Manga endings play a crucial role in determining the success of a narrative, often polarizing the fanbase into two distinct camps: those who are pleased with the conclusion and those who feel let down. The 2020s have seen a variety of long-running manga reach their conclusions, sparking discussions across the fandom.
While some series have been celebrated for their impactful endings, others faced backlash for not meeting the expectations set by their narratives. Below are a few reasons why fans felt dissatisfied with certain manga conclusions.
In this article, we will explore 20 manga that concluded in the 2020s, ranked from the most disappointing to the least disappointing as per fan opinion.
Disclaimer: This ranking is compiled based on collective fandom opinions, and individual preferences may vary. Spoilers from the respective manga series are included.
Ranking 20 Major Manga Endings Since 2020: From Tokyo Revengers to Attack on Titan
20) Jujutsu Kaisen
The finale of Jujutsu Kaisen has been ranked among the most disappointing manga endings of the 2020s due to numerous loose threads and underdeveloped characters. Despite its acclaimed storytelling and character arcs, the conclusion failed to deliver on several critical plot developments. The sudden shift into the final act left little room for character progression.
Key figures such as Gojo and Kenjaku received inadequate resolutions, which lessened their significance within the series. Ultimately, the ending fell flat, presenting a lack of closure and unresolved narratives that dissatisfied many fans.
19) My Hero Academia
The final arc of My Hero Academia has been dubbed one of the most contentious, with a prolonged conclusion that suffered from sluggish pacing and a myriad of unresolved subplots.
Poorly executed redemption arcs for villains rendered the heroes’ efforts meaningless, as several main antagonists met their demise without any sense of remorse. Though the epilogue offered a somewhat predictable resolution, numerous plot lines remained dangling.
Nevertheless, compared to Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia showcased more character development and closure, delivering a more cohesive ending to its intricate universe.
18) Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengers faced significant criticism for its ending, largely due to inconsistencies and numerous unresolved plot points. Fans felt that character arcs were rushed, overlooking the extensive development throughout the series. While the conclusion aimed to resolve Takemichi’s journey, many felt it raised more questions than it answered.
Additionally, the series’ time-travel mechanics became convoluted, leading to confusion about rules and consequences. Key character sacrifices lost their emotional weight, rendering the ending one of the most disappointing in the 2020s.
17) The Promised Neverland
Norman’s swift redemption following the Imperial Capital Battle arc felt inadequate, as it neglected the depth of his darker trajectory. His trauma and the near-antagonistic path he traversed were left unresolved, leaving fans perplexed.
The absence of meaningful sacrifices—almost every character survived until the end—seemed unrealistic given the high stakes established earlier in the series, marking The Promised Neverland as one of the year’s most disappointing endings.
16) The Seven Deadly Sins
While The Seven Deadly Sins overall was not poorly executed, it concluded with several unresolved storylines. Characters like Gilthunder had promising development but were sidelined. The main conflict against the Demon King felt rushed, lacking significant consequences and depth.
The pacing led to an extended battle sequence that undermined the impact of what should have been a pivotal conflict, resulting in one of the most unsatisfactory manga conclusions of the decade.
15) Domestic Girlfriend
The conclusion of Domestic Girlfriend takes a surreal turn when protagonist Natsuo finds himself a father with Rui but ultimately marries her sister Hina, who is in a coma.
This twist undermines the romantic buildup between Natsuo and Rui, compounded by time skips and forced plot developments that leave character growth in disarray, resulting in a narrative that feels illogical and hurried.
14) Captain Tsubasa: Rising Sun
The conclusion of the eighth arc of Captain Tsubasa: Rising Sun left many fans dissatisfied due to a significant shift in visual style to rough storyboards, sacrificing quality for speed.
Yoichi Takahashi aimed to expedite Tsubasa’s journey for continuity; however, fans were left shocked by this abrupt transition in presentation.
13) Darling in the Franxx
The once-promising mecha-romantic drama Darling in the Franxx suffered from a lackluster ending. The finale, criticized for being rushed, failed to deliver the depth expected from its initial premise, leading to discontent among fans.
The sudden alien invasions and a narrow focus on Hiro and Zero Two weakened emotional stakes, resulting in an unsatisfactory conclusion for many viewers.
12) Attack on Titan
Despite its masterful exploration of themes like sacrifice, war, and moral ambiguity, Attack on Titan left many fans feeling disheartened post-conclusion.
The drastic evolution of protagonist Eren Yeager sparked intense debates regarding his motivations and views on freedom. Many anticipated a resolution that aligned with their perceptions, only to be met with a dismal and grim finale.
This dissatisfaction reflects the challenge of balancing complex narrative themes with fan expectations, placing Attack on Titan among the disappointing yet narratively justified conclusions.
11) Noragami
The ending of Noragami has left fans with divided feelings. While it ties up themes of love, friendship, and identity, some voiced disappointment regarding the diminished interactions among the main trio in the final arc.
