Resurrections in anime have become a popular plot device in recent years. When executed well, they can elevate a story to new heights. However, when poorly handled, they can ruin both the story and the characters involved. The recent resurrection of Nobara Kugisaki in “Jujutsu Kaisen” has sparked controversy among fans, who feel the character’s return lacked proper buildup and meaning. Let’s explore four anime resurrections that were executed better than Nobara’s and why they succeeded.
1. Yusuke Urameshi: A Meaningful Journey
“Yu Yu Hakusho” is one of the few anime series that killed off its main character at the very beginning. Yusuke Urameshi’s death and subsequent resurrection serve as the foundation for the entire plot. His journey to prove himself worthy of returning to the human world as a Spirit Detective is filled with trials and character development. This makes his revival feel earned and meaningful, unlike Nobara’s sudden return in “Jujutsu Kaisen.”
2. Eren Yeager: A Game-Changing Twist
In “Attack on Titan,” Eren Yeager’s apparent death and resurrection early in the story is more than just a plot device. His return reveals his Titan-shifting ability, introducing a major twist that changes the entire dynamic of the series. This resurrection not only brings back a main character but also introduces a new threat and shifts the narrative in an exciting direction.
3. Subaru Natsuki: Exploring the Psychological Toll
“Re:Zero” takes a unique approach to resurrection with Subaru Natsuki’s “Return by Death” ability. Rather than being a simple plot convenience, Subaru’s repeated deaths and revivals explore the psychological and emotional toll of dying repeatedly. Each resurrection comes with severe consequences, making his eventual successes feel truly deserved. This depth of emotional exploration is something that Nobara’s resurrection in “Jujutsu Kaisen” seems to lack.
4. Higurashi Cast: Unraveling a Mystery
The “Higurashi: When They Cry” series uses repeated deaths and resurrections as part of a larger mystery. The characters are trapped in a time loop, dying and being reborn in different timelines. This setup creates suspense and curiosity, with the second season providing a satisfying explanation for the phenomenon. The characters’ eventual escape from this cycle feels earned after their numerous struggles, giving their resurrections a greater purpose within the overall narrative.
Lessons from Successful Resurrections
These examples demonstrate that successful anime resurrections share some common elements:
1. They serve a larger narrative purpose beyond simply bringing back a character.
2. They often come with significant consequences or challenges for the resurrected character.
3. They are typically built up over time, rather than happening suddenly without explanation.
4. They can be used to introduce new elements to the story or explore deeper themes.
In contrast, resurrections that feel unearned or poorly executed, like Nobara’s in “Jujutsu Kaisen,” often lack these elements. They may feel rushed, unexplained, or disconnected from the larger narrative.
When done right, resurrections can be a powerful tool in anime storytelling. They can create compelling character arcs, introduce intriguing plot twists, and explore complex themes. However, as the controversy surrounding Nobara’s return shows, it’s crucial for writers to handle resurrections with care and consideration for the overall narrative and character development.