IMPORTANT: THIS TIME THERE WILL BE NO FIGHTS. YOU WILL SIMPLY VOTE FOR YOUR TOP 6 CHOICES HERE. PLEASE TRY TO USE UP ALL 6 VOTES. THANKS.
THE BRACKET
Killua Zoldyck - Hunter x Hunter
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Ranma - Ranma 1/2
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Taro Sakamoto - Sakamoto Days
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Vegeta - Dragon Ball Z
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Okabe Rintaro - Steins; Gate
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Edward Elric - Fullmetal Alchemist
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Tsuna - Hitman Reborn
VS
Jotaro Kujo - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
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Ishida Shouya- A Silent Voice
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Musashi Miyamoto - Vagabond
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Roy Mustang - Fullmetal Alchemist
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Maeda Keiji - Gifuu Doudou
THE BRACKET
Killua Zoldyck - Hunter x Hunter
Killua Zoldyck is one of the most dynamic and compelling characters in Hunter x Hunter. Initially introduced as a seemingly perfect child assassin from the infamous Zoldyck family, Killua’s evolution into a fully realized protagonist is a journey of emotional growth and self-discovery. His abilities are top-tier, but what makes Killua so captivating is his deep internal struggle between his upbringing as a killer and his desire for freedom and genuine friendship. His bond with Gon acts as both a motivator and a mirror, reflecting his need to step away from his family’s dark legacy and chart his own path.
Killua is also a character of immense emotional depth. His struggle to reconcile his violent past with his growing desire to live a normal life resonates on a deeply human level. His fierce loyalty to Gon, his quiet moments of vulnerability, and his gradual development as a person make him one of the most memorable and relatable characters in anime. Killua isn’t just a powerful fighter—he’s a symbol of growth, change, and the desire to break free from toxic legacies. His complexity and multi-faceted nature elevate Hunter x Hunter into something more than just an adventure story.
Killua is also a character of immense emotional depth. His struggle to reconcile his violent past with his growing desire to live a normal life resonates on a deeply human level. His fierce loyalty to Gon, his quiet moments of vulnerability, and his gradual development as a person make him one of the most memorable and relatable characters in anime. Killua isn’t just a powerful fighter—he’s a symbol of growth, change, and the desire to break free from toxic legacies. His complexity and multi-faceted nature elevate Hunter x Hunter into something more than just an adventure story.
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Ranma - Ranma 1/2
Ranma Saotome is one of the most iconic and memorable anime characters of the 90s, thanks to the unique premise of Ranma ½ and his unpredictable, comedic personality. His ability to switch between male and female forms due to a curse is not only the central gag of the show, but it also drives many of the themes surrounding identity, gender roles, and self-acceptance. Ranma’s journey is filled with slapstick humor, but it also subtly explores his growth as he learns to accept the absurdities of his situation and build meaningful relationships with those around him.
What makes Ranma a great MC is his complexity beneath the surface. While he often appears brash, egotistical, and reluctant to be honest about his feelings, the layers of vulnerability and emotional intelligence hidden within him make him a relatable character. His struggle with his identity and his feelings for those around him, especially Akane, provide an emotional backbone to the series amidst the chaotic and comedic scenarios. Ranma is the perfect protagonist for a series that blends comedy with heartfelt moments, and his development as a character mirrors the theme of learning to embrace both your strengths and flaws.
What makes Ranma a great MC is his complexity beneath the surface. While he often appears brash, egotistical, and reluctant to be honest about his feelings, the layers of vulnerability and emotional intelligence hidden within him make him a relatable character. His struggle with his identity and his feelings for those around him, especially Akane, provide an emotional backbone to the series amidst the chaotic and comedic scenarios. Ranma is the perfect protagonist for a series that blends comedy with heartfelt moments, and his development as a character mirrors the theme of learning to embrace both your strengths and flaws.
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Taro Sakamoto - Sakamoto Days
Taro Sakamoto from Sakamoto Days is an unexpected and delightful protagonist. Once an elite assassin who could eliminate anyone with a single strike, Sakamoto now lives a quiet life as a family man, running a convenience store. His transition from deadly assassin to everyday husband and father creates a rich source of humor, conflict, and personal growth. Despite his current life of leisure, Sakamoto’s old skills and instincts often surface in the most humorous and heartwarming ways. His laid-back demeanor and struggle to balance his past with his present life create a unique character dynamic that’s both funny and endearing.
Sakamoto’s greatness lies in his ability to maintain his humanity while navigating the absurdities of his former and current life. His calm, collected nature often acts as a foil to the chaos around him, making him an incredible and understatedly powerful protagonist. What makes him so compelling is that he’s not just a killing machine or a stereotypical “ordinary guy,” but a person who’s learning to live without violence while still being capable of stepping up when his loved ones are in danger. His balance of comedy, action, and emotional depth makes him one of the more refreshing protagonists in recent anime and manga.
Sakamoto’s greatness lies in his ability to maintain his humanity while navigating the absurdities of his former and current life. His calm, collected nature often acts as a foil to the chaos around him, making him an incredible and understatedly powerful protagonist. What makes him so compelling is that he’s not just a killing machine or a stereotypical “ordinary guy,” but a person who’s learning to live without violence while still being capable of stepping up when his loved ones are in danger. His balance of comedy, action, and emotional depth makes him one of the more refreshing protagonists in recent anime and manga.
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Vegeta - Dragon Ball Z
Vegeta is one of the most beloved characters in Dragon Ball Z, known for his complex transformation from antagonist to one of the series’ greatest heroes. His evolution is one of the most compelling character arcs in anime, as the prideful, ruthless prince of the Saiyan race gradually learns humility, love, and sacrifice. Vegeta’s fierce rivalry with Goku and his constant pursuit of power initially define him, but over time, his interactions with others—particularly his relationship with Bulma and his role as a father—reveal a multi-dimensional character who goes beyond the stereotypical "villain."
Vegeta’s greatness as an MC lies in his internal struggles and his ongoing quest for redemption. His arrogance and pride often clash with his desire to protect his loved ones, creating a character who is both deeply flawed and incredibly relatable. His growth is marked by moments of vulnerability, such as his sacrifice during the Majin Buu saga and his realization that true strength comes from protecting others. Vegeta’s transformation from villain to hero is one of the most rewarding in anime, and his complexity, determination, and emotional depth make him a standout character in Dragon Ball Z.
Vegeta’s greatness as an MC lies in his internal struggles and his ongoing quest for redemption. His arrogance and pride often clash with his desire to protect his loved ones, creating a character who is both deeply flawed and incredibly relatable. His growth is marked by moments of vulnerability, such as his sacrifice during the Majin Buu saga and his realization that true strength comes from protecting others. Vegeta’s transformation from villain to hero is one of the most rewarding in anime, and his complexity, determination, and emotional depth make him a standout character in Dragon Ball Z.
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Okabe Rintaro - Steins; Gate
Rintarou Okabe, also known as "Hououin Kyouma," is an eccentric and self-proclaimed mad scientist who leads the story of Steins;Gate with a blend of quirky humor and deep emotional complexity. His early persona is marked by over-the-top dramatics, conspiracies, and an almost delusional sense of grandeur. However, as the narrative unfolds and the stakes grow higher, Okabe’s journey becomes one of painful self-discovery, as he grapples with the burden of his actions and the consequences of time travel. His transformation from a comedic and chaotic figure into a deeply caring and self-aware protagonist is one of the most compelling in recent anime history.
What sets Okabe apart is his relatability and depth. Despite his eccentricities, his internal struggles—particularly with loss and the painful necessity of sacrifice—make him an incredibly empathetic character. His love for his friends, especially Kurisu and Mayuri, anchors the story emotionally. Okabe is a character who fights not just for the present but for the future, and his growth reflects the core themes of Steins;Gate: the impact of time, the cost of choices, and the importance of human connections. Okabe’s evolution from a deluded mad scientist to a more grounded and self-aware individual is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
What sets Okabe apart is his relatability and depth. Despite his eccentricities, his internal struggles—particularly with loss and the painful necessity of sacrifice—make him an incredibly empathetic character. His love for his friends, especially Kurisu and Mayuri, anchors the story emotionally. Okabe is a character who fights not just for the present but for the future, and his growth reflects the core themes of Steins;Gate: the impact of time, the cost of choices, and the importance of human connections. Okabe’s evolution from a deluded mad scientist to a more grounded and self-aware individual is both heartbreaking and beautiful.
