10 Anime Characters Similar to Shigaraki in My Hero Academia

Characters like Shigaraki from My Hero Academia are intriguing to discuss, especially when looking at his transformation into an avatar of destruction. He became a figure who thrived on chaos, a theme often seen in anime more frequently than one might expect.

In anime, characters similar to Shigaraki can be found, particularly in their ultimate forms where they seek to destroy everything in their path. These villains can be extremely ruthless and single-minded in their pursuit of destruction, posing significant threats in the series.

If you're a fan of Shigaraki from My Hero Academia, you may enjoy these 10 anime characters that share similar traits and characteristics.

1. Kid Buu (Dragon Ball Z)

Kid Buu in the anime (Image via Toei Animation) - 1. Kid Buu (Dragon Ball Z) - 10 anime characters like Shigaraki from My Hero Academia

Kid Buu, featured in the anime, stands out as a prime example among characters like Shigaraki. This is mainly due to the fact that he embodies destruction in its purest form. In the world of Dragon Ball Z, Kid Buu is depicted as a being of ultimate evil and chaos. One of the most defining moments of his character was when he obliterated Earth along with everyone on it, with the exception of Goku, Vegeta, Mr. Satan, and Fat Majin Buu, who managed to escape to the afterlife.

Mahito (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Mahito, much like Shigaraki and Kid Buu, is a character who seeks to bring destruction. However, Mahito stands out as he possesses a unique ability to manipulate souls and curses. This power makes him a formidable opponent, capable of causing chaos and devastation on a grand scale. In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, Mahito's presence brings fear and uncertainty, making him a truly menacing villain.

One of the best examples among anime characters like Shigaraki (Image via MAPPA) - 2. Mahito (Jujutsu Kaisen)

One of the best examples among anime characters like Shigaraki (Image via MAPPA)

Gege Akutami, the author of Jujutsu Kaisen, and Kohei Horikoshi, the author of My Hero Academia, are known to be friends. There is a theory that Mahito from Jujutsu Kaisen is based on Tomura Shigaraki from My Hero Academia. They share similar appearances and both rely on physical touch with their hands to use their powers. Additionally, they both serve as symbols of destruction.

Mahito is a Curse born from human hatred, embodying chaos and destruction. The Shibuya Incident marked a turning point for the character, leading to the deaths of Nanami Kento and Nobara Kugisaki.

3. Shinobu Sensui (Yu Yu Hakusho)

One of those characters like Shigaraki... although for different reasons (Image via Studio Pierrot) - 3. Shinobu Sensui (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Shinobu Sensui from Yu Yu Hakusho is similar to Shigaraki in some ways. Both characters share the same motivation of wanting to destroy humanity and create chaos. However, Sensui's approach is more calculated and targeted compared to Shigaraki.

4. Donquixote Doflamingo (One Piece)

Donquixote Doflamingo, a character from the popular anime series One Piece, shares a similar background to Sensui in terms of being exposed to the worst aspects of humanity. While Sensui's case may have been more extreme, Doflamingo also experienced mental breakdowns and had his personality distorted as a result of his traumatic experiences.

One of One Piece's most iconic villains (Image via Toei Animation) - 4. Donquixote Doflamingo (One Piece)

One of One Piece's most iconic villains (Image via Toei Animation)

An element that can make anime characters like Shigaraki, especially in the version at the end of the My Hero Academia series, is the desire for destruction. When it comes to One Piece villains, no one embodies that better than Donquixote Doflamingo.

The main difference between several anime characters like Shigaraki (and even the character himself) is that Doflamingo has a tragic backstory. Still, the story never shows him as someone to be pitied. He is a monster through and through, wanting to cause mayhem across the seas.

5. The God Hand (Berserk)

The God Hand in the manga (Image via Hakusensha) - 5. The God Hand (Berserk)

The God Hand, depicted in the manga, are comprised of five characters who, despite being separate entities, share the same motivations as evil beings. They often cooperate as a cohesive unit, which contributes to their significant influence in the world of Berserk and the unfolding events within it.

Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)

Eren Yeager is a compelling character in the popular anime series Attack on Titan. He is a complex character who undergoes significant development throughout the series. Eren starts as a determined and driven individual seeking revenge against the Titans for the death of his mother. However, as the story progresses, Eren's character evolves, revealing deeper layers of complexity and moral ambiguity. His internal struggle and conflicting emotions make him a fascinating protagonist to follow.

Another of those characters like Shigaraki (Image via MAPPA) - 6. Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)

Another of those characters like Shigaraki (Image via MAPPA)

Eren Yeager and Shigaraki both share a similar character trajectory in their respective stories. They both deteriorate over time, becoming avatars of destruction who desire to see the world destroyed.

Eren's descent into destruction is more extreme, resulting in the death of the majority of the human race in his story. Despite his attempts to justify his actions as being for his friends, it ultimately stems from a sense of insanity and desire for destruction.

7. Tesuo Shima (Akira)

Shima in the movie (Image via Tokyo Movie Shinsha Co. Ltd) - 7. Tesuo Shima (Akira)

In the movie, Shima is a character that shares similarities with Shigaraki. Power falling into the wrong hands is a common theme seen in both the My Hero Academia villain and Tetsuo Shima from the Akira series. This consistency is evident whether you are reading the manga or watching the movie.

Cath, also known as The Seven Deadly Sins, is a character who emerged in a Japan devastated by World War III and nuclear conflicts. As an Esper, Cath's psychic abilities pushed him towards madness, transforming him into a tyrant consumed by a desire to obliterate everything in his way and fulfill his darkest impulses.

Cath's final form (Image via Studio Deen) - 8. Cath (The Seven Deadly Sins)

Cath's final form (Image via Studio Deen)

Cath is considered one of the most controversial final villains in The Seven Deadly Sins due to the unexpected twist and its significance to the story. Despite this, like Shigaraki, Cath plays a pivotal role as an agent of chaos and destruction in the anime.

Cath Palug, an embodiment of chaos, emerged from its desire to both destroy and protect Arthur. Its ultimate goal was to assist Arthur in becoming the King of Chaos. Similar to Shigaraki, Cath is driven by a relentless urge to sow chaos and turmoil wherever it goes.

9. Father (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Another one of those anime characters like Shigaraki (Image via Madhouse) - 9. Father (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Father, the main antagonist of the Fullmetal Alchemist series, is another anime character similar to Shigaraki due to their shared desire for destruction and control. Many argue that Father is even more focused and intelligent than Shigaraki, but this difference may stem from the way each character was developed.

Ryomen Sukuna (Jujutsu Kaisen)

He absorbed the knowledge of the Eye and transformed into a powerful being seeking control and dominance on a global scale. Additionally, he is portrayed as a malevolent entity driven by pure evil, with a desire to annihilate anyone who dares to stand against him.

Sukuna in the first season of the anime (Image via MAPPA) - 10. Ryomen Sukuna (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Sukuna in the first season of the anime (Image via MAPPA)

Another antagonist in Jujutsu Kaisen, similar to Shigaraki, is Ryomen Sukuna. Despite their differences in personality, abilities, and origins, both characters share a common desire for chaos and destruction.

Sukuna, unlike Shigaraki, does not have any grand ambitions or goals. Instead, his main focus is on seeking out strong opponents and creating chaos. This was evident in his actions in Shibuya, where he mercilessly killed thousands of people simply for his own amusement.

Conclusion

There are other anime characters similar to Shigaraki from My Hero Academia, although they may vary in their reasons, powers, or storytelling aspects. Nevertheless, the common thread of craving chaos and destruction persists.

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Editor's P/S:

This article provides an intriguing exploration of characters like Shigaraki from the popular anime series My Hero Academia. The author delves into the compelling motivations and characteristics of such characters, highlighting their shared desire for chaos and destruction. By examining a diverse range of anime villains, the article sheds light on the complexities and nuances that make these characters so captivating.

The inclusion of characters from various anime series, such as Dragon Ball Z, Jujutsu Kaisen, and Fullmetal Alchemist, provides a comprehensive overview of the different ways in which the theme of destruction is portrayed in anime. The author's analysis of each character's unique traits and motivations adds depth to the discussion, allowing readers to appreciate the intricacies of these characters beyond their destructive tendencies.