The internet is collectively weeping, and it's all thanks to a single, devastatingly sweet panel from the latest chapter of Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo. A flashback depicting young Satoru Gojo shielding a door while Suguru Geto stands watch behind has sent shockwaves through the anime and manga community, triggering an outpouring of nostalgia and fan art that's currently dominating X (formerly Twitter). The image, a poignant reminder of their unbreakable bond from the original series, has become the lightning rod for a wave of emotion and creativity unlike anything we’ve seen in a while.
For those unfamiliar, Jujutsu Kaisen is a wildly popular dark fantasy manga and anime series following Yuji Itadori, a high school student who swallows a cursed talisman to exorcise demons. The series is known for its intense action, complex characters, and surprisingly heartfelt relationships. Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto, once close friends and powerful sorcerers, were pivotal figures in the early arcs, their tragic falling out forming a central pillar of the narrative. While the current "Modulo" arc exists in a post-canon timeline blending sorcery with alien threats, the occasional glimpses into the past, particularly those depicting their youthful camaraderie, are intensely treasured by fans.
Chapter 23, titled "Ritual of Harmony," dropped in Weekly Shonen Jump this week, and artist @auebumbum's thread showcasing their color spreads of these younger versions of Gojo and Geto has amassed over 216,000 likes. This isn't just a matter of fleeting internet hype. The reaction has been profound, with fans sharing their own artwork, ranging from intimate sketches to reimagined scenarios, affectionately dubbed Alternate Universes or AUs. We're seeing everything from boxer Gojo to adventurer duos, all fueled by the renewed appreciation for their history. The sheer volume of posts,currently over 7,and the passionate discussions happening across the platform demonstrate the deep emotional investment fans have in these characters and their relationship.
The significance of this trend lies in the enduring power of Gojo and Geto’s dynamic. Their story represents a loss, a betrayal, and the shattering of a deeply cherished connection. Seeing them in their younger, more innocent state reminds fans of what was lost and sparks a collective yearning for what could have been. This resonates particularly strongly with long-time fans who have followed their journeys from the very beginning. The outpouring of emotion, with comments like "my family" echoing across X, speaks to the profound impact these characters have had on a global audience.
In the rest of this article, we’ll delve deeper into the specific moments from Chapter 23 that are fueling this online frenzy. We'll explore the fan art and AUs that have emerged, analyze the cultural impact of Gojo and Geto's relationship within the Jujutsu Kaisen fandom, and discuss why these nostalgic flashbacks continue to hold such a powerful grip on the hearts of fans even in a drastically changed narrative landscape. Prepare for a deep dive into the bittersweet joy of remembering a bond that shaped a generation of sorcerers.
Background
The current fervor surrounding Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo, a sequel series to the wildly popular manga and anime Jujutsu Kaisen, stems from a deep-seated emotional connection fans have with the characters and the complex relationships at the heart of the narrative. Jujutsu Kaisen, created by Gege Akutami, debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in March 2018, quickly garnering a massive global following. The original story follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes the host for Ryomen Sukuna, a powerful cursed spirit, and joins a secret organization of Jujutsu Sorcerers tasked with exorcising curses. The series blends supernatural action with compelling character development and a dark, often poignant, tone, distinguishing it from many other shonen manga.
Central to the original series’ appeal, and now fueling the Modulo excitement, are Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto. Introduced as close friends and promising first-year students at Jujutsu High, Gojo and Geto were considered the strongest sorcerers of their generation, bound by a shared desire to protect humanity. Their relationship, initially portrayed as a brotherly bond, gradually revealed layers of complexity and ultimately fractured due to differing philosophies regarding the use of cursed techniques and the value of human life. Geto's tragic departure and subsequent villainous turn are pivotal moments in the original Jujutsu Kaisen storyline, leaving a lasting impact on Gojo and profoundly affecting the narrative’s direction. Their dynamic resonated deeply with audiences, fostering a strong fan desire for exploration of their past and the nature of their bond.
Modulo, launched in March 2023, serves as a sequel, shifting the focus to Yuji Itadori and introducing a new, alien-based threat to the Jujutsu world. While the new narrative has been generally well-received, the nostalgic return to familiar elements, particularly the visual representation of young Gojo and Geto by artist @auebumbum, has triggered an intense wave of fan appreciation. The artist’s depictions, circulated widely on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), showcase the characters’ youthful innocence and the palpable closeness that defined their early relationship, a stark contrast to the diverging paths they ultimately took. These images serve as a powerful reminder of what was lost and what could have been, eliciting a strong emotional response from long-time fans.
