IMPORTANT: THIS TIME THERE WILL BE NO FIGHTS. YOU WILL SIMPLY VOTE FOR YOUR TOP 4 CHOICES HERE. PLEASE TRY TO USE UP ALL 4 VOTES. THANKS.
THE BRACKET
Johan Liebert – Monster
VS
Reiner Braun – Attack on Titan
VS
Danzo Shimura – Naruto
VS
Char Aznable – Mobile Suit Gundam
VS
Macht – Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
VS
Dio Brando – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
VS
Mahito – Jujutsu Kaisen
VS
Yoshikage Kira – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
THE BRACKET
Johan Liebert – Monster
Johan Liebert is terror in its purest human form—deceptively calm, eerily polite, and entirely empty. He’s not a villain driven by trauma or ideology, but by a cold, philosophical detachment from morality. Johan doesn’t commit evil to gain power or revenge—he wants to prove that life is meaningless, and that anyone, no matter how kind or stable, can be pushed to destroy.
Johan doesn’t use brute force—he uses persuasion, observation, and quiet nudges. He turns ordinary people into murderers just by talking to them, by understanding their insecurities better than they do themselves. The horror lies in how little he needs to do—he opens a door and watches people walk through it. Every death he causes is a reflection of the darkness that was already there.
What makes Johan unforgettable is his silence. He rarely needs to explain himself. Instead, he becomes a mirror—forcing those around him to confront the fragility of identity, morality, and sanity. In a story full of complex people, Johan stands at the center as a void, showing that the most terrifying monster is the one who proves we never needed a reason to fall.
Johan doesn’t use brute force—he uses persuasion, observation, and quiet nudges. He turns ordinary people into murderers just by talking to them, by understanding their insecurities better than they do themselves. The horror lies in how little he needs to do—he opens a door and watches people walk through it. Every death he causes is a reflection of the darkness that was already there.
What makes Johan unforgettable is his silence. He rarely needs to explain himself. Instead, he becomes a mirror—forcing those around him to confront the fragility of identity, morality, and sanity. In a story full of complex people, Johan stands at the center as a void, showing that the most terrifying monster is the one who proves we never needed a reason to fall.
VS
Reiner Braun – Attack on Titan
Reiner Braun is a villain split down the middle—literally a soldier and a warrior, emotionally two people at war with each other. As the Armored Titan, he’s responsible for mass death and trauma. But behind the armor is a young man buried under guilt, living with the unbearable weight of the lives he’s destroyed. He’s not a sadist—he’s a broken person clinging to the idea that he still has a purpose.
Reiner’s strength is also his tragedy. He tries to protect his friends while serving a cause he no longer believes in. He compartmentalizes his guilt so deeply that it becomes a second identity. The audience watches him unravel—not as a powerful enemy, but as a human being collapsing under pressure. His inner torment isn’t just sad—it’s agonizingly honest.
What makes Reiner exceptional as a villain is that he forces viewers to question the entire concept of heroism and blame. He’s a villain shaped by the world, and his downfall is as much about systemic tragedy as it is about individual failure. Reiner doesn't just fight Titans—he fights himself, every day, and often loses.
Reiner’s strength is also his tragedy. He tries to protect his friends while serving a cause he no longer believes in. He compartmentalizes his guilt so deeply that it becomes a second identity. The audience watches him unravel—not as a powerful enemy, but as a human being collapsing under pressure. His inner torment isn’t just sad—it’s agonizingly honest.
What makes Reiner exceptional as a villain is that he forces viewers to question the entire concept of heroism and blame. He’s a villain shaped by the world, and his downfall is as much about systemic tragedy as it is about individual failure. Reiner doesn't just fight Titans—he fights himself, every day, and often loses.
VS
Danzo Shimura – Naruto
Danzo Shimura is the embodiment of calculated sacrifice and hidden authority. Operating from the shadows of Konoha’s politics, he champions security through control, even if that means erasing lives, suppressing free will, or creating instability to justify his own influence. To him, peace isn’t a dream—it’s a ledger, and sacrifices are just numbers.
Unlike the openly destructive villains of Naruto, Danzo sees himself as the necessary evil. He eliminates threats before they arise, undermines allies he sees as weak, and weaponizes trauma—particularly in his control over Root, a secretive black-ops unit trained without emotion. His ideology prioritizes survival over all else, even honor or humanity.
