As Oshi no Ko is approaching its final chapter, fans are in turmoil, dealing with a conclusion that has sparked widespread disappointment. They are in disbelief and devastated at the fact that the story, which started with such a unique theme, is concluding with an unresolved ending. This widespread disappointment has even fans to boycott Aka Akasaka’s next manga.
The catalyst for this fan reaction is the heart-wrenching climax, where protagonist Aqua Hoshino sacrifices himself to bring down the main antagonist, Hikaru Kamiki. This final twist, which was intended to be a moment of closure, left readers questioning whether creator Aka Akasaka abandoned Oshi no Ko‘s core themes and character arcs in favor of shock value.
In Oshi no Ko‘s most recent chapters, Aqua reached a critical point in his quest for revenge against Hikaru, the man who killed his mother. Aqua’s scheme, which emerged from his intense desire and guilt to keep Ruby safe, was presented as a well-thought-out attempt to totally eliminate Hikaru’s influence. However, this resolve took a dark turn in Chapter 164, when Aqua decided to end his own life in the process.
As the series moved toward its conclusion, fans were eagerly waiting for a conclusion where Aqua would face his inner demons and find a more redemptive path. However, his sacrifice not only eliminated any hope for his personal healing but also left fans feeling that his complex journey of self-discovery was cut short in favor of an abrupt end.
Moreover, many character arcs were either badly handled or left unsolved in the story’s rush to wrap up in Oshi no Ko. Characters like Mem-cho and Kana Arima, who had been crucial to the series, had their stories marginalized as the plot of Aqua’s retaliation took center stage. Even the depth and complexity of Aqua and Ruby’s relationship felt sidelined due to the focus on a rather straightforward, but unsatisfying, ending.
Although the themes of redemption, resilience, and the complex nature of revenge were fundamental to Oshi no Ko‘s storytelling, Aqua’s death undermined these themes, replacing them with a sense of despair and hopelessness. It’s not the death itself, but the way it unfolded, felt out of sync and rushed with the story’s original intention to explore the complex realities of fame.
The response from the Oshi no Ko fandom has been intense, with some trolling the hasty ending while other genuinely expressing their frustrations. The most extreme level of frustrations are seen in the way of how many fans even calling to boycott Aka Akasaka’s future project; a collab with the mangaka group Ajichika.
He fucking died and the series ended
— Chito (@BackupDegen) November 13, 2024
Aqua died killing his old man
— Nero the black🔞 (@GreatKingNero) November 12, 2024
Kanna had a break down
Ruby is basically just moving on with her life
Akasaka has a reputation for pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territories within the manga landscape. However, the ending of Oshi no Ko has raised questions about the consistency of his storytelling and his commitment to the series’ original themes.
The controversial conclusion of Oshi no Ko leaves a mixed legacy as it reaches its final chapter. Fans’ strong emotional attachment to the series and its characters is demonstrated by their uproar and dissatisfaction. It’s unclear if Akasaka’s future works will be greeted with the same excitement, but one thing is certain: Oshi no Ko has succeeded in making a lasting imprint along the way, generating both praise and criticism.
The series’ consistent depiction of complex personalities and willingness to confront difficult realities has enthralled viewers for a long time. Even though the ending has left many fans with a bitter taste, the story’s influence is still undeniable.
Oshi no Ko is currently available to read on MANGA Plus by Shueisha.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire