Every story has an ending, and they often leave a mark with conclusions that are tragic or lead to controversy. Notable examples include the manga series with endings like “The Hunger Games,” which has a bittersweet conclusion, and “The Mist,” known for its shocking ending.
Below are 7 manga series with particularly tragic endings:
7 – Jinrō Game
“Jinrō Jogo,” also known as “Wolf Game,” is a manga that scores 6.55/10 on MyAnimeList, written by Risadinha Akiguchi and illustrated by Koudon. The story consists of 3 volumes with 18 chapters.
The plot revolves around a group of teenagers who are captured and imprisoned in a secluded place, where they must participate in a dangerous game of deduction that can lead to death. The players are divided into “villagers” and “wolves,” with villagers needing to eliminate the wolves to win. However, the game includes a twist that adds a dark tone to the narrative.
Nishina and her love interest, Inoue, are the last two survivors. Nishina is forced to confront Inoue as the wolf and fight to survive. However, survival is only a temporary reprieve as both are drawn into a new game with a twist in “Jinrō Jogo: Beast Side.”
6 – Sun-Ken Rock
“Sun-Ken Rock” follows Ken, a high school student who impulsively travels to South Korea to pursue his love, Yumin. The manga is created by South Korean artist Boichi and begins with Ken learning to navigate the complexities of gang life and personal growth.
The story culminates in a fierce battle against the Rōnin Yakuza, led by Yumin’s father. The ending shifts dramatically, with Yumin’s fate resting in Ken’s hands, leading to a complex conclusion where Ken must rebuild his life while coping with the loss of his love.
5 – Girls Go Around
Initially presented as a typical school manga, “Girls Go Around” quickly delves into darker themes. The protagonist, Kyōsuke, discovers that his friends are trapped in a time loop, facing dire consequences due to their actions.
The situation escalates as Kyōsuke realizes the only way to escape the loop is through a tragic ending for himself. This revelation drives the story into a darker territory as Kyōsuke grapples with the implications of life and death.
4 – Meteor
<p“Meteor” narrates a survival story set after an apocalyptic event caused by celestial phenomena. The protagonist, Tomoko, and other survivors seek shelter and uncover grim truths about their situation.
The tragic ending unfolds as Tomoko struggles to save a child while facing the harsh realities of survival. The emotional weight of loss and the struggle for life resonate throughout the narrative.
3 – School Mermaid
This story begins with a magical premise: girls using spells to transform into mermaids during nighttime. However, the enchantment soon reveals darker undertones, as the characters confront harsh realities intertwined with their fantasies.
Yoshiko’s desire to harness her magical abilities leads to devastating consequences, shaping her into a mere pawn in a game of fate. The narrative darkens as the characters grapple with identity and the consequences of their desires.
2 – Shadow Star
“Shadow Star” starts as a lighthearted tale but quickly develops into a darker narrative filled with tragic character deaths. The shocking conclusion reveals the manipulation of life and death in a world where magic and reality collide.
The end leaves a lingering sense of despair as the characters confront the consequences of their actions and the haunting specter of fate.
1 – Platinum End
Following the success of “Death Note,” the duo Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata introduced “Platinum End.” The story centers around Mirai Kakehashi, a student who is rescued by a guardian angel named Nasse. He is not only given a second chance at life but also the power to decide humanity’s fate.
The ending of the manga is particularly poignant: humanity must confront its destiny while grappling with the moral implications of their choices. Ultimately, the narrative raises questions about existence and the potential for humanity to redeem itself amidst despair.
