5 Anime That Initially Seem Very Promising but Eventually Become Disappointing

Kapanlagi.com - Watching anime with great initial episodes feels like falling in love at first sight. The animation is intentional, the concept is fresh, the characters click immediately, and the opening gives you chills. At that point, you start to believe, 'For sure, this is going to be a legendary anime.'

But unfortunately, not all anime can maintain their quality until the end. Some start to lose focus, the story expands in all directions, or even completely collapses. Here are 5 anime that have a super strong start but become disappointing as they progress..

1. Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo Ghoul immediately grabs attention with its dark world between humans and ghouls. Kaneki's transformation from a naive boy to a half-monster feels tragic and emotional. Its first season is solid in discussing identity, morality, and survival.

Problems arise in Tokyo Ghoul √A. The story starts to deviate significantly from the manga, many plots feel jumpy, and character development becomes unclear. Kaneki's arc, which should have been the most emotional, instead feels directionless.

2. Sword Art Online

Anime poster Sword Art Online (Credit: IMDB)

The Aincrad arc in Sword Art Online is very strong. The concept of being trapped in a VR game with life-or-death stakes creates immediate tension. Kirito as a solo player feels cool, and his relationship with Asuna develops sweetly.

Once Aincrad ends, the quality drops. The Fairy Dance arc feels weaker, the antagonist is too cartoonish, and Asuna, who was previously a badass, becomes a damsel in distress. The following seasons often feel like they are repeating old ideas without the same emotional impact.

3. The Promised Neverland

Anime poster The Promised Neverland (Credit: IMDB)

The first season of The Promised Neverland is nearly perfect. The tension, big twists, and strategic duels between the children and Isabella truly keep you on the edge of your seat.

Unfortunately, the second season feels like a rush to the finish line without brakes. Many important arcs are skipped, the pacing is super fast, and the climax is resolved through a slideshow. It feels like a golden opportunity wasted.

4. One Punch Man

One Punch Man anime poster (Credit: IMDB)

The first season of One Punch Man is the definition of an anime that explodes right away. The concept of an overpowered hero wrapped in clever comedy and top-notch animation makes each episode feel special. Saitama becomes an instant icon.

The problem lies in the second season. The animation quality drops quite drastically, the story pacing is less tight, and the hype that once made this anime feel 'different' starts to fade. It's still fun, but clearly not as wow as the first season.

And the climax is in the third season, which is currently airing. The animation quality has become completely unsalvageable. Various criticisms have come from fans, and even the rating for One Punch Man Season 3 on IMDB is really bad!

5. Darling in the Franxx

Darling in the Franxx anime poster (Credit: IMDB)

Darling in the Franxx is a classic example of an anime with incredible potential at the beginning. The story of children raised to fight, emotional conflicts, and the Hiro-Zero Two relationship feels strong and touching.

However, towards the end, the story changes drastically. The alien VIRM plot appears suddenly, personal conflicts expand to a cosmic scale, and many initial themes feel abandoned. The ending leaves many viewers saying, 'Wait, how did it end up like this?'

So, according to KLovers, what anime started off well but eventually became not so great?

(kpl/jpg)