The Top 10 Steve Blum Anime Performances You Can't Miss

Article Overview

Steve Blum brings intensity and versatility to his roles, setting the tone for the series and delighting fans.

From comedic characters to classical villains, Blum's performances are always nuanced and memorable.

Blum's most iconic role as Spike Spiegel in

Cowboy Bebop

solidifies his status as a legendary voice actor in the industry.

Steve Blum, a veteran voice actor in the industry, has made a mark with his iconic roles in anime. Known for his work as the voice of Toonami's host TOM, he introduced many classic anime series to Western audiences, shaping the first anime experiences for many fans. Throughout his career, Steve Blum has portrayed a wide range of characters, from serious and no-nonsense to goofy and comedic, always delivering top-notch performances. Whether playing lead characters or fan-favorite side roles, fans eagerly anticipate his next casting announcement. Here are 10 standout performances by Steve Blum in anime.

10. Eikichi Onizuka is a Tough Guy Who Ended Up As A Teacher

Series: Great Teacher Onizuka

In Great Teacher Onizuka, Steve Blum takes on the role of the lead character, a former delinquent turned high school teacher. Blum brings an intense energy to the role, perfectly embodying the passionate nature of the character. While the series has its serious and dramatic moments, Blum effortlessly transitions, staying true to the character. His performance as the lead sets the perfect tone for the series.

Watch on Crunchyroll

9. Guilmon is a Loyal Companion

Series: Digimon Tamers

Guilmon, one of the main Digimon in the series Digimon Tamers, is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Blum, in this role, brings to life the lovable dinosaur-like creature and creates a believable dynamic with his human partner, Takato Matsuki. Despite being different from many of his other roles, Blum's performance as Guilmon still manages to elevate the anime. Additionally, Blum also voiced a few other Digimon characters over the years, but Guilmon and its Digivolutions stand out as the most notable. You can watch this on Hulu.

8. Kazuma is a Hot-headed Renegade Hero

Series: s-CRY-ed

In the obscure series s-CRY-ed, Blum takes on the role of Kazuma Torisuna, the wielder of a unique ability called an Alter, which grants distinct powers to each individual. Kazuma is impulsive, defiant, and resolute, yet always ready to risk his life to aid others. Blum once again delivers a fittingly intense performance, elevating the classic character archetype to new heights in a rather typical shonen series.

Watch on Crunchyroll

7. Orochimaru Brings Evil to a New Level

Series: Naruto

Orochimaru, a classic villain, could easily be overdone and turned into a caricature. However, Steve Blum's portrayal brings depth to the character, ensuring that Orochimaru remains a truly frightening presence in the series. In the follow-up series, Boruto, Blum gives Orochimaru a level of redemption, adding a new dimension to the character that was previously solely evil. Every scene with Orochimaru is filled with tension, thanks to Blum's skillful performance. It's also worth mentioning Blum's exceptional performance as Zabuza.

Watch on Crunchyroll

6. Kyogai Can Make You Cry for a Demon

Series: Demon Slayer

In Demon Slayer, one of the first major demons is the drum demon, Kyogai. Despite starting off as an evil villain, Demon Slayer gives its villains tragic backstories that make viewers sympathize with them. The actors portraying them must bring depth to the role, and Steve Blum was a perfect choice for Kyogai. His final scenes with Tanjiro are moving, as he finally feels appreciated in his dying moments. Blum's performance made Kyogai a memorable character despite his brief appearance in the series.

Stream on Crunchyroll

5. Leeron Brings Sassy Style to Giant Robots

Series: Gurren Lagann

In Gainax's Gurren Lagann, Blum takes on the role of the supporting character, Leeron Littner, a mechanic responsible for working on the series' mecha. Leeron's expertise is crucial to the protagonists' mission of reclaiming the surface, giving him a significant role in the show. Known for his flamboyant personality, it takes a skilled voice actor to balance the silly and serious sides of Leeron. Blum successfully brings out the complexity of the character, adding depth to Gurren Lagann's themes.

Watch on Crunchyroll

4. Kyohei is a Cool and Collected Hero

Series: Durarara

Blum's portrayal in Durarara is the unforgettable Kyohei Kadota, a member of the enigmatic "gang" called the Dollars in Ikebukuro. Kyohei, a level-headed high school student with a disdain for rules, possesses ample fighting skills. Blum's nuanced performance brings depth to the character, steering clear of the monotony that often plagues calm characters. Kyohei's courageous nature also helps him to leave a lasting impression. Available for streaming on Hulu.

3. Mugen is a Loveable Scoundrel

Series: Samurai Champloo

Check out Samurai Champloo, the sister series to Cowboy Bebop, which creatively blends hiphop with ancient Japan to provide a one-of-a-kind viewing experience. The show's iconic characters, including the rogue samurai Mugen and the mysterious Jin, contribute to its unique appeal. Mugen's brash personality is captured excellently by Steve Blum, while his dynamic with Jin, masterfully portrayed by Kirk Thornton, adds depth to the series. Watch now on Crunchyroll.

2. Roger Smith Investigates a Forgotten City's Mysteries

Series: The Big O

The Big O, a mecha series heavily inspired by Batman, features a wealthy protagonist with a secret identity named Roger Smith, voiced by Blum. He controls the giant robot known as Big O, using it to combat monsters and other robots threatening the amnesiac Paradigm City. Blum infuses the role with a stern and serious energy, along with a touch of the Bruce Wayne-esque playboy behavior. Roger's interactions with his android partner, Dorothy, are a standout of the series, and Blum handles it exceptionally well given Dorothy's flat and robotic personality.

1. Spike Spiegel is The Ultimate Space Cowboy

Series: Cowboy Bebop

Blum's most iconic role is definitely Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop. The English dub is widely considered to be the superior version, thanks in part to the excellent casting, particularly for series protagonist Spike. Spike is a complex character, a tough guy who also possesses a dark and mysterious past, giving Blum a lot to work with in the role. He manages to embody the character perfectly in every scene. Over 20 years later, Cowboy Bebop is still celebrated as an anime masterpiece, and Blum played a significant role in that achievement. Check it out on Crunchyroll.

Editor's P/S

Steve Blum is a legendary voice actor who has brought to life some of the most iconic anime characters of all time. His performances are always top-notch, and he has a knack for bringing out the unique personality of each character he plays. From the enigmatic Spike Spiegel to the mischievous Mugen, Blum's characters are always memorable and leave a lasting impression on fans.

Blum's versatility as a voice actor is truly remarkable. He can effortlessly switch between serious and comedic roles, and he always seems to find the perfect voice for each character. His work in Great Teacher Onizuka, Digimon Tamers, and s-CRY-ed showcases his range and ability to bring even the most obscure characters to life. Blum's performances in Demon Slayer and Gurren Lagann further demonstrate his talent for creating complex and memorable characters.