Character Analysis

But not all anime villains are self-made antagonists. Sure, some are evil of their own intent (e.g. Light Yagami in Death Note), but many so-called evil anime characters are the way they are because they were manipulated by greater evils who took advantage of their weaknesses. Here are some of the most notable evil anime characters who were merely puppets for bigger, badder villains pulling their strings. There are spoilers ahead, so read at your own risk!...

Like anti-heroes in other mediums, anime anti-heroes can make for uniquely fascinating stories and developments, ones that usually involve corrupted heroes, empathetic villains, or nonchalant outlaws. The anti-hero straddles the line between good and bad. And while we’re never quite sure which side he ultimately leans toward, what matters is that their journeys are interesting no matter how dark they get—and we get to see their humanity amidst their flaws. The anime medium has given us all kinds of anti-heroes over the years....

Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner: The Final Cut came about in 2006, resulting in fans of the first movie marveling at the fully realized masterpiece. With it, Blade Runner went from a film bogged down by studio interference to one of the most profound sci-fi movies ever made. The 2017 sequel Blade Runner 2049 continued the tale, picking up decades later with new characters and a new mystery. Aside from the grandiosity of its dystopian Los Angeles, it’s the characters of Blade Runner and Blade Runner 2049 that have allowed the franchise to endure....

Look at pretty much any modern anime series and you’ll find that the side characters are the ones who round out the cast, fill out the gaps, bring color to scenes, and deepen the overall story in many ways. And when a side character is done particularly well, they can win over the audience and become fan favorites in no time. How does a side character win the viewers over? Let’s find out!...