The widespread enthusiasm for these nostalgic depictions highlights a broader trend in fandom culture - the desire to revisit and reimagine beloved characters and relationships, especially when facing a new chapter in a franchise. It speaks to the enduring power of well-crafted characters and the emotional investment fans have in their journeys. The “my family” sentiment expressed by fans underscores the deep emotional attachment that Jujutsu Kaisen cultivates, demonstrating the series' ability to tap into universal themes of friendship, loss, and the search for belonging. This particular moment within Modulo serves as a reminder of the series' foundational elements, prompting fans to re-examine the characters' histories and speculate on the potential for reconciliation or understanding within the evolving narrative.
What X Users Are Saying
The reaction on X (formerly Twitter) to Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo Chapter 23 has been overwhelmingly positive and intensely nostalgic, revolving primarily around the resurfacing of imagery depicting the younger years of Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto. The artist @auebumbum's color page thread, specifically, has exploded, garnering significant attention and acting as a catalyst for a massive outpouring of fan creativity. Users are deeply moved by the visual representation of Gojo and Geto’s bond, expressing a sense of longing and appreciation for their history. The core sentiment is one of profound emotional resonance, with many users describing the pair as “family” and expressing a desire to relive their early devotion. While the chapter itself features Yuji Itadori's present-day struggles, the nostalgic element of Gojo and Geto’s past has completely dominated the online conversation.
While the engagement numbers on the provided sample posts appear low individually, the overall trending topic suggests a widespread and passionate response. It's likely the broader hashtag usage and smaller, more intimate conversations are driving the trend. No verified accounts or particularly notable voices are immediately apparent within the provided sample, indicating that the discussion is largely driven by dedicated fans. However, the sheer volume of fan art and alternative universe (AU) creations suggests a highly engaged community. Users are actively reimagining Gojo and Geto’s relationship, producing sketches depicting moments of near-intimacy, playful interactions, and even entirely new scenarios like Gojo as a boxer or the pair as adventurers. This demonstrates a deep investment in the characters and a desire to explore the possibilities of their shared history beyond what is presented in the official manga.
There doesn't appear to be significant contrasting viewpoints or debates arising from the chapter’s release. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with almost all users expressing joy and appreciation for the nostalgic content. A minor element of playful teasing and speculation regarding the nature of Gojo and Geto’s relationship, particularly around the "almost-kiss" imagery, is present, but even this contributes to the overall enthusiastic tone. The focus remains firmly on celebrating the characters' connection and the emotional impact of seeing them in their younger years. This suggests a unified fandom, deeply connected by a shared love for the characters and their backstory.
Different communities within the Jujutsu Kaisen fandom are responding in characteristic ways. The general anime and manga fandom is expressing broad excitement, while specific Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto fan communities, often referred to as "Goshare" shippers, are experiencing a particularly intense level of engagement. They are actively creating and sharing fan works, participating in discussions, and celebrating the visual representation of their preferred dynamic. The use of hashtags like #五夏 (Goshare’s Japanese hashtag) further highlights this concentrated enthusiasm. The viral moments are primarily the artist's color page thread itself, and the subsequent proliferation of fan art and AU creations inspired by it. These visuals are being widely shared and re-engaged with, demonstrating the power of nostalgia and compelling character design to fuel online conversation.
In conclusion, the X reaction to Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo Chapter 23 is a testament to the enduring power of Gojo and Geto's relationship within the fandom. The nostalgic imagery has sparked a wave of creative expression and emotional outpouring, demonstrating the depth of connection fans feel towards these characters. While the sample posts may not reflect the full scope of engagement, the overall trending topic points towards a highly positive and enthusiastic response, driven by a desire to celebrate their unbreakable bond and explore the possibilities of their shared history.
Analysis
The overwhelming positive reaction to the nostalgic Gojo and Geto imagery in Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo’s latest chapter reveals a profound and enduring connection between the fanbase and these characters, even within a post-canon narrative. The viral spread of artist @auebumbum’s color spreads, amassing over 216,000 likes, underscores the power of visual storytelling and the deep emotional investment fans have in exploring character relationships. The outpouring of fan art, ranging from intimate sketches to creative alternate universes, isn’t simply about reliving past events, but about actively participating in the narrative and reclaiming a sense of warmth and connection within a series increasingly focused on darker themes and higher stakes. The descriptions of Gojo and Geto as "my family" highlight a desire for found family and enduring loyalty, themes that resonate strongly with audiences, especially in a world often perceived as chaotic and uncertain.
