Dusk Beyond the End of the World [Episode 12]

Alright, let’s dive into the final episode of Dusk Beyond the End of the World (Towa no Yugure), Episode 12. First off, if you’re here expecting a high-octane sci-fi action wrap-up, you might be in for a surprise—this finale leans hard into romance and closure, for better or worse.

The episode picks up where we left off: Amoru, biohacked by Yokurata, is on a mission to take down Akira and Yugure. Meanwhile, Hakubo faces off against Professor Ingmar, who spills the beans about accidentally discovering femtoblood conversion. The stakes feel personal, but the execution? Let’s just say fans are split.

The Good:
For those who stuck around for the characters, there’s a lot to love here. The “happy end” vibe is strong—Akira and Yugure finally get their moment, and seeing the supporting cast (like the android sisters) one last time is a nice touch. Amoru’s arc, though tragic, adds emotional weight; her seven-year wait for love that never bloomed hits hard, and her breakdown at the end had some viewers reaching for tissues. Plus, the animation by P.A. Works is as stunning as ever—those sunset scenes? Chef’s kiss.

The Bad:
But let’s be real, this finale is messy. The biggest complaint? The pacing. What started as a promising sci-fi adventure quickly turned into a romance drama, and Episode 12 feels rushed. Plot points like the original Akira’s return and Towasa’s fate are glossed over, leaving fans confused. The villain, Yokurata, is underdeveloped—his motivations boil down to a vague obsession with Towasa, which falls flat. And don’t get me started on the polygamy ending. Many viewers called it “lazy” and “unnecessary,” dragging the show’s rating down from a potential 7 or 8 to a 6 at best.

Fan Reactions:
Over on MyAnimeList, the discussion is fiery. One user rants, “Meh stuff overall. Quite different than what the first episode suggested. I was expecting more action adventure focused show but this was mostly romance drama.” Another adds, “One of the biggest examples of wasted potential in anime history. Had all-timer potential after episode one and progressively pissed it away.” But it’s not all hate—some loved the emotional beats: “Played with my heart until the end but damn what a great/beautiful show.”

Final Verdict:
Dusk Beyond the End of the World Episode 12 is a mixed bag. If you’re here for the feels, you’ll find moments to cherish. But if you craved a tight, sci-fi story, you’ll leave disappointed. The animation and character moments save it from being a total flop, but the rushed pacing and divisive ending make it hard to recommend wholeheartedly.

In short: It’s not the worst, but it’s definitely not the best. If you’re a P.A. Works fan or love bittersweet romances, give it a watch. Otherwise, you might want to skip this one.

Rating: 6/10 (for the finale alone—your mileage may vary!)

P.S. If you’re craving a better sci-fi anime with androids, fans suggest checking out NieR: Automata or Apocalypse Hotel. Just sayin’. 😉