gojo embodied a specific archetype popular within shonen manga: the cocky, confident, and charismatic mentor. He exudes an air of effortless superiority, backing it up with unparalleled skill and power. This archetype, while not unique to Gojo, was perfected by him, leaving a lasting impact on the manga landscape. Other characters like Kakashi Hatake from Naruto, Mephisto from Blue Exorcist, Dazai Osamu from Bungou Stray Dogs, and Xerxes Break from Pandora Hearts share similarities with Gojo. Even Myoujin from Mieru Hito bears a striking resemblance, leading some to believe he served as inspiration for Akutami.
Desscaras: The Abyssal Witch Arrives
Enter Desscaras from Ichi the Witch. This new manga, despite having only a handful of chapters released, has quickly garnered a dedicated following due to its unique world-building, compelling characters, and dynamic action sequences. While the main character is gaining popularity, it’s Desscaras, the Abyssal Witch, who has truly captured the spotlight. Her immense strength and striking beauty have made her an instant fan favorite.
A New Generation Gojo?
Many fans are already hailing Desscaras as the “new gen Gojo,” and for good reason. Desscaras’ title, overwhelming strength, unwavering confidence, and tendency to look down on her opponents draw immediate parallels to Gojo Satoru. Both characters possess a captivating charm and charisma that effortlessly attracts fans.
Chapter 18: The Abyssal Witch Ascends
While Desscaras had already garnered attention since Ichi the Witch’s serialization, Chapter 18, titled “Desscaras the Abyssal Witch,” solidified her position as a force to be reckoned with. In this chapter, she demonstrates her formidable power, effortlessly overwhelming a powerful Majik while showcasing advanced techniques. Her calm and confident demeanor throughout the battle further emphasizes her dominance.
Parallels Between Gojo and Desscaras
The similarities between Gojo and Desscaras extend beyond mere power levels. Several key aspects of their characters contribute to the comparisons:
- Overwhelming Strength: Both Gojo and Desscaras are portrayed as the strongest individuals in their respective universes. They possess power that dwarfs their peers, allowing them to effortlessly overcome challenges.
- Confident Demeanor: Both characters exude an air of unwavering confidence. They rarely doubt their abilities and approach every situation with a sense of assuredness.
- Unique Appearance: Gojo’s striking blue eyes are as memorable as Desscaras’ unique light yellow eyes. These distinct visual features contribute to their overall appeal and help them stand out from other characters.
- Mentor Figure: While not always explicitly stated, both Gojo and Desscaras take on mentor-like roles. Gojo actively trains his students, while Desscaras, through her actions and guidance, shapes the protagonist’s journey.
- Fan Favorite Status: Despite not being the main characters, both Gojo and Desscaras have become incredibly popular among fans. Their strength, charisma, and unique personalities have made them the darlings of their respective series.
Why Desscaras Matters
The emergence of Desscaras as a Gojo-esque figure is significant for several reasons:
- Filling the Void: With Gojo’s departure from Jujutsu Kaisen, fans were left yearning for a character with similar traits. Desscaras provides a welcome substitute, offering a familiar yet fresh take on the overpowered and charismatic character archetype.
- Female Representation: Desscaras breaks the mold by being a female character who exerts such dominance in a shonen series. Her strength and confidence challenge traditional gender roles and provide a refreshing change of pace.
- New Series to Explore: The comparisons to Gojo are drawing new readers to Ichi the Witch, giving the series a boost in popularity and allowing it to reach a wider audience.
- Revitalizing the Archetype: Desscaras proves that the “overpowered mentor” archetype still has plenty of potential. By adding her unique spin to the formula, she revitalizes the trope and keeps it engaging for modern audiences.
The Future of Ichi the Witch
While Ichi the Witch is still in its early stages, the series shows immense promise. The dynamic between Desscaras and the protagonist, combined with the unique world-building and exciting action, creates a compelling narrative. As the series progresses, it will be interesting to see how Desscaras’ character develops and whether she truly lives up to the Gojo comparisons.
Overcoming the Gojo Shadow
One of the biggest challenges for Ichi the Witch will be to establish its own identity and avoid being overshadowed by Jujutsu Kaisen. While the comparisons to Gojo have undoubtedly helped the series gain attention, it’s crucial that Desscaras and the rest of the cast develop into unique and memorable characters in their own right.
What Makes Ichi the Witch Unique?
While Desscaras may draw comparisons to Gojo, Ichi the Witch offers a distinct experience. The series blends elements of action, fantasy, and potentially romance, creating a unique genre mix. The world-building is intricate, and the characters are complex and engaging. As the story unfolds, Ichi the Witch has the potential to carve its own niche within the shonen landscape.
Who Else Could Be Gojo’s Successor?
While Desscaras is generating buzz in a new manga, within the Jujutsu Kaisen universe, the question of who will succeed Gojo has been a topic of much debate. Several characters have been considered as potential candidates:
- Yuta Okkotsu: Yuta is a Special Grade Sorcerer with immense power, even earning praise from Gojo himself. Some believe Yuta has the potential to surpass Gojo in the long run. He also embodies the traditions of the Jujutsu world.
- Yuji Itadori: As the main protagonist, Yuji has consistently grown in power throughout the series. He has a strong connection to Sukuna, which could unlock even greater potential.
- Hiromi Higuruma: Despite being a relatively new sorcerer, Higuruma possesses exceptional talent and a unique Cursed Technique. His ability to adapt and his self-sacrificing nature make him a compelling candidate.
- Kinji Hakari: Hakari is a former student of Jujutsu High with a broken ability in the form of his Domain Expansion, Idle Death Gamble.
Ultimately, the question of who will truly succeed Gojo remains open to interpretation. It’s possible that no single character will fully fill his shoes, and instead, his legacy will be carried on by multiple individuals, each embodying different aspects of his strength and character.
Conclusion: A New Era for Shonen Manga
The rise of Desscaras and the ongoing debate about Gojo’s successor highlight the ever-evolving nature of shonen manga. While iconic characters like Gojo leave a lasting impact, new characters and series emerge to captivate audiences and push the boundaries of the genre. Ichi the Witch, with its compelling characters and unique world, has the potential to become the next big hit, and Desscaras, the Abyssal Witch, is poised to become a fan-favorite for years to come. The legacy of Gojo Satoru lives on, not just in the memories of fans, but also in the inspiration he provides for a new generation of manga characters.
