Shonen anime is targeted toward an adolescent audience, particularly in the age group of 9 to 18 years old. It is the most popular genre with numerous manga adaptations and original series created by fans. The reason behind the popularity lies in the relatability of the characters, both in terms of their personalities and backstories, which endears them to fans.Â
This article is targeted toward Shonen anime fans who are interested in discovering new series and characters to watch. It provides a concise and informative overview of each protagonist, making it easy for readers to determine which anime series they would like to explore further.
10 fan-favorite shonen anime protagonists: Eren Yeager, Tanjiro Kamado, and more
1) Eren Yeager – Attack on Titan
Eren Yeager’s story in shonen anime Attack on Titan begins when his home is destroyed by Titans, causing him to swear revenge against them. He joins the Survey Corps, a military organization dedicated to fighting Titans, and discovers that he has the ability to transform into a Titan himself. This power makes him a valuable asset to the Survey Corps, but also puts him in danger as other factions seek to control him.
As a Titan, Eren possesses incredible strength, agility, and regenerative abilities. He is able to heal from injuries quickly and can even regrow limbs. Eren’s ability to harden his Titan skin also makes him nearly invulnerable to most forms of attack. However, his Titan form is not without its limitations, and he must learn to control his transformations in order to avoid losing control and endangering his comrades.
Eren’s strength as a character lies not only in his physical abilities but also in his unwavering determination to protect his friends and fight for what he believes is right. He is willing to make difficult choices and sacrifices in order to achieve his goals, even if it means going against the wishes of those closest to him.
As the story progresses, Eren’s motivations become increasingly complex, and he must confront difficult questions about the nature of power and the ethics of war.
2) Shinra Kusakabe – Fire Force
Shinra Kusakabe is the main protagonist of the anime Fire Force, and his story is one of redemption and justice. He is a third-generation pyrokinetic with the unique ability to manipulate flames with his feet, allowing him to move at incredible speeds and even fly. However, his ability has also earned him the nickname “Devil’s Footprints,” due to his fiery nature and his past reputation as a delinquent.
Shinra’s tragic backstory involves the death of his mother and younger brother in a mysterious fire. He believes it was caused by a human infernal – a person who has turned into a fiery monster due to spontaneous human combustion. Driven by a desire for justice and the need to clear his family’s name, Shinra joins Special Fire Force Company 8, a team dedicated to investigating and stopping the spread of the infernals.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, Shinra’s unwavering determination, quick reflexes, and incredible speed make him a formidable opponent. He grows stronger, both physically and emotionally, becoming a symbol of hope and justice for those around him.
3) Tanjiro Kamado – Demon Slayer
Tanjiro Kamado is the main character in the shonen anime series Demon Slayer. He comes from a family of charcoal makers and after the death of his family at the hands of demons, Tanjiro becomes a demon slayer. He sets out on a quest to find a way to turn his younger sister, Nezuko, back into a human after she is turned into a demon.
Throughout the series, Tanjiro is known for his unwavering determination and kindhearted nature. He uses the Water Breathing technique, which allows him to enhance his swordsmanship and create powerful attacks. He also has a heightened sense of smell, which he uses to track demons and sense their movements.
Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles, Tanjiro continues to push forward in his quest to save his sister and protect others from the threat of demons. His strength and abilities, combined with his strong sense of justice and compassion, make him a beloved character in the series.
4) Thorfinn Karlsefni – Vinland Saga
Thorfinn is a complex and compelling character in the shonen anime Vinland Saga. Born into a family of Vikings, he grows up learning how to fight and sail from his father, Thord. When Thord is killed by Askeladd, Thorfinn becomes consumed by a desire for revenge and spends years working as Askeladd’s servant to get close to him.
Despite his youth, Thorfinn is a skilled warrior with incredible strength and agility. He is trained in the art of combat and is capable of taking on multiple opponents at once. Thorfinn is also a skilled sailor and is able to navigate the treacherous waters of the North Sea.
However, as the series progresses, his strength and abilities are tempered by his emotional struggles. He grapples with the weight of his desire for revenge and the toll it takes on him and those around him. Despite this, he remains a formidable warrior and a fascinating character to watch.
5) Asta – Black Clover
In shonen anime Black Clover, Asta is a determined and optimistic character who was orphaned as a baby alongside his friend Yuno. Despite being born without magical abilities in a world where magic is everything, he is driven to become the Wizard King and protect his friends and the Clover Kingdom.
Asta possesses incredible physical strength, speed, and agility, allowing him to fight and overcome opponents with his bare hands. He also has a keen sense of observation and strong willpower.
