Jujutsu Kaisen, a name that has reverberated through the anime community, has been a rollercoaster of emotions, dark themes, and controversial characters. Among the latter, Mei Mei, the seemingly avaricious sorceress, has sparked a wildfire of debates and discussions, especially during the tumultuous Shibuya Incident arc. Her actions, or perhaps more aptly, her inactions, have painted her as one of the most controversial figures within the franchise, eliciting a myriad of reactions from the fanbase.
A Sister’s Love or a Sorceress’s Manipulation?
Mei Mei, initially introduced as a greed-driven sorcerer, has always been a character shrouded in moral ambiguity. Her relationship with her younger brother, Ui Ui, is a perplexing blend of familial affection and unsettling manipulation. Ui Ui, with an unwavering devotion towards his sister, often finds himself in precarious situations, being used as bait in battles, all to provide Mei Mei with a strategic advantage over her adversaries. This peculiar sibling dynamic, while initially just odd, takes a dark turn as the Shibuya Incident arc unfolds, revealing a more insidious nature beneath Mei Mei’s composed exterior.
Escaping Chaos: The Infamous Malaysia Scene
In a moment that has since been etched into the collective memory of Jujutsu Kaisen fans, Mei Mei’s character takes a sinister detour during the Malaysia scene. Amidst the chaos of the Shibuya Incident, where fellow sorcerers are laying down their lives – notably, the tragic demise of Nanami Kento at the hands of Mahito – Mei Mei absconds to a hotel in Malaysia. But it’s not just the act of fleeing that has fans’ blood boiling. The subsequent scene, which heavily implies an incestuous relationship between Mei Mei and Ui Ui, has been a focal point of fan outrage and discourse.
The online community has been ablaze with discussions, with some arguing that the scene was an unnecessary addition, believing that Mei Mei’s departure alone was sufficient to establish her as a morally bankrupt character. Others, however, contend that this shocking revelation was vital to underscore the harsh reality of the Jujutsu society – where virtuous individuals like Nanami meet tragic ends, while those like Mei Mei continue to thrive in their malevolence.
Whoever at Mappa did this Mei Mei scene must be DOWN BAD FR FR #呪術廻戦 #jujutsukaisenseason2 pic.twitter.com/8XQg4RWMSN
— Prince (@clutchprince_) October 12, 2023
Mei Mei: A Reflection of a Decaying Society
Author Gege Akutami, despite introducing such a potent narrative element, surprisingly refrains from further exploring Mei Mei’s character post-Shibuya Incident. This has led to speculation among fans, with some pondering whether this narrative decision was influenced by the character’s reception among the audience. Mei Mei, with her unscrupulous actions and moral decay, serves as a mirror reflecting the rotten core of the Jujutsu society, where corruption and malevolence often overshadow virtue and selflessness.
Conclusion: A Character Dipped in Controversy
Mei Mei, with her complex and dark narrative, has become a symbol of the moral and ethical decay permeating through the Jujutsu society. Her story, while controversial, serves as a stark reminder of the injustices and disparities that exist within the fictional world of Jujutsu Kaisen, and perhaps, in our own society as well. Whether despised or pitied, Mei Mei’s character arc will continue to be a point of discussion and analysis among fans and critics alike, as they dissect the deeper themes embedded within Jujutsu Kaisen’s dark and twisted universe.
