Discover the Top 10 Seinen Manga Final Arcs That Will Leave You Speechless!

Summary

Even long-running manga like Berserk must eventually end, but some are continued by new creators following old notes.
Seinen manga have better chances of ending on strong notes compared to shōnen counterparts.
Various manga, like “Spirit Circle” and “Golden Kamuy,” explore themes of redemption, bitter-sweet endings, and life’s complexities.

All things eventually come to an end, no matter how endless they may seem at first glance. For example, popular manga series like “Berserk” can sometimes appear to conclude prematurely when their creators pass away, as was the case with Kentaro Miura. However, the story is not necessarily over; it’s being continued by Kōji Mori and Studio Gaga, using Miura’s old notes and plans to ensure a fitting conclusion.

Manga don’t always get the opportunity for a proper conclusion. Some may be cut short due to poor sales, while others might prolong their storyline because of good sales. Seinen manga tend to have better outcomes than shōnen manga, as these successful examples were able to wrap up effectively.

Spoilers Ahead!

10. Delicious in Dungeon

A Culinary Adventurer Finds Defeat in Victory

Creator: Ryoko Kui
14 Volumes, 102 Chapters
Available in English via Yen Press.

Delicious in Dungeon has a more adorable feel than typical seinen manga, but don’t be fooled as it still packs some tense moments. The protagonist, Laios, along with his group, embark on a journey to rescue his sister Falin from becoming a dragon’s meal in the same dungeon where they lost her earlier. Since they misplaced their supplies deep within the dungeon, they choose to subsist on whatever resources they can scavenge inside it.

Despite encountering numerous problems along the way, it is Laios who experiences the most unfortunate fate. He bravely rescues his sister, claims the lost Golden Kingdom as his rule, and earns both admiration and notoriety due to his remarkable deeds. Yet, a curse from the Winged Lion leaves him with an insatiable hunger that ordinary food can’t satisfy—and all monsters steer clear of his territory out of fear. It seems fitting for a manga with a cooking theme that it ends on a bittersweet note.

9. Akumetsu

An Army of Clones Cleans the Swamp But Can’t Refill It

Creators: Yoshiaki Tabata (story), Yuki Yugo (art)
18 Volumes, 162 Chapters
Fan Translations only.

Occasionally, media produced years ago can regain significance. For instance, consider Akumetsu, a manga from around the mid-2000s. It’s set in an era where unscrupulous businessmen and politicians manipulate the law for their benefit, causing hardship for others. A man named Shou finds this situation intolerable. When he discovers a cloning machine, he devises a way to punish the worst offenders.

Through self-cloning, Shou assembles an army of his own. Each clone is designated to take down a specific corrupt leader. However, this path of retribution ultimately spells his doom. In the end, all Akumetsus perish in a conflict with the yakuza, their cloning device is obliterated, and the corrupt system remains intact. Despite failing to mend the world, Shou did manage to instill caution about misusing the system within people.

8. Sanctuary

A Cambodian Refugee Succeeds in Fixing Japan, But Dies in the Process

Creators: Buronson (story), Ryoichi Ikegami (art)
12 Volumes, 108 Chapters
Previously available in English by Viz Media’s Viz Premiere Comics imprint

Akira Hojo and Chiaki Asami managed to reach Japan after enduring the horrors of the Cambodian killing fields. However, they found Japan apathetic and riddled with corruption. Consequently, these two individuals pledged to transform their adopted country into a genuine “sanctuary” by improving it through two distinct avenues.

In a different turn of events, Asami chooses a path illuminated by virtue and rises to the position of a politician, whereas Hojo opts for a more shadowy existence as a yakuza matriarch. Ultimately, they both achieve success: Asami ascends to the role of prime minister, while Hojo manages to unite all yakuza groups under his authority. However, Asami’s health takes a turn for the worse and she passes away after a final encounter with Hojo in Cambodia. With their companion gone, Hojo finds their shared victory lacks substance.

7. Spirit Circle

A Boy Proves a Normal Life is Worth Living By Foiling His Mystical Genius Past Life

Creator: Satoshi Mizukami
6 Volumes, 45 Chapters
Available in English via Seven Seas Entertainment.

The manga titled Spirit Circle is a prize-winning comic series that, despite its accolades, seems underappreciated. This might be due to it not having been turned into an animation, or the fact that its concise storyline packs quite a punch. It revolves around Fūta, a boy with the ability to see spirits, as he delves into his past lives to understand why Kōko, a girl with comparable spiritual abilities and birthmark, dislikes him so intensely. The narrative is intricate because characters transform, yet they’re all different manifestations of Fūta, Kōko, and their spirit companions Rune and East in various lifetimes.

Essence lies in acknowledging the blessings life brings and coming to terms with mortality. Initially, Fortuna struggled with this concept, leading him to devise a mad scheme to conquer it by merging with the universe. This relentless pursuit pushed Kōko into a loop of retribution. However, Fūta assisted Fortuna in finding peace, and eventually reconciled with Kōko.

6. Golden Kamuy

Immortal Sugimoto Lives Up to His Nickname to Get the Gold

Creator: Satoru Noda
31 Volumes, 314 Chapters
Available in English via Viz Media’s Viz Signature imprint

The storyline of Golden Kamuy opens as ex-soldier Saichi Sugimoto teams up with Ainu girl Asirpa. Their shared goal is to locate a secret trove of gold, rumored to be concealed in the mountains and buried by fugitives from Abashiri Prison. Asirpa seeks vengeance for her father’s murder at the hands of Tsurumi, a former member of the 7th Division, who intends to utilize this gold as a means to establish his own army.