Asta’s main weapon is the Anti-Magic Sword, which nullifies all magic it comes into contact with. As the series progresses, he gains more control over his anti-magic abilities and learns to use them in creative ways, such as creating anti-magic barriers and projectiles. He also gains access to powerful new forms, such as his Black Asta form, which greatly enhances his physical abilities.
Throughout the series, he faces many challenges and enemies, but his unwavering determination and willingness to never give up allows him to overcome them all. His strength and abilities make him a valuable asset to the Black Bulls and a respected figure in the Clover Kingdom.
6) Shigeo Kageyama – Mob Psycho 100
Shigeo Kageyama, also known as “Mob,” is the protagonist of the shonen anime series Mob Psycho 100. He possesses extremely powerful psychic abilities, including telekinesis, pyrokinesis, and astral projection. However, he struggles to control these powers and often suppresses them to avoid causing harm to others.
Mob’s story follows his journey as he learns to control his abilities and navigate the complex world of psychic powers. He is a reserved and introverted character, but he is also kind and empathetic towards others. He works as an assistant to a self-proclaimed psychic, Reigen Arataka, and helps him solve various supernatural cases.
Throughout the series, Mob faces many challenges, including battles with other psychics and his own inner demons. Despite the difficulties he encounters, Mob remains committed to using his powers for good and helping others. His story is a compelling exploration of power, responsibility, and personal growth.
7) Shiki Granbell – Edens Zero
Shiki Granbell is the main protagonist of the anime Edens Zero. He was raised by robots on the abandoned theme park planet of Granbell, where he learned to control gravity and gained the nickname “Demon King” due to his ability to control the robots. However, after the robots on Granbell shut down, Shiki sets out on a journey to explore the universe and discover his true identity.
As he travels through space with his new friends Rebecca and Happy, Shiki discovers that he is part of a rare group of people called “Demon Kings” who possess the ability to manipulate gravity. He also learns that his true purpose is to unite them and protect the universe from threats.
Shiki’s strength lies in his ability to manipulate gravity. He can use it to increase his physical strength, create barriers, and even fly. He is also skilled in hand-to-hand combat and has a strong sense of justice, which motivates him to protect his friends and fight for what is right.
8) Yuji Itadori – Jujutsu KaisenÂ
Yuji Itadori is a high school student who discovers the existence of cursed spirits and jujutsu sorcerers after his encounter with Megumi Fushiguro, a jujutsu sorcerer from Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College. He joins the college as a first-year student and quickly becomes involved in battles against cursed spirits alongside his classmates.
Despite being a physically strong and skilled athlete, Yuji initially lacks any knowledge of jujutsu and struggles to control Sukuna’s powers within him. However, he is able to learn quickly and develop his own jujutsu techniques, such as the Black Flash, which increases the power of his strikes.
Yuji’s strength and abilities are not limited to his physical prowess and jujutsu skills. He possesses a strong sense of justice and empathy, often putting himself in danger to protect others. This selflessness and determination, combined with his growing strength and abilities, make Yuji a formidable opponent and a valued ally to his fellow jujutsu sorcerers.
9) Yuuichi Katagiri – Tomodachi Game
Yuuichi is a highly intelligent and strategic character in the anime Tomodachi Game. He is often seen as the mastermind behind many of the game’s complex and risky moves. Despite his calm demeanor, he can be ruthless in his pursuit of victory and is willing to manipulate others to achieve his goals.
Yuuichi’s backstory is explored in the series, revealing that he comes from a wealthy family and was raised to be a skilled strategist. He initially joins the game to protect his sister from financial ruin, but soon becomes addicted to the thrill of the competition.
Yuuichi’s strength lies in his ability to analyze and predict the actions of his opponents. He can read their personalities and motivations, allowing him to make calculated moves that often result in his victory. However, his reliance on manipulation and his lack of trust in others can also be seen as a weakness, making him vulnerable to unexpected events.
10) Loid Forger – Spy x Family
Loid Forger, under the codename Twilight, is a skilled spy who is known for his exceptional combat skills, intelligence, and ability to disguise himself. He is the main character of the anime/manga series Spy x Family. Despite his tough exterior and professional demeanor, Twilight has a kind heart and genuinely cares about the people he meets.
Twilight’s story begins when he is tasked with infiltrating an elite school to get close to a target. In order to do this, he needs to create a fake family, which leads him to adopt a telepathic girl named Anya and marry an assassin named Yor. Over time, Twilight begins to develop a genuine attachment to his new family and begins to question his role as a spy.
Spy x Family is exquisitely drawn, carrying both its comedy and action scenes flawlessly, with gorgeous character and environmental details. Spy x Family is one of the next big shonen manga; a beautiful melting pot of comedy, mystery, action, and political drama. The whole Shonen manga package.
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