Despite unanswered questions between Yato and Hiyori, the series effectively wraps up individual character arcs, providing a sense of development and closure.
The final pages express hope, suggesting that even pain can lead to happiness—offering a bittersweet sentiment that resonates with many readers.
10) Call of the Night
The ending of Call of the Night provides a thought-provoking narrative closure that resonates with themes of exploration and acceptance. The complicated breakup between Kou and Nazuna reflects the unpredictable nature of relationships and personal growth.
While some may find the ending somewhat bare, the time gap facilitates a meaningful reunion that highlights potential growth and commitment without reaching a definitive conclusion. This ambiguity encourages reflection, making the ending more about the journey.
9) Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible
The art in Kubo Won’t Let Me Be Invisible greatly enhances the storytelling, capturing emotional moments beautifully.
The long-awaited confession scene showcases authentic human emotions, highlighted by Junta’s nervousness and resolute actions. Nagisa’s reciprocation adds a satisfying twist, while a lighthearted interruption prevents the scene from becoming overly dramatic.
This conclusion emphasizes mutual feelings and a hopeful future, effectively wrapping up the series.
8) The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses
The conclusion of The Girl I Like Forgot Her Glasses beautifully encapsulates themes of memory and connection central to the narrative. The modest reunion where Mie encounters a former classmate underscores the fragility of relationships.
Komura’s jealousy towards Mie reveals his insecurities about being forgotten, particularly as she forgets her glasses, adding emotional weight to the story. The flashback that ties their childhood incident with the present beautifully interweaves their past with the present.
7) Chihayafuru
The conclusion of Chihayafuru showcases the protagonist Chihaya’s growth and maturation as a character. Although fans lost hope in Taichi’s romantic development during the series, the manga reveals subtle progress.
Chihaya transitions from a carefree “karuta baka”to a capable leader, showcasing increased awareness of her life beyond the game. Even in Taichi’s absence, his influence remains felt, particularly during a poignant scene at the Omi Jingu shrine that evokes her feelings for him.
6) Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable!
The conclusion of Hokkaido Gals Are Super Adorable! resonates deeply with its audience, offering a fulfilling end to the series.
It encapsulates a mix of nostalgia and contentment that provides closure, surpassing many other manga endings and leaving readers both satisfied and reminiscent.
5) Fire Force
The ending of Fire Force masterfully ties together various narrative threads and provides further depth to the universe of Soul Eater.
Character connections across both series, such as Inca and the interplay between witches and heroes, enrich the lore significantly, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
4) Tomodachi Game
The ending of Tomodachi Game presents a complex and thought-provoking conclusion that delves into themes of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. The revelation that Yuichi’s father, Masakazu Shibe, manipulated the game highlights the profound consequences of past actions on relationships.
Yuichi’s descent into heinous actions toward Yuka underscores the extremes individuals may go for fleeting moments of respite from disillusionment. The ultimate resolution reinforces the value of true friendship over material wealth.
3) Golden Kamuy
The finale of Golden Kamuy encapsulates themes of survival, loyalty, and leadership. As Sugimoto and Asirpa navigate chaos, the climax effectively explores themes of legacy and redemption.
The reunion between Sugimoto and Asirpa, decorated with remembered moments and gestures of goodwill, underscores their enduring bond amid adversity.
2) Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer culminates in a beautifully orchestrated finale that ties together Tanjiro’s journey and overarching themes of family and sacrifice. Following Muzan’s defeat, the series adeptly addresses loose ends, providing closure and reflecting on character growth and the sacrifices made along the way.
Tanjiro’s healing symbolizes hope, as the disbanding of the Demon Slayer Corps carries a bittersweet victory that honors the weight of their losses while welcoming a new generation: a poignant tribute to the characters’ legacies.
1) Haikyuu!!
The conclusion of Haikyuu!! captures the essence of growth, camaraderie, and the spirit of volleyball. A time skip illustrates how characters have matured, with Hinata embarking on beach volleyball training in Brazil, setting the stage for a future challenge against Kageyama in the professional league.
Ultimately, the series conveys that sports is more about the love for the game than merely winning. Thus, Haikyuu!! concludes on a high note, securing a cherished place in the hearts of fans.
Final Thoughts
The manga endings of the 2020s have produced a varied range of reactions, with some series achieving satisfying conclusions while others left fans wanting more. Titles like Haikyuu!! and Demon Slayer provided exemplary conclusions that resonated with audiences.
On the other hand, manga such as Jujutsu Kaisen and My Hero Academia left fans reeling from rushed conclusions and unaddressed arcs. These divergent fan reactions underscore the importance of well-resolved character arcs and narrative closures, where the quality of endings can greatly enhance or detract from the overall story.
- 10 Anime and Manga Endings That Fumbled Their Conclusion
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