An Unfolding Saga: A Comparison of the Endings of Naruto and Bleach

The endings of long-running series like Naruto and Bleach have often sparked heated debates among fans. While different, both endings leave room for improvement. This article explores the shortcomings and the lingering discussions surrounding these endings, offering a critical look at what makes them less than ideal.

Naruto: A Contrived Conclusion with Unwelcomed Sequels and Characters

Naruto fans are generally disappointed with the conclusion of the series. Although the manga has its highs, the latter part, especially in Boruto, is highly criticized for deviating from the original storyline. The ending of Naruto manga itself was seen as contrived, with an emphasis on a rushed storyline that perhaps extended for too long.

Madara, a significant villain, was given a deeper backstory, which some argue detracted from the overall narrative. Characters like Osutsuki were introduced, adding layers of complexity that many felt diluted the story. In contrast, characters like Boruto, while bringing back the original cast, often reduced them to caricatures, losing the depth and development that made the series special in the earlier arcs.

There is a feeling that, to some extent, Naruto exploited its popularity to support ongoing sequels, such as Boruto, at the cost of character development and narrative coherence. For many fans, the series did not fully deliver on its potential, leading to a sense of disappointment.

Bleach: A Rushed Finale with Character Disparities

Bleach's ending, while appreciated for its brevity, did not satisfy everyone. Tite Kubo, the creator of Bleach, faced health issues that likely contributed to the rushed conclusion. While the finale was well-received, some argue that it lacked depth and philosophical layers that were once hallmarks of the series.

Ichigo Kurosaki, the titular protagonist, transforms from a character who is dedicated to protecting others into a human being depicted as passive and unengaged. The fight scenes had a great deal of action, but the absence of philosophical battles, which were a key element in the first few arcs, is notable. This shift from philosophical exploration to a more practical approach undermined the character's development and the overall narrative.

The finale of Bleach also left many plot points unresolved, particularly in character development. While some elements, like Ichigo's relationship with Orihime, seemed forced, others like his connection to Senna or his interactions with Rukia, provided a better foundation for character arcs.

Similarities in Series Finale Criticism

The endings of Naruto and Bleach have often been likened to other series that also faced criticism for their final act. Other examples include Fairy Tail, Tokyo Ghoul Re, and Inuyasha, all of which share common flaws: unconnected storylines, excessive continuation of endings, and the introduction of unconvincing antagonists.

For instance, in Naruto, the sudden change in character behavior and the lack of logical reasoning in character pairings and alliances make the ending feel forced and unrealistic. Similarly, in Bleach, the uncharacteristic pairing with Orihime and the unexplained changes to character backstories leave fans questioning the logic and coherence of the narratives.

Conclusion: The Desire for a Fulfilling Finale

While both Naruto and Bleach ended with endings that many fans felt were letdowns, it is important to acknowledge the trials and tribulations faced by their creators. One Piece, with its open-ended storyline, is perhaps in a better position as it does not feel rushed into a conclusion that it did not need. However, as these series concluded, they left behind a lasting impact on the anime and manga community, sparking discussions about narrative coherence and character development.