Didn’t See That Coming…
Plot twists in anime often fall into two categories – either they fall flat in just how unwarranted they are, or they elevate their respective series to greater heights by enriching the narrative. In the case of these five, be it small or large, they managed to hit the sweet sport in terms of shock value.
#5: Historia
“Attack on Titan†(2013-)
While her sweet nature and overt cuteness wasn’t lost on us, Krista wasn’t exactly a standout character when compared to the likes of Mikasa, Hange or even Sasha. Then, just like that, she became the thread that held the show together, even managing to earn herself the title of best girl in a single shining moment. Turns out that her real name is Historia, next in line to become humanity’s ruler, and a pawn in the corrupt plots of the current monarchy. Honestly, without this little lady as the focal point, we wouldn’t have had that epic third season!
#4: Yoshida Shouyou = Utsuro
“Gintama†(2006-)
The man responsible for teaching Gintoki the way of the sword, Shouyou at first appeared to be a gentle soul who helped steer much of the main cast in the right direction. A beacon of light during the horror that was their childhoods. Unfortunately, this turned out to be just a phase, as Shouyou was nothing more than the split personality of the immortal killer Utsuro. This kinder persona eventually faded out of existent and was replaced by the cold and calculating genocide junkie we’ve all come to loathe. Upon his unmasking, Utsuro went from your run of the mill villain to one of the White Demon’s most personal foes.
#3: The Pharaoh
“Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters†(2000-04)
Given how we were way too indoctrinated by the children’s card game that was being flung in our faces, we never really questioned as to why Yugi had a ghost friend he could switch bodies with on a moment’s notice, and for that matter neither did the cast. However, things began to make way too much sense when it was revealed that the being known Yami was actually the spirit of a Pharaoh who had once ruled over ancient Egypt thanks to his bitching hair style and mastery of the Three Egyptian Gods. Thanks to this little addition, the lore of the series practically exploded soon after!
#2: The Son of Gol D. Roger
“One Piece†(1999-)
Hard to believe that such a beloved character ended up getting so much development during the final phase of his life. While knowing he was a badass flame-user and adopted brother to Luffy was more than enough to earn our admiration, the grand reveal that Ace was the son of the former King of the Pirates added a whole other layer to his character. The true surrounding his birth, the resentment over his heritage, not to mention his conflicted relationships as a result of Roger’s blood running through his veins – this piece of family history gave Ace so much substance that it’s no wonder his passing hit us so hard.
#1: Kakashi Unmasked
“Naruto: Shippuden†(2007-17)
Yes, it has nothing to do with the plot. Yes, it’s technically just mindless filler – we don’t care. Do you know how long we’ve been waiting to see what this iconic mentor to finally show his face?! It had been teased across countless episodes, but fans finally got to see what the White Fang looked like just as the series was wrapping itself up. Not sure why he bothered hiding it when it’s obvious the man is aging like fine wine! It’s a little touch and a rather perfect second off from the shinobi whose been there since the beginning.
Be sure to check out he video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Anime Villain Reveals.
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