Oshi no Ko Finale Spoilers! Examining the Reasons Behind the Backlash

1. The Controversy Surrounding the Finale

The conclusion of Oshi no Ko, one of the most celebrated manga of recent years, has left fans divided. Known for its unique blend of fantasy and stark realism, the story captured the hearts of readers with its deep emotional resonance and incisive critique of the entertainment industry. Yet, the final chapter became a lightning rod for criticism, with many readers questioning whether it lived up to the narrative expectations built over the series’ run.

The story's final moments center on Aqua Hoshino, a reincarnated son seeking justice for his mother, the idol Ai Hoshino, who was tragically murdered. After a long and arduous journey filled with schemes and sacrifices, Aqua confronts the man responsible for his mother’s death, Hikaru Kamiki. In a dramatic and harrowing decision, Aqua ends both his life and Hikaru’s in a staged double suicide. This ultimate act of vengeance brought closure to one of the series’ primary conflicts, yet it also left fans grappling with an unanswered question: Was this the only way Aqua’s story could end?

The intense reaction to the finale reflects the profound emotional investment fans had in the series. While some readers viewed Aqua’s sacrifice as a powerful and fitting end, others criticized it as overly tragic and unnecessary. Social media platforms were inundated with debates, with fans dissecting every detail, from the thematic significance of Aqua’s actions to the narrative consequences of his death.

The Divisive Nature of Aqua's Sacrifice

Aqua’s decision to sacrifice himself was a bold narrative choice, but it was also one of the most controversial elements of the finale. On the one hand, it ties together several thematic threads: the cyclical nature of tragedy, the cost of revenge, and the burdens of living for others. For supporters of this conclusion, Aqua’s death symbolizes his ultimate redemption, as he takes responsibility for ending the chain of pain and violence that had defined his life.

However, many critics felt that this resolution was rushed and failed to explore alternative outcomes. Could Aqua have found a way to confront Hikaru without sacrificing himself? Was his death a necessary consequence, or could the story have delivered a more hopeful and redemptive ending? These questions linger in the minds of readers who felt that Aqua’s demise robbed the story of a chance to explore his character’s growth beyond revenge.

Furthermore, Aqua’s death has implications for the other characters in the series, particularly his sister Ruby and his close companions Kana and Akane. By choosing such a finality for Aqua’s arc, the story limits its ability to resolve the dynamics and relationships that had been carefully developed over the series. This decision has been both praised for its emotional weight and criticized for its narrative limitations, highlighting the complexity of crafting an impactful conclusion.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the finale reflects the delicate balance between delivering a satisfying resolution and staying true to the themes and tone of the story. Aqua’s sacrifice may be seen as a fitting end to his tragic journey, but it also raises broader questions about the cost of achieving closure in storytelling.

2. Ruby’s Abrupt Recovery and Return to Idol Activities

Ruby Hoshino’s journey throughout Oshi no Ko is one of emotional complexity and deep personal struggles. From the very beginning, her character was shaped by the trauma of losing her mother, Ai Hoshino, and the burden of reincarnation. Despite these challenges, Ruby pursued her dream of becoming an idol, inspired by her late mother’s legacy. However, the abruptness of her recovery and return to the idol stage in the series finale left many fans feeling disconnected from her transformation.

In the final chapters, Ruby is shown in a state of overwhelming grief following Aqua’s death. This reaction is both expected and emotionally resonant, as Aqua was not only her twin brother but also one of the few people who truly understood her struggles. However, instead of exploring the depth of Ruby’s grief and her journey toward healing, the narrative quickly shifts gears. In a sudden and largely unexplained decision, Ruby resolves to continue her idol career, leading to her triumphant performance at the Tokyo Dome with B-Komachi.
This sequence is presented in a montage-like format, glossing over the crucial emotional and psychological steps that would have made her recovery feel genuine and impactful.

Missed Opportunities in Ruby’s Arc

One of the most significant criticisms of Ruby’s arc is the lack of focus on her inner transformation. Fans had hoped to see a more detailed exploration of how she coped with her loss and rediscovered her motivation to pursue her dreams. For a series that excelled in portraying nuanced emotions, this sudden shift felt jarring and out of character for Ruby, whose struggles had been central to the narrative.

The Tokyo Dome concert, while visually and thematically significant, was undercut by the absence of a compelling build-up. Ruby’s decision to push forward and her ability to lead B-Komachi to success deserved more narrative attention. Readers were left wondering: What inspired Ruby to keep going? How did she overcome her grief and find strength in herself? By skipping over these critical moments, the story missed an opportunity to provide a truly cathartic resolution to Ruby’s character arc.

Despite these shortcomings, some fans interpret Ruby’s abrupt recovery as a reflection of the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. In this interpretation, her decision to move forward symbolizes the resilience required to survive in a field that often prioritizes public appearances over personal well-being. However, this perspective does little to satisfy readers who felt emotionally disconnected from Ruby’s journey in the finale.

3. Lack of a Satisfying Resolution for Major Characters

One of the most debated aspects of the Oshi no Ko finale is how it handled the fates of its key characters. Throughout the series, figures like Kana Arima, Akane Kurokawa, and Ruby Hoshino had compelling arcs filled with growth, challenges, and emotional stakes. However, the final chapter’s rushed approach to their resolutions left many fans with a sense of incompletion.
The absence of definitive conclusions, especially for characters whose development had been central to the story, sparked significant criticism.

Kana Arima, one of the most beloved characters in the series, is shown to continue her successful career in the entertainment industry. While her talent and ambition are consistent with her character, her romantic tension with Aqua remains unresolved. Fans had eagerly anticipated closure on their relationship, only to find that Aqua’s death rendered their story unfinished.
Similarly, Akane Kurokawa, a character whose intelligence and determination played a critical role in exposing Hikaru Kamiki, is left to pursue her career. Yet, there is no exploration of how she processes Aqua’s death or her feelings about their bond.

The Emotional Impact on Ruby

Ruby, as Aqua’s twin sister, carries the heaviest emotional burden after his death. While she achieves professional success with B-Komachi, her triumph is overshadowed by the personal loss she endures. Readers are left to speculate about how Ruby will reconcile her grief with her newfound success.
This lack of emotional resolution for Ruby, a central figure in the series, underscores the broader critique of the finale’s handling of its characters: their personal struggles are left incomplete, and their futures remain uncertain.

Despite these critiques, some fans argue that the lack of definitive resolutions reflects the series’ realistic approach to life and the entertainment industry. In reality, not all stories have happy endings, and the characters’ unresolved struggles mirror the complexities of human emotions and relationships. However, for many readers, this interpretation does little to mitigate the disappointment of seeing beloved characters left adrift without closure.

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