Buzz
As 2021 concludes for anime fans worldwide, among the blockbusters, these 5 names, though eagerly awaited, failed to live up to expectations.
In 2021, many outstanding anime made their debut. Unfortunately, not all works met audience expectations. Let's review the 5 most disappointing anime of 2021. These may not necessarily be the worst anime of 2021; some were decent but disappointed due to not living up to their reputation, potential from the original story, and especially the pre-existing brand!
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Train Arc
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Mugen Train Arc is a truly captivating story, but it received a low rating in Japan. To be precise, episode 5 was rated 5.7/10. For such a renowned series, it's disappointing.
So, why was this masterpiece considered unsuccessful in 2021? It's not due to the quality; the new installment is as intriguing as the rest of the series. The issue is another highly successful film - Demon Slayer: Mugen Train - with a similar plot that set a high standard. Fortunately, Kimetsu no Yaiba: Entertainment District Arc has premiered. Hopefully, it lives up to fans' expectations. Currently, after one episode, Kimetsu no Yaiba: Entertainment District Arc holds the second position in the anime rankings.
The Way of the Househusband
The Way of the Househusband is a Netflix original series with exceptional quality. In fact, its storyline had many viewers anticipating it as a standout in 2021. The story follows a former yakuza member abandoning his criminal path to become a devoted husband, yet not leaving behind his underworld persona. Kenjiro Tsuda's portrayal is perfect.
This anime adaptation, based on that premise, adopts a humorous style, intentionally aligning with the original manga more closely. While some may appreciate the narrative despite its lack of animation, many are deeply disappointed with the scenes and production approach of this anime.
Record of Ragnarok
Sometimes, downright poor animation can ruin an entire anime, and that's precisely what happened with Record of Ragnarok. The premise is fascinating: all the gods worldwide convene to decide the fate of humanity, opting for its destruction. To save humanity from extinction, 13 human warriors must face off against 13 gods in a grand tournament.
This narrative demands exceptional animation, given the abundance of intense battle scenes. The series' appeal lies mostly in these epic clashes. Unfortunately, the production studio of Record of Ragnarok fell short, leaving much to be desired.
Platinum End
Platinum End is currently airing, yet it fails to capture much audience interest. Adapted from the manga by Takeshi Obata and Tsugumi Ohba, the artist and writer duo behind Death Note, expectations were high. However, so far, Platinum End has been a major letdown in the fall 2021 anime season. The series revolves around a young man trying to take his own life, only to be saved by an angel and thrust into a survival game where the victor becomes God.
In some aspects, the story brings an intriguing contrast to the author's previous works. While Light Yagami was a relatively sheltered child who willingly gave up his life to become God, Mirai is desperately trying to cling to his humanity and morality through immense suffering, forced into the position of God. Unfortunately, all the potential of this anime has been mishandled by the production studio.
The Promised Neverland Season 2
The Promised Neverland is one of the most beloved anime series in history, so when its second season was announced, fans were eagerly anticipating it. Unfortunately, the second season is a major disappointment. The first issue is the removal of significant portions of the manga - the Goldy Pond arc has been completely omitted. While an anime doesn't have to strictly adhere to its source material, removing crucial parts without explanation and without meaningful replacements is a misguided step.
Here are the top 5 anime disappointments for audiences in 2021, with Kimetsu no Yaiba making a surprising appearance. Which series do you find most disappointing? Share your thoughts!
