Hajime Isayama, the creator of Attack on Titan, has been one of the most talked-about names in manga and anime over the past decade. His story about humanity’s struggle against towering Titans became a worldwide phenomenon, attracting millions of readers and viewers across the globe.
However, not everything about his journey has been celebrated. After the release of the manga’s final chapter in 2021, Isayama faced a wave of anger from some fans who disliked the way the series ended. That backlash grew so intense that both he and his editor received death threats from people who felt betrayed by the story’s conclusion.
The ending of Attack on Titan was controversial because it took a direction that many fans did not expect. Some wanted a clear-cut victory for the heroes, while others hoped for different character fates or explanations.
Instead, Isayama crafted an ending that was more complex and morally challenging, leaving readers divided. While many respected his choice to stay true to his vision, others accused him of ruining a beloved series. The criticism was not limited to words of disappointment.
Online harassment escalated into threats, with some fans targeting Isayama personally. His editor was also dragged into the controversy, as if he were equally responsible for the creative choices.
Despite this negativity, Isayama has also received overwhelming support from countless readers who believe that Attack on Titan was one of the most daring and powerful works of its generation. The series sparked deep discussions on freedom, morality, and the cycle of violence, showing that it was more than just an action story about humans fighting monsters. Even with the backlash, the cultural impact of Attack on Titan cannot be denied, and its influence continues to be felt around the world.
Attack on Titan Franchise (Credits: Hajime Isayama)
Attack on Titan Creator Hajime Isayama Faced Threats but Wins Global Impact Award
In recognition of its reach and significance, Attack on Titan will be honored with a Global Impact Award. This award acknowledges how the series shaped global pop culture and introduced powerful storytelling to international audiences.
For Isayama, this recognition is a form of redemption. After years of dealing with criticism and threats, he now sees his work celebrated on a global scale. The award highlights how far his creation has traveled, inspiring fans in every corner of the world, regardless of the debates about its ending.
What makes this moment especially moving is how Isayama himself has spoken about his struggles. At public appearances, he has admitted that he was nervous about fan reactions to the ending and even considered changing the story because of the pressure.
However, in the end, he chose to remain true to the narrative he envisioned, even if it meant facing anger. This honesty shows how difficult it can be for creators to balance their artistic vision with audience expectations. His experience is a reminder of how intense fan culture can become when stories touch people deeply.
The threats he received highlight a darker side of fandom, where passion can turn into hostility. Yet the Global Impact Award shows the brighter side, where creativity and storytelling are honored beyond criticism. For Isayama, the award may feel like a recognition not only of his talent but also of his perseverance. It sends a message that despite the storms of negativity, the heart of his story still resonates across cultures and languages.
From Backlash to Redemption: Isayama Honored Despite Controversial Manga Ending
Fans who love Attack on Titan continue to celebrate its characters, themes, and unforgettable moments. From Eren’s fierce drive for freedom to the shocking twists that defined the plot, the series created lasting memories.
Even those who disagreed with the ending cannot deny the emotional power the story carried for over a decade. With the anime adaptation now complete and the award ceremony ahead, it feels like a chapter of closure for Isayama. The journey that began in 2009 with the release of the first manga volume has reached its end, leaving behind both scars and triumphs.
Attack on Titan Franchise (Credits: Hajime Isayama)
In the end, Hajime Isayama’s story is not just about a manga but about the challenges of being a creator in a world where fan voices are louder than ever. The Global Impact Award shows that his work has risen above hate and will be remembered as one of the defining stories of modern anime and manga.
For him and his supporters, it feels like a moment of redemption, proving that even amid controversy and threats, the power of storytelling remains stronger.
Attack on Titan is set in a dystopian world where humanity lives behind massive walls to protect itself from giant humanoid creatures known as Titans, who devour humans seemingly without reason. The story begins when a colossal Titan breaches one of the walls, destroying protagonist Eren Yeager’s home and triggering a violent chain of events.
A recent ranking of controversial anime has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike, highlighting titles such as Death Note, K-On!, and Darling in the FranXX as surprising entries on the list.
These series, known for their popularity and critical acclaim, have also been associated with unexpected debates and polarizing opinions, reminding audiences that even beloved anime can provoke strong reactions. The ranking offers a look into how different shows have generated controversy for a variety of reasons, ranging from narrative choices to fan behavior.
