Great Anime/Manga with Poor Endings: A Comprehensive Guide

Many beloved anime and manga series have captured the hearts of fans with their captivating storytelling and well-developed characters. However, not all endings are created equal. Some series disappoint their audiences with unexpected twists, lackluster conclusions, or simply not living up to the hype established during the series. In this article, we will explore some notable anime and manga that ended on a less than stellar note, yet still managed to leave a significant impact on fans.

Death Note - A Divisive Finale

Death Note, a critically acclaimed detective story, has divided fans ever since its conclusion. While many appreciate the thought-provoking themes and intricate stories, the ending has become a point of contention. Here's why the finale is so polarizing:

Character Plausibility: Many fans feel that the way Light Yagami (L) was ultimately apprehended by Near (N) feels unsatisfactory. Signor Caguru writes, "In my opinion, the ending to Death Note was fantastically bad. It was a good ending and all but I feel like N caught Light way too easily. L is said to be a helluva lot better than N, and yet in like ten episodes, he caught L with ease. I understand that he gets cocky and sloppy at the end, but he didn’t get stupid. It was just so terrible." Character Development: The characters in Death Note are meticulously crafted, yet the way they act in the final episodes seems inconsistent with their established personalities. This can be particularly jarring for viewers who have grown attached to the characters over the course of the series.

One Punch Man - A Surprising Dilemma

One Punch Man stands out for its unique character and action-packed plot, but the television adaptation's ending left many fans dissatisfied. Although the manga remains a fan favorite, the anime series has received mixed reviews. Here are some reasons why the ending of One Punch Man is often criticized:

Character Arc: Some fans argue that the character arcs were not fully fleshed out, leading to an unsatisfying conclusion. For example, the protagonist Saitama's journey and transformation are not given the time and depth they could have been. Artistic Decisions: The anime's artistic style and pacing can be a subject of debate. While the show's visuals are generally well-received, some feel that the final episodes were rushed and did not do justice to the series' overall themes.

Others: Bleach, Hunter X Hunter, Naruto

While Bleach, Hunter X Hunter, and Naruto are generally well-regarded, their endings have also sparked discussions among fans. Each series has its unique challenges and criticisms, making them worthy of mention:

Bleach: Although Bleach is beloved for its engaging characters and action sequences, some feel that the series could have used more development and consistency. The twists, while surprising, sometimes seem abrupt and do not fully satisfy the fanbase. Hunter X Hunter: The manga has a reputation for its complex character arcs and unique storyline. However, the anime adaptation often fails to capture the same level of depth and intrigue. The ending, in particular, has left many fans feeling underwhelmed. Naruto: Notably, the anime adaptation of Naruto has a strong fanbase but has also faced criticism for uneven pacing and character development. The final battle, while impressive in its scale, has sometimes been seen as lacking in emotional weight.

Gantz: A Compelling Slice of Life with a Falling Off

Gantz is a unique blend of science fiction and slice-of-life elements, with rich character analysis and intense action scenes. Despite its many strengths, the manga's final arc has received significant criticism:

Character Appeal: Fans often find that the characters lack aspirational qualities, which can dampen the overall impact of the story. Content Issues: The series contains graphic ultraviolence and mature content, which may not be suitable for all audiences. Ending: The last arc of the manga is seen as a letdown, with an ending that does not quite live up to the expectations set by the rest of the story. The anime adaptation, in particular, has been heavily criticized for its original ending, which many feel deviates from the original manga.

Conclusion

While many anime and manga have achieved success with their endings, there are also series that have disappointed their fans. From Death Note to Gantz, these narratives show that even the best stories can suffer when the final chapters do not fully live up to the potential set by the rest of the series. While these endings may not be to everyone's taste, they remain important parts of the overall storytelling experience and provide valuable insights into the complex nature of human narrative and character development.