They’re Stealing The Spotlight
No matter how overpowered or charismatic a protagonist appears to be, sometimes it’s the secondary character that ends up being the one audiences remember above all else. Whether it’s due to their force of personality, quirks or undeniable badassery, these five anime characters stand tall as the true stars of their respective shows.
Fair warning, there are SPOILERS AHEAD!
#5: Satsuki Kiryuin
âKill La Killâ (2012-14)
Donât get us wrong, we love Ryuko. Sheâs spunky, fiery and makes for an excellent protagonist. Itâs just that we found Satsukiâs redemption arc far more investing compared to Ryukoâs drive for vengeance. Originally the baddest broad on the block whose ruthlessness, sword skills and Kamui made her nearly undefeatable, her clashes with Ryuko, not to mention the unsettling relationship she had with her mother, made her character far more layered. Balancing a superiority complex with a very unhappy home-life, the wicked sister of our hero soon became the one to root for.
#4: L
âDeath Noteâ (2006-07)
Whether you found Lightâs actions to be villainous or necessary for the sake of true justice, it made his nemesis all the more intriguing. An unorthodox genius whose intellect and skill when it came to detective work was unsurpassed, L was truly Lightâs equal in a deadly game of wits. So much so that with his untimely demise some would say that the series dipped in quality. Regardless, the cat and mouse feud these two opposites had was truly the highlight of the series, even if L was a weirdo.
#3: Kamina
âGurren Lagannâ (2007)
Going from meek child all the way to saviour of the cosmos, Simonâs heroic journey was certainly worthy of praise. Alas, this transformation wouldnât have happened if he didnât have a role model to look up to, and you couldnât get a better one than Kamina. His bravado borders on the insane, his stubbornness knows no bounds, he refuses to wear a shirt and he even made out with Yoko! Truly standing at the top as the pinnacle of anime manliness, no matter how hard the series tried, thereâs no one who can replace Kamina.
#2: Ban
âThe Seven Deadly Sinsâ (2014-)
Thereâs no doubt that Meliodas is a worthy leader for the sins, both for his noble heart and his monstrous strength, but when it comes to charisma you just canât beat the Foxâs Sin of Greed. Aside from pulling off a wardrobe that no sane creature should be able to pull off, Ban brings so much to the table simply by being a certified badass.
#1: Homura Akemi
âPuella Magi Madoka Magicaâ (2011)
Everybody has a waifu when it comes to the Madoka seriesâ¦but Homura is objectively the best girl. Ok, just kidding, but itâs the sacrifices of this fractured young lady that truly makes her the unsung hero of the show. After witnessing Kyubeyâs villainous intentions, Homura traverses, fights against and even rewinds time itself in order to prevent Madokaâs death. Throw in her unwavering determination and the fact sheâs nearly unsurpassed when it comes to taking out witches and youâre looking at the total package.
Be sure to check the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Anime Series To Binge Watch.