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Fairy Tailis one of the most prominent shōnen series of the last decade. From splendid storytelling to compelling characters, Hiro Mashima’sFairy Tailhas earned its place among other massively popular long-running anime series. Not to mention,Fairy Tail‘s highly awaited sequel,100 Years Quest, gained immense popularity, further cementing and continuing the franchise’s legacy.
With its vibrant characters and epic storylines,Fairy Tailremains an iconic and timeless classic in the world of shōnen anime. However, with a cast that large, it’s not a surprise that some characters didn’t get the attention they deserved.
While some characters are beloved, others are divisive—Happy, despite having plenty of screen time, failed to win fans’ love or attention. Interestingly, Hiro Mashima once admitted he never saw Happy as a standout character initially, until one event that completely changed his perspective.
Fairy Tail‘s creator reveals they never saw an importance in Happy until a key moment
Based on Hiro Mashima’s manga of the same name,Fairy Tail: 100 Years Questis set one year after the ending ofFairy Tailand features the return of Natsu, Lucy, and friends as they embark on a new century-long quest on a new continent.
Indeed, many fansbecame emotional after they witnessedtheir beloved character return after so many years.Fairy Tailmay not boast the largest fan base, but it certainly has a significant group of critics who frequently criticize the anime.
Fairy Tailreceived a lengthy anime adaptation that lasted for nearly 330 episodes, coming to an end in 2019. The anime includes a long list of characters, all with unique abilities, personalities, and eccentric quirks.
“She has no flame that Natsu cannot eat”: Even a Black Clover Character That Yuki Tabata Gave the Most Broken Abilities Can’t Beat Fairy Tail’s Natsu
With a vast array of amazing characters in the series, it’s no surprise that some are highly praised while others face criticism or annoyance from fans. Happy initially gained significant attention for his lovable and endearing qualities, but as the story progressed, he became increasingly annoying to fans.
Hiro Mashima once revealed that henever had any specific plansfor Happy and merely included him for his cuteness, serving as an adorable companion alongside Natsu. He shared:
I create characters based on the mood of the moment, and I often add details about their pasts and backgrounds later, which I feel bad about (laughs). That’s especially true for Happy, because at first I just made him with the idea that a cute cat would look good on screen by Natsu’s side (laughs)
Happy appears inFairy Taila ton as one of the main characters. The adorable flying cat spends most of his time as Natsu’s partner, but not nearly enough time exploring his own development.
Mashima shared that Happy’s VA voiced their initial opinion on the adorable cat, and believed it had a more important role to play in the future. This interaction with Rie Kugimiya (Happy’s VA) prompted Mashima to rethink and alter Happy’s role. He added:
She had a much deeper insight than I had, and I was taken aback (laughs). I agreed, “That’s definitely true,” and from then on I started drawing the character like that.
DespiteFairy Tail‘s immense popularity and notable feats, the series has had its fair share of controversy over the years, particularly due to excessive fanservice and its divisive ending.
Fairy Tailmay not boast the largest fan base, but it certainly has a significant group of critics who frequently criticize the anime.
WhyFairy Tailstruggled to make a lasting impact in the shonen genre
Fairy Tailis seen by many as everything that’s wrong with shōnen anime. The show had a solid plotline, but its execution fell short, mostly due to the series’ incessant fan service and predictable storyline.
Fan service isn’t inherently negative, as many anime include subtle elements of entertainment for their audience. However,Fairy Tailtakes a more direct approach, showcasing exaggeratedcharacter designs and revealing outfits.
Hiro Mashima: “I was completely ignorant” on the Most Crucial Aspect of Fairy Tail That Makes or Breaks an Anime
Moreover, the show feels incredibly low-key. The stakes are rarely high, which is evident in theshow’s generic and formulaic battles.
The “power of friendship” is a common theme in many anime, where protagonists often turn the tide in losing battles by recalling their bonds with friends and family.
While this ideaisn’t too far-fetched, and its inclusion doesn’t inherently detractfrom the story,Fairy Tailrelies on it as a form of plot armor repeatedly, making the series feel quite predictable.
Fairy Tail and Fairy Tail’s 100-Year Questare both available to stream on Crunchyroll.
Mehul Rolta
Articles Published :510
Mehul Rolta is a seasoned journalist with over 3 years in esports and soccer journalism. Transitioning to anime writing at Fandom Wire, Mehul shares his lifelong passion for anime about integrates professionalism. Dedicated to connecting the world of anime globally, Mehul shares thoughts and insights, communicating personal passion with professional insight.
