Anime has the power to draw viewers into immersive worlds with intricate plots and well-developed characters. However, not all anime manage to conclude their stories satisfactorily. Some series build up immense excitement and engagement only to wrap up with sudden, often abrupt endings that leave fans bewildered and yearning for more.
These unforeseen conclusions can stem from a variety of factors, including production issues, source material constraints, or creative decisions.
This article delves into five notable anime that are famous for their sudden endings: The Promised Neverland, The God of High School, Soul Eater, Erased, and Wonder Egg Priority. Each of these series, despite their unique storytelling, share the commonality of leaving audiences with an unexpected sense of closure.
The Promised Neverland
Image Courtesy: The Promised Neverland- Official Website
The Promised Neverland began as a dark, thrilling tale of a group of orphans uncovering the sinister truth about their seemingly idyllic orphanage. Season one captivated viewers with its intense, strategic plot and emotional depth. However, the second season took a controversial turn. Instead of continuing the meticulous pacing and character development, the anime hurried through major arcs and plot points from the manga.
This rush resulted in a conclusion that felt abrupt and unsatisfying to many fans. The complex narrative threads and character arcs that had been painstakingly built were either hastily resolved or entirely omitted. The sudden ending left a lot of fans disappointed, yearning for the rich storytelling that initially drew them to the series.
The God of High School
Image Courtesy: The God Of High School- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account
The God of High School promised high-octane action and a diverse set of characters, each with unique fighting styles and backstories. The anime adaptation of the popular webtoon started strong, with spectacularly animated fight scenes and an intriguing tournament arc. However, as the series progressed, it became evident that the pacing was off. Major plot elements and character developments were crammed into the limited episode count, leading to an overwhelming amount of information and underdeveloped storylines.
By the time the final episode aired, the series had sped through crucial arcs, leaving viewers with an ending that felt abrupt and incomplete. This sudden conclusion did not do justice to the intricate world-building and character arcs that the source material offered.
Soul Eater
Image Courtesy: Soul Eater- IMDb
Soul Eater is an anime known for its stylish animation, unique characters, and a blend of dark themes with humour. The series follows students at the Death Weapon Meister Academy as they aim to create powerful weapons and combat evil souls. Despite its strong start and compelling narrative, the anime diverged from its manga counterpart about halfway through.
This divergence led to an original anime ending that many fans found unsatisfying. The final episodes felt rushed, with key plot points and character arcs resolved hastily. The sudden ending left much to be desired, especially since the manga continued with a more detailed and satisfying conclusion. Fans of the anime were left with a sense of what could have been had the series stayed true to its source material.
Erased
Image Courtesy: Erased- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account
Erased is a gripping thriller that combines elements of time travel and murder mystery. The story revolves around Satoru Fujinuma, who has the ability to travel back in time to prevent tragedies. The anime masterfully builds suspense and emotional depth as Satoru tries to save his classmates from a serial killer. However, the series' climax and conclusion felt rushed compared to the meticulous buildup.
Key plot resolutions were expedited, and some character motivations and backstories were not fully explored. The sudden ending left fans with mixed feelings; while the resolution was emotionally satisfying to some extent, the journey felt cut short. Many viewers wished for a more extended conclusion that would have allowed for deeper exploration of the story’s themes and characters.
Wonder Egg Priority
Image Courtesy: Wonder Egg Priority- Official X (formerly Twitter) Account
Wonder Egg Priority started as an intriguing, psychologically complex anime that tackled heavy themes like trauma, depression, and suicide through a fantastical lens. The series garnered praise for its bold storytelling and stunning animation.
However, as the series neared its end, production issues became apparent. The final episode, intended to wrap up the series, left numerous questions unanswered and plot lines unresolved. Additionally, a special episode released later aimed to tie up loose ends but failed to provide satisfactory closure. The sudden and disjointed ending left many fans confused and disappointed. Despite its potential and strong beginning, Wonder Egg Priority’s abrupt conclusion marred its overall reception and left viewers longing for a more cohesive ending.
The disappointment of a sudden ending in an anime can be profound, especially when the series has successfully engaged its audience through compelling storytelling and character development. The five anime discussed—The Promised Neverland, The God of High School, Soul Eater, Erased, and Wonder Egg Priority—serve as notable examples of how abrupt conclusions can impact the overall experience. While each of these series has its own unique strengths, the sudden endings have left lasting impressions on their fans, underscoring the importance of well-paced and thoughtfully crafted conclusions in storytelling.
