An anime’s final battle is a pivotal point for the series, as it serves as the culmination of the adventure that the characters and audiences have faced. These scenes tend to be the perfect way for the author to demonstrate how much the protagonist has grown, with the best-ever final battles becoming iconic parts of the industry.
Nonetheless, while it is typical that a large majority of anime ends this way, there are more than a few instances in which the antagonists are the ones to emerge victorious in the end. Despite their training and struggles, the heroes are sometimes not powerful enough to overcome their opponents, resulting in a devastating defeat.
Throughout the most recent Shaman King anime adaptation, fans are told the importance of stopping Hao countless times, as the villain's hatred for humanity had driven him to desire their extinction. Yoh and his friends spent a large majority of the final arc training in hopes of being able to overcome Hao’s powers and claim the Great Spirit for themselves.
Lamentably, the overwhelming strength and centuries of experience of the antagonist proved too much for the youth to handle, allowing him to merge with the universe’s consciousness and ascend as the Shaman King. If not for the sudden appearance of Hao’s mother, who helped purify her son’s soul, the world would have been destroyed by Hao, as there was no spirit in the universe capable of defeating him.
One of the most shocking twists of the Devilman Crybaby anime was finding out that Ryo was much more than just one of the industry's most obvious traitors, instead being revealed as Satan himself. This being’s ultimate goal was to eliminate all humanity and claim Earth for the demon race, a direct challenge to God. Akira, who was beyond furious because of the death of his loved ones, utilized his full power to face the fallen Angel.
Despite being able to hold his own against Satan for a few minutes, the hero was leagues behind in terms of power and durability. Their battle not only caused devastation across the globe, but it also proved fatal for Akira, who died after being cut in half by his former best friend. Although he would later regret his decision, Lucifer was the ultimate victor of this cruel and dark series.
At the end of the original series, Madoka sacrifices herself to become a cosmic entity known as the Law of Cycles, capable of saving all Magical Girls across the world from the tragic fate of becoming witches. Homura, who had grown to love Madoka in every timeline, could not accept this reality, as she wished more than anything to give her friend the chance to live a full and happy life.
After being captured by Kyuubei and turning into a Witch that her friends had to fight against, Akemi was given the perfect opportunity to force her to leave her celestial throne and come down to Earth to take her soul. Homura used this moment to separate Madoka from her cosmic power, absorbing it for herself and becoming a Devil, capable of altering reality to her whim.
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