10 Anime Characters Similar to Monkey D. Dragon in One Piece

When it comes to One Piece, fans often look beyond the vast world of the series and often find characters like Monkey D. Dragon to be a favorite. Despite not having much background information in the series so far, Dragon has garnered a considerable fan following.

Although his mysterious past and unknown goals make it challenging to compare him to other anime characters, there are actually many who share similarities with him. In fact, even within the world of One Piece and other popular shonen anime like the Big 3, there are several characters who resemble Monkey D. Dragon.

10 anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon from One Piece

1) Shanks

Even within One Piece itself, fans can find anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Toei Animation) - 1) Shanks - 10 anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon from One Piece

Even within One Piece itself, fans can find anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Toei Animation)

Recent revelations in the One Piece canon have shed light on the origins of characters like Shanks and Monkey D. Dragon. Shanks, much like Dragon, was shown to have an adopted daughter named Uta, highlighting a similarity between the two in terms of being somewhat distant figures in their children's lives. Despite their reasons, this parallel is evident.

While Dragon's aim to dismantle the World Government is clear, the specifics of his motives and end goals remain a mystery. Similarly, Shanks is making secretive moves of his own, with his exact intentions and objectives shrouded in uncertainty. Both characters are speculated to be among the most powerful fighters in the series, despite rarely showcasing their full capabilities (or never in the case of Dragon).

2) Itachi Uchiha

For the sacrifices made for their families and how enigmatic they are, Itachi Uchiha is undoubtedly one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Studio Pierrot) - 2) Itachi Uchiha

For the sacrifices made for their families and how enigmatic they are, Itachi Uchiha is undoubtedly one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Studio Pierrot)

While a confusing entry on the surface, Itachi Uchiha is undoubtedly one of many characters like Monkey D. Dragon from One Piece. Much like Dragon and Luffy, Itachi separated himself from his living family member Sasuke Uchiha for his own good and prosperity after being branded a heinous criminal and enemy of the state.

3) Madara Uchiha

Madara Uchiha's true motives and goals are always changing, making it difficult to pinpoint them. In the Naruto series, Itachi's objectives and motivations evolve throughout the story, keeping fans intrigued. Similarly, while Madara hasn't been explored in the same depth, he is a character who leaves fans guessing until the very end of the series.

Madara's methodical, plotting, and hidden approach to leading a group makes him one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Studio Pierrot) - 3) Madara Uchiha

Madara's methodical, plotting, and hidden approach to leading a group makes him one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Studio Pierrot)

In the series, Madara Uchiha and Monkey D. Dragon both play roles as relatively mysterious forces. They tend to stay in the background while others do the fighting to achieve their goals, like Obito Uchiha and the Revolutionary Army.

Both Madara and Dragon belong to a previous generation in their respective series. Madara is much older than Dragon, but they both have the potential to be destructive forces that could change the entire world of their series if they had the right resources.

4) Sosuke Aizen

Despite the difference in their intentions, their respective rebellions make Aizen one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Studio Pierrot) - 4) Sosuke Aizen

Sosuke Aizen and Monkey D. Dragon are similar in some ways, despite having different intentions for their actions. Aizen, like Monkey D. Dragon, is known for being a meticulous planner, always keeping his true motivations and goals hidden or constantly changing. Both characters also tend to prefer having their subordinates take direct action, only stepping in personally when absolutely required.

Ging Freecss

Ging Freecss stands out as a unique character in the series. He possesses a mysterious aura and is known for his elusive nature. Despite his absence for most of the story, Ging's impact is felt through his actions and the way other characters speak of him.

As fathers and more, Ging Freeccs is one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Madhouse) - 5) Ging Freecss

As fathers and more, Ging Freeccs is one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Madhouse)

Ging Freecss from Hunter x Hunter is similar to Monkey D. Dragon from One Piece in many ways. Both made the decision to prioritize their personal goals over their responsibilities as fathers, leaving their sons in the care of other family members. For Gon, it's his Aunt Mito, while Luffy is looked after by his grandfather, Garp (who is also Dragon's father).

