Introduction
Like any other form of storytelling, the endings of manga series can either leave everyone satisfied or become a source of disappointment and controversy. Just as movies have happy or dark conclusions, manga stories often culminate in either uplifting or grim and contentious endings. Some noteworthy examples of manga with dark conclusions include “The Hunger Games,” known for its bittersweet ending, and the famous “The Mist” with its shocking conclusion.
7 – Jinrō Game
“Jinrō Game,” also known as “Werewolf Game,” is a manga series with a rating of 6.55/10 on MyAnimeList. It is written by Risadinha Akiguchi and illustrated by Koudon, comprising 3 volumes and 18 chapters. The story revolves around a group of teenagers kidnapped and held in a mansion, forced to participate in a dangerous life-and-death deduction game. The game divides them into “citizens” and “werewolves,” with citizens tasked to execute werewolves for victory. However, the game takes a dark turn, making the story truly grim.
6 – Sun-Ken Rock
“Sun-Ken Rock” narrates the story of Ken, a high school delinquent who moves to Korea to pursue his love, Yumin. Created by South Korean manga artist Boichi, the narrative begins with romantic premises and evolves into a plot centered around gang conflicts. The climax involves a betrayal by Yumin, revealing her desire to control the Yakuza family led by her father. In a surprising twist, she throws Ken off a building, leading to his survival but losing his gang and love, forcing him to rebuild his life in the United States.
5 – Girls Go Around
Initially presented as a typical school manga, “Girls Go Around” quickly reveals its dark nature. The main character, Kyōsuke, discovers that his schoolmates are trapped in a time loop due to extreme regret. As the situation worsens, Kyōsuke realizes that the only clear solution to break the loop is a sad ending for himself. However, this only perpetuates the cycle, as her friend Chihiro feels guilty about her death, initiating an endless loop of regret and death.
4 – Meteor
“Meteor” unfolds a post-apocalyptic survival story following a meteor attack. The main character, Tomoko, and other survivors seek refuge and family, discovering that the event was manipulated to test a weapon. The tragic conclusion occurs when Tomoko tries to save a boy, and both are gravely injured, abandoned by a fellow survivor.
3 – School Mermaid
The story begins with a unique premise: girls using a magic book at night in school can summon mermaids. These seemingly harmless creatures can turn vicious and terrifying. The narrative takes a dark turn when Yoshiko realizes the true nature of the game, and her friend Haruko reveals selfish intentions, turning Yoshiko into an easy prey for future games.
2 – Shadow Star
“Shadow Star” starts as a typical magical girl story but quickly reveals a much darker nature. The tragic plot unfolds with the deaths of characters. The shocking ending discloses that the world is created by two dragons, Shīna and Mamiko, deciding to reset the world, turning their offspring into a new Adam and Eve.
1 – Platinum End
Following the success of “Death Note,” Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata present “Platinum End.” The story revolves around Mirai Kakehashi, a student saved by his guardian angel, Nasse. Nasse not only pledges to protect but also grants him special powers, as Mirai is one of 13 candidates chosen by different angels. The exceptionally dark conclusion emphasizes humanity’s need to control its destiny, leading to the destruction of not only humans but possibly the entire universe, leaving an ambiguous and ominous ending.
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