Japanese ghost stories have always fascinated me—the eerie atmosphere, the folklore, the spirits. But when a series manages to balance humor and horror perfectly, it becomes something special. That’s exactly what Phantom Busters achieves, and no character embodies this balance more than Mogari Shishikuno.
With an anime adaptation on the way, now is the perfect time to explore what makes Mogari such a unique protagonist. In this article, we’ll break down his background, abilities, key story moments, and why fans love him.
Spoiler Alert! This article contains spoilers for Phantom Busters. Proceed with caution if you haven’t read it yet!
Who is Mogari Shishikuno?
Mogari Shishikuno (宍喰野虎落) is one of the main protagonists in Phantom Busters. Hailing from a family of exorcists, he possesses a unique ability—he doesn’t just exorcise spirits; he eats them. This bizarre method makes him one of the most effective but also reckless ghost hunters in Kamakura.
Despite his carefree and often chaotic nature, Mogari has a strong sense of loyalty and justice, making him an integral member of the Phantom Busters team.
Mogari’s Backstory and Personality
Mogari comes from a long line of exorcists but rejects the traditional training imposed on him. Instead of following rigid practices, he developed his own method: consuming spirits directly to neutralize them.
Key Traits:
- Fearless and Reckless: Mogari rushes headfirst into danger, often without a plan.
- Loyal and Protective: He deeply cares for his teammates and will do anything to protect them.
- Energetic and Chaotic: His personality brings humor and excitement to even the darkest situations.
Despite his brash nature, Mogari harbors insecurities about his family legacy and the responsibilities placed upon him.
Mogari’s Abilities and Fighting Style
Mogari’s main ability is his power to consume spirits, which grants him temporary access to their abilities. However, this technique comes with its own risks, as consuming particularly powerful spirits can have unforeseen consequences.
Notable Abilities:
- Spirit Consumption: He absorbs and nullifies spirits by devouring them.
- Ability Borrowing: After consuming a spirit, he temporarily gains its powers.
- Physical Combat: Mogari excels in hand-to-hand combat, making him a formidable fighter even without supernatural aid.
His unique approach to exorcism makes him both unpredictable and highly effective, keeping his opponents—and his teammates—on their toes.
Major Story Moments
1. Meeting Eugene(Yujin) Korekishi (Volume 1, Chapter 1)
Mogari’s first encounter with Yujin sets the tone for their dynamic. Yujin, a skeptic who denies the existence of ghosts, is thrown into the supernatural world when Mogari exorcises a vengeful spirit right in front of him. This moment cements their partnership and the formation of the Phantom Busters.
2. The Haunted Shrine Incident (Volume 2, Chapter 5-6)
One of the first major missions the team undertakes, the Haunted Shrine introduces a powerful spirit that Mogari struggles to consume. His reckless nature almost costs the team dearly, but he pushes himself to his limits to protect his friends.
3. Showdown with the Spirit Devourer (Volume 3, Chapter 10-12)
In one of the most intense battles in the series, Mogari faces off against a spirit that can consume others—much like himself. This arc explores the dangers of his ability and forces him to reconsider the risks he takes.
4. The Family Confrontation (Volume 4, Chapter 15-16)
Mogari’s past catches up to him when his family tries to force him to abandon his unorthodox methods. This conflict adds depth to his character and further solidifies his bond with the Phantom Busters team.
Why Fans Love Mogari Shishikuno
Mogari’s character resonates with fans for several reasons:
- His wild, unpredictable nature makes him incredibly entertaining.
- His deep loyalty to his friends adds emotional weight to the story.
- His unconventional exorcism methods make him stand out among supernatural protagonists.
The mix of humor, action, and heartfelt moments make him a fan-favorite and a key reason why Phantom Busters is so compelling.
FINAL THOUGHT
Mogari Shishikuno is the heart and soul of Phantom Busters. His reckless yet endearing personality, combined with his unorthodox approach to exorcism, makes him one of the most memorable characters in supernatural manga. I can’t wait to see how the anime adaptation brings his chaotic energy to life!
Mogari Shishikuno is not just a powerful exorcist—he’s the driving force of Phantom Busters. His character development, unique abilities, and engaging personality make him a standout protagonist.
With the upcoming anime adaptation, Mogari is set to gain even more fans. If you haven’t read Phantom Busters yet, now is the perfect time to start!
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