Welcome to “Is The Anime Finished?”, where we provide everything you need to know before committing to an anime.
What is Descendants of Darkness?#
Descendants of Darkness (also known as Yami no Matsuei) is a multifaceted series that blends comedy, drama, horror, mystery, psychological elements, and the supernatural.
The story follows Tsuzuki Asato, a 26-year-old, dorky shinigami (god of death) who has spent over 70 years working in the worst division with poor pay. His primary duty is ensuring the dead stay in their proper realms. Despite his struggles with maintaining partners, he finds a match in the stubborn and serious 16-year-old Kurosaki Hisoka. Together, they investigate various cases, eventually uncovering conspiracies involving the serial killer Dr. Muraki Kazutaka and the complex world of the shikigami (animal gods).
Beyond the mystery, the series explores the growing bond between Tsuzuki and Hisoka, as well as the dark, haunting secrets of Tsuzuki’s own death. If you enjoy character-driven supernatural mysteries with a psychological edge, this is a series for you.
You can watch the anime on Prime Video to dive into this otherworldly investigation.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
When asking if the anime is “finished,” it is important to distinguish between the production and the story. The anime adaptation aired from October 2000 to June 2001. While the anime series itself has concluded its run, viewers may find that it does not provide a completely satisfying conclusion on its own.
The original manga ran from 1994 to 2002, and news reports indicate that the manga series returned and resumed with new chapters as late as 2010 and 2011. Because the source material extends beyond the anime’s production window and includes later returns, those who want the full, definitive conclusion to the plot and character arcs will likely need to continue with the manga.
If you want to see how the story truly ends, we recommend you buy the manga.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Depending on your goals, there are a few ways to experience Descendants of Darkness. For a detailed breakdown of how the series connects, you can refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.
Release Order#
If you want to experience the series as it was released to the general public, start with the anime (2000-2001) and then move to the manga.
Completionist Order#
For those who want every detail from the beginning, start with the original manga (which began in 1994) and then watch the anime adaptation to see those events brought to life. After finishing the anime, return to the manga to cover the remaining story and the later chapters released in 2010-2011.
Source Material Path#
If you don’t mind jumping between mediums, you can watch the anime first to get a feel for the characters and world, and then transition to the manga to finish the narrative.
While you’re exploring the world of shinigami, you might also want to pick up some Descendants of Darkness merchandise to show your support for the series.
Final Thoughts#
Descendants of Darkness offers a unique blend of the macabre and the comedic. Whether you are here for the mystery of Dr. Muraki or the emotional journey of Tsuzuki and Hisoka, it’s a compelling ride.
If you find our guides helpful in deciding what to watch next, please consider supporting our work via Ko-fi so we can keep investigating more series for you!
Descendants of Darkness • manga • 1994 to 2002
└─(adaptation)→ Descendants of Darkness • anime • 2000-10-02 to 2001-06-24
