10 Shonen Anime Seasons: Hits and Misses
Delve into the highs and lows of shonen anime seasons as we uncover the most disappointing and surprisingly exceptional moments in this beloved genre Discover which seasons failed to meet expectations, and which ones left fans craving for more
Shonen anime fans often debate about the best and worst seasons of their favorite shows. The action-driven and often comedic storylines of shonen anime appeal to young male audiences, but not all seasons meet their expectations. Some fall short while others surpass them, creating a truly satisfying viewing experience.
In this article, we will analyze the top five disappointing shonen anime seasons as well as the top five seasons that exceeded expectations. We will delve into what made these seasons excellent or awful, as well as what they did well and wrong in terms of plot, animation, and characters. We will start by discussing the worst shonen anime seasons that failed to meet expectations.
5 worst shonen anime seasons that underdelivered
1) Bleach: Season 4
The antagonist of Bleach season 4 (Image via Studio Pierrot)
The Bleach anime chronicles the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki, a young man who transforms into a Soul Reaper and combats malevolent adversaries. Season 4 delves into the Bount arc from the manga. Spanning episodes 64 to 109, this season is widely considered one of the weakest in the show, mainly due to its unremarkable, clichéd villains who lack depth and originality.
This season's major plot is disjointed and has minimal impact on the overall story. Additionally, it clashes with the established backstory and rules of the series.
Lucy and Happy can be seen in the final series (Image via A-1 Pictures)
Fairy Tail gained popularity for its portrayal of magical guilds and mages with control over various elements. The series follows the adventures of Natsu Dragneel, a fire mage and member of the Fairy Tail guild.
The ninth and last season of the series, based on the Alvarez Empire manga arc spanning episodes 278 to 328, is widely considered one of the weakest shonen anime seasons. It is criticized for having an abundance of characters and poorly managed subplots. Additionally, the season heavily relies on narrative conveniences to progress the plot and features lackluster and inconsistent power scaling in some of the battles.
3) Dragon Ball GT: Season 1
Goku in his Super Saiyan 4 mode (Image via Toei Animation)
Following Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT follows Goku's adventures after he agrees to Emperor Pilaf's wish to turn him into a child. The initial season covers the storyline of the manga's Black Star Dragon Ball arc, spanning from episodes 1 to 22 and is considered one of the weakest seasons in the show's shonen anime.
This is largely due to the lack of unique and compelling worlds visited, leading to a sense of repetition and monotony. Furthermore, the infrequent use and explanation of the Black Star Dragon Balls result in a lack of urgency and danger throughout the season.
4) My Hero Academia: Season 5
Shigaraki's past as seen in season 5 (Image via Studio Bones)
My Hero Academia, currently one of the most popular shonen anime, follows the story of Izuku Midoriya, a young boy aspiring to become a superhero in a world where individuals possess superpowers called Quirks. The fifth season of the show adapts the manga's Joint Training, Meta Liberation Army, and Endeavour Agency arcs, spanning episodes 90 to 113. Unfortunately, this season is often criticized as being disorganized and confusing, as it introduces a large number of new characters and factions that are difficult to keep up with and invest in.
Furthermore, the show becomes tedious and loses its appeal due to an excessive focus on monologues and flashbacks, resulting in a sluggish pace and lack of excitement. Lastly, the season finale presents a resolution that lacks consequences or character development, ultimately leaving viewers feeling dissatisfied and underwhelmed.
Berserk 2016, also known as The Crow from season 1 (Image via LIDENFILMS), is a famous dark and gritty anime series that is a reboot of the original series released in 1997. The show centers around Guts, a mercenary who seeks vengeance against Griffith, his former best friend who betrayed him. The series follows the Conviction arc from the manga and is widely considered to be the worst shonen anime season of the series.
The season uses a low-quality CGI technique that ruins the look and feel of the series, making it visually unappealing and poorly animated. Additionally, important storylines and character development from the manga are either skipped or changed in the season, resulting in a disappointing and botched adaptation.
5 shonen anime seasons that exceeded expectations
1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood season 5
The characters from FMA: Brotherhood (Image via Bones)
The Brotherhood version of Fullmetal Alchemist is a replica of the original story, chronicling the adventures of Edward and Alphonse Elric, two alchemist brothers who attempt to revive their mother but tragically lose their own lives in the process.
The fifth and last season of the show, based on the manga's Promised Day arc, spans from episodes 50 to 64. It is widely considered one of the best shonen anime seasons of the entire series due to its epic and enthralling fights, which are among the most dramatic and magnificent in the entire series. Additionally, it reveals some of the series' mysteries and plot twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats, while bringing the series' ideas and character journeys to a satisfying conclusion, making it both moving and fulfilling.