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Edward Elric - Fullmetal Alchemist
dward Elric, as depicted in the original Fullmetal Alchemist manga, is a deeply layered and complex character whose personal flaws and strengths shape the emotional heart of the story. Unlike the Brotherhood anime, which follows a more streamlined and closely faithful adaptation of the manga's latter arcs, the original manga's portrayal of Edward is richer in its exploration of guilt, sacrifice, and the moral consequences of his actions. The core of Edward’s journey revolves around his attempts to find the Philosopher’s Stone to restore his brother, Alphonse, and himself to their original bodies after a botched alchemy ritual that cost Edward his arm and leg and trapped Alphonse’s soul in an armored suit. This quest for redemption is grounded in his deep sense of responsibility and his unrelenting desire to undo the damage he caused, a theme that makes his character so compelling.
What truly sets Edward apart in the Fullmetal Alchemist manga is his internal struggle and the evolution of his understanding of alchemy, ethics, and the human condition. While Brotherhood largely focuses on action and the pursuit of the stone, the manga delves deeper into the philosophical implications of their actions, particularly with Edward's relationship to his own mistakes. Edward’s brashness, his stubbornness, and his frequent clashes with authority stem not from arrogance but from a genuine desire to protect those he loves and right the wrongs of his past. His journey is not just about retrieving the Philosopher's Stone but about understanding that the price of human life and existence cannot be reversed by simply "fixing" things with alchemy. The manga portrays Edward as a more conflicted and emotionally complex character, often pushing his personal limits, confronting darker truths, and learning that true strength isn’t simply about fighting or achieving goals—it’s about accepting responsibility and facing the consequences of one's choices. Edward's emotional growth, especially his evolving relationship with Alphonse and his increasing realization of the importance of life, makes his story one of deep resonance and powerful development
What truly sets Edward apart in the Fullmetal Alchemist manga is his internal struggle and the evolution of his understanding of alchemy, ethics, and the human condition. While Brotherhood largely focuses on action and the pursuit of the stone, the manga delves deeper into the philosophical implications of their actions, particularly with Edward's relationship to his own mistakes. Edward’s brashness, his stubbornness, and his frequent clashes with authority stem not from arrogance but from a genuine desire to protect those he loves and right the wrongs of his past. His journey is not just about retrieving the Philosopher's Stone but about understanding that the price of human life and existence cannot be reversed by simply "fixing" things with alchemy. The manga portrays Edward as a more conflicted and emotionally complex character, often pushing his personal limits, confronting darker truths, and learning that true strength isn’t simply about fighting or achieving goals—it’s about accepting responsibility and facing the consequences of one's choices. Edward's emotional growth, especially his evolving relationship with Alphonse and his increasing realization of the importance of life, makes his story one of deep resonance and powerful development
VS
Tsuna - Hitman Reborn
Tsuna Sawada from Katekyō Hitman Reborn! starts off as a completely unremarkable and often cowardly middle school student, unprepared to inherit the powerful Vongola mafia family. His journey is a brilliant arc of growth, moving from a weakling who can’t even stand up to bullies to a capable and respected leader. What makes Tsuna such a standout protagonist is the fact that he never wanted the life he’s thrust into; he’s a reluctant hero who struggles with the violence and responsibility of the mafia world, all while maintaining his core sense of kindness and decency. His transformation into the boss of the Vongola family isn’t the result of natural talent but of his personal development, willingness to learn, and his growing sense of responsibility for those he cares about.
What elevates Tsuna as a great MC is his relatability and emotional depth. He’s not the typical "chosen one" hero but rather a regular person thrown into extraordinary circumstances. His inner conflict and struggles with leadership, self-doubt, and responsibility provide an emotional backbone to the action-driven plot. Over time, Tsuna matures into a competent, strategic leader who can inspire loyalty and trust, even while he grapples with his inherent weakness. His relationship with his friends and allies further enriches his growth, making him one of the more emotionally grounded and well-rounded shonen protagonists.
What elevates Tsuna as a great MC is his relatability and emotional depth. He’s not the typical "chosen one" hero but rather a regular person thrown into extraordinary circumstances. His inner conflict and struggles with leadership, self-doubt, and responsibility provide an emotional backbone to the action-driven plot. Over time, Tsuna matures into a competent, strategic leader who can inspire loyalty and trust, even while he grapples with his inherent weakness. His relationship with his friends and allies further enriches his growth, making him one of the more emotionally grounded and well-rounded shonen protagonists.