Despite their different roles in their respective series, Ging is highly respected as a skilled hunter, and Dragon is infamous as the leader of the Revolutionary Army. Despite their contrasting reputations, they share a common ground in their legendary status within their worlds.

6) Van Hohenheim

In his role as a father and more, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood's Van Hohenheim is one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via BONES) - 6) Van Hohenheim

In his role as a father and more, Van Hohenheim from Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is similar to anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon. Despite not being obvious at first glance, there are parallels between them.

Just like Ging, Van Hohenheim also left his two children, Edward and Alphonse, in the care of a trusted family friend instead of a relative, similar to Dragon's situation.

Lelouch Lamperouge

Lelouch Lamperouge's origins are shrouded in mystery in the majority of his series. In the anime, detailed flashbacks about his past are revealed in the second half, while in the manga by Oda, Dragon's origins have yet to be unveiled. Despite this, both characters are depicted as being ready to step out of the shadows and assist their sons when they are in dire need. For instance, Hohenheim emerges during the final battle against the Homunculi, and Dragon comes to Luffy's aid in Loguetown.

Lelouch Lamperouge is one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Sunrise Studios) - 7) Lelouch Lamperouge

Lelouch Lamperouge is one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via Sunrise Studios)

Lelouch vi Britannia, also known as the protagonist of Code Geass, shares similarities with other anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon. Both lead rebellions against systems they were once part of. Dragon, as Garp's son, had a connection to the Marines through nepotism, while Lelouch, the former prince of the Britannian Empire, now fights against it.

In terms of tactics, both Lelouch and Dragon exhibit similar leadership styles in their rebellions. Lelouch, however, is more willing to participate in the front lines. Despite this, he primarily focuses on strategizing, giving instructions to his forces, and manipulating both allies and enemies.

8) Najenda

Despite a much smaller role and appearance in her series, Najenda is one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via WHITE FOX) - 8) Najenda

Najenda may not have a prominent role in her series, but she is just as important as characters like Monkey D. Dragon. Both characters defy a corrupt system that perpetuates injustices. They show deep concern for their followers and prefer to lead from behind instead of fighting on the front lines.

9) Suguru Geto

Jujutsu Kaisen's Suguru Geto is one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via MAPPA Studios) - 9) Suguru Geto

Suguru Geto from Jujutsu Kaisen is considered similar to anime character Monkey D. Dragon by many fans. This is mainly because both characters share a rebellious nature. Geto's hatred towards the jujutsu world and his belief in eliminating non-sorcerer humans stemmed from the death of Riko Amanai. On the other hand, Monkey D. Dragon's goals are more noble, as he likely holds similar feelings towards the World Government and the Marines.

All For One

Moreover, although the exact origins of Dragon are uncertain, it is likely that they are similar to Geto's, both being driven by the loss of a beloved friend or family member. In addition to this, both individuals are leaders of their own groups, which they formed with the purpose of opposing the systems they detest.

All For One is one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via BONES) - 10) All For One

All For One is one of many anime characters like Monkey D. Dragon (Image via BONES)

All For One from My Hero Academia is another anime character similar to Monkey D. Dragon in many ways. They both challenge systems they believe are flawed and prefer to guide their followers from behind. However, they differ in their motives for rebelling against their respective systems. Dragon aims to "fix" the world by taking down the World Government, while All For One desires chaos and the reign of evil.

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Editor's P/S:

This article delves into the fascinating similarities between Monkey D. Dragon from One Piece and compelling characters from other popular anime series. It highlights the enigmatic nature, strategic leadership, and rebellious spirit shared by these individuals. The comparisons drawn between Dragon and characters like Shanks, Itachi Uchiha, and Lelouch Lamperouge provide a deeper understanding of his motivations and the impact he has on the world of One Piece.

Overall, the article effectively showcases the broader anime landscape and how Dragon's character resonates beyond the boundaries of his own series. It invites readers to explore the nuances of these characters and appreciate the rich tapestry of storytelling within the anime genre.