2. Attack on Titan season 3 part 2
Titans as seen in season 3 (Image via Wit Studio)
Attack on Titan, a beloved shonen anime, depicts humanity's fight for survival on a planet teeming with Titans, giant humanoids that feed on people without discrimination. Season 3 Part 2 covers the Return to Shiganshina storyline from the manga and includes episodes 50 to 59.
This season is considered one of the best shonen anime seasons in the entire series, as it portrays the grim truths and detrimental impact of war and sacrifice. It also delves into the intense and emotional relationships between the main characters and their enemies, creating high tension and suspense.
This season is both breathtaking and enlightening, uncovering key mysteries and secrets that significantly transform the series. Furthermore, it boasts some of the series' most impressive animation and soundtrack.
3. Hunter x Hunter season 6
Gon Freecs from the anime (Image via Madhouse)
The renowned shonen anime Hunter x Hunter chronicles Gon Freecss' quest to become a Hunter, a prestigious profession involving global travel and varied responsibilities.
The sixth season, spanning episodes 76 to 136, adapts the manga's Chimera Ant arc and is widely celebrated as an exceptional installment that delves deeply into themes of ethics, identity, evolution, and humanity.
The season is filled with compelling character development and intense storytelling, as both the main characters and villains experience significant growth. Additionally, the season defies typical shonen anime tropes, offering surprising and subversive plotlines with powerful and memorable anime sequences that still stand out as some of the best in their time.
In the image above, Deku can be seen engaging in a fierce battle against the formidable All Might as depicted in the series by Bones.
My Hero Academia revolves around the story of Izuku Midoriya, a young aspirant who dreams of becoming a superhero in a world where the majority of individuals possess superpowers known as Quirks. Season 2 delves into the hero killer and U.A. sports festival arcs from the manga, spanning across episodes 14 to 38. This season offers a captivating and exhilarating experience, featuring some of the most unique and inventive battles in the series.
The season is also a source of inspiration as it showcases Midoriya and his friends' growth and determination in overcoming challenges to pursue their aspirations. Additionally, the season provides humor and entertainment by blending serious and lighthearted moments with witty dialogue and storylines.
The first time Tanjiro utilizes Hinokami Kagura (Image via Ufotable)
Demon Slayer made a global impact with its captivating visuals and compelling plot. The story revolves around Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who resolves to become a demon slayer to save his sister. The initial season encompasses the final selection, first mission, asakusa, drum House, and natagumo mountain arcs from the manga.
Episodes 1 to 26 of this season are often regarded as one of the best shonen anime seasons, surpassing expectations with its stunning animation and artwork that are considered to be visually magnificent and breathtaking.
Additionally, the season offers intense and dynamic battles, providing viewers with an action-packed and thrilling experience. The emotional and compelling storyline showcases Tanjiro and his friends' courageous and selfless efforts to rescue his sister Nezuko, evoking strong emotions from the audience.
Some shonen anime seasons can captivate and inspire viewers with their compelling storytelling, memorable characters, and stunning animation, while others may fall short with inconsistent quality and lackluster relevance, ultimately disappointing the audience.
These are just a few examples of the subjective nature of shonen anime seasons, as some exceed expectations while others fail to meet them.
Editor's P/S
As a shonen anime fan, I have experienced the highs and lows of various seasons. Some seasons have left me feeling disappointed and let down, while others have exceeded my expectations and left me craving for more. In this article, I will share my opinions and feelings on the top five disappointing and surprisingly exceptional shonen anime seasons.
Among the disappointing seasons, Bleach: Season 4, Fairy Tail: Season 9, and Dragon Ball GT: Season 1 stand out as the weakest in my opinion. Bleach: Season 4 suffers from unremarkable and cliched villains, a disjointed plot, and minimal impact on the overall story. Fairy Tail: Season 9 struggles with an abundance of characters, poorly managed subplots, and an over-reliance on narrative conveniences. Dragon Ball GT: Season 1 lacks unique and compelling worlds, resulting in repetition and monotony, and fails to effectively utilize the Black Star Dragon Balls.
On the other hand, seasons that exceeded my expectations include Attack on Titan: Season 3, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Season 2, and Jujutsu Kaisen: Season 1. Attack on Titan: Season 3 delivers an exhilarating and intense storyline, featuring epic battles, shocking revelations, and significant character development. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Season 2 continues the thrilling adventures of Tanjiro and his friends, showcasing stunning animation, heart-wrenching moments, and an engaging story. Jujutsu Kaisen: Season 1 introduces a captivating world of sorcery and祓い屋, with well-developed characters, a fast-paced plot, and stunning visuals.
In conclusion, as a shonen anime fan, I have experienced a range of emotions and opinions on different seasons. While some seasons have fallen short of expectations, others have surpassed them, leaving me eagerly anticipating future installments. The diversity and creativity of shonen anime ensure that there is something for everyone, and I am excited to see what the future holds for this beloved genre.