In a dramatic turn of events on the Hakodate arc, Sugimoto and Asirpa chase Tsurumi aboard a speeding train. Unfortunately, during their pursuit, Asirpa is forced off the train for safety, while Sugimoto and Tsurumi’s fate remains uncertain as their train collides with the sea. Miraculously, Sugimoto manages to survive, but alas, Tsurumi, left without any allies, meets an unfortunate end. With the gold he recovered, Sugimoto ensures protection for the Ainu people and settles down with Asirpa. However, before they can fully embrace their new life together, Sugimoto honors his fallen war buddy Toraji by giving some of the gold to his widow, Umeko.

5. Onanie Master Kurosawa

A Bitter Jerk Realizes the Error of His Ways

Creators: Katsura Ise (story), Takuma Yokota (art)
4 Volumes, 31 Chapters
Fan Translations only.

Some manga, despite their quality, can be tricky to suggest. Onanie Master Kurosawa initially comes across as a grim sex-themed comedy. The protagonist, Kurosawa – a bitter misanthrope – employs an unusual stress relief technique to protect his classmate Kitahara from harassment. However, she subsequently uses this protection as leverage to coerce him into providing more of his unique brand of ‘justice’. As the story unfolds, it begins to tackle its subject matter with greater gravity.

In Kurosawa and Kitahara’s narrative, vigilantism isn’t portrayed as a positive act. Instead, they use violence to conceal their resentment. Kurosawa eventually understands this when he loses his affection to another student, leading him to confess his wrongdoings in class. Predictably, he receives harsh criticism for his actions. However, through a process of earning forgiveness, he transforms his bitter perspective on life into something hopeful. Remarkably, the story, which began as a dark tale, concludes with an unexpectedly optimistic note.

4. Oyasumi Punpun

A Boy Learns the Hard Way That Life Goes On

Creator: Inio Asano
13 Volumes, 147 Chapters
Available in English via Viz Media’s Viz Signature imprint

The graphic novel “Goodnight Punpun” tells a heart-wrenching story about a bird-headed young man named Punpun who had an unfortunate childhood and developed into a troubled individual. Despite his best efforts to live for his beloved girlfriend Aiko, she cherished the innocent boy Punpun was rather than the bitter, damaged adult he became. In her despair that she couldn’t bring happiness to him, Aiko takes her own life.

In a similar vein, Punpun makes an attempt, yet is miraculously spared at the brink. Over time, he copes with the grief, ultimately bidding farewell to Aiko in a dream, opting to persist as a tribute to her memory. The ending implies that he has rediscovered his optimistic qualities, however, it seems like he’s accepted his dismal life and its aftermath.

3. Maison Ikkoku

A Woman Comes to Terms With Her Love and Grief

Creator: Rumiko Takahashi.
15 Volumes, 162 Chapters.
Available in English via Viz Media.

Rumiko Takahashi is celebrated for creating whimsical romances such as “Ranma ½” and “Inuyasha”. However, some critics argue that her most impressive work might be “Ikkoku”, which departs from her usual themes of aliens and supernatural elements to focus on profoundly human dramas. The story revolves around Yusaku, a hapless college student, who is smitten with Kyoko, the widowed proprietor of the titled inn.

Despite struggling to accept her husband’s passing, Kyoko finds solace in Yusaku’s presence, recognizing that he has his unique methods of bringing joy. After a shared evening, Kyoko expresses her feelings for him, paving the way towards the final act where the couple, along with their daughter, set off for their new abode together.

2. Lone Wolf & Cub

A Wronged Samurai’s Quest for Revenge is Succeeded by His Son

Creators: Kazuo Koike (story), Goseki Kojima (art).
28 Volumes, 142 Chapters.
Available in English via Dark Horse Comics.

Although some may not recognize the title “Lone Wolf & Cub“, they might still be acquainted with its concept as it has served as a source of inspiration for numerous series and films. The story revolves around Samurai Ogami Ittō, who upon returning home finds his wife and family brutally murdered, leaving only his newborn son Daigoro alive. Framed for rebellion against the shogun, Ogami harbors suspicions towards the Yagyū clan and embarks on a quest for vengeance while simultaneously caring for his son.

In the course of his journeys, he eventually slaughters every last descendant of the Yagyū clan. This leads him to confront their leader, Yagyū Retsudō. In a fated encounter, Ogami is defeated by Retsudō, but not before a Yagyū ninja secretly alters his weapon. Upon witnessing the tragic toll their vendetta has taken on lives, Retsudō permits Daigoro to end him, thereby halting the cycle of retribution.

1. Monster

A Doctor Foils A Killer’s Suicidal Plot

Creator: Naoki Urasawa
18 Volumes, 162 Chapters
Available in English via Viz Media’s Viz Signature imprint

Among the many conclusions in Naoki Urasawa’s works, it was the finale for Monster that resonated most deeply with readers. In this storyline, Dr. Tenma uncovered the truth about Johan Liebert, a patient he had saved long ago. Instead of being a mere murderer who saw no worth in life, Johan was driven by his traumatic upbringing as an experiment subject and his nihilistic beliefs to erase all traces of himself from existence.

In every one of his murders, he orchestrated a scenario that would lead to what he called his ‘ideal death,’ with Dr. Tenma performing the fatal act. However, when someone else took the bullet instead, Dr. Tenma opted to save him. He remained steadfast in his principles, and those who survived, such as his twin sister Anna, were given a renewed opportunity to live their lives. The comic concludes with an empty hospital bed where Johan should have been, implying he may have regained consciousness. Yet, it’s also hinted that his values haven’t wavered and could lead him to resume his plans in the future.

2025-02-09 13:35