Anime has a long history of using black anime characters as villains or supporting characters. This list is a compilation of 6 anime with black characters that break the traditional mold.
These anime showcase black people and other characters of color in a world where they are not the token minorities. In this post we will acknowledge 6 black characters who are portrayed as heroes.
6 Black anime heroes you need to know about
1. DUTCH
Anime: Black Lagoon
Dutch is a Canadian mercenary who is the secondary protagonist of the manga and anime series, Black Lagoon. He is a former Royal Marine and Vietnam War veteran. Dutch usually operates as an independent contractor in Southeast Asia, where he provides military and security services to both private companies and governments.
He is one of the black anime characters who has been praised by reviewers for his personality and for his role in the story.
2. AFRO
Anime: Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai is a Japanese manga series created by Takashi Okazaki. The story is about a young black man named Afro who has been betrayed by his father and killed by his brother, named Justice. He becomes the legendary Afro Samurai after he avenges himself on Justice with the help of Otsuru, a female ninja who wants him dead as well but changes her mind when she sees him use the power of “soul resonance”.
Afro Samurai is one of the black anime characters who has been portrayed with careful thought and creativity.
3. KANAME TOSEN
Anime: Bleach
Kaname Tosen is a high-ranking Shinigami and Captain of the Kido Corps. He is the former Captain of the 12th Division, but left to take up his current position following Aizen’s defeat.
He is also a mentor to Byakuya Kuchiki, who succeeded him as captain of the 12th Division. He is highly coded as being black.
4. MUHAMMAD AVDOL
Anime: Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders
Muhammad Avdol is a black character from the manga and anime series Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders. He is a man of Egyptian descent who was formerly an assassin and now fights to protect his friends.
Avdol has been shown as one of the most powerful characters in the series, as he has been able to defeat several opponents with ease at times. One such example was when he defeated one of Dio’s henchmen, ZZ, with only two punches.
5. KIRIK RUNG
Anime: Soul Eater
Kirik Rung is a character from the anime series, Soul Eater. He is an African meister and wields the power of fire and thunder. He is known for his hot headedness and blunt personality. He is also compassionate and puts his friends’ lives before his own.
Kirik rung is a 2 star meister and he is one of the top 3 fighters at the Death Weapon Master Academy. So he is pretty much one of the OPs.
5. KILLER BEE
Anime: Naruto Shippudden
Killer Bee is a black anime character in the anime Naruto Shippudden. He is also one of the most powerful ninjas in the series.
He is portrayed as an overly-confident and cocky individual who cares very little for his allies, but will still fight to protect them. Killer Bee has a sharp tongue and often speaks without thinking, which can lead to him saying things that he does not intend to say. He almost only talks in rhymes.
Related post: 10 animes without superpower
Take Away
Black anime characters in anime are very rare but black characters as heroes are even more so. Therefore, I have comprised a list of only black anime characters who are heroes. I could think of only six characters do you think I have missed someone? If so, comment below and I will add them in this list!
