Superhero anime has something for everyone, combining thrilling action sequences with heartfelt character development and dynamic storytelling. From classic shows like Astro Boy to modern hits like Mob Psycho 100, superhero anime has been a staple of the medium for decades, inspiring fans and creators alike. In this article, we will explore some of the most iconic superhero anime of all time, highlighting their strengths, characters, and contributions to the medium. Join us as we celebrate the thrilling and empowering heroes of superhero anime.
My Hero Academia
The story follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a world where they are the norm, but who still dreams of becoming a hero himself. He is eventually scouted by the world’s greatest hero, All Might, who chooses Izuku to be his successor as a holder of the One For All Quirk. The story follows Izuku’s journey as he enrols in a school for heroes in training and faces off against villains while trying to become the world’s greatest hero.
One Punch Man
The story follows Saitama, a superhero who can defeat any enemy with a single punch but is otherwise bored by the lack of challenge in his fight against evil. He joins the Hero Association to find worthy opponents, but his overwhelming strength makes it difficult for him to find truly challenging fights. Along with his cyborg disciple Genos, Saitama must find a worthy opponent to fight.
Tiger & Bunny
The story takes place in a city called Sternbild, where superheroes known as “NEXT” protect the citizens from crime and other dangers. The main character, Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, is a veteran hero who is forced to team up with a young, inexperienced hero named Barnaby Brooks Jr. The two must learn to work together to fight crime and uncover the mystery behind Barnaby’s past.
One-Piece
The story follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young boy whose body gains the properties of rubber after unintentionally eating a Devil Fruit. With his diverse crew of pirates, named the Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy explores the Grand Line in search of the world’s ultimate treasure known as “One Piece” to become the Pirate King.
Dragon Ball Z
The story picks up five years after the end of the Dragon Ball anime, with Goku now an adult and father to his son, Gohan. The story follows the adventures of Goku and his friends as they defend the Earth against a variety of villains such as Frieza, Cell, and Majin Buu.
Attack on Titan
The story is set in a world where humanity lives inside cities surrounded by enormous walls due to the Titans, gigantic humanoid creatures who devour humans seemingly without reason. The story follows Eren Yeager, his adopted sister Mikasa Ackerman and their childhood friend Armin Arlert, whose lives are changed forever after a Colossal Titan breaches the wall of their hometown. Vowing revenge and reclaiming the world from the Titans, Eren, Mikasa, and Armin join the Survey Corps, an elite group of soldiers who fight Titans outside the walls.
Death Note
The story follows high school student Light Yagami, who discovers a supernatural notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name and face he knows. Light decides to use the Death Note to create a utopian world without crime, but is soon pursued by a mysterious detective known only as “L.”
Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
The story follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who use alchemy in an attempt to bring their deceased mother back to life. The attempt goes wrong and as a result, Edward loses his left leg and Alphonse his entire body, his soul is sealed in a suit of armour. To regain their bodies, the two brothers set out on a journey to find the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary item said to grant immortality and immense alchemical power.
Tokyo Ghoul
The story follows Ken Kaneki, a college student who survives an encounter with a ghoul, a human-like creature that survives by eating human flesh. As a result of the encounter, Ken undergoes surgery that transforms him into a half-ghoul and is forced to adapt to a new lifestyle in which he must hide his true nature while also trying to survive among the ghouls. He becomes embroiled in the power struggles between different ghoul factions while also struggling to come to terms with his own identity.
Black Clover
The story follows two orphans, Asta and Yuno, who are raised together in a church. Both boys dream of becoming the Wizard King, the strongest mage in the kingdom, but while Yuno is born with immense magical powers, Asta possesses no magic at all. Despite this, Asta works hard to develop his physical abilities and becomes determined to become the Wizard King through sheer force of will.
Demon Slayer
Kimetsu no Yaiba: The story is set in Taisho-era Japan and follows Tanjirou Kamado, a young boy who becomes a demon hunter after his family is slaughtered by demons. He joins the Demon Slayer Corps, an organization dedicated to destroying demons, and sets out on a journey to find a way to turn his demon-possessed sister back into a human.
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
The story is divided into eight parts, each following the story of one member of the Joestar family, who discover they are each endowed with unique abilities. The series is split between the 19th century, in which Jonathan Joestar discovers his unique ability and battles his adopted brother Dio Brando, and the present day, in which Jotaro Kujo, the grandson of Jonathan, battles a group of ancient vampires.
My Hero Academia Season 2
The second season of My Hero Academia picks up where the first season left off, following Izuku Midoriya and his classmates as they continue to train to become professional heroes. The season introduces new characters and villains and focuses on the student’s growth as heroes as they face new challenges and battles.
Naruto Shippuden
The story is a continuation of the original Naruto series and follows the title character, Naruto Uzumaki, as he trains to become a ninja and searches for his missing friend Sasuke Uchiha. The series also explores the history and politics of the ninja world and the conflicts between the different villages.
Fate/Stay Night
The story takes place in a city called Fuyuki and follows a war between seven mages known as “Masters,” who summon legendary heroes called “Servants” to fight for the Holy Grail. The main character, Shiro Emiya, becomes a Master and summons a servant named Saber to participate in the war. As the war progresses, Shiro and Saber become embroiled in a conflict with other powerful servants and their masters.
Gintama
The story is set in a fictional version of Edo, Japan, where an alien race has taken control and banned the use of swords. The main character, Gintoki Sakata, is a samurai who works as a freelancer alongside his friends Shinpachi Shimura and Kagura, taking on odd jobs and getting into wacky hijinks while also tackling more serious conflicts.
The Seven Deadly Sins
The story is set in a fantasy world where humans and non-humans live together and follows the journey of a young knight named Meliodas, captain of the Seven Deadly Sins, a group of knights who were disbanded after being falsely accused of plotting against the Liones Kingdom. The series follows Meliodas as he tries to reassemble the Seven Deadly Sins and clear their name, while also facing off against powerful enemies.
Superhero anime has captured the imaginations of fans worldwide, showcasing dynamic characters with unique powers and abilities who fight for justice and protect the innocent. From classic shows like Astro Boy to modern hits like My Hero Academia, superhero anime has become an integral part of the medium, inspiring fans and creators alike. As we continue to explore the world of anime, let’s appreciate and celebrate the incredible superhero characters that have made an impact on the medium. Let’s continue to support creators who push the boundaries of what anime can achieve, and look forward to the future of superhero anime. The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see what thrilling and empowering heroes will grace our screens next.
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