Endings can transform a story into a masterpiece or a timeless classic that audiences treasure, or they can potentially diminish a story's impact. Anime and manga typically share the same trajectory, with the former faithfully adapting the source material. However, there are times when an anime crafts a conclusion that diverges from the manga.
The reasons for these changes vary, from production schedules needing a streamlined final act to the source material not yet reaching a conclusion, or studios intentionally aiming to expand the story in a new direction. Some of these decisions have become part of anime history for leaving behind a legacy that delivered unforgettable finales unique to the anime.
Dororo
Dororo follows Hyakkimaru, a young man whose body parts were sacrificed by his father to demons in exchange for peace, and Dororo, a spirited young orphan who becomes his companion. As Hyakkimaru fights to reclaim his missing pieces and regain his humanity, he faces a challenging moral conflict where regaining himself may endanger the people who benefited from his loss.
The manga by Osamu Tezuka, while groundbreaking for its time, ended rather abruptly due to premature cancellation. Hyakkimaru's journey was cut short, with several narrative threads left open. Dororo's personal arc had little closure, leaving readers with a sense of incompleteness following the rushed conclusion.
The 2019 anime, however, expanded upon Tezuka's foundation and offered the story room to breathe and resolve naturally. Hyakkimaru faces the moral consequences of his quest and confronts his father in an emotionally charged battle. At the same time, Dororo is given her own moment of growth with the series hinting at her vision for a better future.
K-On!
K-On! centers on a group of high school girls who form a band in their school's light music club called Ho-kago Tea Time. Yui, Mio, Ritsu, Tsumugi, and later Azusa fill their days with rehearsals, concerts, and lighthearted antics in this heartfelt, slice-of-life story about creativity, growing up, and friendship.
The manga by Kakifly captured the group's charm, but concluded without much fanfare. Its ending was restrained, reflecting the casual tone of the series, yet leaving behind a sense of abruptness. The anime, however, leaned into and expanded Kakifly's ideas in ways that resonated with fans, offering an unforgettable, heartfelt finale.
The anime's ending built upon the original story by transforming the lighthearted slice-of-life into something that felt genuinely moving. By focusing on graduation, music, and the bond between the characters, the series captured something meaningful that resonated with viewers in a way that the manga hadn't quite achieved.
Bunny Drop
Bunny Drop, also known as Usagi Drop, follows Daikichi, a 30-year-old bachelor who unexpectedly becomes guardian of his late grandfather's illegitimate six-year-old daughter, Rin. The series explores their bond and the unexpected yet heartwarming moments of parenthood. Bunny Drop is best known for capturing the small moments of daily life and its themes of family, responsibility, and personal growth.
The manga ended with a controversial time skip that many fans felt ruined the story. After the time skip, Rin is a teenager who realizes she has developed romantic feelings for Daikichi. He tells her that if her feelings don't change after graduation, he will consider pursuing a romantic relationship with her, having discovered that they are not biologically related.
The anime adaptation stops before the time skip that left readers feeling unsettled by the abrupt shift in focus, allowing the story to end on Daikichi and Rin's growth and their father-daughter relationship. By avoiding the manga's shift toward romanticism, the anime ensured that the story remained a touching and memorable exploration of family and responsibility.
Elfin Lied
Elfen Lied centers on Lucy, a Diclonius girl with deadly telekinetic powers in the form of invisible arms. After she escapes a secret research facility, she sustains an injury, leading to her developing a split personality between her ruthless self and Nyu, an innocent, childlike persona who is found by Kouta and Yuka.
The manga was still ongoing when the anime adaptation first debuted, resulting in an anime-only ending that aired before the source material's true conclusion. The manga tied up many plot threads in comparison to the anime; however, many fans felt that the manga's conclusion didn't fit the tone of the story, while the anime did.
The anime ends with an open-ended finale, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions while remaining true to the series' tone. Although the manga provided a more complete story, its ending split fans on whether it was the right direction for the story. The anime, however, aligned with the narrative and embraced the intense overarching themes.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho centers on Yusuke Urameshi, a teenage delinquent who died saving a child and is brought back to life as a Spirit Detective. Given this new task, Yusuke investigates supernatural crimes and fights against demons alongside his friends, Kuwabara, Kurama, and Hiei. The series is known for its high-stakes battles, humor, and heartfelt character development.
Many fans shared that the manga ending felt rushed, with a limited exploration of the emotional aftermath for the supporting cast and Yusuke. The resolution wrapped up major conflicts rather quickly, leaving certain moments feeling underdeveloped, whereas the anime expanded upon the story and characters, delivering a fuller and satisfying conclusion.
While the anime ending provides a stronger conclusion to the iconic series, longtime fans of Yoshihiro Togashi, who also created Hunter x Hunter, understand that his declining health played a significant role in how Yu Yu Hakusho concluded. Considering the demanding nature of being a mangaka and his health issues, the creator made the right decision to end the series.
Death Note
Death Note follows Light Yagami, a brilliant high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook called the Death Note, which allows anyone whose name is written in it to die. Driven by a desire to purge the world of criminals, Light takes on the identity of Kira and begins a high-stakes battle of wits against world-renowned detective L.
The series is best known for its exploration of morality, justice, and the corrupting influence of absolute power. Despite the anime adaptation remaining largely faithful, the difference between the manga finale and the anime finale is stark. In the manga, after L's successor corners Light, he falls apart and desperately begs Ryuk to kill everyone else.
In the end, however, Ryuk writes Light's name in his note, which leads to his rather undignified death. The anime, on the other hand, completely changes this. Rather than breaking down, Light openly admits he is Kira once he is cornered and attempts to take matters back into his own hands, controlling the situation.
When that fails, he escapes the warehouse only to die on some steps nearby after Ryuk writes his name in his Death Note. Many fans felt this conclusion better fit the series and Light's character. Along with its cinematic quality and symbolic approach to Light's downfall, the anime delivered a more substantial emotional impact.
Fullmetal Alchemist
Fullmetal Alchemist follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric as they search for the Philosopher's Stone to restore their bodies after a failed alchemical experiment involving human transmutation goes wrong. The original anime adaptation in 2003 diverged significantly from the source material due to its ongoing status, leading to greatly differing stories and finales.
In 2009, the anime received a faithful adaptation under the title Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, which is often cited as the best of the two. However, this doesn't mean that the 2003 adaptation falls short in any way. In fact, its story and finale delivered unforgettable moments and had a deeper exploration of the series' themes.
The 2003 anime had a darker tone, unique ideas, and added complexity to the characters. The finale of the series is bittersweet and aligns with the narrative and its themes in a way that makes it stand out and worth watching. Fans who have not yet seen or avoided the original Fullmetal Alchemist adaptation are missing out on a worthwhile story.
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Neon Genesis Evangelion centers on Shinji Ikari, a teenage pilot of a biomechanical weapon called an Evangelion. Tasked with defending humanity, Shinji stands against beings known as Angels in a post-cataclysmic world. The series is known for its exploration of loneliness, trauma, identity, existentialism, and connection.
Despite being an anime original, Neon Genesis Evangelion received a manga adaptation that altered the series' finale. While it expanded on certain plot points, the manga concluded with a far more traditional ending that many fans felt lacked the same depth as the anime's TV finale.
With an abstract approach, the anime ended on an introspective note where Shinji eventually realizes that his life is worth living. It focuses on self-acceptance and identity rather than wrapping the story up in a happy conclusion. By embracing this approach, the anime achieved a powerful finale that audiences will never forget.
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