Platinum End, one of the most highly anticipated anime of the latter half of 2021, had fans buzzing with excitement. With Tsugumi Ohba, the brilliant mind behind Death Note, at the helm, expectations were sky-high. But does Platinum End live up to its predecessor’s greatness? Let’s dive into an honest and refreshing review of both the anime and manga.

A Contextual Perspective

To truly understand Platinum End, we must consider the context in which it exists. Objectively speaking, Platinum End is not a terrible anime. However, it falls short when compared to the legendary status of Death Note and Bakuman. Due to the author’s past successes, viewers had set extremely high expectations, which the anime couldn’t quite meet. The shadow of previous masterpieces became its downfall.

The Anime: An Underwhelming Experience

Dull and Uninteresting Characters

One of the major drawbacks of Platinum End is its lackluster and unengaging cast of characters. While the main protagonist, Mirai, is meant to evoke sympathy and relatability, his portrayal lacks the charisma necessary to captivate viewers. Unlike Eren from Attack on Titan, Mirai fails to resonate with audiences, resulting in a lack of connection.

Another disappointment lies in the character of Saki, who, despite being a main character, fails to make any meaningful impact on the story. While earlier works by Ohba have been criticized for underdeveloped female characters, it’s disappointing to see this trend continue in Platinum End, especially in an era where greater representation is expected.

Questionable Storyline

The overall plot of Platinum End suffers from confusion and inconsistencies. Mirai’s motivations remain unclear, making it difficult for viewers to fully grasp his character arc. Similarly, the antagonist, Kanade Uryu or Metropoliman, lacks a compelling rationale for his actions. His convoluted schemes often come across as silly and detract from the seriousness of the story.

Furthermore, the constant need to force Mirai into participating in the battle royale becomes a repetitive plot device. The story feels contrived, relying on external forces to push the narrative forward. Audiences crave natural progression and coherent storytelling, which Platinum End lacks in certain aspects.

While the anime does improve as it progresses, the initial negative impression and flaws are enough to deter some viewers, preventing them from witnessing its later improvements.

The Manga: A Slightly Better Alternative

Platinum End’s manga offers a slightly improved experience compared to the anime. Though it retains the same fundamental issues, some scenes and nuances present in the manga add depth to the story. However, it is important to note that the problems plaguing Platinum End are deeply rooted in the manga itself. The anime’s handling of the source material is not solely to blame.

With a MyAnimeList rating of 6.87, the manga does not significantly outshine its animated counterpart. The systemic flaws remain, indicating that the differences are not as substantial as some might hope.

In conclusion, Platinum End is not a terrible anime or manga. However, it falls short of the greatness associated with Tsugumi Ohba’s previous works. High expectations and comparisons to past successes contribute to its underwhelming reception. While the manga offers small improvements, the shortcomings persist in both adaptations. As we eagerly await future endeavors from Tsugumi Ohba, let’s hope for a return to the brilliance that captivated audiences worldwide.

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