Pretty clear that Digimon is one. Which links it to childhood and seems to have a sad/bittersweet ending multiple times. (though averted/retconned for 2 incarnations.)
The concept of “childhood’s end” will probably be clearly illustrated, with the now-grown-up character losing something that was fundamental to their happiness as a child.
The child may lose his guardians, Mons, or even his powers, if these all come with a time limit or are directly linked to his status as a child. For example, children are assumed to be wide-eyed, curious, innocent and trusting; adults are usually portrayed as pragmatic, cynical and set in their ways.
A recurring theme in Hayao Miyazaki’s films
Sometimes it might be subtle, and sometimes the time limit is an open/common reminder such as Fairly Odd Parents (lose+forget fairies after turning 18, though it being a long-running show I don’t know if they even actually ended on that note).
Which stories are being criticized here? I can’t think of any examples of this kind of coming of age story.
Pretty clear that Digimon is one. Which links it to childhood and seems to have a sad/bittersweet ending multiple times. (though averted/retconned for 2 incarnations.)
Not entirely about lost powers but see the Growing Up Sucks trope (and the example subpages)
Sometimes it might be subtle, and sometimes the time limit is an open/common reminder such as Fairly Odd Parents (lose+forget fairies after turning 18, though it being a long-running show I don’t know if they even actually ended on that note).
@elbarto777
The Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place has all the kids competing to keep their magic powers when they enter adulthood
Locke & Key has the forgetting magic when becoming an adult trope.