Why do violent and dark anime end on a light note?

The industry of anime is notable for its ability to evolve and adapt to different audiences.

An interesting phenomenon observed in series such as ‘Naruto’, ‘Dragon Ball’ and ‘Knights of the Zodiac’ is the plot transition which were initially dark and violent to friendlier and lighter plots.

This pattern raises questions about the motivations behind these changes, whether they are driven by the search for a wider audience or by artistic choices made by creators.

Tonal shifts in anime

Examining ‘Naruto’ and its sequel ‘Boruto’, we notice significant changes in the tone and characterization of the characters. Gaara, for example, evolves from a merciless killer to a figure of peace and leadership.

This transformation suggests that a character’s strength lies not just in their capacity for violence, but in their ability to seek peace and love.

Orochimaru, previously a menacing presence, takes on a more softened role in ‘Boruto‘, despite remaining active and potentially significant in the plot.

‘Dragon Ball’ follows a similar path. From Goku’s first adventures to the Cell saga, the series displayed a tense and threatening atmosphere.

However, starting with the Majin Buu saga and, especially in ‘Dragon Ball Super’, the anime adopts a more colorful and cosmic tone, with apparently less terrible threats, despite their grandiose scales.

Despite this lightness of style, the anime promises to return with a denser plot in 2024, called ‘Dragon Ball: Daima‘. Check out the trailer:

Another anime that follows this style is ‘Yu Yu Hakusho’. This anime begins with the death of the protagonist, Yusuke Urameshi, and addresses themes such as the underworld and spiritual struggles.

However, as the series progresses, the narrative becomes a little lighter and focuses more on adventures and the character development.

These changes can be attributed to the need to cater to a wider spectrum of viewers, especially children, who make up a significant portion of the anime-consuming audience.

Lighter and more accessible content is strategic for reaching and maintaining the attention of this audience, which also consumes products related, such as toys and games.