This post contains spoilers for Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo, currently available for U.S. readers from VIZ Media
Dabura Karaba has easily become one of my favorite characters in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo over the last few months. Stoic, quiet, powerful, what little we do know about him is offered in small snippets here and there. When compiled, they paint a portrait of a steadfast warrior who’s never known a real challenge in his life.
Chapter 18 of JJK Modulo, “One Who Is Capable,” gives us an even deeper look at Dabura. Mid-battle for the Simurian rights to Tokyo, Dabura finds himself facing off against an actual challenge in Mahoraga. With the fate of those he vowed to protect at risk, Dabura realizes for the first time that a true warrior he was not… until now.
The Tsurugi/Rika Combo in Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Baffles Maru
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Rika’s big return in JJK Modulo is obviously Tsurugi’s hail Mary in a last ditch effort to save Yuka. Oddly, I’m as confused as Maru, but probably for different reasons. Yuka is already dead, more or less. Even if Tsurugi manages to win their showdown, he can’t save his sister. He’s also not really giving little sis enough credit. As we’ve seen across the last few chapters, Mahoraga is kind of kicking the snot out of Dabura.
Their ongoing battle takes a bit of a backseat in Chapter 18, focusing on Dabura and Mahoraga. We do learn on Page 1 about Yuta imbuing the ring with his cursed energy consistently. Rika is still subservient to Yuta and the ring, which allows his grandchildren to wield her immense power. Rika is completely unhinged, which provides a little comedic relief.
Poor Maru is just like what is even happening right now? As he’s trying to assess the new situation, he and Tsurugi agree on one thing. They’re both going to win. No matter what it takes. Someone needs to wake Cross up from his coma and make him break this nonsense up. Otherwise, someone’s not walking out alive from this senseless battle.
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Brings Dabura’s True Strength to Light
From the very beginning, Dabura has been dubbed the Sukuna replacement for the next generation of Jujutsu Kaisen. Ridiculously powerful, he has never lost a fight in his life. Why? He’s too strong. No one else can match him, at least no one from his home planet, anyway. He faced his own best friend in combat, and killed Dura because he had no choice, but he’s very unhappy.
Dabura is strong, but he doesn’t want to fight. He never did. He fought because others expected him to, not because it was something he really believed in. Now, however, he’s standing here in Mahoraga’s shadow, and he’s realizing for the first time in his life that he might lose. Losing means death, but it also means letting down the people who swore to protect.
During a heartrending flashback to a conversation he once had with Dura, we see a young Dabura talking about heartache. People don’t accept him for who he is. Fights are too easy, but he doesn’t want to fight. But Dura interjects to correct him. He tells him that it’s not that he doesn’t want to fight. He’s just never actually been in a real fight before. He’s never been challenged.
Mahoraga Reminds Dabura What He’s Fighting For
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The fact that he might actually lose this battle is an eye opener. For the first time in his life, Dabura is actually scared. And he’s hurt! Mahoraga made him bleed his own blood, and it’s terrifying. This is all new to him, and he doesn’t know what to do with it. He’s scared, especially when he starts to think about why he’s doing it in the first place.
His vow to protect the Rumelians and to watch over Cross and Maru for Dura still stands. Dabura can’t afford to lose this fight. If he loses, that means he’s dead. Who will watch over the Rumelians then? He needs to do whatever it takes to win.
If Mahoraga keeps adapting to his curse techniques, he’ll have no choice but to beat him with his bare hands. A man as physically intimidating as Dabura can definitely hold his own in a fight. But against Mahoraga? I’m legitimately scared, too.
I want my dreams of Dabura and Kyoko Tomoe getting married and living happily ever after to come true. How is that going to happen if these fools keep fighting over cursed spirit rights and property? Why can’t they just sit down and have a conversation, ffs? Let medical jujutsu bring Cross out of his coma and settle this nonsense once and for all!
Where the Heck is Yuji Itadori?
You know who could settle all this? Itadori. Akutami sensei teased us plenty with talk of Yuji. Now it’s time for the world’s puppiest sorcerer to make an appearance. And he can bring Yuka and Tsurugi’s dad with him. Or something. Just show up and stop the madness, already. Intergalactic stability is at stake here!
Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo Chapter 18 on a Scale of 1 to 10
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I love a good fight, and the art in these two ongoing battles is superb. There’s so much action, and it’s captured beautifully. As much as I am enjoying this story, I always forget how hard it is to wait for new chapters. They always feel so short, ending just when things are starting to get good. No disrespect to creation at all. It’s a testament to how gripping this manga’s story is.
The art alone in this chapter was gripping, capturing Dabura’s internal strife perfectly. It really kept me on edge, and I can’t to see how resolve fuels Dabura’s comeback. I need to see him beat Mahoraga. Also, I want an update on Cross’s status.
Chapter 18 of Jujutsu Kaisen Modulo gets a 10/10 from me this week.
