3 Manga Sequels That Shouldn’t Have Been Made (& 3 Series That Deserve One)

Manga companies are now producing sequels to their popular mangas in order to maintain the interest of their fanbase, which has become increasingly sought-after in recent times.

Despite its potential, this approach is not always successful. In fact, many creators struggle to come up with a fresh and distinctive storyline for a sequel, as manga sequels are typically extensions of the original anime.

Despite the widespread acclaim for Naruto Shippuden, its sequel Boruto: Naruto Next Generation received significant backlash from both fans and critics. Similar to other manga sequels, such as Boruto, it failed to match the impact of the original. In this listicle, we explore three examples of manga sequels that were better left unwritten and three masterpieces that are deserving of a sequel.

The article is a reflection of the writer’s opinions.

3 Manga Sequels That Shouldn’t Have Been Made

Fruits Basket Another

Despite the immense success of Fruits Basket, the creator persisted in her efforts to produce a sequel. Unfortunately, the manga sequel, Fruits Basket Another, did not receive the same level of enthusiasm from fans. This continuation introduces a new set of characters, including the children of those from the original manga, as well as a new girl named Sawa.

Despite having various problems, the primary concern with the plot is its lack of originality. It contains numerous recurring themes and scenes from the original manga, resulting in a lack of uniqueness and failing to captivate the readers.

A superior sequel to Fruits Basket Another was necessary for Fruits Basket.

Tokyo Ghoul: re

Tokyo Ghoul: re serves as a prime example of a less popular manga sequel. Its predecessor, Tokyo Ghoul, was widely acclaimed and achieved great success. However, the sequel received numerous criticisms from its fanbase.

The story revolves around Kaneki Ken, who later goes by the name Haise Sasaki and joins the CCG. However, the sequel failed to tie up the loose ends between the original manga and its sequel, leaving readers with many unanswered questions.

The lack of coherence between the two manga series is the primary factor that led to its lack of appreciation. Furthermore, the rushed ending of Tokyo Ghoul: re also did not provide a satisfactory conclusion.

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations

Boruto(as shown in the Boruto anime adaptation (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The sequel to Naruto, Naruto Shippuden, was highly praised by both fans and critics as a masterpiece. However, its successor, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, failed to reach the same level of success.

Boruto excessively prolongs the plot and attempts to incorporate numerous themes, but fails to effectively link them with the original anime. It also introduces an excess of overpowered characters without fully delving into their development.

In addition, overly strong characters are not relatable to readers, making the manga unappealing. The creation of Boruto, a sequel to the manga, was unnecessary.

Three manga series that should have sequels

Nana

Ai Yazawa’s Nana is a beloved manga that has stood the test of time. The series tells the story of two women who cross paths on their way to Tokyo and eventually end up living together as roommates.

The manga, titled after its two protagonists Nana Osaki and Nana Komatsu, begins with Nana Komatsu reflecting on her 20s and her relationships with Nana Osaki and their friends. The manga delves deep into the personalities of each character and presents a captivating storyline.

Despite concluding the story, the ending still leaves readers with lingering questions such as the circumstances of Ren’s death, the fate of Nana O, and the factors that led to the separation of Takumi and Nana K.

Nana should have been given a sequel, providing more insight and development to the story. Given the large fan following and overwhelming success of the original manga, a sequel would have undoubtedly been well-received.

2) Death Note

Light Yagami (as shown in the anime adaptation of Death Note (Image via Madhouse)

Death Note is a renowned manga that brought international recognition to the genre and appealed to many non-manga enthusiasts. This psychological thriller delves into the story of Light Yagami, a brilliant sociopath.

Death Note incorporates elements of psychology, folklore, and theology. While the anime concludes with the demise of the main character, Light, it also leaves certain aspects unexplored.

The manga’s ending for Light was perfect, but a sequel to the main storyline could provide valuable insights into the enigmatic conclusion. A continuation of Death Note in manga form would undoubtedly be highly successful and beloved by fans.

Attack on Titan

Without a doubt, Attack on Titan remains one of the most beloved manga and anime of all time. The captivating plot and thrilling action sequences of Attack on Titan have captivated readers and viewers alike.

The manga Attack on Titan presents a different world based on an alternative theory of evolution. It explores topics such as social isolation, racial animosity, political strife, colonization, and warfare. While the manga does offer explanations for all of these plot elements, there are still some unresolved threads in the ending.

A sequel manga that explores the events that took place on Paradis Island after the war and delves into the cyclical nature of the world could potentially be a major success. Additionally, fans were left wanting more as the ending did not provide closure on the fates of the main characters, particularly in regards to the unexplored relationship between Mikasa and Jean.

Hence, not only is a sequel warranted for Attack on Titan, but it is also crucial.

Final Thoughts

Manga sequels are a valuable method for sustaining a fanbase. In many instances, a sequel is necessary in order to further develop the story of the original manga.

Unnecessarily prolonging a plot could potentially harm the manga. However, creating sequels for manga and further developing the unresolved elements of the original story could also lead to great success.

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