Death Note is one of the most iconic anime in the world, praised for its psychological tension, clever writing, and moral dilemmas. The story follows Light Yagami, a student who gains the power to kill anyone by writing their name in a supernatural notebook, and the cat-and-mouse game with the detective known as L.
Despite its acclaim, Death Note has been at the center of controversies for years. Some viewers debate the ethical implications of the story, while others have criticized the character portrayals and the pacing of the later episodes.
Darling in the Franxx Franchise (Credits: Code:000)
Beyond the plot, the anime has been controversially discussed in schools and media, with reports of students imitating Light’s actions leading to warnings about its content. These discussions keep Death Note relevant in conversations about controversial anime, even decades after its release.
K-On! is a very different type of anime but still made it onto the list of shockers. The series is a lighthearted story about high school girls forming a music club, focusing on their friendships and daily lives. At first glance, it seems unlikely that a gentle, slice-of-life anime could be considered controversial.
However, the series has drawn debate over issues such as character design, target audience, and the perceived sexualization of younger characters. While many fans enjoy K-On! for its charm and heartwarming storytelling, critics argue that certain elements raise questions about appropriateness and representation. This contrast between perception and controversy illustrates how even seemingly innocent series can provoke unexpected debates.
Death Note, K-On!, Darling in the FranXX Named Among Most Controversial Anime
Darling in the FranXX, another entry on the list, is a science-fiction mecha anime that has generated controversy primarily due to its plot, themes, and character dynamics. The story, set in a dystopian future, explores human relationships, identity, and survival through the lens of young pilots controlling giant robots.
While the animation and emotional stakes have been praised, the series has been criticized for its handling of gender roles and romantic relationships. Many viewers felt that the development of certain characters was inconsistent, and the ending left some fans divided. This mix of admiration and criticism has made Darling in the FranXX a classic example of a series that sparks strong debate.
The inclusion of these titles in the controversy ranking highlights the wide range of reasons anime can provoke discussion. Controversy does not necessarily equate to poor quality; in many cases, it reflects passionate engagement from fans and critics who care deeply about the medium.
Different audiences react to story elements, character portrayals, and thematic choices in varying ways, and what one viewer finds thought-provoking or entertaining, another may view as problematic. Rankings like this remind fans that anime is a diverse medium with the power to inspire both admiration and debate.
Other shows on the list also demonstrate how fan culture contributes to controversy. Popular titles often develop intense fan communities, which can clash over interpretations of the story or preferences for certain characters.
Social media amplifies these discussions, making even small disagreements visible to a global audience. In some cases, fan behavior can influence how a series is perceived publicly, adding another layer to why a particular anime may be considered controversial.
Ranking of Shockingly Controversial Anime Sparks Debate Among Fans
The ranking has reignited conversations about how controversy shapes the legacy of an anime. Series like Death Note, K-On!, and Darling in the FranXX show that controversy can come from multiple sources: the content of the series, the cultural context, or the reactions of the fanbase itself.
These discussions often lead to deeper engagement with the series, as viewers analyze and debate what works, what doesn’t, and what the anime is trying to say. For some fans, controversy increases interest in a series, encouraging new viewers to watch it and form their own opinions.
The list of shockingly controversial anime highlights the complex ways that stories, characters, and fan culture intersect. Death Note remains a moral and psychological puzzle that invites debate, K-On! challenges perceptions of innocence and appropriateness, and Darling in the FranXX prompts discussion about themes and character development.
Death Note Franchise (Credits: Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata)
These series prove that anime can inspire strong emotions, thoughtful analysis, and spirited debates, confirming its status as a medium that goes beyond simple entertainment.
In the end, controversy in anime is not necessarily negative. It reflects engagement, passion, and diverse perspectives among viewers. Shows that spark debate often leave a lasting impression, ensuring that they remain part of the conversation long after their release.
Rankings like this serve as a reminder that anime continues to challenge expectations and provoke discussion, keeping fans engaged and invested in the stories they love.
A gifted student, Light Yagami, discovers the Death Note, a supernatural notebook dropped by the Shinigami Ryuk. Whoever’s name is written in it dies. Light seeks to purge the world of criminals and become a godlike figure, but his plans are challenged by the brilliant detective L, sparking an intense battle of wits, morality, and justice.