Danzo’s legacy is not just in his actions, but in what he reveals about power. He shows how fear of vulnerability can erode everything a society stands for. His death doesn’t bring satisfaction—it brings a bitter understanding: the worst damage often comes from those who think they’re saving the village.
Unlike the openly destructive villains of Naruto, Danzo sees himself as the necessary evil. He eliminates threats before they arise, undermines allies he sees as weak, and weaponizes trauma—particularly in his control over Root, a secretive black-ops unit trained without emotion. His ideology prioritizes survival over all else, even honor or humanity.
Danzo’s legacy is not just in his actions, but in what he reveals about power. He shows how fear of vulnerability can erode everything a society stands for. His death doesn’t bring satisfaction—it brings a bitter understanding: the worst damage often comes from those who think they’re saving the village.
VS
Char Aznable – Mobile Suit Gundam
Char Aznable is one of the most iconic and layered antagonists in anime history. Starting as a masked ace pilot bent on revenge, he evolves into a revolutionary leader, fighting not for vengeance alone, but for the future of humanity. His brilliance is undeniable—but so is his willingness to betray, manipulate, and sacrifice lives for his vision.
Char’s charisma makes him dangerous. He wins followers and lovers with ease, but never reveals his full intentions. As the Red Comet, he strikes with precision and elegance. As a political figure, he becomes a symbol of progress and rebellion. But underneath it all lies a deep sense of loss—of family, of purpose, of identity.
Char represents how ideology can become obsession. He blurs the line between justice and ego, war and revolution. Whether fighting against Earth’s corruption or trying to force humanity into space through violent means, Char always believes he’s right—and that belief is what makes him both inspiring and terrifying.
Char’s charisma makes him dangerous. He wins followers and lovers with ease, but never reveals his full intentions. As the Red Comet, he strikes with precision and elegance. As a political figure, he becomes a symbol of progress and rebellion. But underneath it all lies a deep sense of loss—of family, of purpose, of identity.
Char represents how ideology can become obsession. He blurs the line between justice and ego, war and revolution. Whether fighting against Earth’s corruption or trying to force humanity into space through violent means, Char always believes he’s right—and that belief is what makes him both inspiring and terrifying.
VS
Macht – Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Macht is a demon unlike the rest in Frieren—not because he’s the strongest, but because he understands humans too well. While other demons rely on cruelty and violence, Macht experiments with emotion, playing with grief, empathy, and hope like instruments. His immortality isn’t just a trait—it’s the reason he can manipulate on a generational scale.
His methodical cruelty is detached, but never random. Macht devastates villages and heroes not out of sadism, but out of curiosity and control. He’s a philosopher of despair, testing whether humans can ever truly resist temptation, or if even the noblest souls are just one push away from giving in.
What makes Macht chilling is his patience. He doesn't rage or scream—he waits, plans, and learns. In a world where most villains are forces to be slain, Macht becomes a reminder that true evil isn’t always loud or chaotic—it’s quiet, elegant, and profoundly familiar.
His methodical cruelty is detached, but never random. Macht devastates villages and heroes not out of sadism, but out of curiosity and control. He’s a philosopher of despair, testing whether humans can ever truly resist temptation, or if even the noblest souls are just one push away from giving in.
What makes Macht chilling is his patience. He doesn't rage or scream—he waits, plans, and learns. In a world where most villains are forces to be slain, Macht becomes a reminder that true evil isn’t always loud or chaotic—it’s quiet, elegant, and profoundly familiar.
VS
Dio Brando – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Dio Brando is the quintessential power-hungry villain. From the moment he enters the Joestar household, he seeks dominance—first through manipulation, then through immortality. What makes Dio so compelling is his ability to turn raw hatred into unstoppable ambition. He doesn’t just want to win—he wants to prove he’s better than everyone, forever.
His transition from cunning nobleman to godlike vampire is both theatrical and terrifying. Dio thrives on spectacle, but never lacks intelligence. He gathers followers, corrupts ideals, and twists fate itself around his iron will. Whether it’s with fangs, fists, or The World, Dio always leaves an impact—both on his enemies and the viewer.
