If you're anything like me, the announcement of a new manga arc for Jujutsu Kaisen feels equal parts thrilling and terrifying: thrilling because we get fresh story beats and character development, terrifying because there's always so much to catch up on and so many loose threads to tie together before the chapters start dropping. Over the years I’ve developed a ritual for preparing myself—mentally and practically—so I can savor every twist without getting lost. Below I’ll walk you through a reading list, a lore refresh checklist, and a set of theory prompts that help turn the next arc into a richer, more rewarding experience.
Quick reading list: what to reread and why
Before diving in, I prioritize sections that directly feed into potential arc seeds—character motivations, recent reveals, and any worldbuilding that could be exploited by the author. Here’s the reading list I run through the week before a new arc:
Most recent volume and the previous volume — I reread the last two volumes in full. The final chapters of an arc often leave subtle cues: a panel, a line of dialogue, a flashback. Re-reading helps those cues land and reduces the shock factor when they reappear.Key character-centric chapters — I choose one or two chapters per main character that define their arc so far. For example, Gojo’s moments of ideological exposition, Yuji’s moral crucibles, and Megumi’s choices that hint at future growth.Major fights and reveals — Battle chapters in Jujutsu Kaisen are dense with foreshadowing and rules about cursed techniques. I reread them to keep the mechanics clear; it’s the best way to avoid getting frustrated when a new technique shows up.Flashbacks and origin chapters — Any chapters that explain the origins of cursed tools, clan history, or major antagonists. These are often referenced later and can completely change the context of a scene.Time-saver tip: if you’re pressed for time, focus on the last 30–50 pages of the previous arc and any chapters labeled as flashback or origin stories. They usually contain the highest density of necessary context.
Lore refresh: concise checklist I use
Jujutsu Kaisen builds on systems—cursed energy, techniques, domain expansions, and inherited traits from families like the Zenins. Before an arc I run through this checklist to make sure the rules are consistent in my head.
Cursed Energy basics — Who can manipulate it, how it’s replenished, and the cost of overuse. I remind myself of exceptions (like Gojo’s limits and how Sukuna uses energy differently).Domain Expansion rules — Which domains we’ve seen, the unique effects, and who can counter what. Domains are often central to arc climaxes, so details matter.Technique inheritance and restrictions — Which techniques are genetic, which are learned, and what conditions or contracts are required. This is where I pay extra attention to family lines and contracts with curses.Important organizations and their goals — Tokyo Jujutsu High, Kyoto, and more clandestine groups like the Curse User factions. I map out alliances and recent betrayals—these political shifts usually drive plot escalation.Cursed artifacts and relics — Items like the Prison Realm or other sealed objects tend to reappear. I make a quick note of where they were last seen and who has custody.Character moods and relationships I track
Arcs are as much about people as they are about battles. I make a short mood map for each major character—what they want, what they fear, and what they recently lost or gained. Here’s the template I use:
| Character | Current Goal | Recent Change | Weakness / Emotional Hook |
| Yuji Itadori | Protect friends; understand Sukuna | Losses that affect empathy | Guilt over collateral damage |
| Megumi Fushiguro | Explore his moral compass; protect his clan | Hints of deeper family conflict | Inherited duty vs personal choice |
| Satoru Gojo | Break the system | Increased political opposition | Underestimation by allies/enemies |
I keep that table visible while I read the new chapters. When a line of dialogue hits, I check whether it aligns with the mood map. If it doesn’t, I start theorizing immediately.
Theory prompts that spark useful speculation
I’ve found that the best theories are questions that are both specific and testable against future chapters. Here are prompts I use to generate theories that actually help me notice clues rather than just repeat fan wishful thinking.
What would someone gain from this outcome? — If an antagonist gets X result, who benefits? This helps identify hidden players who might otherwise seem irrelevant.Which rule would have to be broken to enable this event? — JJK has clear mechanics. If a hypothetical twist requires breaking an established rule, either the rule will be explained away or the twist is unlikely.What’s been consistently avoided or glossed over? — The author often signals future importance by skimming over something quickly. I pay attention to “handwaved” explanations—they’re prime theory fodder.Could this change be a red herring? — I test whether a twist could be misdirection. If it could, I track alternative interpretations so I’m not blindsided.How would character X react emotionally to discovery Y? — This keeps theories anchored in character logic, which is where the most satisfying developments emerge.Practical prepping: tools, format, and community
Practically speaking, here’s what I have ready before new chapters hit:
Annotated ebook/scan notes — I keep a digital copy of the manga with highlights and sticky notes (I use apps like Kindle or PDF annotation tools) so I can jump to key panels quickly.A reading group or Discord server — I test theories with a few trusted readers. Jujutsukaisen.co.uk’s comment sections and our community channels are great for sanity checks.A spoiler-safe reading plan — If you don’t want to be spoiled, sync with a schedule: read within a two-hour window after the chapter drops and mute keywords on social media until then. Tools like TweetDeck make this easy.Physical comforts — It might sound silly, but I always prepare tea, charge my device, and clear my reading nook. Being comfortable helps me focus on nuance.When the new arc begins, I re-run the last volume’s last 20 pages, glance over my mood-map table, and open a fresh notes file with the theory prompts ready. That way, I can enjoy the chapter as a fan while still noticing the craft and clues that make the series great—exactly the balance I want for the next arc, and the one I hope you get to experience too.
