Top Anime Cuts Short: The Tragic Tale of Unfinished Masterpieces

Summary

Anime series can face premature endings due to low ratings, studio closures, or lack of source material.
Promising series like Land of the Lustrous await a second chance, while others like Skip Beat! face unfinished fates.
Challenges like studio closures and health issues can prevent beloved anime like Gangsta and Nana from continuing.

Maintaining pace with various anime can sometimes be challenging. Shows that have lost some of their initial spark may continue indefinitely, thanks to spin-offs and side stories, simply because they accumulated a large fanbase to sustain them. On the other hand, promising series often get terminated prematurely due to low viewership, exhausting ideas for their conclusion, or the studio shutting down.

Some anime are fortunate enough to be given a second opportunity at existence, such as “Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure” being reborn through its adaptations from the 2010s. On the other hand, certain series only receive one or two seasons and never get completed, doomed to live in an unfinished state. While some of these shows have a manga or light novel that provides additional content, others are strictly anime-only and lack any further source material. It’s possible that these series may experience a revival similar to “Jojo,” but it seems unlikely that they will ever be fully completed.

18. Land of the Lustrous

Studio Is Left Waiting 8 Years and Counting to Make a New Season

I’m still holding onto hope that Land of the Lustrous, this captivating series about gemstone-infused immortal beings living on Earth after a meteorite catastrophe, might return for a second season, even after almost a decade since its debut. These characters, known as the Lustrous, not only embody different gemstones but also serve as Earth’s guardians against their Lunarian adversaries, who aim to exploit the Lustrous for their precious gems. Among them is Phos, who, despite being deemed too weak for combat, yearns to contribute meaningfully and earn recognition from the group.

Fans adored it and critics deemed it a creative revitalization in the seinen genre, undeniably one of the top CG anime productions. However, it ran for only 12 episodes, barely scratching the surface of the manga’s 12-year span. A second season is highly anticipated, but Orange hasn’t received approval yet from executives. Meanwhile, they’ve been focusing on other projects. There’s still hope that if The Devil is a Part Timer could return after a decade, there might be a chance for LotL as well.

17. Skip Beat!

Studio Closure Closes Classic Shojo Series’ Chances of a Sequel

Yoshiki Nakamura’s “Skip Beat!” manga first appeared in 2002 and has continued since then, amassing over 50 volumes. The story revolves around Kyoko, a girl who enters the entertainment industry seeking revenge against her ex-boyfriend, Shotaro Fuwa. This narrative is filled with humor, charm, and emotion. Remarkably, the anime adaptation mirrored these aspects, even earning a DVD/Blu-ray release with a newly recorded English dub due to a successful Kickstarter campaign.

The anime concluded in 2009 following 25 episodes, leaving much of its source material unexplored. Had its original studio, Hal Film Maker, not disbanded that same year and merged with Yumeta Company to form TYO Animations Inc., there might have been a second season. Nevertheless, it’s plausible for a series to receive a new continuation years down the line, possibly even by different studios. However, if Skip Beat! is ever revived, it’s likely that they will re-adapt the material from the start rather than picking up where Hal Film Maker left off.

16. Gantz

Edgy Murder Anime Stops in Its Tracks

Gantz is an exceptional and captivating manga, a story that seemed destined for failure before its anime debut due to various unfavorable factors. The series is characterized by violence, gore, philosophy, and at times extreme brutality. Fans who adored it were drawn in by the narrative as protagonists Kei and his childhood friend Masaru compete for a second life opportunity by participating in Gantz’s alien-slaughtering game. Critics who disliked it saw it as the ultimate example of edgy material. The anime didn’t sway either opinion, only delivering more of the gore and ethical dilemmas that fans craved.

The main issue was its abrupt ending, wrapping up in 2004, which was nine years before the manga concluded in 2013. This ending left a lot of questions unanswered and many viewers feeling like the series had simply halted abruptly rather than leaving them guessing. However, despite this unsatisfactory conclusion, the manga was popular enough to inspire live-action adaptations, a CG film titled “Gantz: O”, and spin-offs in “Gantz: G” and “Gantz: E”. There’s a possibility it may receive a new adaptation that will cover the manga’s unusual finale, but there’s no sign of this happening anytime soon.

