For more than two decades, theYu-Gi-Oh!Anime franchise has given fans a plethora of amazing shows to enjoy. Each entry in the series has distinguished itself by introducing unique characters, mechanics, and stories. While some topics are indeed shared, they often do not prevent the plot of a new show from shining, which has kept the franchise engaging since the beginning.
Yet, there is a trope that has been utilized by almost every anime, one that could be considered the darkest of them all. ExcludingYu-Gi-Oh! Sevens,a series made primarily for a new younger audience, all the shows in the franchise have included either a horrific tragedy or a genocide as part of their plots. FromDuel Monstersto the most recentGo Rush!!, this trend seems to unify the series.
Millions Have Died in Yu-Gi-Oh! Canon
Each Series Has Depicted the Slaughter of Entire Populations
Despite its general friendly and cheerful ambiance, the originalYu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monstersanime was not afraid to touch upon serious and dark topics. This became clear during season 5, in which the origin ofthe powerful and mysterious Millennium Itemswas revealed. Atem’s father, the previous pharaoh,sacrificed an entire village against their will to power these mystic treasures. This atrocity also createdthe series’ biggest antagonist, King Thief Bakura. Although death and dark magic had already been present in the show, the killing of innocents went a step above, being one of the most controversial moments of Yugi’s adventure.
Rather than shying away from these kinds of events, future anime in the franchise would increase the odds. The next series,Gx, gave its protagonist a villainous arc during season 3, in which he becomesthe cruel and unfeeling Supreme King. During his short but terrifying rule, Jaden controlled an army of powerful monsters that traveled the Duel Spirits’ world, ending the lives of innocent duelists to power his Super Polymerization card.Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Dsincluded two similar occurrences, the first being the destruction of Domino City, and laterthe Meklord Apocalypse that decimated humanity.
Things only got more dangerous in subsequent seasons, which managed to be even darker.Zexalincluded a millennium-long war that looked to eradicate an entire species andArc-Vshowedthe destruction of a dimensionat the hands of the ruthless Duel Academy.Yu-Gi-Oh! VRAINSslowed down a little, with its only major tragedy being the death of all the Ignis, artificial forms of life with consciousness and free will. While still a horrible event, it was not on the same level as genocide. Still,Go Rush!!continued the trend by includingthe destruction of an entire alien species.
The Anime Has Made Sure to Give These Topics the Respect They Deserve
These Horrible Events Have Never Been Glorified
Although it might be shocking to encounter such heavy topics in a child-focused franchise likeYu-Gi-Oh!, it is comforting to know thatthey have been treated with the proper respect. Never in the series have the horrible actions committed by their antagonists or heroes been represented as righteous or correct. For example, the creation of the Millenium Items, despite being carried out by a kind and well-intentioned ruler, has always been described as a horrific ritual that should not have taken place. While Bakura’s heinous actions were never justified, his origins did make him a sympathetic villain.
During his time as the Supreme King, Jaden was always treated as the antagonist, with Axel Brodel acting as the protagonist during this brief period. Even duringVRAINS, in which many of the Ignis appeared as villains, their destruction was considered a tragedy, with Yusaku ending the series by going away to try and bring them back. The franchise has always ensured that viewers understand that these actions are wrong and should be condemned. The heroes work hard to either prevent another tragedy from occurring or rectify the wrongdoings of the past.
TheYu-Gi-Oh!anime franchise will likely continue the trend of incorporating dark and mature topics into their stories. This will help maintain the tension as the plot progresses, as well as keep audiences intrigued about how the heroes will resolve the issue. The franchise can utilize these themes to continuously evolve while giving audiences engaging adventures that they will surely love.
