All stories have to end at some point, even those that seem to continue forever. Although works such as “Berserk” and “Highschool of the Dead” reached precipitated conclusions due to the death of their authors, other sleeves did get their appropriate endings and a ranking of them became a trend recently.
In the ranking, published by a means of Westthe ten best final arches were listed in the history of manga seinen (that is, sleeves that are destined for older adults). Of course, these types of listings are completely subjective and the reader may not agree with the selection, but precisely for that there is the comments section.
In fact, even among the Japanese themselves the list generated an interesting debate. It is worth noting that this article includes spoilers of the different sleeves listed, so if any title of your interest appears here, have a little common sense and do not read it!
Delicous in Dungeon: A bittersweet ending for a culinary adventure
Created by Ryoko Kui and composed of 14 volumes and 102 chapters, “Delicious in Dungeon” mixes duct exploration and cooking with a bittersweet outcome. Laios, the protagonist, manages to save his sister Falin and becomes the ruler of the lost golden kingdom. However, the winged lion curse condemns him to perpetual hunger that only monsters can satisfy. An end that reinforces the culinary theme of manga, leaving a reflection on personal sacrifices.
Akumetsu: Revenge does not always change the system
Yoshiaki Tabata and Yuki Yugo (18 volumes, 162 chapters) deals with Shou, a young man who, through a cloning machine, creates an army to eliminate the corrupt from Japanese society. However, its crusade ends in tragedy when all Akumetsus perish in a war against Yakuza and the clone machine is destroyed. Despite its struggle, the system remains, leaving a raw lesson about the nature of power.
Sanctuary: A dream achieved with a high price
Created by Buronson and Ryoichi Ikegami (12 volumes, 108 chapters), “Sanctuary” follows Akira Hojo and Chiaki Asami, two survivors of the extermination fields in Cambodia that seek to change Japan. While Asami becomes prime minister, Hojo unifies the Yakuza under his command. However, Asami dies of a terminal disease, leaving Hojo with the feeling that his victory is empty without his friend.
Spirit Circle: Accept life and death
Of Satoshi Mizukami (6 volumes, 45 chapters), “Spirit Circle” addresses reincarnation and karma. Futa, the protagonist, discovers that his enemy Koko seeks revenge for a conflict that dates back to his past lives. However, he manages to break the hate cycle by helping his past version, fortune, to accept death, closing history with a message of reconciliation and valuation of life.
Golden Kamuy: A insured legacy
The Manga of Satoru Noda (31 volumes, 314 chapters) leads us to the search for Ainu gold by Saichi Sugimoto and Asirpa. In the climax, the antagonist, Tsurumi, dies after a confrontation in a flame train, while Sugimoto survives and uses gold to help Ainu. In an act of loyalty, he also fulfills the promise to his late Toraji friend, ensuring a satisfactory and emotional closure.
Onanie Master Kurosawa: the redemption of a misfit
This manga of Katsura ise and Takuma Yokota (4 volumes, 31 chapters) follows Kurosawa, a young misanthrope that uses a questionable method of “justice” to punish the stalkers. Eventually, he recognizes his mistakes, confesses his crimes and seeks to redeem himself, achieving an unexpectedly optimistic ending for a story with a dark start.
Oyasumi Punpun: Learn to move on
Inio Asano gives us a heartbreaking story in “Oyasumi Punpun” (13 volumes, 147 chapters). Punpun, the protagonist, lives a life marked by trauma and hopelessness. After the death of his girlfriend Aiko, he tries to commit suicide but is rescued. Years later, he accepts his past and continues, in an ambiguous closure that reflects the complexity of life and duel.
Maison Ikkoku: A love that overcomes sadness
The classic work of Rumiko Takahashi (15 volumes, 162 chapters) presents us to Yusaku and Kyoko, who finally exceed the obstacles of their relationship. Kyoko, who still cries the loss of her husband, confesses her feelings and forms a family with Yusaku, leaving a message of hope and renewal.
Lone Wolf & Cub: A legacy of revenge
Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima (28 volumes, 142 chapters) narrate the story of Ogami Itto and his son Daigoro in a path of revenge. In the final confrontation, Ogami dies at the hands of retsudo, but Daigoro ends the fight. With his consummated revenge, the child is left alone, closing the story with a mixture of triumph and tragedy.
Monster: Breaking the nihilism cycle
Naoki Urasawa (18 volumes, 162 chapters) offers us in “Monster” a psychological thriller where Dr. Tenma faces Johan Liebert, a murderer with a “perfect suicide” plan. However, Tenma refuses to end his life and save him once more. Although Johan disappears, the message is clear: there are those who choose good, even when it is easier to surrender to darkness.
Fountain: Yaraon!
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