Top 10 Anime Sidekicks
These are the supporting characters who do more than just tag along. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top Ten Anime Sidekicks. For this list, we're looking at characters who offer various forms of support for the lead characters of a series, who watch their backs, look up to them and learn from them in some way or another.
Special thanks to our users Fox and Ryan Haven for submitting the idea on our Interactive Suggestion Tool at http://www.WatchMojo.comsuggest
Top 10 Anime Sidekicks
Top 10 Anime Sidekicks Who Beat The Hero
These are the supporting characters who do more than just tag along. Join http://www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the Top Ten Anime Sidekicks. These are not just supporting characters but actual sidekicks, therefore, characters like Alphone Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist or Soul Eater Evans from Soul Eater do not count, as they are treated more as partners and equals than they are as understudies.
#10: Joey Wheeler “Yu-Gi-Oh!” (1998-2004)
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It’s a fun twist when enemies become friends. Once the toughest bully on the block, Joey Wheeler was a tormentor of series protagonist, Yugi. But when Yugi stands up to protect Joey from a bigger bully, a friendship is formed. From then on Joey becomes the muscle for Yugi and his friends, fighting those physically stronger than Yugi. He also studies the Duel Monsters card game under Yugi’s guidance, making Joey both loyal protector and faithful student at the same time.
#9: Speedwagon “Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure” (2012-15)
Some friendships can last a lifetime, or, in this case, many. Robert E.O. Speedwagon first met protagonist Jonathan Joestar as an enemy. However his sixth sense for sniffing out ones personality, turned him from foe to ally. From then on Speedwagon battles alongside Jonathan until the end of the hero’s struggle against the villainous Dio (dee-oh). It’s revealed down the line that descendants of the Joestar family still receive aid from the Speedwagon Foundation, solidifying a friendship set in stone. Bonus points if you know who he is named after.
#8: Gourry (gow-re) “Slayers” (1995-06)
Brains and brawns don’t always come as a matching set. Prime Example, adventurer frat-boy Gourry. He may excel with a sword but his mind isn’t as sharp as the blade he carries. Gourry makes up for this, however, with his boundless devotion to his friend Lina (lee-nah) Inverse (in-verse, as in to invert)… even if she doesn’t technically need his help. It doesn’t matter if it’s the strongest demon or the deepest hell, Gourry will follow Lina to the end and back, and even acts as her moral compass from time to time. Badass fighter and endlessly devoted friend, there are few stronger.
#7: Anthy Himemiya “Revolutionary Girl Utena” (1997)
Anthy is a girl of great power who spends most of her time being submissive and shy. The arrival of series protagonist Utena changes that as Anthy becomes the Rose Bride to Utena’s prince. Despite mistakes and trips to the dark side, Anthy remains one of Utena’s dearest sources of power and inspiration to keep pressing on in sword duel after sword duel. Anthy is a classic princess in distress but she’s always there to aid her knight with flowing pink hair.
#6: Radical Edward “Cowboy Bebop" (1998-99)
Spike, Jet and Faye may have their guns and fists to get the job done, but brawn only goes so far. Enter Edward, hacker prodigy and a bit on the crazy side of things. Ed speaks in riddles and confusion but there’s always reason with her rhymes. Her second to none hacking skills have aided the Bebop crew at critical times resulting in bounties they would have otherwise lost. Plus she brings a nice bit of sunshine to the sometimes dreary Bebop.
#5: Riza Hawkeye “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” (2009-10)
Riza Hawkeye is a no nonsense sharp shooter who also serves as the right hand to Colonel Roy Mustang. While her skill with a gun is admirable, it’s her courage and direct approach to serious threats that makes her stand out. Unlike his other subordinates, Riza isn’t afraid to speak out against the questionable calls the Colonel might make or suggest, yet always follows his orders to the letter. Plus she’s the only one who could get away with putting a gun to his head just to get him to see reason. Talk about job security.
#4: Seras Victoria “Hellsing Ultimate” (2006-12)
She may be new to being an undead, but Seras Victoria isn’t sitting around pouting. Before being turned by her vampire master, Alucard, Seras was a recently graduated cop. Now her already badass fighting skills are amplified by her new vampire nature, giving her unparalled strength that lets her squash heads in a single blow. It also allows her to wield the deadly Harkonnen cannon, one of the heaviest guns known to man. Beauty, brawns and a really big gun; just what the King of the Vampire Hunters needs by his side.
#3: Pikachu “Pokemon” (1997-)
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One of the most adorable creatures ever animated, Pikachu was the first Pokemon partnered with Ash Ketchum. And while he may seem cute and huggable, he is also ferocious and loyal. This little lightning rodent can produce powerful electric attacks, dealing great damage and often defeating an enemy outright. Pikachu’s absolute devotion to his best friend and trainer, Ash, also produces some of the most heartwarming and wrenching moments of the series. Behold, the power of friendship between a boy and his Pokemon.
#2: Raki “Claymore” (2007)
Battling Yoma can be nasty business, especially if you are just an ordinary human. This doesn’t stop Raki from traveling alongside Yoma hunting veteran Clare, as her squire and ward. During their time together, Raki proves his worth constantly by daring to stand up to both Yoma and Claymore to keep Clare safe. That’s a lot for a guy who doesn’t have the power to cut a Yoma in half with the swing of a sword, which makes him all the more endearing as a sidekick. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. - Lin “Fist of the North Star” (1984-88)ra - Happy “Fairy Tail” (2009- ) - Pinoko “Black Jack” (2004-06)
#1: Casca “Berserk” (1997)
Being the only female soldier in a mercenary band, indeed in the entire army is tough, but Casca not only survives, but excels. Griffith, the enigmatic and brilliant leader of the Band of the Hawk, relies on Casca as much if not more than he does series protagonist Guts. In return for giving her life purpose, Casca is dutiful to Griffith to a fault, and is willing to fight and if need be, die for him. Casca is aware that Griffith takes her for granted, and while it tears her up inside, her loyalty is never, ever in question. Do you agree with our list? Which anime sidekick do you think best helps out in times of trouble? For more character honoringTop 10’s published every day, be sure to subscribe to Watchmojo.com.
