Shonen anime is always known for its depiction of the Hero’s Journey, where a protagonist climbs through challenges to prove the strength of hard effort, friendship, and endurance.
Despite the popularity of shonen anime, there’s no doubt that some anime in the genre feature protagonists that outright break the power level scale.
Alone, they seem like ordinary individuals. However, they can increase their power levels when with friends, especially when energized. Just how do these additions to the list fare against other shonen protagonists?
Stick with me as we get through 40+ Shounen Anime characters!
1.) Natsu Dragneel (Fairy Tail)
Natsu Dragneel is the main character of each anime, but he is often drawn as a caricature. He is different from an everyday boy MC. Fans often complain that he hasn’t grown much throughout the anime.
Instead of projecting his weaknesses and making the character more complex, Demon Slayer is shown suffering from motion sickness.
This positions him as a character who provides comic relief in the anime.
2.) Midoriya (My Hero Academia)
Midoriya Izuku is another clumsy main character in the anime, but this quality makes him lovable.
More importantly, he’s one of the most humble protagonists in the world, and it all has to do with his origin and story. He knows exactly what it means to be defenseless and weak.
3.) Yoh Asakura (Shaman King)
Yoh Asakura is a carefree protagonist compared to other protagonists in the anime. Due to his withdrawn childhood, he chose to communicate with spirits over human connection.
Asakura-san is a very caring character who gives up his life to protect others. His motto, ‘Everything will be fine, describes his personality well.
4.) Soul Evans (Soul Eater)
The shonen anime guided the story with the typical trope of introducing the viewer to a power duo. The couple jokes throughout their journey but still know how to strum the strings.
In Soul Eater, this duo is formed by Soul Evans and Maka. That dynamism helps enhance the portrayal of the protagonist.
Projects H. Soul Evans as someone who may not be on the same wavelength as her partner but is entirely loyal to her, which also sees his loyalty to his friends as a top priority. This makes him an ideal protagonist.
5.) Tsunayoshi Sawada (Reborn)
Regarding his personality, Tsunayoshi Sawada is one of the strongest shounen protagonists.
His purpose is to exist while grappling with the dire circumstances of his life as a 14-year-old.
6.) Asta (Black Bull)
As for the overpowering protagonist boy, it cannot be said that Asta acquired such superhuman abilities. He had to train to gain these supposed powers physically.
He is one of the characters. Despite this lack of magical powers, he has an advantage over others with those powers.
7.) Alphonse Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Alphonse Elric brings to mind the cyborg story. Because his life is very similar to specific D.C. Comics characters, we can compare him to his younger brother Edward to better understand him.
Both brothers have their backs to each other, but Alphonse’s difference can be explained as follows. If Edward is the brawn, Alphonse is the heart and brain.
Alphonse weighs the situation rationally and only resorts to physical action when unavoidable, such as when the life of a loved one is in danger.
8.) Goku (Dragon Ball Z)
Goku’s powers define his character well, and you can see how he rises to the occasion whenever he’s put in the center of a difficult situation. But that’s not all. He has shown his morality by forgiving many who have crossed his path.
Not only is he an overwhelming protagonist, but he is also a serious and kind person. This not only exudes humility in him but also encourages others to bring out better versions of themselves that have been hidden.
9.) Yuusuke Urameshi (YuYu Hakusho)
“YuYu Hakusho” is one of the classics not to be missed, especially if you are a fan of shonen anime. The pantheon of characters in this anime is undoubtedly an outstanding ensemble.
In such cases, it is not easy to define a particular character as the main character. However, Yusuke Urameshi still leads this group.
10.) Tanjiro (Demon Slayer: Kimitsu no Yaiba)
In many ways, Tanjiro is one of the classic examples of the boy hero trope. He has a backstory, purpose, and motivation to strive and move forward to make things better for himself and his family.
More importantly, the fact that he could still keep the human heart alive despite his bloody path of demon-slaying earns him much admiration.
11.) Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)
It may sound repetitive that the primary goal of a shonen anime protagonist is to protect his friends, but that is one of the traits that permanently shape these characters. It’s the same with the shounen protagonist.
The story of the underdog, supported by most protagonists, makes them relatable and makes the audience feel empathy for them, but Ichigo’s backstory is built on his drive to protect his friends.
12.) Senkuu (Dr. Stone)
Like all the other shonen protagonists, he wants to improve the lives of those around him, but instead of using his physical strength, he uses all of his scientific knowledge.
It ticks that particular shonen anime trope, just doing it his way.
13.) Gon (Hunter x Hunter)
Gon’s origin story can easily be presented as one of the humble beginnings in the boy’s beginnings. He had to do it all by himself.
Although many fans may point to him as a unique exception in the shounen stream of anime, he crosses the vital friendship bond aspect from the traits that shounen protagonists generally follow.
14.) Naruto (Naruto Shippuden)
He has become one of the prime examples of the “underdog rising from the ashes” trope. On top of that, his quirky and relatable demeanour has audiences endorsing him significantly.