15. The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

2000s Anime Phenomenon Is Unlikely to Make a Comeback

In the mid-2000s, it was almost impossible not to hear about the captivating series, “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya“. Even if you weren’t deeply immersed in otaku culture, you might have still encountered it, as it revolved around an after-school club maintaining their president’s happiness to preserve reality itself. However, the show truly transcended borders when a dance from its ED, ‘Hare Hare Yukai’, swept across the globe, becoming viral. The dance even experienced a revival during the 2020 lockdown, with Haruhi’s voice actress, Aya Hirano, sharing a video teaching others how to join in the fun at home using the hashtag #HareHareYukaiAtHomeWithAllYourMight.

The anime series titled “The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya” concluded in 2006, but was expanded upon with numerous OVAs, ONAs, sequels, and full-length movies that further developed the narrative of Haruhi. However, the initial light novel that sparked it all is still being published, so there’s a wealth of source material available. Yet, over the past 15 years (or 10 years if we include “The Disappearance of Nagato Yuki-chan”), there have been significant changes. Among these are staff adjustments at Kyoto Animation and, more notably, the arson attack on their studio, making it unlikely they’ll be able to pick up where they left off with the story.

14. Rave Master

Show’s Faithfulness to Manga’s Slow Start Curtailed Its Momentum

It’s truly disheartening when abilities or opportunities are neglected or underutilized, such as in the case of the anime “Rave Master” (originally known as “Groove Adventure Rave”). Unfortunately, the series concluded at a time when the manga was really gaining momentum. Mangaka Hiro Mashima has previously demonstrated his knack for crafting captivating narratives, showcased in his work “Fairy Tail”. In “Rave Master”, Haru Glory embarked on a journey across the globe with his companions Ellie, Musica, and Plue, the dog. Their mission was to collect the Rave Stones and harness their power to defeat the wicked Demon Card organization.

Initially, the series struggled to find its rhythm because the early episodes and storylines were rather slow and aimless, based on their original content. However, it found its pace in the latter half. Unfortunately, it didn’t leave a compelling enough debut to secure another season. If given a chance for a second season, it could have resonated more with viewers as subsequent episodes would have continued the momentum that the second half of the first season was establishing.

13. Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

Fought to Stay Animated, But Ultimately Lost

The series “Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple” shares a similarity with its title character, not quite reaching the status of a masterpiece. However, it boasts an impressive action sequence, witty humor, and endearing characters that hinted at its potential. Given numerous opportunities to gain traction, with a 50-episode anime and 11 OVAs – something many emerging series don’t receive – it nevertheless managed to cover only about half of the full manga. The OVAs, in particular, hurried through the storyline’s crucial points, making it challenging for viewers to become fully immersed in the narrative. Nevertheless, they offer some fantastic fight scenes as a redeeming quality.

Despite numerous attempts, there seems to be little motivation for other production studios to revisit this project, even after the manga ended in 2014. The fondness for the 2000s era is increasing, and some fans might pine for Kenichi‘s early-millennium aesthetic and bold treatment of fanservice. However, until there’s a resurgence in demand for action-anime from the mid-2000s, enthusiasts of ecchi content will have to satisfy their cravings with shows like Food Wars or Dress Up Darling.

12. Claymore

Studio Creates Lackluster Ending to Conclude Ongoing Series

Essentially, the animated series titled Claymore came to a close. The main character, Clare – a warrior infamously known as a Claymore – spends her days battling monstrous entities called Yoma, seeking vengeance for the loss of her mentor Teresa at the hands of an Awakened Being named Priscilla. In the climactic 26th episode, Clare and Priscilla engage in a fierce confrontation, with Clare learning the heavy price one pays for revenge. However, it’s worth noting that the manga was still unfinished when the anime was aired, leading to Madhouse creating an original ending that left many viewers dissatisfied.

