The Ultimate Guide to Breaking Free from Anime Tropes

Highlights

Anime often relies on tropes like dead/absent parents to add tragedy and fuel characters' journeys, seen in series like

Hunter x Hunter

and

Fullmetal Alchemist

.

Shouting out attack names is a common trope in Shounen anime, creating epic moments and memorable catchphrases in series like

Dragon Ball Z

and

My Hero Academia

.

Teenage protagonists are a constant in anime, allowing younger viewers to relate more easily, while adult characters play supporting or antagonistic roles.

Tropes are a common occurrence in books, movies, games, and TV shows, and anime is no different. Given the immense popularity and growth of anime, it has developed its own set of tropes, some of which are more prominent than others.

Although there are certain tropes that are not heavily relied upon in anime, there are undoubtedly some that are excessively used. These tropes often appear in most major anime series, intended to create a dramatic or humorous impact. However, whether or not these tropes truly achieve this effect depends on the perspective of each viewer.

10 Dead/Absent Parents

When a young and promising anime protagonist emerges, it is almost a guarantee that they lack parental figures in their lives. These figures may have left when the protagonist was a child or met a tragic end, often revealed through intermittent flashbacks.

This storytelling device serves to elicit sympathy from the audience and add a touch of sorrow to the characters' narratives. It may also introduce unexpected plot twists, such as the sudden reappearance of a presumed dead or missing parent. Moreover, it acts as a catalyst for propelling the characters into their adventures, setting their stories in motion. Regardless of the rationale behind its usage, this trope holds significant prominence in anime, appearing in popular series like Hunter x Hunter and Fullmetal Alchemist.

9 Shouting Out Attack Names

In combat, it's crucial not to reveal your attacks to the opponent. When you telegraph your moves, they have a chance to anticipate and dodge or counter them. Surprisingly, this is a common practice among fighters in anime, where they loudly announce the name of their attack. Shounen fans, who are familiar with this repetitive pattern, can easily recall numerous examples from popular series such as Dragon Ball Z, Naruto, and My Hero Academia. It has become a trademark for these shows, effectively building anticipation and excitement for the viewers. These iconic declarations have even turned into memorable phrases that fans can effortlessly recite.

8 Teenage Protagonists

In both JRPGs and anime, it is a common pattern for the main characters to be teenagers who are still in school, shouldering the responsibilities of being protagonists. Although this may surprise adult fans, it helps the young audience to relate more to the central character, which is likely the main reason for this trend.

While adult characters may appear in supporting roles or as adversaries, it is always a group of unlucky and unlikely kids who must unite and rescue humanity. However, considering the prevalence of this theme in anime, perhaps it is time to give stressed office workers the opportunity to release their frustrations on the monstrous obstacles hindering their daily commute.

7 Filler Episodes

Filler episodes, love them or loathe them, are a common feature in mainstream anime, serving to increase the episode count with numerous episodes that add little or no value to the main storyline. While most people understand the concept of filler episodes, for those who don't, they are essentially short story arcs contained within one or a few episodes that have no significant impact on the overall plot.

Despite the negative connotation, some filler episodes can actually be quite enjoyable, as they often place typically serious characters in humorous and absurd scenarios. For instance, in Dragon Ball Z, Piccolo undergoing driving lessons. Regardless of fans' sentiments towards filler episodes, it seems that they are here to stay for the foreseeable future.

6 Power Scaling

Intense emotions or a life-threatening situation are the catalysts for a recurring anime theme known as power scaling. In this trope, characters undergo a remarkable transformation, going from a state of weakness to incredible strength, as seen in the example of Mob Psycho. Accompanied by a dramatic soundtrack and impassioned cries, this trope can sometimes come across as overly theatrical. However, it remains a timeless element found in any combat-focused anime and is sure to continue captivating audiences in future productions.

5 Fan Service

Fan service, despite its name, can often split fans into those who appreciate its inclusion in their favorite shows and those who find it unnecessary and somewhat uncomfortable. Nevertheless, fan service remains prevalent in the majority of anime shows, catering to the desires of certain fans. While not all fan service aims to sexually arouse fans, some of it is intended for comedic or ironic purposes, as seen in the exaggeratedly outrageous anime Keijo or the notorious scene in High School of the Dead.

4 Self-Insert Protagonists

A common feature in Isekai or Shojo anime is the introduction of a "blank slate" character. These characters typically possess minimal self-identity and a subdued personality, allowing viewers to project themselves onto them. This narrative device is also commonly found in popular game series such as Persona.

While this trope enables fans to envision themselves on the screen and experience the story vicariously, it often results in a protagonist without much depth or distinctiveness. Unlike in RPGs, where players can shape the character's decisions to their liking, this trope limits the potential for a truly engaging main character. Nevertheless, it remains a frequently utilized trope in anime and is likely to be continued in the future. Anime enthusiasts can only hope that this trope does not dilute the overall appeal of otherwise intriguing characters.

3 Love Triangles

Love triangles are a well-known cliché in Western media, but anime is not exempt from it. Many Shojo anime or series that focus on romance and a diverse cast often incorporate a love triangle, or more accurately, a love corner. In these situations, one character finds themselves torn between two potential romantic partners.

Anime such as Vampire Knight, Fruits Basket, and Peach Girl are examples of series that use this trope to introduce drama into otherwise typical romantic stories. While it does provide the necessary conflict for any engaging narrative, love triangles can sometimes become tiresome to observe and are definitely overused in certain anime genres.

2 The Power of Friendship

When one person alone cannot save the world, bringing in friends to help balance the odds becomes essential. Their unbreakable bond enables them to triumph over any evil, making the power of friendship trope a recurring theme in anime specifically geared towards younger audiences. However, there are exceptions to this rule. This trope serves as a reminder to the audience that seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness, but rather a means to accomplish great things together.

This lesson is particularly valuable for young and impressionable minds, which may explain its frequent portrayal in anime. Moreover, this way of thinking is logically sound, as there is strength in numbers and individuals who share a strong friendship are more likely to collaborate successfully compared to strangers.

1 Cute Artstyle Hides a Dark Secret

Most anime has a cute art style, featuring characters with exaggerated eyes and vibrant hair that doesn't occur naturally in the real world. At first glance, these animes may appear to be light-hearted slice-of-life adventures with adorable characters. However, viewers should be aware that things may not be as they appear.

A common theme in these seemingly adorable animes is the presence of darkness beneath the surface. As the audience continues to watch, they will soon discover the hidden horrors. School-Live is a prime example of this, where the main character initially believes that the cast is simply enjoying their lives in school, participating in extracurricular activities. In reality, they are actually hiding from an apocalypse that is devastating the outside world.