The superhero genre has dominated popular culture for many years, with the rise of Marvel heroes in the 2000s, followed by the emergence of the MCU in the 2010s, leading to a resurgence of DC’s fame through films like The Suicide Squad and The Batman in the 2020s.
When discussing the various forms of media that have successfully depicted superhero stories, anime undoubtedly plays a significant role.
Below are 5 incredible superheroes from the world of anime:
1. Astro Boy
Astro Boy is one of the most iconic characters that has deeply influenced modern culture over the years. His fame has reached such heights that even those who have never watched anime can recognize his name or face.
Created by Umataro Tenma, the director of the Ministry of Science, Astro Boy is a robotic reincarnation of Tobio Tenma. He is a superhero who embodies strong ideals of justice and is a symbol of peace, often advocating for those who cannot fend for themselves.
With his ability to fly, super strength, and a powerful arm cannon, Astro Boy is one of the most exceptional superheroes in the anime universe.
2. Deku – Izuku Midoriya
Izuku Midoriya, known as Deku, is a boy born in a society where almost everyone possesses extraordinary abilities, except for him. This creates a deep emotional struggle, leading Deku to idolize heroes and study their feats obsessively.
Despite being bullied for his lack of powers, he eventually finds himself in a position where he inherits incredible abilities from the world’s greatest hero, All Might. Deku’s resilience and determination make him one of the most admirable superheroes, as he strives to protect others while working towards his own heroic dreams.
3. Sailor Moon
Usagi Tsukino, who holds the title of Sailor Moon, is a guardian of love and justice. She is one of the most recognized characters from the 1990s and remains a significant figure in anime culture.
Sailor Moon originates from the Moon Kingdom and is reincarnated on Earth, where she leads the Sailor Senshi. Through her many transformations, she utilizes her powers to create magical spells.
Sailor Moon can create light, heal, and unleash powerful attacks, making her one of the most influential and intelligent characters in anime and manga.
4. All-Might
Similar to Deku, All-Might was born without special powers but became renowned for his immense strength and heroic deeds. His transformation into a symbol of peace and justice is legendary.
All-Might embodies the spirit of heroism, inspiring countless individuals with his unwavering resolve and commitment to fighting evil. His presence dominates the hero community, solidifying his status as one of the greatest anime superheroes.
5. Saitama – The King of Superheroes
Saitama is an ordinary man who has undergone intense training to become the strongest hero in the world. However, he is so powerful that he can no longer feel the thrill of battle, leading to a comedic yet profound exploration of what it means to be a hero.
According to him, his daily routine of training intensely has resulted in a strength that is unmatched, making him a unique concept of a hero in the anime realm, while also serving as a humorous lens on the superhero genre.