It’s unfortunate that despite being a generally solid interpretation of the manga, Madhouse was constrained in their storytelling choices. Instead of continuing with the original arcs, they opted for a sudden increase in Clare’s strength, a move reminiscent of the Rocky series, to satisfy fans with a typical climax. The manga also served to flesh out characters that were left rather one-dimensional in the anime, such as Clare’s companion Raki. If there is a second season, it will either need to stick with the modified ending or follow the path of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood by abridging its initial chapters to reach the unadapted content more swiftly.

11. My Little Monster

Open Ending Forces Viewers to Pick Up the Manga for Answers

In My Little Monster, ambiguity reigns supreme, yet I can’t help but yearn for definitive solutions. Shizuku, the cold and quiet protagonist, finds herself in a tumultuous dance of love with Haru, the violent and tempestuous troublemaker. Just as they seem to be drawing closer, some event arises that pushes them back apart. While it’s intriguing to defy conventional wisdom by testing the boundaries of what makes a successful pair, I must admit, it leaves me longing for more straightforward answers at times.

Instead of continuing the anime beyond its initial 13 episodes, the story concluded with Shizuku reminiscing about her friendships and time spent with Haru. She also hinted at untold tales about them, but these remained unanimated, except for an OVA (Original Video Animation). For those seeking a definitive ending, the manga was an option, wrapping up in the same year as the anime, 2013. It’s disappointing for romantic comedy fans that the story ended there, but after a dozen years of no updates, it seems that Shizuku and Haru’s adventures will persist in print form.

10. Noragami

Does an Anime Need to Fully Adapt a Manga to Be Complete?

The animated series “Noragami” is one that seems to be plagued by misfortune yet remains engaging. The narrative revolves around Yato, a minor deity, who forms an unlikely alliance with Hiyori, a middle school student who saved him from a car accident. In their quest, they undertake various tasks in the hope that Yato will eventually secure a shrine of his own. Despite moments where the pacing felt hurried, the animation was consistently well-done. Remarkably, it even spawned a sequel titled “Noragami Aragato.

Back in 2015, the original anime series I was so fond of reached a satisfying conclusion, accompanied by its DVDs. However, the manga didn’t stop there; it continued, with occasional pauses, all the way until early 2024 when Adachitoka wrapped it up. This means there are nearly a decade’s worth of captivating stories left untouched, ripe for Studio Bones or another talented team to animate in a new season or two.

However, considering how beautifully Aragoto concluded, a revival could potentially tarnish that perfection if it falls short of our high expectations. It’s a delicate balance between satisfying the fans and preserving the essence of what made the original so special.

9. Akagi

Mahjong Anime Ends Partway Through the Longest Game in Manga History

In the 2000s, Madhouse studio developed a passion for anime based on gambling. They produced three seminal works in this genre: “Kaiji: Ultimate Survivor,” “One Outs,” and “Akagi.” These series aren’t complete adaptations of their original sources, with fans of “Kaiji” still anticipating a sequel. However, both “Kaiji” and “One Outs” did reach certain conclusive points. Unfortunately, the anime adaptation of “Akagi” abruptly ended right in the middle, during what could be considered the most epic or longest match ever depicted in manga history.

As a die-hard fan, I plunged headlong into an enthralling journey following the titular character as he immersed himself in the treacherous world of organized crime, outsmarting yakuza from all walks of life at mahjong. This gripping tale reached its climax with a 20-year-long duel against Iwao Washizu, wrapping up in 2017. The anime adaptation, premiered in 2005, ran for a year before concluding four rounds into the epic showdown between Akagi and Washizu. It’s no secret that Madhouse couldn’t sustain their anime series on such a lengthy mahjong duel alone. Since the manga concluded, there hasn’t been any word on a potential second season or a new adaptation, and it seems unlikely we’ll see one anytime soon.

