Endings of shonen manga often stir controversy and are frequently criticized, which has led to this becoming a common trope within the genre. Many theories have been proposed regarding this trend, with several fans pointing to the overwork of mangaka that results in rushed conclusions. Nevertheless, this issue has persisted as a consistent theme over recent decades.
On the flip side, some notable shonen manga have managed to deliver exceptional endings. A satisfactory conclusion involves wrapping up character arcs and plot points while providing a logical and fulfilling resolution that aligns with the story’s progression.
This article will delve into five shonen manga that feature memorable endings, alongside five that have gained notoriety among fans for their poor conclusions.
Disclaimer: This article includes spoilers for all series mentioned.
5 Shonen Manga With Outstanding Endings
1) Dragon Ball
Although the conclusion of Dragon Ball may evolve with the ongoing Super manga, it is still recognized as the official finale. The ending introduces Goku’s successor, Uub, while signifying that Goku’s own journey as a fighter is concluding. This resolution is fitting for Goku’s character, encapsulating the series’ enduring spirit of adventure.
Among battle shonen manga endings, it stands out as one of the most iconic in the genre, representing a logical and appropriate closure for Akira Toriyama’s legendary work and its significance in the medium.
2) Fullmetal Alchemist
This series showcases Edward Elric sacrificing his ability to perform alchemy for the greater good, resulting in The Truth rewarding him with his brother Alphonse’s old body. The climax, featuring the defeat of Father, unfolds in the final chapter alongside a brief time skip to conclude the main narrative. Additionally, Edward’s confession of love to Winry and their subsequent marriage, complete with two children, has garnered immense approval from the fandom.
The conclusion of Fullmetal Alchemist exemplifies that great shonen manga endings do not require intricate complexity or cynicism.
3) JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 3 – Stardust Crusaders
Stardust Crusaders stands as a compelling conclusion for the long-standing feud between the Joestars and Dio Brando. As one of the lengthiest arcs, it delivers an epic adventure against the formidable vampire, showcasing both triumphs and tribulations that resonate deeply with readers.
The conclusion features significant sacrifices from characters like Kakyoin, Avdol, and Iggy so that Jotaro can ultimately defeat Dio. Despite some critiques regarding Jotaro’s mastery of time stop, his climactic showdown with the antagonist is widely celebrated as one of the finest battles in shonen manga.
Furthermore, the emotional farewell in the epilogue, especially Polnareff’s goodbye to Jotaro and Joseph, effectively ties up all plot threads, marking the end of a saga that began with Jonathan Joestar.
4) Yu Yu Hakusho
Despite some rushed pacing in the Three Kings arc of Yu Yu Hakusho, the series finale delivers a fitting conclusion that brings Yusuke Urameshi’s character arc full circle. Yusuke opts to abandon the Demon Realm to reconnect with humanity, culminating in a touching reunion with Keiko at the beach.
This conclusion resonates deeply, as Yusuke had long grappled with his identity and finding his place in the world, ultimately choosing to embrace the human experience.
5) Slam Dunk
Slam Dunk is regarded as a classic in shonen manga, with the climactic match against Sannoh, the strongest high school basketball team, serving as an unforgettable finale. The narrative features substantial buildup and highlights for all characters involved, completing the protagonist Hanamichi Sakuragi’s character arc.
Sakuragi, who initially pursued basketball to impress his crush Haruko, transitions into a passionate player dedicated to the sport. His development shines during the match against Sannoh, as he supports his teammates despite his injuries, showcasing his evolution from a self-centered rookie to a key player.
Despite being eliminated in the next round, the Shohoku team’s legendary high-five, marking the transformation of rivalry into friendship, alongside Sakuragi’s character development, secures this ending as one of the best in shonen manga history.
5 Shonen Manga With Disappointing Endings
1) My Hero Academia
The ending of My Hero Academia has faced considerable backlash from fans. While the war arc was already polarizing, the primary concerns emerged in the concluding chapter, where author Kohei Horikoshi introduced an eight-year time skip.
In this finale, Izuku “Deku”Midoriya loses his One For All powers and takes on a teaching role. His portrayal as somewhat depressed, with diminished connections to his UA friends, left many perplexed. The situation escalated when All Might provides him with a special suit to regain his hero status, which felt inconsistent with his character development.
Consequently, this conclusion paints Deku as someone lacking self-worth outside of his hero persona, thereby solidifying this ending’s reputation as one of the most disappointing in recent shonen manga history.
2) Tokyo Revengers
Many fans argue that Tokyo Revengers features one of the worst endings in shonen manga. The motive behind this stems from author Ken Wakui’s decision to introduce a new storyline in the penultimate chapter, disrupting the narrative flow and forcing an unnatural happy ending.
The protagonists, Takemichi and Mikey, have the chance to travel back in time while retaining their memories, enabling them to rectify all previous conflicts and catastrophes. This resolution renders much of the story’s turmoil irrelevant, epitomizing a classic deus ex machina scenario that undermines the series’ integrity.
3) Bleach
The ending of Bleach presents a rush that leads to unaddressed plot points, such as Ryuken Ishida’s Silver Arrow, which ultimately defeats Yhwach without sufficient setup. Many agree that the elements indicating a strong conclusion existed; however, Tite Kubo’s health issues impacted the finale significantly.
Ichigo Kurosaki’s confrontation with Yhwach lacked a meaningful resolution, with unanswered questions lingering about the Soul King’s replacement. Additionally, debates arose regarding Ichigo’s romantic pairing with Orihime instead of Rukia, which, while subjective, exacerbated fan dissatisfaction.
The final arc also failed to delve into Yhwach’s motivations and character, leaving many elements vague. Notably, Kubo’s work on the anime adaptation of this arc indicates potential improvements that could redeem this conclusion.
4) Naruto
Naruto is often considered the template for disappointing shonen manga endings. While previous series had unsatisfactory conclusions, Naruto’s ending resonated widely due to its multitude of questionable creative choices. Common criticisms include the portrayal of Naruto as a chosen one, the arbitrary survival of Might Guy against Madara, and Neji’s death, which felt forced to propel the protagonist’s relationship with Hinata.
Lamentably, plot elements such as Obito Uchiha’s redemption arc and aspects related to Kaguya’s storyline have drawn widespread ire from fans. Additional complaints arose regarding forced relationships, like that of Sasuke and Sakura, and the manner of Madara’s defeat, contributing to growing frustration among the audience.
5) Jujutsu Kaisen
The recent ending of Jujutsu Kaisen has sparked considerable debate, as the last chapter, while not outright bad, encounters issues with character development. Although Ryomen Sukuna’s final moments stand out, many characters like Megumi Fushiguro are left underdeveloped, and Nobara Kugisaki’s resurrection appears trivialized.
Additionally, Uraume’s importance in the finale lacks sufficient background, while Kenjaku’s narrative is notably sidelined. Subplots involving external countries in the Culling Games and Tengen withholding information ultimately feel neglected.
The scant exploration of Sukuna’s backstory heightens the reader’s dissatisfaction, as this final chapter seemingly shifts his character into a different light. Overall, this conclusion, like others in the shonen genre, fails to fulfill multiple story arcs, which has diminished the series’ standing within the anime community.
Final Thoughts
There exist numerous shonen manga endings that have garnered both praise and criticism over the years, and the series discussed here exemplify some of the most notable examples. The ramifications of these conclusions are significant within the medium, further contributing to the ongoing discourse surrounding shonen manga conclusions.
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