The Worst Anime Heroes of All Time: Why Certain Characters Deserve the Reputation

Significantly, the realm of anime is vast and diverse, offering a plethora of characters that range from heroic paragons to morally questionable figures. Despite this, a few stand out as particularly controversial when it comes to who truly embodies the epitome of worst anime heroes. This article aims to highlight some of these infamous characters and explore why they often garner such a negative reputation among fans and critics alike.

Mr. Satan in Dragon Ball

Firstly, in the animated gem that is Dragon Ball, the character of Mr. Satan undeniably stands out as one of the most egregious examples of a selfish and ungrateful hero. To be fair, his actions in Dragon Ball Z, where he shamelessly takes credit for the victories of the Z-Fighters (most notably Goku), are somewhat understandable. However, the most egregious part of Mr. Satan's character is his complete lack of integrity and his unsustainable facade as "Earth's greatest hero."

In the latest segment, Dragon Ball Super, we do see a slight improvement in the depiction of Mr. Satan. He now shares some of the earnings from his heroic deeds, which is a step in the right direction. Nevertheless, the initial portrayal of Mr. Satan led to a severe public perception issue. Interestingly, Vegeta, the proud and arrogant prince of the Saiyans, seems particularly frustrated with Mr. Satan's performance, despite his own flaws.

Kakeru from Orange and Other Unbelievable Protagonists

The character of Kakeru from the anime series Orange is another prime example of a problematic protagonist. Kakeru’s misguided actions and selfish attitudes often overshadow what few positive traits he might possess. This is particularly frustrating because the story is centered around his transformation and growth, but his behavior consistently hinders his progress. Many argue that Kakeru does not deserve the attention or support he receives from the audience and fellow characters.

On a similar note, in Future Diary and Neon Genesis Evangelion, the characters of Yuki and Shinji, respectively, are often cited as the worst anime heroes for similar reasons. Both characters exhibit whiny and selfish natures, which undermine the essence of their heroic journeys. Their frequent self-pity and lack of responsibility do little to endear them to the audience.

Issei Hyodo fromDarkness Xiao Dengyu

Another character who consistently garners negative attention is Issei Hyodo from Darkness Xiao Dengyu (or DxD). Issei's weak attributes, coupled with a series of undeserved power-ups and constant praise, contribute to the perception of him as a jackass within the series. Despite his apparent brutality, Issei is not as formidable as the narrative often leads us to believe. His base strength is insufficient, and he frequently relies on equipment to even compete with other characters.

Furthermore, his status as a sexual predator and the lack of consequences for his misconduct do nothing to improve his image. The fact that he is still respected, even by fellow characters, for something as nebulous as "strength" is deeply concerning and contributes to his controversial position in anime.

Kirito from Sword Art Online: The Lone Wolf Antagonist

Finally, we have the complex but ultimately unsatisfying character of Kirito from Sword Art Online. While Kirito's success in the game world is admirable, his real-life behavior and narrative choices often fall short. Certain actions and decisions he makes, particularly his almost invincible avatar and his morally infallible protagonist status, are often viewed as unearned traits.

Kirito's portrayal as a solo hero in a game that typically requires teamwork challenges the very essence of MMORPGs. This single-minded focus on individual strength and success in a setting that values cooperation is both unrealistic and frustrating for many fans. The character's flaws and absurdities are precisely what make him stand out, but those aspects often come at the detriment of a more nuanced and relatable character development.

In conclusion, while these characters may not be universally disliked, their behaviors and attitudes often lead to significant criticism and scrutiny. Whether due to their selfishness, lack of integrity, or unrealistic strengths, these characters frequently draw fire from both fans and critics alike. Recognizing and discussing these aspects can not only enhance criticism of anime works but also promote a richer and more critical appreciation of the medium.