8. Princess Jellyfish

Beloved Romcom Leaves Viewers Wanting More

In a straightforward manner, it requires a skilled group of individuals to view the realm of anime from the perspective of an otaku authentically. However, there are numerous otakus who embody negative stereotypes. If a series focuses too heavily on these stereotypes, it may offend its core audience and deter casual viewers. Remarkably, one exceptional show successfully explored the psyches of several female otaku. In simpler terms, the series “Princess Jellyfish” skillfully narrated an empathetic and heartfelt tale revolving around Tsukimi, a jellyfish aficionado, and her fellow otaku roommates.

In my observations, they prohibit their associates from fraternizing with superficial trend-followers and males. However, events take an unexpected twist as Tsukimi discovers a shared passion with Koibuchi, a crossdresser who embodies everything her companions abhor. The series, consisting of 11 episodes, captivated audiences globally, sparking a desire for more episodes to delve deeper into the manga’s storyline. Yet, it seems plausible that it was designed as a standalone piece to inspire viewers to explore the manga rather than fully adapting it.

7. Hinamatsuri

Psychic Girl Yakuza Anime Likely Meant as a One-Off from the Start

The manga titled “Hinamatsuri” spanned over a decade, chronicling the journey of an ordinary mid-level yakuza named Yoshifumi Nitta who ended up caring for a peculiar girl called Hina, who possesses psychic abilities. Initially, the storyline was straightforward, but things became increasingly complex as they encountered additional girls with supernatural powers, each vying to claim or control Hina. The series found favor among audiences when it was animated in 2018. However, it ran for just 12 episodes and left open the possibility for further installments.

Despite hurrying through several key moments in the storyline, the anime focused more on action to create a thrilling narrative at the expense of a richer overall tale. Nonetheless, it remains an enjoyable watch, albeit one that could have benefited from additional episodes and time for development. The series seems to function as a teaser to attract readers to the original manga, as it hasn’t received any subsequent adaptations since its 2018 release; however, it played a part in securing an international publisher for the manga.

6. Gangsta

Crime Anime Gets Brought Down by Bankruptcy

Gangsta was an entertaining and skillfully animated show that quickly gained a substantial following. It centered around characters Nicholas and Worick, who found themselves embroiled in a larger conspiracy that could potentially overturn their city of Ergastalum. This was when they chose to shield prostitute Alex Benedetto from the criminal underworld. The series had potential for multiple seasons given its ongoing manga publication. However, due to health issues, namely lupus, the creator Kohske has been producing the manga sporadically, slowing down its progress.

In essence, fans might understand if the manga concluded unexpectedly due to the demanding nature of creating a manga. However, the anime adaptation of “Gangsta” was abruptly halted after 12 episodes when its production studio, Manglobe, faced financial ruin and ceased all operations. This undoubtedly affected the quality of the series, as the later episodes seemed to lose momentum and left several storylines unresolved. Unless another studio picks up where the anime ended, these plot threads will remain incomplete indefinitely.

5. Deadman Wonderland

Prison Anime with Potential Falls at the First Hurdle

Experiencing Deadman Wonderland: I found myself trapped within its thrilling yet ominous walls, framed for a horrific crime that occurred during a school trip to this peculiar amusement park-turned-prison. The irony was almost too much – I, Ganta, was now an inmate of the very place I once visited with my classmates. My only chance at redemption and freedom lies in unmasking the true murderer lurking within its twisted corridors. But beware, for the collar around my neck is a relentless executioner, tightening whenever I fail to win the park’s lethal games. Each victory slows its deadly grip, but time is running out.

In the manga, things are thrilling and enjoyable; however, the anime, although boasting excellent animation, seemed to stray from its narrative, moving too quickly through crucial details which left viewers confused. Despite skipping two characters and adapting just five out of the manga’s thirteen volumes, it failed to provide a clear picture. Sadly, with Manglobe closing shop four years after its premiere, there’s little hope for additional episodes to resolve lingering mysteries. For now, fans are advised to read the manga or keep their fingers crossed for a future reboot.