Dio’s legacy stretches across generations, not just because of his actions, but because of what he represents: the arrogance of someone who believes the world exists to be conquered. He isn’t just evil—he’s magnetic, unforgettable, and utterly unapologetic in his desire to rule.
His transition from cunning nobleman to godlike vampire is both theatrical and terrifying. Dio thrives on spectacle, but never lacks intelligence. He gathers followers, corrupts ideals, and twists fate itself around his iron will. Whether it’s with fangs, fists, or The World, Dio always leaves an impact—both on his enemies and the viewer.
Dio’s legacy stretches across generations, not just because of his actions, but because of what he represents: the arrogance of someone who believes the world exists to be conquered. He isn’t just evil—he’s magnetic, unforgettable, and utterly unapologetic in his desire to rule.
VS
Mahito – Jujutsu Kaisen
Mahito is the face of pure, evolving malice in Jujutsu Kaisen. Born from human hatred, he views life as experimental, constantly seeking new ways to bend and break the human soul. He doesn’t hate humanity—he’s fascinated by it. That’s what makes him terrifying.
He manipulates curses and people with equal ease, reveling in their breakdowns. With his ability to reshape souls, Mahito becomes more than a physical threat—he’s a moral and psychological nightmare. He targets not just bodies, but identities, mocking what people cling to in order to feel human.
Mahito embodies chaos with a child’s glee. He’s unpredictable but consistent in his hunger for pain and meaning. In contrast to the honor-bound sorcerers, Mahito reminds us that some villains don’t need a grand cause—they just want to know how far a person can fall.
He manipulates curses and people with equal ease, reveling in their breakdowns. With his ability to reshape souls, Mahito becomes more than a physical threat—he’s a moral and psychological nightmare. He targets not just bodies, but identities, mocking what people cling to in order to feel human.
Mahito embodies chaos with a child’s glee. He’s unpredictable but consistent in his hunger for pain and meaning. In contrast to the honor-bound sorcerers, Mahito reminds us that some villains don’t need a grand cause—they just want to know how far a person can fall.
VS
Yoshikage Kira – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Yoshikage Kira stands as a uniquely chilling and deeply nuanced villain in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable. His terror isn't rooted in a desire for grand power or world domination, but in a profoundly mundane aspiration: to live an utterly quiet, anonymous life. This seemingly harmless wish takes a horrifying turn as it necessitates his identity as a meticulous serial killer, driven by a grotesque and specific hand fetish.
The Banality of Evil
Kira embodies the "banality of evil," a concept also powerfully explored through characters like Patrick Bateman from American Psycho. Both characters present a seemingly normal façade, blending seamlessly into society while secretly harboring monstrous desires. Just as Bateman meticulously crafts his image as a successful New York investment banker, Kira expertly maintains his persona as an ordinary salaryman. This is chillingly exemplified by his savage cunning and intellect, which allow him to adopt the identity of Kosaku Kawajiri, even going so far as to convincingly pretend to be a husband and father. This forced domesticity, a stark contrast to his true solitary nature, highlights his exceptional manipulative prowess. He navigates mundane family life, completely deceiving Kosaku's wife, Shinobu, while only his perceptive "son," Hayato, discerns the horrific truth lurking beneath the ordinary facade.
Killer Queen: A Stand for Tranquility and Musical Homage
His Stand, Killer Queen, reflects his simple but brutal elegance in killing. It executes his victims discreetly with explosions that leave no trace, allowing him to maintain his undisturbed life. The Stand's abilities are perfectly tailored to his desire for anonymity, ensuring his gruesome hobby remains hidden from the world. Adding another layer of brilliance, the design and various abilities of Killer Queen, including "Sheer Heart Attack" and "Bites the Dust," are direct references to songs by the iconic British rock band Queen, a testament to author Hirohiko Araki's love for Western music.
