Parenting Is Not For Everyone
Ah, anime parents. Chances are they’re either happily waiting in the wings, ready to jump in with the occasional interjection of emotional support, or they’ve already kicked the bucket and now serve as a plot device to both motivate our protagonist. Unless of course they happen to belong to a very unique club, one that not only throws them into the role of villain but also the perfect example of how not to be a caretaker. Guess which category these bozos fall into?
Going far beyond the dead beat Dad stereotype, the influence of these three characters has caused irreparable damage to their respective children. If that wasn’t bad enough, they also have the nasty habit of presenting their wicked deeds in the most unsettling way possible.
Fair warning, there are MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
#3: Gendo Ikari
“Neon Genesis Evangelion” (1995-96)
And you wondered why Shinji was so messed up. As it happens, our favourite EVA pilot’s crippling anxiety and trust issues all stem from his dear old papa, who was so consumed with trying to find a way to fight the Angels that he had no time for his only child, only to suddenly call him up out of the blue and demand he fight for them. Gendo’s parenting style was already an abysmal one, even before he triggered the apocalypse and starting cloning his deceased wife. Shinji, get in the robot and get as far away as you can from this creep!
#2: Azami Nakiri
“Food Wars” (2015-)
When your father literally has swirling voids for eyes, then you know that he’s bad news. Minutes upon arriving at Totsuki, Erina’s exiled father manages to pull of a coup d’etat and take control of the entire academy. From that point on he start purging those who do not fit into his vision of gourmet perfection, turning the culinary arts into a totalitarian regime. He’s also responsible for nearly turning his daughter into a soulless drone by forcing her to hate everything except the very best of food. Even Gordon Ramsay would tell this guy to take it easy…
#1: Shou Tucker
“Fullmetal Alchemist” series (2003-04; 2009-10)
While he may look like a devoted father on the surface, the only thing this man has affection for is his reputation and desire to continue his work as a State Alchemist. When it looks like he’s about to lose everything, Tucker doesn’t hesitate to turn his own daughter Nina into a chimera by fusing her with her own dog. The pride he shows in his achievement is truly harrowing, showing that he truly cares for nobody except himself. It’s been years and we still aren’t over this scene!
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Worst Things Done by Anime Villains.
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