Not All Heroes Wear Capes
Many would say it’s not the strength of your punch that makes you worthy of respect, but rather the content of your character. While there are countless protagonists in the world of anime that can slay monsters, take out armies and even blow up a planet, there are a select few that we can say have actually inspired us with their deeds. Not to say pummelling the hell out of a galaxy-sized tyrant isn’t all well and good, but sometimes even the simplest acts come across as far more poignant.
While the following three characters couldn’t be any more different, their desire to push themselves to achieve goals besieged by obstacles paints them all as individuals that fans can actually aspire towards. From chasing a dream, to protecting a friend to just being yourself, we can’t get enough of these three!
Fair warning, there are MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
#3: Homura Akemi
“Puella Magi Madoka Magica” (2011)
The fact she’s a magical girl whose main form of attack is gunning down foes like she’s in the Matrix is undeniably badass, but oddly enough it was only when we learned the history of this seemingly stone-cold killer did we really start to appreciate her. Turns out that Homura used to be a super-shy nerd who was saved by an alternative version of Madoka, becoming a magical girl in the process. After failing to save her from being killed, Homura began to head back in time over and over again to try and save the girl she loved…but failed every time. So much tragedy would normally break a person, but Homura never wavered, in spite of all the heartbreak it brought her.
#2: Izuku Midoriya
“My Hero Academia” (2016-)
Okay, so this guy does do his fair share of punching, but the reason this wannabe superhero has quickly risen to become one of anime’s most endearing leads isn’t for the amount of villains he kicks to the curb. Starting off as a Quirkless adolescent, all Izuku ever wanted was to live up to his hero All Might, to prove that despite his severe handicap he could achieve his dream. While he’s discouraged by everyone around him and constantly gets knocked down, his unfaltering desire and just qualities eventually earn him the chance when All Might sees he possesses all the qualities of a hero. His dedication, nerdy nature and earnest goodwill speaks volumes, so much so we think ol’ Deku here is more than worthy of standing shoulder with the very best of costumed crimefighters.
#1:Â Kuranosuke Koibuchi
“Princess Jellyfish” (2010)
Not only did this fabulous individual serve the healthiest representation of a crossdresser in all of anime, but he also managed to give our beyond socially-awkward heroine the nudge she needed to achieve her own dream. Honestly, there aren’t enough good things we can’t say about this guy. He enjoys dressing us as a woman because it makes him happy, yet it is never presented in any kind of lewd manner. He’s wealthy and is flaunted over by every lady he comes across, and yet has no problem seeing the beauty in someone as anxious and repressed Tsukimi. Quirky, confident and unafraid of who he is, if Kuranosuke isn’t an inspiration we don’t know what is!
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Feel-Good Anime.
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