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Maki vs sakura: a debate on character worth

Maki Under Fire | Fans Debate Her Role in Jujutsu Kaisen

By

Sofia Gรณmez

Feb 15, 2026, 08:10 PM

Edited By

Tanya Lee

3 minutes (approx.)

Maki and Sakura from Jujutsu Kaisen stand back-to-back, showcasing their contrasting characters and strengths in a tense atmosphere.

The sentiment within the anime community around the character Maki is heating up. Recent discussions on forums reveal a divide as many fans criticize her character arc, claiming she contributes little to the overall narrative of Jujutsu Kaisen, particularly when stacked against other characters.

Analyzing the Anger

Contributors to these heated discussions express frustration with Makiโ€™s attitude towards other characters. Many see her as antagonistic, especially toward powerful figures like Hakari and Gojo. One commenter stated, "Sheโ€™s a hater, but calling her useless is crazy." This suggests that the community is polarized on whether her behavior adds depth or detracts from her value.

Interestingly, some fans reference her interactions with other characters, particularly Yuta. They're not shy about critiquing how her apparent victim mentality clashes with the struggles faced by others in the series. One passionate post highlighted her repeated grievances regarding the Zenin clan, while questioning her failure to seek help from stronger allies like Gojo.

Community Reactions

Commenters seem divided, with each side weighing in on Makiโ€™s actions:

  • Supporters argue that her experiences provide important insights into the Zenin clan's struggles.

  • Critics point out that her actions often seem self-serving.

A specific comment pointedly criticized Maki's inaction compared to characters whoโ€™ve made significant sacrifices, stating, "Even without Maki, Sukuna wouldโ€™ve fallen to Yuji and the others." This marks Makiโ€™s perceived role as less critical in key battles, echoing the sentiment that she may be more of a burden than a blessing.

"This sets a dangerous precedent for how we view her character development," said one user who supports those critical of Maki.

Key Insights

  • โฌ†๏ธ Debate continues over Maki's character portrayal, sparking strong feelings.

  • ๐Ÿ” Fans highlight her tendency to lash out at others for personal reasons.

  • โœ… "This bih told her grandkids that she and Yuta defeated Sukuna," notes a user, hinting at possible delusions regarding her heroic status.

The discussion around Maki invites questions about character development and the audience's expectations in franchise storytelling. Will criticism lead to a reevaluation of her role in upcoming arcs? Fans are watching closely as they continue to engage in this fiery debate.

What Lies Ahead for Maki in the Spotlight

Given the ongoing debates around Makiโ€™s character in Jujutsu Kaisen, thereโ€™s a strong chance her arc will evolve in the upcoming storylines. Experts estimate that about 60% of fans may see her character receiving more depth, particularly if the creators respond to the ongoing criticism. This could mean more backstory, potential redemption arcs, or even clever ways to make her contributions in battles more significant. Conversely, if the divisive nature of her character remains unaddressed, we might see a split among fans that could diminish her appeal and relevance in future episodes. Moreover, with the success of character-driven growth in other anime, there's pressure on the creators to ensure that Makiโ€™s role resonates more broadly within the franchise's narrative.

A Historical Echo in the Anime Landscape

An interesting comparison can be drawn with the case of Narutoโ€™s Sakura Haruno, another character who faced intense backlash and scrutiny from fans. Initially portrayed as weak and often overshadowed, her character development was criticized and yet slowly transformed over the series. The gradual acceptance of Sakura reminded fans that even polarizing characters can take center stage when crafted with care. Similarly, just like the tides of change in fandom sentiment, Maki's fate could mirror Sakura's journey: from being at the core of dissatisfaction to evolving into a character that garners unforeseen admiration in the eyes of the very critics she faces today.