A Fragile Calm and a Bowie-esque Aura
Despite his cultivated calm, Kira is riddled with deep-seated anxiety, much like the internal turmoil that slowly consumes Patrick Bateman. This manifests visibly in his grotesque habit of chewing his fingernails to the quick when under duress, a stark symbol of his unraveling composure. These moments of intense stress, often exacerbated by the ghostly interventions of his father, Yoshihiro, underscore his fragile grip on the "normalcy" he so desperately craves. Beyond his unsettling blend of the ordinary and the macabre, Kira's striking appearance, particularly his distinctive blonde hair and sharp suit, is widely believed to be inspired by the legendary musician David Bowie, further enhancing his enigmatic and compelling presence. This subtle nod adds an extra layer of "cool" and sophistication to an already complex villain, making him an undeniable "extra win" in the pantheon of anime antagonists.
A Chilling Philosophy
What truly sets Kira apart, and where he notably diverges from a character like Bateman, is his chilling philosophy: he views his victims not as individuals, but as mere obstacles to his desired tranquility. He harbors no malice or grand scheme, only a methodical elimination of anything that threatens his idyllic, albeit twisted, existence. Unlike Bateman's self-loathing and desperate craving for recognition, Kira's primary motivation is to remain utterly undisturbed. This detachment, coupled with his extraordinary patience and meticulous planning, allows him to operate with a terrifying efficiency. Even when cornered, his resourcefulness and willingness to embrace increasingly desperate measures underscore his unwavering commitment to his undisturbed life. This blend of the utterly ordinary and the profoundly perverse makes Kira a villain who not only frightens but also subtly questions the nature of evil itself.
The Banality of Evil
Kira embodies the "banality of evil," a concept also powerfully explored through characters like Patrick Bateman from American Psycho. Both characters present a seemingly normal façade, blending seamlessly into society while secretly harboring monstrous desires. Just as Bateman meticulously crafts his image as a successful New York investment banker, Kira expertly maintains his persona as an ordinary salaryman. This is chillingly exemplified by his savage cunning and intellect, which allow him to adopt the identity of Kosaku Kawajiri, even going so far as to convincingly pretend to be a husband and father. This forced domesticity, a stark contrast to his true solitary nature, highlights his exceptional manipulative prowess. He navigates mundane family life, completely deceiving Kosaku's wife, Shinobu, while only his perceptive "son," Hayato, discerns the horrific truth lurking beneath the ordinary facade.
Killer Queen: A Stand for Tranquility and Musical Homage
His Stand, Killer Queen, reflects his simple but brutal elegance in killing. It executes his victims discreetly with explosions that leave no trace, allowing him to maintain his undisturbed life. The Stand's abilities are perfectly tailored to his desire for anonymity, ensuring his gruesome hobby remains hidden from the world. Adding another layer of brilliance, the design and various abilities of Killer Queen, including "Sheer Heart Attack" and "Bites the Dust," are direct references to songs by the iconic British rock band Queen, a testament to author Hirohiko Araki's love for Western music.
A Fragile Calm and a Bowie-esque Aura
Despite his cultivated calm, Kira is riddled with deep-seated anxiety, much like the internal turmoil that slowly consumes Patrick Bateman. This manifests visibly in his grotesque habit of chewing his fingernails to the quick when under duress, a stark symbol of his unraveling composure. These moments of intense stress, often exacerbated by the ghostly interventions of his father, Yoshihiro, underscore his fragile grip on the "normalcy" he so desperately craves. Beyond his unsettling blend of the ordinary and the macabre, Kira's striking appearance, particularly his distinctive blonde hair and sharp suit, is widely believed to be inspired by the legendary musician David Bowie, further enhancing his enigmatic and compelling presence. This subtle nod adds an extra layer of "cool" and sophistication to an already complex villain, making him an undeniable "extra win" in the pantheon of anime antagonists.
A Chilling Philosophy
What truly sets Kira apart, and where he notably diverges from a character like Bateman, is his chilling philosophy: he views his victims not as individuals, but as mere obstacles to his desired tranquility. He harbors no malice or grand scheme, only a methodical elimination of anything that threatens his idyllic, albeit twisted, existence. Unlike Bateman's self-loathing and desperate craving for recognition, Kira's primary motivation is to remain utterly undisturbed. This detachment, coupled with his extraordinary patience and meticulous planning, allows him to operate with a terrifying efficiency. Even when cornered, his resourcefulness and willingness to embrace increasingly desperate measures underscore his unwavering commitment to his undisturbed life. This blend of the utterly ordinary and the profoundly perverse makes Kira a villain who not only frightens but also subtly questions the nature of evil itself.
