Manga Controversies of 2021: From Plagiarism to Shocking Endings

Explore the most talked-about manga controversies of 2021, including plagiarism accusations, character representation debates, and unexpected endings. From Cheat Slayer’s cancellation to My Hero Academia’s Mineta controversy, these controversies have left a lasting impact on the manga fandom.

Controversies in the World of Manga: A Recap of 2021

The world of manga experienced its fair share of controversies in 2021, with long-running stories coming to an end and new works igniting passionate debates from their very first chapter. These controversies can arise from how characters and plot points are handled, the addressing of real-life issues, or even directly from the content itself. Some of these controversies have divided fans and left a lasting impact on the manga fandom. Let’s delve into the most talked-about manga moments that had fans split straight down the middle.

Cheat Slayer: Crossing the Line

One manga that faced swift cancellation was Cheat Slayer: Killing the People Reincarnated into the Other World. Written by Homura Kawamoto, known for Kakegurui – Compulsive Gambler, the series aimed to satirize the popular isekai genre. However, it quickly came under fire for blatantly copying character designs from other manga and using them as villains. The magazine’s editors pulled the series from serialization due to potential legal repercussions and concerns about negatively depicting characters they didn’t own the rights to. Despite the potential for biting commentary on the isekai formula, Cheat Slayer’s controversy resulted in its cancellation, leading Kawamoto to issue a public apology.

My Hero Academia: Mineta’s Sexuality

In My Hero Academia’s chapter 321, Minoru Mineta, a character often criticized for his sexually harassing behavior towards female students, made a surprising revelation. While trying to convince the protagonist, Deku, to return to his friends, Mineta’s dialogue implied a romantic attraction towards Deku. This sparked intense debate among fans, with some seeing it as an opportunity for greater representation while others criticized the portrayal as falling into unfortunate stereotypes. The controversy surrounding Mineta’s sexuality ignited heated discussions across the internet, leaving fans divided on the matter.

Attack on Titan’s Ending

After a 12-year run, the Attack on Titan manga came to a close in 2021. However, the controversy surrounding its ending had nothing to do with its divisive themes or subtext. Instead, fans were dissatisfied with the unexpected turn of events, where the series protagonist, Eren Yeager, became a genocidal maniac. The final chapter depicted the aftermath of Eren’s devastating attack and showed the people of Paradis Island preparing for retaliation. Many fans compared the ending to the disappointment experienced with HBO’s Game of Thrones finale, and calls for a new ending emerged. Whether the anime adaptation will provide a more satisfying conclusion remains to be seen, but the manga’s ending will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion for years to come.

Look Back: Too Close to Home

Released on the second anniversary of the tragic arson attack on Kyoto Animation’s studios, Look Back by Tatsuki Fujimoto garnered critical acclaim. The one-shot tells the story of Ayumu Fujino, a young manga artist, and her reclusive friend Kyomoto. However, controversy arose due to a scene resembling the motive behind the Kyoto Animation arson attack. Mental health advocates expressed concerns that the manga might perpetuate discrimination against individuals with mental illnesses. As a result, the scene was censored in Japan, and the killer’s motive was altered. Despite the controversy, Look Back’s emotional storytelling resonated with readers.

Conclusion: Controversies Shaping the Manga Community

Controversies in the world of manga have the power to shape fandoms and leave a lasting impact. The controversies of 2021 ranged from plagiarism accusations in Cheat Slayer to debates over character representation in My Hero Academia. Attack on Titan’s ending and Look Back’s release date and content also stirred passionate discussions among fans. These controversies serve as reminders of the diverse perspectives and expectations within the manga community, fueling ongoing debates and shaping the future of the medium.