This has been the case with me for a bunch of really good series with bad endings. The first one I can think of besides this is Solo leveling where the journey is really good but it just doesn't end well.I still love Oshi no ko but... the ending is indeed is ass
What "trap of her mother" Aqua put on Ruby are you talking about? That they lie? I already type on how lies are essential to what OnK presented as entertainment industry, so I don't think it's that but I'm not sure what.One very formal phrase that only confirms that she enjoys working as an idol and that she motivates others does not change the fact that the death of her brother put her in the very trap of her mother that she tried so hard to avoid. And yes, Aqua dying after 150+ chapters of trying to get rid of his traumas and baggage from her past life literally shows that trauma and pain cannot be avoided, that they will catch up with you anyway. Even when Ruby gets some semblance of a happy ending, she is traumatized and gets it thanks to her brother's sacrifice.
Yes, traumas and pain exist, I don't think the manga ever denies that. Maybe there will be a time where Ruby breaks down and cry due to piling the stress up similar to Akane, or maybe the lie is she and people in general need to continue on despite their sadness because the world doesn't grind to a halt just because you're sad. The first step is getting back up. Doing your best to reach your goal is just a general way of life.And yes, Aqua dying after 150+ chapters of trying to get rid of his traumas and baggage from her past life literally shows that trauma and pain cannot be avoided, that they will catch up with you anyway. Even when Ruby gets some semblance of a happy ending, she is traumatized and gets it thanks to her brother's sacrifice.
That is a hilarious indicator of how sour this ending is.Last one time - shit's so ass
Please Aka, don't ever create anything again. You have no idea how to end your stories.
"Loses sensei once, becomes an emotional wreck, loses sensei a second time, moves on within a calendar year".
Edit: I LOVE how SHUEISHA is deleting comments in english section, that weren't positive or neutral about ending. Even the slightest negative feedback resulted in the comment being deleted - and in the first few minutes, several such comments (not vulgar) appeared and had 300+ likes. Comments like "this is not a bad end you drama queens" are even funnier when all the comments they were referring to have been deleted
I also have the same opinion like you, but here it's badly implemented. Most of the cast are given 2-3 panels of appearance, and fewer still have any narration on how they'll move on.I've said many, many times before, that I expected an ending where Aqua rests in peace because of his own choice. And for others to continue on with their lives despite the grief.
So, I got the ending I wanted. And I respect Aka a lot as a writer for choosing this ending.
However at the same time, I also understand how frustrating it has been for many of you. Some would expect a happy ending where Aqua and Ruby get to live their reincarnated life to the fullest. Some question the role of the Crow Girl. Some ask about the romantic development for Aqua, whether it will be Kana, Akane, or even Ruby. Et cetera.
I don't know if it's because I'm a bit older than many of you (26 years old this year) that I understand a bit more about the bittersweet and inconclusive part of life. But again, I'm really happy with the ending. I respect Aka as a writer for having the balls to choose this ending. And I understand how it frustrates many people.
It has been a good journey and one more finished story added to my shelves. Thank you for the read, Akasaka Aka-sensei and Yokoyari Mengo-sensei. I'm looking forward for your next works.
there were some hints of Gorou being a playboy prior to moving to a hospital in the middle of bum fuck nowhere though, iircAqua/Goro died a virgin.
L Story
I hated Solo Leveling when it quickly started becoming just another series with an OP protagonist. I forced myself to finish it just to end it for good or see if there's anything in the end.This has been the case with me for a bunch of really good series with bad endings. The first one I can think of besides this is Solo leveling where the journey is really good but it just doesn't end well.