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Jotaro Kujo - Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
Jotaro Kujo is the ultimate cool-headed, stoic protagonist in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, whose calm demeanor and unyielding resolve make him one of the most iconic anime characters ever. As a young man with a rebellious streak and a powerful Stand, Star Platinum, Jotaro initially appears as a typical “tough guy” archetype. However, his emotional depth and the complexity of his relationships are what set him apart from other similar characters. Throughout Stardust Crusaders, Jotaro undergoes significant growth, primarily in how he learns to connect with his companions and how he takes responsibility for the safety of those around him. His calmness under pressure, especially in the face of intense battles, is one of his most defining traits, but his quiet care for his friends and his gradual openness—especially with his mother—shows his emotional evolution.
What makes Jotaro an excellent MC is his ability to balance his pride with a sense of deep loyalty and selflessness. He starts off as distant and closed off but matures through the course of the series, realizing that to protect those he loves, he must be willing to make sacrifices. His incredible strength and strategic thinking are essential to the group's survival, but it’s his subtle leadership, his commitment to his mission, and his emotional moments that make him stand out as a character. His relationship with his grandfather Joseph Joestar and his mother Holly brings a human element to the otherwise fantastical world of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, ensuring that Jotaro remains one of the most memorable protagonists in anime
What makes Jotaro an excellent MC is his ability to balance his pride with a sense of deep loyalty and selflessness. He starts off as distant and closed off but matures through the course of the series, realizing that to protect those he loves, he must be willing to make sacrifices. His incredible strength and strategic thinking are essential to the group's survival, but it’s his subtle leadership, his commitment to his mission, and his emotional moments that make him stand out as a character. His relationship with his grandfather Joseph Joestar and his mother Holly brings a human element to the otherwise fantastical world of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, ensuring that Jotaro remains one of the most memorable protagonists in anime
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Ishida Shouya- A Silent Voice
Ishida Shouya’s character arc in A Silent Voice is one of the most profound and redemptive in modern anime. He begins as a bullying, immature child who torments a deaf girl named Shoko Nishimiya, but the series follows his journey toward redemption as an older teenager trying to come to terms with his past actions. Ishida’s internal struggle with guilt, loneliness, and the weight of his past mistakes is deeply compelling. As he seeks to make amends with Shoko and others he has wronged, the audience witnesses a truly human and heart-wrenching growth in him. His emotional vulnerability and his desire to make things right, despite the overwhelming pain of confronting his past, make him a relatable and multi-dimensional protagonist.
What makes Ishida such a standout character is his raw authenticity. His flaws, particularly his tendency to self-destruct in the face of guilt, are made even more poignant by the people around him who challenge him to grow. His friendship with Shoko and his reconnection with those he once hurt are central to his development. A Silent Voice explores themes of bullying, mental health, and forgiveness, and Ishida is the perfect lens through which to explore these issues. His painful journey to make peace with himself, others, and the world around him makes his character arc one of profound emotional impact.
What makes Ishida such a standout character is his raw authenticity. His flaws, particularly his tendency to self-destruct in the face of guilt, are made even more poignant by the people around him who challenge him to grow. His friendship with Shoko and his reconnection with those he once hurt are central to his development. A Silent Voice explores themes of bullying, mental health, and forgiveness, and Ishida is the perfect lens through which to explore these issues. His painful journey to make peace with himself, others, and the world around him makes his character arc one of profound emotional impact.
VS
Musashi Miyamoto - Vagabond
Musashi Miyamoto in Vagabond is a deeply philosophical and multi-dimensional version of the famous swordsman. Based on the historical figure, Musashi's journey in the manga is not only a physical battle with opponents but also an inner battle with his own understanding of life, death, and purpose. From the very beginning, Musashi is depicted as a wild, almost untamed warrior driven by a desire to test his skills and prove himself. However, as he progresses, his encounters with other warriors, monks, and philosophers force him to confront the deeper aspects of his existence. His path to mastery is intertwined with profound moments of self-realization, as he seeks a deeper understanding of what it means to live a fulfilling life.
