No one does revenge stories quite like Japanimation. It permeates every genre, gives us a whole host of tortured and diverse characters, all fuelled by the desire to get even. Heroes or villains, justified or not, these ten examples won’t stop until they manage to settle the score with those that had wronged them.
Fair warning, there are MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
#10: Ryuko Matoi
Don’t let the frantic action scenes or the erotic comedy fool you, Ryuko is determined to find the person who killed her father and stole his scissor-blade!
#9: Marik Istar
Tortured and bound to the traditions of the Tomb Keepers, Marik blames the Pharaoh for his plights and seeks to destroy him in a children’s card game!
#8: The Count
Much like his literature counterpart, Edmond Dantes lost everything near and dear to him, and as a result was willing to make a deal with a literal devil.
#7: Masamune Makabe
Bullying knows no gender or form, evident from when Masamune was made fun of by the girl he liked because of his weight. Years later, he decides to get his own back by making her fall in love with him and then breaking her heart.
#6: Kurapika
He may not look like much of an avenger, but after the slaughter of his people at the hands of the Phantom Troupe, Kurapika becomes a Hunter in order to eradicate them.
#5: Roy Mustang
While normally something of a wise-guy and womaniser, the Colonel is still a man who values his comrades above all else. When he discovers that the Homunculus Envy killed his best friend, he burns him to ashes out of sheer rage.
#4: Char Aznable
The Red Comet isn’t only an ace pilot, but also one hell of a determined conspirator. Despite serving as Zeon’s trump card, he also works in secret to kill the Zabi family as revenge for his father.
#3: Lelouch vi Britannia
Disillusioned with his own family, Lelouch decided to destroy the Empire of Britannia by assuming the guise of a vigilante known as Zero. Armed with a loyal rebellion and the mind-controlling power of the Geass, he sets out to overthrow his kin.
#2: Sasuke Uchiha
After his family were killed by his older brother, Sasuke sought out any and all ways to gain enough power to get his revenge. This unfortunately meant he was willing to turn his back on his own and throw in his lot with a wanted criminal for that very purpose. At least he got his wish in the end, but at what cost?
#1: Guts
In a single moment, Guts’ closest friend traded the lives of all his comrades for the power to become a God, and then proceeded to violate his beloved just to spite him. After witnessing such horror, can you blame Guts for dedicating his life to vengeance?