Diving into the Controversy: Unveiling the Truth Behind Darling in the Franxx's Criticism
Darling in the Franxx anime was highly anticipated, but some fans felt it lost momentum after a few episodes Many believe it had the potential to be even better if it had taken a different direction
The Darling in the Franxx anime was highly anticipated and praised as one of the standout anime releases of 2018. The show combined thrilling mecha action with emotionally charged romantic drama, garnering attention from fans and critics alike.
Regrettably, as the series progressed, it started to lose its initial appeal and received substantial criticism, mainly due to its controversial ending.
The outcome triggered substantial discourse and deliberation among viewers, sparking a more thorough analysis of the perceived flaws that contributed to the declining reputation of Darling in the Franxx.
Disclaimer: The perspectives conveyed in this article solely reflect subjective opinions from fans and the author.
Darling in the Franxx anime – A few episodes in and the series loses some of its earlier momentum
Japanese science fiction anime made in 2018 (Image via Trigger Studio)
At first, the series captured viewers' attention with its distinctive science-fiction elements, captivating mystery, and the profound interpersonal bonds among the main characters. Nonetheless, the enthusiasm for the series started waning after the initial 15 episodes.
The intense emotional turmoil between the protagonists, Hiro and Zero Two, reached its apex in episode 15, with the ensuing episodes failing to surpass this level of heartfelt profundity.
The repetitiveness of Hiro and Zero Two's separation and reunion storyline in the final episodes was a major turn-off for fans. Despite the initial display of gripping relationship dynamics, the subsequent lack of originality made the drama feel stale. Moreover, the developments in the relationships among the other characters were uninteresting or superficial, ultimately diminishing the overall impact.
The sudden introduction of aliens in the final episodes felt out of place and disconnected from the overarching themes of the series. While this plot twist may have been acceptable in action-oriented anime, it felt forced and left many viewers confused and unsatisfied with Darling in the Franxx.
Furthermore, the design of the ultimate mecha, Strelizia True Apus, was inconsistent with the realistic sci-fi setting, creating a disconnect from the intended genre of the series.
Fans of the anime believe that it would have been improved if it had followed a similar path
Lack of character development (Image via Trigger Studio)
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The inclusion of homage to other sci-fi anime like Gurren Lagann and Neon Genesis Evangelion was evident in Darling in the Franxx at first. However, as time went on, it became clear that these references lacked the intricate details and profound comprehension that made the original series so appealing to fans.
Relying solely on derivative references without introducing innovative concepts ultimately resulted in a feeling of dissatisfaction and a lack of originality.
The absence of significant character fatalities and the subsequent resurrections of Hiro and Zero Two went against the anticipated conventions of a serious science fiction series. This left viewers with a sense that the risks involved were insufficiently portrayed and that the opportunity for genuine sacrifice was underexplored.
This oversight undermined the overall impact and resulted in the climax feeling empty. Furthermore, the hurried but protracted conclusion, encompassing numerous years in only a handful of episodes, left viewers feeling detached from the narrative and the characters to whom they had become emotionally attached.
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It's fascinating how the manga version of Darling in the Franxx provided a significantly more gratifying ending. By concluding closer to the emotional climax of the series, the manga successfully presented a streamlined and cohesive narrative. Consequently, numerous fans are convinced that the anime would have been more impactful had it followed a similar trajectory.
Darling in the Franxx initially generated high anticipation among anime enthusiasts, but ultimately proved to be a disappointment for numerous viewers. The dwindling excitement, repetitious relationship conflicts, unbelievable plot twists, unoriginal references, deficiencies in character growth, and unsatisfying conclusions all collectively led to its reputation as an anime of subpar quality.
Nonetheless, for individuals who are still interested in delving into Darling in the Franxx, it is recommended to discontinue watching after episode 15 or alternatively explore the manga adaptation, which may offer a potentially more gratifying conclusion.