Additionally, you can see the growth Naruto has undergone throughout the anime.
15.) Allen Walker (Dr. Gray-man)
This generous character ranks high on the list of Shonen Jump’s friendliest main characters. One of them was how his parents sold him to the circus.
Here he takes a bold attitude toward life and is exposed to the dark side by the mastermind.
Related: 40+ Of The Most Underrated Anime
16.) Satoru Gojou (Jujutsu Kaisen)
The ideal title for the main character is Yuji Itadori, but the one which still attracts attention is the jiu-jitsu magician Gojo. He’s a scene thief in the truest sense of the word.
His intimidating aura may have taken you by surprise initially, but as the show progresses, you’ll see a lovable side to him, especially with his friends. Due to his supreme power, he sometimes comes across as an arrogant character.
17.) Luffy (One Piece)
It features another Shounen main character who shares one of the Big 3 anime titles. Luffy was the result of hard work, so it was easy to support him.
Although he enjoyed no privileges, he was able to find a foundation to make the most of the circumstances he had to face. His confidence has stood the test of time over the years. It helps me get through. Ultimately, that’s how he stands as a captain.
18.) Light Yagami (Death Note)
Upon encountering the Death Note, Light uses it to restore good morals to society by eliminating propagandists of crime and misdeeds.
In summary, its sole purpose was to serve justice. But with all that, the powers bestowed upon him with the obituary in his hands are all too familiar for him.
It is precisely this readability and unpredictability of his character that makes him such an intriguing and intriguing example of a shounen protagonist.
19.) Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
His journey begins by relying solely on alchemy as the answer to Everything. However, he later gives up this knowledge to save his family. In a nutshell, it defines him as the main boy character.
His life experiences ultimately teach him that alchemy can create chaos as much as it solves problems. A person who is ignorant on both sides of the coin cannot grasp the full extent of understanding.
Only when Edward knows the limits of his knowledge does he get the chance to see Everything through an unbiased eye. Ultimately, it helps him improve his skills and deepen his knowledge.
20.) Joseph Joestar (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
All kinds of tricks are ready for Joseph Joestar. Strategy comes easily to him when he needs it; in the end, he outperforms everyone else in most fights. His brain works at a fast pace.
Plus, to balance it out, the portrayal evokes a memetic presence—specific incidents that happen to him or that he happens to participate in the end in laughter.
21.) Eikichi Onizuka (Great Teacher Onizuka)
Aside from the dramatic aspects of the anime, this comedy has been exaggerated many times. For example, Onizuka had to take a five-hour test to qualify as a teacher, which he completed in just over an hour, bleeding.
There was also. Being a hero boy character also requires some power or strength. His martial arts and physical resistance leave us in awe.
22.) Aladdin (Magi)
As laugh as it’s far to observe Alibaba bumble round, it is Aladdin humans come to the collection for. The younger Magi works along Alibaba, looking for his accomplice to construct his kingdom.
While the various Magi are both staying out of it or making matters worse, Aladdin honestly allows his pal and the people around him.
23.) KORO-SENSEI (Assassination Classroom)
Koro, the most famous character from Assassination Classroom, is one of the anime’s strangest protagonists. , no one knows anything about him.
That didn’t stop him from abusing his powers and doing stupid things like flying to other countries to buy lunch, but it made him so memorable. Despite his appearance, I found him to be incredibly friendly.
24.) Eren Yeager (ATTACK ON TITAN)
Eren is best described as tenacious, strong-willed, passionate, and impulsive. These are attributes of his strong determination to protect humanity and eventually escape the Wall.
He quarrelled and yelled at his mother in the earliest stages.
25.) Shoyo Hinata (Haikyuu!)
The primary character of the Haikyuu!! Is Shy Hinata. The series by Haruichi Furudate. For most of the series, Hinata was a first-year student at Karasuno High and one of the volleyball team’s middle blockers.
Hinata is a happy and vivacious person. He is easily excited and quite loud, a trait second only to Nishinoya and Tanaka. For the most part, Hinata is relatively simple-minded, occasionally prompting him to make rash judgments. He is revealed to be quite observant, though.
26.) All Might (My Hero Academia)
What he did before the series started puts him above Deku in a way that surpasses him throughout the series.
All Might is forcing him to find new ways to reach his ultimate goal.
27.) Jiraya (Naruto Shippuden)
By the time we reached this decade, Naruto had not only been popular but had established itself as one of the most popular anime series of all time. And Jiraiya was the most popular in the series.
As Naruto’s mentor, he helped Naruto reach a new level now that Kakashi was dealing with his problems. He will forever be remembered as one of Leaf Village’s most legendary citizens, responsible for teaching the proper use of the.
28.) Yami Yugi (Yu-Gi Oh!)
