Inuyashiki [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 11]

Inuyashiki: A Tale of Two Heroes and a Bittersweet Farewell

Inuyashiki, the 2017 anime adaptation of Hiroya Oku’s manga, is a rollercoaster of emotions, blending sci-fi, drama, and dark themes into a story that leaves viewers both awed and conflicted. The series follows Ichirou Inuyashiki, a 58-year-old man whose life takes a drastic turn when he’s rebuilt as a mechanized weapon after a mysterious explosion. Alongside him, a troubled teenager named Hiro Shishigami gains the same powers but chooses a path of destruction. The contrast between their journeys—one a reluctant hero, the other a chaotic force—forms the core of this gripping narrative.

The Final Showdown: Sacrifice and Redemption

The finale, Episode 11: People of Earth, wraps up the story with a mix of heartbreak and hope. Inuyashiki, after revealing his mechanical form to his family, shares a touching moment with them, proving that his humanity remains intact despite his transformation. Meanwhile, Hiro, who spent most of the series as a ruthless killer, finds a sliver of redemption by joining Inuyashiki to stop an asteroid from destroying Earth. Their dual sacrifice is both heroic and tragic, leaving fans divided on whether Hiro’s last act truly absolves his sins.

One of the most talked-about moments? The unexpected cameo of Donald Trump, who appears on TV mocking humanity’s impending doom. Fans either loved or hated this bizarre inclusion, with reactions ranging from “LMAO, they actually adapted Trump” to “Way to blow immersion.” Regardless, it’s a moment that sticks in your mind—for better or worse.

Fan Reactions: Love, Hate, and Everything In Between

The finale sparked heated discussions online, with opinions split on its execution. Some praised the emotional weight of Inuyashiki’s sacrifice, calling it “a true hero’s end.” Others felt the pacing was rushed, with one fan lamenting, “This ending felt super rushed and random.” The asteroid plot device, while dramatic, was criticized for lacking buildup, with comments like “The whole asteroid thing is kinda BS lol.”

Hiro’s character arc also divided viewers. While some appreciated his last-minute redemption (“Hiro died a hero”), others found his sudden shift unconvincing (“He was a piece of shit but at least he did something useful in the end”). The bittersweet ending—where Mari’s manga success contrasts with the deaths of Inuyashiki and Hiro—left many feeling conflicted. As one fan put it, “Sad as fuck ending. Enjoyment-wise, 10/10.”

Animation and Adaptation: Hits and Misses

The anime’s animation quality was another point of contention. While the action scenes were praised (“The space scene was astounding”), the CGI often drew criticism (“ugly ass CGI shots”). Some fans felt the adaptation stayed faithful to the manga, while others wished for more depth, especially in character development (“I feel like there should have been more with Inuyashiki’s son”).

Final Verdict: Flawed but Unforgettable

Inuyashiki isn’t perfect. It stumbles with pacing, some questionable creative choices (looking at you, Trump cameo), and underdeveloped side characters. Yet, its emotional core—Ichirou’s journey from a neglected old man to a selfless hero—resonates deeply. The finale, despite its flaws, delivers a poignant message about sacrifice and the duality of human nature.

As one fan perfectly summarized: “This anime made me laugh, made me cry, made me go ‘WTF.’” And honestly, isn’t that what great storytelling is all about?

Rating: 7.5/10 – A flawed gem that’s equal parts thrilling, emotional, and downright weird.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely—just brace yourself for the emotional whiplash.