What sets Musashi apart as an MC is the depth of his character development and his existential journey. His struggle to balance his thirst for martial prowess with the emptiness he feels inside is a key element of the narrative. As Musashi faces internal and external conflicts, he evolves from a brash, impulsive warrior into a more reflective and wise figure, seeking meaning beyond combat. His journey isn’t just about becoming the greatest swordsman but about understanding his own humanity, confronting his demons, and finding peace. His complex inner monologues, philosophical insights, and gradual transformation make him one of the most compelling and profound protagonists in the world of manga.
What sets Musashi apart as an MC is the depth of his character development and his existential journey. His struggle to balance his thirst for martial prowess with the emptiness he feels inside is a key element of the narrative. As Musashi faces internal and external conflicts, he evolves from a brash, impulsive warrior into a more reflective and wise figure, seeking meaning beyond combat. His journey isn’t just about becoming the greatest swordsman but about understanding his own humanity, confronting his demons, and finding peace. His complex inner monologues, philosophical insights, and gradual transformation make him one of the most compelling and profound protagonists in the world of manga.
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Roy Mustang - Fullmetal Alchemist
Roy Mustang is a key figure in the Fullmetal Alchemist manga, and his role as the ambitious and charismatic Flame Alchemist serves as both a source of strength and a challenge for the protagonists. Mustang is a complex character, driven by a desire for power and influence, yet motivated by a deep sense of justice and responsibility. His ambition to become the Führer of Amestris stems not from a thirst for personal gain but from his belief that he could create a better country by making the right decisions. Despite his sometimes flippant demeanor and penchant for sarcasm, Mustang is a deeply principled person who would do anything to protect those he cares about, especially his subordinates and the people of Amestris.
What makes Roy Mustang an outstanding character is his strategic mind, emotional intelligence, and his moral dilemmas. He’s often caught in the conflict between the need for military power and the desire for peace, and his internal battles reflect larger themes of governance, sacrifice, and the consequences of war. His relationship with his team, particularly with his trusted lieutenant, Riza Hawkeye, is central to his character development. Mustang’s eventual pursuit of revenge, tempered by his understanding of the personal cost of such a path, further deepens his complexity. Roy is a morally gray character who must balance his ideals with the harsh realities of the world, making him one of the most memorable characters in the Fullmetal Alchemist manga.
What makes Roy Mustang an outstanding character is his strategic mind, emotional intelligence, and his moral dilemmas. He’s often caught in the conflict between the need for military power and the desire for peace, and his internal battles reflect larger themes of governance, sacrifice, and the consequences of war. His relationship with his team, particularly with his trusted lieutenant, Riza Hawkeye, is central to his character development. Mustang’s eventual pursuit of revenge, tempered by his understanding of the personal cost of such a path, further deepens his complexity. Roy is a morally gray character who must balance his ideals with the harsh realities of the world, making him one of the most memorable characters in the Fullmetal Alchemist manga.
VS
Maeda Keiji - Gifuu Doudou
Maeda Keiji, the protagonist of Gifuu Doudou, is a captivating blend of humor, charisma, and strength, making him a standout character in historical fiction. As a samurai during Japan’s Sengoku period, Keiji is known not only for his prowess in battle but also for his wit and unpredictable nature. He is an unconventional hero, not bound by strict loyalty to any lord but driven by personal honor and a desire for freedom. This complexity makes him an intriguing figure, balancing a sense of duty with a desire for autonomy, and giving him a rich, multi-layered personality. His charm and cleverness allow him to navigate dangerous political waters while maintaining his own sense of integrity and independence.
What truly sets Keiji apart as an MC is his ability to blend comedy with moments of genuine emotional depth. Despite his often lighthearted demeanor, he is deeply loyal to his friends and allies, willing to fight for justice and his ideals. Keiji’s interactions with other characters, especially his bond with Kanetsugu Naoe, show his growth and highlight the complexities of his moral code. His unconventional approach to warfare, relationships, and life in general make him a memorable and enduring character, someone who challenges the norms while remaining deeply relatable and human.
What truly sets Keiji apart as an MC is his ability to blend comedy with moments of genuine emotional depth. Despite his often lighthearted demeanor, he is deeply loyal to his friends and allies, willing to fight for justice and his ideals. Keiji’s interactions with other characters, especially his bond with Kanetsugu Naoe, show his growth and highlight the complexities of his moral code. His unconventional approach to warfare, relationships, and life in general make him a memorable and enduring character, someone who challenges the norms while remaining deeply relatable and human.