In an anime world where trading cards hold arcane powers, one powerful anomaly stands out as possessing the most mind-bending abilities: Yami Yugi. He’s more mature than Yugi Mutou (over 3000 years old), but he’s also edgier.
He comes out of the Millennium Puzzle and possesses Muto when his friends are in danger.
Relevant: 17+ Card Based Anime Shows That Are Similar To Yugioh (Recommended)
29.) Minoru Mineta (My Hero Academia)
Minoru is petite and short, with a large head for her height. However, his most notable feature is his hair, which looks like a round purple ball instead of the usual spikes and strands found on anime characters’ heads.
Minoru’s superhero powers come from there. And it seems.
30.) KOENMA (YuYu Hakusho)
Koenma, or King Enma Jr., is Yu Yu Hakusho’s annoying but adorable toddler who sometimes acts as a V.I.P. audience member in arena battles. Yes, he’s over 666 years old, but he never quits his pacifier.
This pacifier is much more important than it seems, as it is where Koenma stores all his mental energy.
32.) C.C. (Code Geass)
Code Geass, both seasons, including the movie, is one of the most complicated animes of all time, and it’s not advisable to analyze them all. However, one of the main characters, his C.C., is central to the story, so you should at least understand how it works.
In addition to being the giver of Geass’ strange and personalized powers, she is immortal and seems to have telepathy.
33.)Tony Tony Chopper (One Piece)
One Piece is well aware of the power of bizarre anime. Even each main character and enemy shows their unique traits and abilities. No two are the same. But Tony Tony Chopper stands out because he’s a reindeer, not a human.
Most of the time, Chopper is seen as a small stuffed animal that appears to have hooves. However, thanks to the Devil Fruits he consumes, he can transform into a more muscular and imposing human-reindeer hybrid or even a complete human.
To make it more helpful. In essence, Chopper becomes his version of Dr. Reindeer. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, or Hulk
34.) Majin Buu (Dragon Ball Z)
That’s because Majin Buu, or at least the fat one, has a power called Chocolate Ray that can turn anyone into anything. It can be put inside and practically assimilated.
Sometimes he turned other people into something like bricks to build a house.
35.) BRUNO BUCCIARATI (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
The characters from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure are enough to fill this list, but we chose the weirdest awesome guy, Bruno Buccellati.
He’s a gangster whose stand (power) is to create zippers for anyone who punches or punches. So Bruno can take objects (and people) apart by hitting them, opening them, and putting them back together by closing them.
He has done this many times against many opponents. How deadly these zippers are may not be consistent throughout the anime.
Nevertheless, Bruno has complete control over when and how these zippers open and close.
Bruno also has an innate ability to determine if someone is lying by licking or sweating when not using boning. You can tell if someone is lying by the taste of their sweat.
36.) Knuckles (Hunter x Hunter)
The character of Hunter X Hunter doesn’t make many people understand his powers. His name is Knuckle Bine, and when Knuckles punches him, his Nen, or power, tells him to put a counter on his opponent.
He calls them Amortizing Power Redirectors or A.P.R. When this number counter is placed, any damage they do to each other is negated and becomes the number indicated by their A.P.R.
37.) Ray (Promised Neverland)
The Promised Neverland is about an angelic female lead (Emma) with superhuman empathy. It ended bittersweetly, but in retrospect, it was a challenging journey.
Because of this, he knew the secret behind Grace Field from the beginning and had to live with it daily with his biological mother.
38.) Killua Zoldyck (Hunter x Hunter)
When it comes to characters making the most of bad situations, Hunter X Hunter’s Killua Zoldyck might be one of the best examples.
Killua started training in assassination techniques when she was three years old and never gave up, from torture to beatings and many other horrible things. Also, his family’s situation is as bad as they come.
39.) Kakashi Hakate (Naruto Shippuden)
Kakashi Hakata is a very tragic character. Kakashi lost his father to suicide when he was young, never knew his mother, “lost” his best friend Obito in a very early mission, and had to kill the girl he fell in love with shortly afterwards.
I didn’t know that, but I can’t believe I overcame it all and finally reached the top of the Hidden Leaf. The man is so extraordinary in his life of pain, and there is no beloved character in the entire series.
40.) Nico Robin (One Piece)
As I mentioned, ONE PIECE Straw Hat Pirates have overcome their trials and tribulations. All of her backstories are tear-worthy, but only one of hers is tragic.
Nico Robin has the saddest backstory of the Straw Hat Pirates.
41.) Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Everyone in Attack on Titan has a tragic backstory. It’s like the world they live in. “Tragedy” to Everything when every day can be your last because giant humans can invade and eat someone alive.
Of course, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin each have their colorful pasts, but the one who was the worst was the Boy Scout ace, Levi Ackerman. Levi deals with the same things everyone does in AoT, but he also grew up in the underground slums.
His mother worked in a brothel and died of starvation/disease early in his life. Then he was nearly starving until his bastard uncle came and “rescued” him by teaching him how to fight for survival.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
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