A review by kaixv
Jujutsu Kaisen: Thorny Road at Dawn by Ballad Kitaguni, Gege Akutami

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Nobara and Toge - 4.5/5

I liked the character development here. It really highlights Nobara’s weaknesses but also her growth and strength from acknowledging them. 

Even if I’m Not Here - 5/5

This one was probably my favorite just from the sheer amount of Kokichi Muta backstory it has.

Also some early Miwa feelings with how he likes her which we all know doesn’t end well when he dies. I feel like it adds more to when he dies in the main series if anything.

Anyway, I think him just starting to come to terms with accepting his humanity despite his circumstances was why I enjoyed reading this one so much. 

Asakusabashi Energy - 3.75/5
Eh, didn’t really care much for this one? The last few pages were good though. Especially the banter between Shoko and Gojo. 

Advancing in the face of Fear - 4.25/5
This one just made me love Mai’s character more. It just adds depth to her and her relationship to Maki and why she acts the way she does.

At the End of the Sidewalk - 5/5

This one is just bittersweet knowing that they’ll

never get to experience the next School Exchange event

I think one of the things I did notice from this story is just…how many things are left unsaid between the trio and it’s sad to think that they never properly sit down and acknowledge it before everything goes to shit.

The last page was just…sad if you know what happens later.