Manga covers all sorts of genres, but Shonen stories consistently prove to be the most popular with fans. This is likely because they’re generally entertaining, upbeat, and often contain valuable life lessons. Many of the best-selling manga series of all time, like the classic Dragon Ball and the newer hit Jujutsu Kaisen, fall into the Shonen category.
Unfortunately, many otherwise great manga series have suffered a blow to their reputation due to disappointing endings. Over time, fans have become frustrated when a manga with a promising story finishes weakly – whether the ending feels out of step with the overall message, or the final chapters stray from the main storyline. This often creates significant division among the fanbase right at the very end.
Demon Slayer
While many know it for its incredibly popular anime – praised for having some of the best animation in recent years – the Demon Slayer series has been a hit ever since it first came out in 2016. The story of Tanjiro’s quest for revenge against the villain Muzan isn’t entirely new, but its distinctive way of telling the story, beautiful artwork, and endearing characters have resonated with millions of fans.
The series had built a strong following, which made the ending disappointing for many readers. Some fans felt the final fight against Muzan’s forces was too quick and didn’t allow for full enjoyment. This was compounded by the manga jumping forward several decades to a new generation, focusing on the descendants of the main characters instead of letting the impact of the final battle linger. Readers struggled to connect with characters they hadn’t been introduced to, diminishing the emotional weight of the conclusion.
Yu Yu Hakusho
For a lot of longtime anime and manga fans, Yu Yu Hakusho was their very first experience with the medium, and it’s a fantastic one to start with. This early work by Yoshihiro Togashi is a cornerstone of the Shonen genre, helping to shape it into what we know today. It’s packed with thrilling fights, characters you won’t forget, and incredible superpowers that everyone dreams of having. Plus, the series features some of the most iconic tournament arcs ever written, especially the famous Dark Tournament saga.
As the fantastic series neared its conclusion, fans were incredibly excited to see how the author, Togashi, would finish the story. However, many were disappointed by the unexpected changes in the plot and speed at which things moved. The revelation that Yusuke’s father was a demon, combined with a tournament to determine the new ruler of the underworld, and less impressive battles, left many unsatisfied. Even years later, some fans still don’t consider these final chapters to be the real ending to the manga.
My Hero Academia
Kohei Horikoshi’s My Hero Academia quickly became a global phenomenon, rising to become one of the best-selling manga series in the world. For over ten years, readers have followed Deku’s inspiring quest to become the greatest hero, eagerly anticipating each new installment. The series stands out for its imaginative world, relatable themes, and exciting action sequences, making it a standout in modern Shonen manga.
While the Final War arc delivered everything fans wanted, the story started to falter after that. Key themes like reforming the Hero Society, addressing deep-seated discrimination, and exploring Deku’s future as a hero were dropped without resolution. Many readers were upset to learn that Izuku had to give up on his dream due to a lack of government support, despite saving them. Without the help of his friends, the ending would have been much more depressing.
Guess the anime from the emojis.
animeji
Guess the anime from the emojis.
Title
Clues
Results
Title
— Clues
—
Bleach
There’s a strong case to be made that Bleach is one of the most important manga ever created. Ichigo’s journey as a Soul Reaper came at the perfect time, when fans were eager for a new, exciting action series. It also brought a unique style to the genre. That’s why Bleach is often ranked among the ‘Big Three’ manga, alongside two other incredibly popular franchises that are still huge today.
While not a complete failure, the Thousand-Year Blood War arc is generally considered the weakest part of the series. It suffered from slow pacing and underwhelming battles, and shifted the focus away from the main characters to supporting ones. The arc’s main villain, hyped as incredibly powerful, had a surprisingly anticlimactic defeat. Though the ending somewhat recaptured the feel of the show, many fans felt it didn’t make up for the issues earlier in the arc.
Jujutsu Kaisen: Modulo
After the popular manga series Jujutsu Kaisen finished in 2024, fans eagerly awaited news of a continuation. They didn’t have to wait long, as Modulo – a direct sequel picking up Yuji’s story 68 years after the Culling Games – was released. Initially, the series excited fans with fresh concepts, including an alien race that can wield Cursed Energy, and the reappearance of beloved characters.
As the series neared its conclusion, fans grew concerned that the story was moving too quickly, leaving many plot points unresolved. Unfortunately, their fears were confirmed, and the manga ended abruptly, feeling incomplete. Fights happened without being shown, important issues were wrapped up far too quickly, and the final chapters left readers disappointed. Online, people are still actively discussing how unsatisfying the ending was.
The Seven Deadly Sins
The manga The Seven Deadly Sins tends to strongly divide readers – people usually either really love it or really dislike it. The story initially stood out because it felt bold and original. Its characters were powerful but realistically flawed, the world was richly detailed, and the magic system offered something new. While it was most popular when it first came out, many readers still find it a compelling and enjoyable story.
Even the most dedicated fans were disappointed by how underwhelming the story’s ending turned out to be. The plot relied on repeated twists, the final battle lacked impact, and the epilogue felt completely flat. It’s difficult to recall a series finale that sparked as much debate and frustration within its fanbase as The Seven Deadly Sins and its confusing conclusion.
Naruto
Naruto Uzumaki is the iconic hero of a hugely popular anime and manga series. Created by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto has become a landmark achievement in the industry, celebrated for its compelling story, memorable characters, and fantastic power system. Many fans consider it the perfect example of what a manga can be.
The main criticism from fans centers on the ending of the series, specifically the Fourth Great Ninja War arc. While the initial conflict with Madara was exciting, it went on for too long, diminishing its impact. Many fans also disliked the introduction of Kaguya and the Otsutsuki clan as the ultimate villains. Despite this, Naruto remains a highly acclaimed series, but its ending continues to be a point of contention.
Read More
- All Shadow Armor Locations in Crimson Desert
- Genshin Impact Dev Teases New Open-World MMO With Realistic Graphics
- The Limits of Thought: Can We Compress Reasoning in AI?
- Sega Reveals Official Sonic Timeline: From Prehistoric to Modern Era
- Where to Pack and Sell Trade Goods in Crimson Desert
- ARC Raiders Boss Defends Controversial AI Usage
- Who Can You Romance In GreedFall 2: The Dying World?
- ETH PREDICTION. ETH cryptocurrency
- Best Weapons, Armor, and Accessories to Get Early in Crimson Desert
- How to Beat Antumbra’s Sword (Sanctum of Absolution) in Crimson Desert
2026-03-24 03:05