Seinen anime are hardly considered acceptable content, so it's not surprising that they receive harsh criticism from fans. While the reason for disapproval ranges depending on the show, most times the anime is simply too bleak and disjointed. Known for having especially dark themes, seinen sometimes drifts so far into the realm of hopelessness that viewers cannot keep watching.
Signing up for a seinen anime means being ready for anything, no matter how dark or weird. It's fine to nitpick over an animation style or the many differences between a manga and anime adaptation, but condemning a show altogether is extreme. As a result, horrible reputations precede seinen animes, even when they deserve more credit.
10 CGI Animation Style Is Not For Everyone
Land Of The Lustrous
Land of the Lustrous focuses on immortal beings made of gemstones and the Lunarians who hunt them for parts. Looking in on a world of crystal characters is unique and fun for a seinen anime, but the most distinctive quality of the series is its CGI animation style. While 3D animation is becoming more popular in anime, some fans dread seeing the departure from the classic drawing style.
Since the major complaint among fans is based on animation style, it's hard to determine whether the anime deserves criticism or not. Regardless of its bad reputation, Land of the Lustrous has the kind of dazzling fantasy world that everyone should see once.
9 A Black Lead Is Rare To See
Yasuke
Based on the historical account of an African warrior, Yasuke highlights the important narrative of a Black man who lives in feudal Japan. Yasuke is a legend who tries to go unnoticed by villagers, despite his clear samurai background. The hero takes on Yami no Daimyo, the demon ruler who is boldly conquering the land.
Not only is Yasuke anime action-packed and intriguing, but also a powerful form of Black representation. The rarity of seeing Black leads in anime creates a vacuum for hesitant fans. There is no reason to miss out on watching Yasuke, and the seinen anime deserves more than vague skepticism.
8 No One Is Prepared For The Violence
Goblin Slayer
The first episode of Goblin Slayer is the main source of controversy for the anime. Introducing sexual violence as a starting point is risky and off-putting, especially when fans have no idea what to expect. The sheer quantity of destructive goblins is what makes them near impossible to kill, but the experienced Goblin Slayer knows how to handle them.
Unfortunately, the party of adventurers in the pilot episode is not so lucky. Seinen anime are known for being dark, but Goblin Slayer pushes fans' boundaries for shock value. Although the adventure fantasy is a great show overall, the anime's violence level is a good reason to proceed with caution.
7 This Content Is Too Dark For Most
Devilman Crybaby
Devilman Crybaby takes dark to a new level with its extreme gore and focus on demonic content. While there are many anime that contain demons, none embrace supernatural entities quite like this one. The main character Akira Fudo becomes part demon after an unbelievable massacre, and he fights other demons throughout the series in an effort to save humanity.
Humanity is a lost cause in Devilman Crybaby, and perhaps that's the main reason why fans are divided over the anime. While the anime is darker than most, the impressive twist ending is a must-see for all seinen fans.
6 Dark Humor Makes Everyone Uncomfortable
Bungo Stray Dogs
Bungo Stray Dogs has a lot of eccentric characters, but none so much as Osamu Dazai, who makes light of suicide nearly episode. The charming detective introduces himself by asking for help after trying to drown, and that's only the first of his uncomfortable jokes. Dazai is definitely a cool character since his No Longer Human powers are based on the book of his author namesake.
However, Dazai's habit of making viewers uncomfortable for laughs is rightfully criticized by fans. Despite this, Bungo Stray Dogs has many redeeming qualities, from a fun set of characters to intense supernatural battles. While the dark humor is uncalled-for, the seinen anime is better than most believe.
5 People Are Tired Of Cringy Vampire Romance
Devil's Line
After Twilight, vampire fans are looking for something other than cringe-worthy content. A particular complaint of vampire romance is that the supernatural predators act more like stalkers than lovers. Unfortunately for seinen anime fans, Devil's Line is not the exception.
Although Yuuki Anzai is called a devil rather than vampire, he displays similar qualities, as he thirsts for the main character Taira's blood. Anzai is surprisingly reluctant to hurt Taira, but that doesn't change his tendency to put her in danger. While being with a vampire is always a risk, Devil's Line does nothing to plead the case for supernatural romance.
4 Violence Against Women Does Not Age Well
Berserk
Berserk is dark for more reasons than one, but the worst moment in the seinen anime is when Griffith sexually assaults Casca. The anime focuses on a mercenary group led by Griffith, who later betrays everyone and becomes a power-hungry demon named Femto. While the dark twist is satisfying for fans, the assault against Casca is unbearable to watch.
The terrible reputation of Berserk hinges on the careless way the anime treats women. The 1997 anime is outdated for its sexual violence and complete focus on macho men. There should be a trigger warning attached to Berserk, and for that, the anime remains controversial at best.
3 An Avant-Garde Style Is Difficult To Get Accustomed To
Mononoke
Mononoke is a horror anthology anime focusing on the Medicine Seller who destroys evil spirits. Many qualities contribute to the avant-garde theme of Mononoke, including the main character, who has no name. The animation style is textured with Japanese art prints, so the visuals take viewers for a ride.
Mononoke is a rich fantasy set after Japan's Edo period, following individual adventures based on different mononoke spirits. There is no real downside to watching Mononoke, as the anime has all the supernatural horror fans could ask for. The horror anime's unique style can make it hard to adjust, but the show is enjoyable nonetheless.
2 Romance Is Teased But Never Happens
Erased
Expecting a happy ending from a seinen anime is risky, and Erased proves that point. The main character Satoru gains the ability to go back in time, and he spends every second fixing the tragedies in his life. The romance between Satoru and Kayo is almost intertwined with the murder case as he relentlessly tries to find the killer that kidnaps her.
Satoru's feelings for Kayo are clear, and that might be the reason fans dislike the ending. Erased is still a good anime, regardless of the lack of romantic progression. While the ending is disappointing, it doesn't overshadow the well-written mystery that takes place in the series.
1 Fans Are More Loyal To The Manga
Tokyo Ghoul
Tokyo Ghoul is one of the most hated anime adaptations, and everyone seems to have their different reasons. Whether it's the character arcs the anime left out, the ending of the second season, or the way Kaneki never seems to win, fans are frustrated with this popular seinen anime.
The manga for Tokyo Ghoul outshines the anime adaptation, but that doesn't change how good the anime is in general. While focusing on the differences between the manga and anime, Tokyo Ghoul receives harsh ridicule and a scathing reputation. Although the show has numerous flaws, the seinen anime deserves more credit than fans are willing to give.