Oshi no Ko illustrator's latest comment proves fans were robbed of an Aqua x Ruby ending

Modified Dec 11, 2024 08:13 GMT

Oshi no Ko illustrator — Ruby and Aqua as seen in Oshi no Ko anime (Image via Doga Kobo)

As fans may remember, Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari's Oshi no Ko manga became highly popular after the anime was released. This soaring popularity helped the series sell over 20 million copies worldwide and be en route to becoming one of the best modern Seinen series from Shueisha.

Unfortunately, the series' popularity was short-lived due to the backlash it received following the events in chapter 143. The manga chapter saw the Hoshino siblings kiss each other in preparation for their big scene for the "15-Year Lie" movie.

Surprisingly, manga artist Mengo Yokoyari revealed that she wanted to explore a relationship between Aqua and Ruby. However, the idea was rejected by the manga author Aka Akasaka.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Oshi no Ko manga.

Oshi no Ko creator Aka Akasaka rejects Aqua X Ruby ending

Aqua and Ruby as seen in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

Oshi no Ko creators Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari recently attended the MANGA BARCELONA event in Spain, where they addressed some fan questions.

When the topic of Aqua and Ruby's kiss was brought up, manga artist Mengo Yokoyari revealed that she wanted to explore the siblings' relationship more. She wanted to draw a spicy scene between Aqua and Ruby. However, with the manga author having the final say, Aka Akasaka rejected the idea.

The creators later also discussed the possibility of a spin-off series. Aka Akasaka, did not think a spin-off was necessary, but if he were to plan such a project, he would only pursue it in collaboration with Mengo Yokoyari. As for the manga artist, she shared that she wanted to draw more school uniforms. In addition, she also expressed her desire to develop a romance between Aqua and Ruby.

Fans' reaction to Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari's statements

Ruby Hoshino as seen in the Oshi no Ko manga (Image via Shueisha)

Surprisingly, while the Aqua x Ruby relationship plotline received major backlash during the manga's serialization, several fans seemingly looked forward to witnessing it.

Meanwhile, other fans expressed that it was obvious that Mengo Yokoyari wanted to explore an Aqua x Ruby plotline. Many fans criticized Aka Akasaka for the controversy. However, the manga artist was seemingly responsible for bringing Aqua and Ruby's kiss to fruition.

"Long live aquaruby," one fan said.

"it was obvious," another fan said.

"Mengo what…," another added.

"I had hopes for aqua and Akane," other fan said.

Meanwhile, other fans were shocked that Mengo Yokoyari wanted to continue the controversial plotline. While it would have brought more attention to the series, it might have also further plummeted the manga's sales.

Lastly, some fans were disappointed after learning about the latest revelations. They wanted to see Aqua Hoshino end up with Akane Kurokawa. Hence, learning that Akasaka and Yokoyari never even considered Aqua X Akane to be the endgame relationship disappointed them.