In recent times, it has been observed how the public has welcomed anime with dark plots. One need only recall the impact that the first episode of Goblin Slayer had on the otaku community, to the point that the introduction of the series still remains in the collective memory because of how talked about it was at the time.
Another prominent example is Berserk, a mainstay when it comes to anime with a “grim plot”. Its influence is such that it continues to be praised by fans, and virtually everyone in the otaku community knows its name. With this in mind, what would some anime series be like if they had a darker plot? Would these manage to make an impact on the audience? We will talk about this below.
These anime would have a greater impact on audiences if they had a darker storyline
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sousou no Frieren)
There is no doubt that Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End managed to impress a large part of the otaku community. The work that the animation studio MADHOUSE has done with this series is something amazing, to the point of being, currently, the highest rated anime on the My Anime List portal.
Those who have watched the series know the story of Frieren and how he had to leave behind his traveling companions and the people he bonded with due to the nature of his species. Considering this characteristic of Frieren, further exploring her emotions in the face of losses of loved ones, such as could be the case of a hypothetical death of Fern, whom she raised from a young age, could create deeply meaningful moments for the audience. This would allow us to show how Frieren’s mental stability begins to falter, providing a shocking and somber scene for the weight of living thousands and thousands of years.
Oshi no Ko (Spoilers)
It would be unfair to say that the anime adaptation of Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari’s manga, Oshi no Ko, failed to make an impact on the public. We all remember that first hour-long episode that introduced us to Ai Hoshino, who at first seemed to be the central protagonist of the series: a famous idol who captivated and enamored the Japanese public.
However, due to certain events that occur in the story, Ai Hoshino is killed, as mentioned in the series, by a fan, which transfers the spotlight to her children, Aquamarine Hoshino and Ruby Hoshino. Given this grim introduction, many expected the anime to follow that line, delving into the dark side of the idol world. However, throughout the series we have seen that, although the beginning of the idols’ journey is addressed by showing how Ruby and Kana Arima star in music commercials, the world within the world of show business was not addressed, so that “impact” that the first episode had was not repeated.
Classroom of the Elite (Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e)
The anime Classroom of the Elite presents an interesting premise: students divided into classes according to their academic abilities, in a competitive environment where they seek to rise through the ranks to obtain benefits. Elements such as the struggle to reach “Class A” at any cost and the eccentric personality of some characters could give the series a darker approach.
The protagonist, Kiyotaka Ayanokouji, stands out for his mysterious past, his calculating and manipulative personality, and his combat skills. If the series were to abandon romance and harem, it could tap its potential to explore a darker tone, in keeping with the emotional coldness of its protagonist and the competitive undercurrent of the plot.
SPY x FAMILY
The anime SPY x FAMILY combines comedy with an unusual setting: a war between the neighboring countries Ostania and Westalis. In this context, the spy Loid/Twilight, in charge of a mission that requires starting a family, teams up with Anya, a girl who can read minds, and Yor Briar, an assassin for hire, to create the “Forger Family”.
Although the series focuses on humor, it also includes moments of action linked to Yor and Loid’s secret occupations. The wartime setting could be leveraged to explore a more somber tone, adding some emotional impact to the viewer. After all, being in the middle of a war is an experience no one would want to go through.
Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead (Zom 100: Zombie ni Naru made ni Shitai 100 no Koto )
Although the zombie apocalypse setting in Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead is lightened by the reaction of the protagonist, Akira Tendo, a darker approach could be explored, similar to that of Highschool of the Dead, which also takes place in a zombie apocalypse context. However, Zom 100 opts for a lighter tone, evidenced in how Akira celebrates this event as he feels liberated from his oppressive job.
This leaves open the question of how the story would unfold with a more serious and somber approach, and how Akira, Shizuka, Kenichirou, Beatriz and the rest would manage to survive in this apocalyptic world.
My Hero Academia (Boku no Hero Academia)
There is no doubt that My Hero Academia is one of the most popular anime of recent years. The series has transcended the otaku community and has managed to captivate casual audiences, who were drawn to the story of Izuku Midoriya and his path to becoming Hero No. 1.
However, fans have pointed out the idea that the series could take on a “darker” tone. Elements such as the ideals of Tomura Shigaraki, the main villain, with his twisted, malevolent and complex personality, have long captured the public’s attention for how these could play out in the story. This opens the door for some truly shocking moments, something that has begun to be explored further in season seven, with standout events such as the “death” of Bakugou.
One thing to mention is that this list is not to say that the anime highlighted need a darker approach to be better. The main idea is to highlight anime that if they had a darker approach could make a stronger impact on the audience.
That said, what other anime do you think that if they had a more serious or darker approach would make a stronger impact on the audience? Leave us your opinion in the comments.