Anime fans often experience disappointment when a series ends abruptly, leaves unanswered questions, or lacks a proper conclusion. Many anime adaptations fail to finish their source material, leading to unsatisfying endings or complete cliffhangers. In this article, we will analyze some notable unfinished anime and discuss how they should have ended based on their original storylines, themes, and character arcs.
1. Why Do Some Anime Remain Unfinished?
Before we dive into specific series, it's important to understand why some anime remain incomplete:
- Manga/LN Not Finished – If the source material is ongoing, anime adaptations may stop prematurely (e.g., No Game No Life).
- Low Sales or Popularity – If an anime fails commercially, studios often cancel further seasons (e.g., Deadman Wonderland).
- Production Issues – Animation studios sometimes face budget constraints or internal problems (e.g., Highschool of the Dead).
- Creative Decisions – Some anime studios create original endings, avoiding the original manga story (e.g., Claymore).
Now, let’s explore some unfinished anime and discuss how they should have ended.
2. Notable Unfinished Anime and Their Potential Endings
A. No Game No Life (2014) – The Ultimate Showdown Against Tet
Status: Only 12 episodes and 1 prequel movie. The story in the light novel is still ongoing.
What Happened in the Anime?
The anime ended with Sora and Shiro (Blank) defeating the Eastern Federation and forming an alliance with the werebeasts. However, their ultimate goal was to challenge Tet, the One True God, in a final game.
How It Should Have Ended?
- The anime should have adapted more of the light novel, leading to the final game against Tet.
- Sora and Shiro should prove their superiority in strategy, ultimately earning the right to challenge Tet in the ultimate game.
- In a climactic final match, Blank would outsmart Tet using their superior intellect, proving that humans can surpass gods.
- Instead of a typical "final battle," the anime should emphasize logic, mind games, and strategy, staying true to its original theme.
- After winning, Sora and Shiro would rewrite the rules of Disboard, bringing equality and fairness to all races while still keeping the spirit of games alive.
B. Highschool of the Dead (2010) – A Proper Zombie Apocalypse Resolution
Status: 12 episodes + 1 OVA. The manga was left unfinished due to the death of its creator, Daisuke Satō.
What Happened in the Anime?
The anime ended on a cliffhanger, with Takashi’s group surviving the initial zombie outbreak. They escape to an island, but the world is still in chaos.
How It Should Have Ended?
- The anime should adapt the remaining manga material while developing a new original ending since the manga was left incomplete.
- The group should find the source of the outbreak and discover whether a cure exists.
- A final confrontation with military factions trying to control the apocalypse could create a high-stakes climax.
- The story should have a bittersweet ending, where some characters sacrifice themselves to protect others, while the survivors find a safe haven.
- Instead of just action, the series should explore moral dilemmas: Should humanity be saved if society has already collapsed?
C. Deadman Wonderland (2011) – The True Fate of Ganta and the Prison System
Status: 12 episodes. The manga continued for several more volumes, covering major plot twists.
What Happened in the Anime?
Ganta remains trapped in Deadman Wonderland, a brutal prison where inmates fight to survive. The anime stopped before revealing key plot twists, including the true mastermind behind the prison and Ganta’s deeper connection to Shiro (The Wretched Egg).
How It Should Have Ended?
- The anime should adapt the full manga, revealing the secrets of the Deadman Wonderland prison.
- Ganta should confront Tsunenaga Tamaki, the corrupt prison director, and expose the government conspiracy behind the Carnival Corpse fights.
- The final battle between Ganta and Shiro (his childhood friend and the true villain) should be the emotional highlight.
- In the end, Shiro should be freed from her tortured existence, and the prison should be destroyed, ending the inhumane system.
- The series could conclude with Ganta either escaping or choosing to stay and rebuild society for other prisoners.
D. Claymore (2007) – The Real Conclusion of Clare’s Journey
Status: 26 episodes. The anime ended with an original conclusion, different from the manga.
What Happened in the Anime?
Clare, a half-human, half-demon warrior, fights against the Awakened Being Priscilla but the anime creates an anime-original ending, leaving the story incomplete.
How It Should Have Ended?
- The anime should have followed the manga, continuing Clare’s journey to uncover the secrets of the Organization.
- A final battle with Priscilla should showcase Clare reaching her true potential, surpassing even her mentor, Teresa.
- The Organization's true nature (experiments on humans) should be exposed, leading to a war against its rulers.
- The final moments should depict Clare defeating Priscilla but at a great cost, either losing her humanity or making a tragic sacrifice.
3. Conclusion: The Frustration of Unfinished Anime
Unfinished anime often leave fans with:
✔ Unanswered questions
✔ Cliffhangers with no resolution
✔ Abandoned storylines
Some anime, like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, successfully completed their story years later after the manga finished. However, many others remain in limbo, frustrating fans who never get closure.
Would you like a specific alternate ending for another unfinished anime? Let me know!
0 Comments