What Is 'Domain Expansion?' How Fans Are Changing The Endings Of Their Favorite Mangas, Explained

Stories are structured around conflicts or problems that move the plot forward in hopes to express an idea, statement, or personal message from the author. So what happens when fans are displeased with the way an author is concluding a story? They go to Twitter to complain about it and then create their own versions of the ending.

[Warning: Major My Hero Academia spoilers ahead]

At least that was the case for the Ochaco Uraraka vs Himiko Toga fight in chapter 394 of the manga series My Hero Academia after a fan decided to recaption the final manga panel of the fight, twisting the character's intentions. Thus, the "domain expansion" trend was born on Twitter, inspiring other fandoms to create their own version of a story conclusion. Let's understand more about the trend in this article.

What Is 'Domain Expansion?'

Domain Expansion is a special ability in the universe of the Jujutsu Kaisen anime and manga that is considered the supreme ability of any jujutsu user. Similar to Bleach's "Bankai" as a power system plot tool, the ability creates a powerful barrier that entraps the user and his enemy inside it, enabling the user to realize their innate power. One of the most popular domain expansions belongs to the fan-favorite character Satoru Gojo (shown below).

Why Did 'Domain Expansion' Became A Viral Recaption Trend On Twitter?

Ochaco Uraraka and Himiko Toga's intertwined paths and ideals have crossed many times ever since the early chapter of My Hero Academia. Author Kohei Horikoshi centered the character's clash around their love for the main character Midoriya Izuku, what it means to be a "hero" and how one person expresses their inner desires and emotions.

Moving forward to July 14th, 2023, when the conclusion of the character's fight was revealed in chapter 394 of the manga series, showing little action and a lot of exposition in regards to both these characters' thoughts and ideals, some small portions of fans went to Twitter to complain about it.

Twitter user @RukasuMHA was so tired of the fans criticizing the conclusion that he decided to post the final fight panel drawing a new meaning by recaptioning a line with "The cutest girl in the whole world," which the heroine says to the villain for Jujutsu Kaisen's "domain expansion" ability. (shown below)

How Are People Posting About The 'Domain Expansion' Trend On Twitter?

Twitter user @RukasuMHA opened a Pandora's Box for unsatisfied fans with other anime and manga fight conclusions, inspiring thousands of memes on Twitter in which a key dialogue was recaptioned with the phrase "domain expansion," indicating a shift in tone or a more action-centered development for the story. For example, the memorable One Piece panel of Luffy's Gear Second power was reimagined by Twitter user @miles_tzu, and another user later posted a Dragon Ball version of the meme.

What Are Some Memorable Examples Of The 'Domain Expansion' Trend?

For the full history of domain expansion, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.