A concerning trend is emerging in contemporary manga: a rush towards the ending. This phenomenon potentially sacrifices the narrative depth and intricate world-building that define the medium, leaving readers wanting more.

The Trend of Shortened Storylines

The conclusion of Chainsaw Man in March exemplified this issue, mirroring a disappointing pattern in new-generation manga. While undeniably popular, thanks to Tatsuki Fujimoto’s initial strong foundation, the series lost some momentum as it progressed.

This shortening of storylines may be an attempt to accelerate pacing compared to older shonen series. However, many titles may have overcorrected, and would likely benefit from finding a balance rather than rushing through crucial narrative points.

Impact on Narrative and Characters

Chainsaw Man’s finale introduced a timeline disruption that resonated with some characters but overlooked others. Many unanswered questions remained, suggesting the series could have benefited from a longer run to fully explore its potential.

Despite its 232 chapters, the extensive lore and popularity of Chainsaw Man hinted at the possibility of further development. Older hits like One Piece didn't feel the need to rush, and a slightly longer run could have addressed criticisms leveled at Chainsaw Man.

Fan reactions to the finale were largely disappointed, with many believing the series’ finer details could have been better addressed with more time. Some fans are even hoping for a sequel to resolve the narrative issues, but in its current form, the series feels incomplete.

Other Series Facing Similar Criticism

This issue isn’t isolated. Other popular new-generation manga exhibit the same rushed pacing, leaving readers unsatisfied. Jujutsu Kaisen, for example, ran for 271 chapters but left many narrative threads unresolved, despite successfully dealing with the primary threat.

Demon Slayer prompted similar discussions upon its conclusion. While the action was spectacular and the ending fitting, the world and character arcs felt underdeveloped, suggesting potential for further exploration had Koyoharu Gotouge chosen to continue.

Even shorter series, like Heavenly Delusion with 129 chapters, rushed through a brilliant concept, leading to disappointment among many readers.

The Importance of Pacing and Legacy

Correctly pacing a story and knowing when to end it are essential skills. However, many manga appear to be ending prematurely, damaging their finales and hindering their ability to achieve a legacy comparable to anime’s “Big Three.”

Focusing on speed over completeness is a mistake. There’s a need for more long-running series, especially when popular stories with significant world-building potential emerge. While faster pacing isn’t inherently negative, the rush to the finish line should be avoided.

Stories can be well-paced, thoroughly exploring all facets of their narrative and giving characters and their worlds the depth they deserve. Extending a manga beyond 300 chapters is acceptable if it allows for more comprehensive storytelling.

The author believes that newer series would have benefited from a slower pace to fully explore the depth of the story, even if that meant adding to the chapter count. While the action might be exciting and the plot twists might be intriguing, important pieces of the story are often left out to create a sense of urgency.

Ultimately, the current trend sacrifices the opportunity to truly explore characters, settings, and narratives, hindering the potential for a deeper, richer, and more memorable experience for the audience.