4. Btooom!

Limp Ratings Lead to a Limp Ending

The series “Btooom!” showcased immense promise, as it followed Ryota, a man who struggled in real life yet excelled at the title game, being compelled to play the game in reality with actual bombs and weapons on a deserted island. It boasted some exciting action scenes, however, it concluded after 12 episodes in 2012, four years before the manga wrapped up. While such outcomes are common, it could have continued for more than 12 episodes or taken a different course to conclude the story.

Original endings of shows aren’t always perfect, as demonstrated by Gantz and Fullmetal Alchemist (2003). At least the former provided some resolution for fans, unlike Btooom! which abruptly ended. Madhouse had anticipated high ratings to launch a second season, but that didn’t happen, leaving it unfinished. The only continuation was through the Btooom! mobile game, where they hoped it would reignite interest in another anime series, yet this too did not gain traction, effectively ending any plans for revival.

3. Berserk

Iconic Seinen Manga Proves Too Extreme to Adapt In Full

The small label above pertains to the 1997 “Berserk” collection, however this discussion will cover its iconic films during the Golden Age, the updated and extended television versions, as well as the controversial 2016 computer-generated series. In the realm of print, Kentaro Miura’s epic is renowned as one of the most impactful seinen comics ever created, but it is also notoriously challenging to approach due to its explicit material. At its peak, it offers a thrilling emotional ride. At its lowest, it exposes readers to a succession of intense battle scenes, which even Miura himself would later regret.

Adapting Berserk into anime form would inevitably necessitate compromises due to its intense scenes, intricate storyline, and meticulous artwork. Yet, the 1997 adaptation was well-received by many viewers, despite being a more abridged version of the original work. However, deciding what aspects to omit without damaging the essence that makes Berserk an immersive narrative is no small feat. This process will likely require tough choices, and while they may appease some fans, others are bound to be disappointed.

2. Nana

Producers’ Solidarity with Mangaka Puts Show On Hiatus

Via the character Nana, written by Ai Yazawa, an extraordinary narrative unfolded, encompassing love, friendship, happiness, and sorrow, unlike any other storyteller before her. Characters Nana K and Nana O strive for their dreams of romance and prosperity in Tokyo respectively, over the course of 21 volumes. Yazawa masterfully delved into various themes that continue to resonate with audiences today. The anime adaptation was exceptionally well done, featuring outstanding voice acting and animation to complement it. Even though it concluded in 2007, it seemed there was still more story to be told.

Since July 2009, the manga has been on an extended break due to the health issues that author Yazawa faced for almost a year. Although the specific details of her condition are not widely known, it has made it challenging for her to continue producing long-form work like serializing manga. She expresses her desire to eventually finish the series, and the producers of the anime have stated they won’t produce another season until she completes her work. As a result, we can expect both the manga and the anime to conclude at a later time.

1. Dreaming Machine

Esteemed Director Dies Before Completing His Final Picture

Director: Satoshi Kon.
Production Companies: Madhouse, MAPPA.

In simple terms, no other anime creator has ever matched the unique talent of Satoshi Kon. From “Perfect Blue” to “Paprika,” all his works were intricate, stunning, and full of wonder, standing as timeless masterpieces in the world of art. His influence will continue to resonate for many years, with his films serving as benchmarks of anime’s potential greatness. Unfortunately, his untimely death from pancreatic cancer in 2010 left the animation community reeling, and his ambitious project “Dreaming Machine” remained unfinished.

Kon envisioned it as a “journey through robot-land for automatons,” where Ririco, Robin, and King, the robotic characters, roam a world devoid of humans yet inhabited by their machines. Masao Maruyama attempted to complete this work following Kon’s death, with Yoshimi Itazu stepping in to continue Kon’s vision. However, it became clear that Kon’s unique skillset couldn’t be replicated. Only fragments of the project remain, such as certain scenes highlighted in the French documentary titled “Satoshi Kon: la machine à rêves” and storyboards found in the book ‘Animation! Real Vs Dream’.

2025-02-22 06:56