For stakeholders, particularly the Jujutsu Kaisen creative team and publisher Shueisha, this trend presents a valuable opportunity. It demonstrates the immense brand equity tied to Gojo and Geto, even after their perceived departures from the main storyline. This signals a potential for future content exploring their backstories, alternate timelines, or even returning them in surprising ways. The fervent fan engagement also serves as organic marketing, driving readership and generating excitement for the ongoing Modulo arc. However, it also carries a responsibility. The intensity of the fanbase's feelings necessitates careful handling of any future depictions of these characters. Exploiting nostalgia without genuine respect for the established relationship and its complexities could easily backfire, alienating the very audience that’s currently celebrating it. The prevalence of "Satosugu" (Gojo/Geto) fan content also requires sensitivity and awareness of the implications surrounding queer representation within the fandom and the series itself.
This phenomenon connects to larger conversations about the power of nostalgia in media consumption and the enduring appeal of complex character dynamics. Many popular franchises rely on nostalgic callbacks to retain audiences and tap into pre-existing emotional investments. The popularity of the Gojo and Geto trend also aligns with the broader trend of fan-driven storytelling and creative content generation. The willingness of fans to invest so much emotional labor into reimagining and expanding upon existing narratives underscores the evolving relationship between creators and consumers in the digital age. It highlights how fandoms become active participants in the creation and evolution of a franchise, shaping its perception and influencing its future direction. The blending of sorcery with alien threats, as mentioned in the summary, also speaks to the broader trend of genre blending and the desire for fresh narratives that build upon established tropes.
As an analyst, I see this trend as a significant indicator of audience sentiment and a powerful tool for strategic decision-making. The creative team should acknowledge and, to a degree, cater to this desire for Gojo and Geto content, but with caution and respect for the established canon. Ignoring this fervent enthusiasm could risk alienating a key demographic. The potential outcomes range from carefully planned flashbacks or alternate universe stories to more subtle nods and references that reward dedicated fans. The future of Jujutsu Kaisen, particularly its engagement with its established fanbase, will likely be shaped by how effectively the creators navigate this delicate balance between honoring the past and propelling the narrative forward. The risk of overexposure is present, but the potential reward - sustained engagement and heightened excitement - is substantial. This development affects not only the core creative team but also marketing departments, merchandise designers, and ultimately, the long-term viability of the Jujutsu Kaisen franchise.
Looking Ahead
The overwhelming fan reaction to Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo Chapter 23 underscores the enduring power of Gojo and Geto's relationship within the series. The chapter's inclusion of artist @auebumbum's nostalgic color spreads, depicting their youthful bond, ignited a massive outpouring of emotion and creativity across social media. From fan art reimagining them in alternative scenarios to heartfelt declarations of their significance as a “family,” it’s clear that the loss of these characters continues to resonate deeply with the fanbase. The brief glimpses into their past provided a welcome, albeit bittersweet, reminder of their unbreakable devotion, proving that their legacy continues to shape the narrative even in this post-canon era, as Yuji faces new, otherworldly challenges.
Moving forward, it will be crucial to observe how these nostalgic callbacks influence Yuji’s journey and the overall direction of the Modulo narrative. While the return of Gojo and Geto in flashback form isn’t a full revival, their presence hints at a deeper connection between the past and present, potentially impacting Yuji’s decisions and his understanding of his role within the increasingly complex Jujutsu world. The blending of traditional sorcery with alien threats also presents intriguing possibilities, and we can anticipate further exploration of how these elements intertwine. The reactions to these brief appearances also suggest that further explorations of their past, or even subtle references, would be met with considerable enthusiasm.
It’s likely that @auebumbum's continued involvement in providing visual elements for Modulo will remain a significant driver of fan engagement. Furthermore, keep an eye on how the narrative utilizes these memories to inform character development and advance the plot. Will these glimpses provide clues to future events or offer insights into the nature of the new threats? The way Gege Akutami, the series’ creator, chooses to weave these nostalgic threads into the present storyline will be key to maintaining the emotional investment of the audience. The introduction of new characters and the evolution of existing ones will also be critical in shaping the overall narrative arc.
To stay up-to-date on the latest Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo developments, be sure to follow Weekly Shonen Jump’s official social media channels and track the hashtag #JujutsuKaisen on X. The artist @auebumbum’s posts are also worth monitoring for additional visual insights. Join the conversation and share your thoughts and creations using the hashtag, as the community’s collective interpretation and creativity are a vital part of the experience. It’s clear this isn’t just about a chapter release, but a continued dialogue and celebration of beloved characters within the Jujutsu Kaisen universe.
