Unraveling the Enigmatic Nature: Top 10 Controversial Anime Characters

Controversial anime characters have sparked intense debates within the anime community. Whether it's their actions, beliefs, appearance, or circumstances, they always manage to capture attention. These characters are deliberate artistic choices by creators to address important issues.

They are the subject of heated discussion for various reasons, and their actions often lead to strong reactions and debates within the community, resulting in unexpected outcomes.

Disclaimer: The article includes the audience's and personal opinions of the author.

10 most controversial anime characters

10) Emporio Ivankov (One Piece)

Emporio Ivankov in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

Emporio Ivankov is a prominent figure in the One Piece universe, known for their involvement in the Revolutionary Army, their participation in the Marineford War, their reign over a kingdom, and their life-saving actions for Luffy. However, Ivankov is also a controversial character in the world of anime, particularly in terms of their representation of the LGBTQ+ community.

Some aspects of Ivankov's behavior raise eyebrows, such as their interrogation methods that involve intentionally changing people's genders. Furthermore, the portrayal of the inhabitants of Kamabakka Kingdom lacks sensitivity, sparking debates among viewers about whether Ivankov's representation of LGBTQ+ individuals is positive or negative.

9) Mr. Popo (Dragon Ball)

Mr. Popo in Dragon Ball (Image via Toei Animation)

Dragon Ball is widely considered one of the most successful series of all time, beloved by fans all over the world. Despite its popularity, the character Mr. Popo has sparked controversy due to his appearance, which has been compared to a crude depiction of Blackface. While the character is known for being kind, endearing, and helpful, the attempts to change his appearance and how he is portrayed in various dubs have been met with mixed reactions.

8) Hiro Shishigami (Inuyashiki)

Hiro Shishigami in Inuyashiki (Image via MAPPA)

Dark characters are almost always adored by fans, drawing people in through various means regardless of their deeds. However, there is one character who surpasses the darkest personalities and is among the most controversial anime characters: Hiro Shishigami from Inuyashiki. After gaining superpowers, he embodies everything that could go wrong, indiscriminately killing and never doing anything good. Even though he later changes his ways in the series, his past deeds remain highly questionable.

7) Mineta (My Hero Academia)

Minoru Mineta in My Hero Academia (Image via Studio Bones)

Minoru Mineta from My Hero Academia has become a highly contentious anime character due to his actions. Often compared to "Master Roshi", his character is known for being overly perverted, which has led to mixed reactions from fans. While initially serving as the series' cliché pervert, over time, his comedic appeal has waned, and some viewers find his character more annoying than entertaining. Although he has had moments to showcase his abilities, they have been few and far between.

6) Tamaki Kotatsu (Fire Force)

Tamaki Kotatsu in Fire Force (Image via David Production)

Tamaki Kotatsu from Fire Force is a controversial anime character. As a member of Company Eight, she is a strong and brave presence in the series. However, she has faced criticism for being portrayed as a "fan service" character. Despite her reputation as a powerful and respected soldier, her frequent wardrobe malfunctions and the need for rescue in battles have not been well-received by fans.

5) Naofumi Iwatani (The Rising of the Shield Hero)

Naofumi Iwatani in The Rising of the Shield Hero (Image via Kinema Citrus)

One of the most controversial anime characters is Naofumi Iwatani from The Rising of the Shield Hero. When examining his character objectively, there is little to criticize. However, the series portrays situations that can be distressing, which is what occurred in this case.

Naofumi's troubling interaction with Malty sparked a chain of events. While he did not assault her, he was falsely accused, leading to unfortunate outcomes. The storyline addresses sensitive issues that have divided audiences. Ultimately, it is not Naofumi's character but rather his storyline that is controversial.

4) Griffith (Berserk)

Griffith in Berserk (Image via GEMBA)

Many believe Griffith did the right thing, but there are also many who openly disagree. He is considered one of anime's most controversial characters, as his betrayal as the White Hawk continues to be infamous even today. His callous sacrifice and effortless transition to the dark side have firmly labeled Griffith as a great villain. Accepting the offer from the God Hand in exchange for his comrades' lives, which were being taken by demons, and then defiling Casca immediately after his transformation, are actions that suggest he has no regrets.

3) Sakura Haruno (Naruto)

Sakura Haruno in Naruto (Image via STudio Pierrot)

Sakura Haruno could have been a strong female lead in Naruto under different circumstances. Initially depicted as weaker than her teammates and in need of constant saving, her training in Shippuden made her significantly stronger, bringing her to at least the same level as a powerful ninja.

However, her obsession with Sasuke acted like a chain that held her back, preventing her from realizing her full potential. Furthermore, she had fewer fights and screen time compared to other characters.

2) Endeavor (My Hero Academia)

Endeavor in My Hero Academia (Image via Studio Bones)

From the moment he was introduced, Endeavor from My Hero Academia has been a controversial character. His mistreatment of his family has made him one of the most questionable figures in the world of anime.

His abusive behavior towards his wife and inhumane treatment of his children have not been well received by fans. While he has made efforts to change and improve, his problematic past cannot be overlooked.

1) Eren Yeager (Attack on Titan)

Eren Yeager in Attack on Titan (Image via Wit Studio)

At the top of the list of controversial anime characters is Eren Yeager, the protagonist of Attack on Titan. Starting out as energetic and hotheaded, his fate took a drastic turn due to changing circumstances.

Many fans and Eren himself were troubled by his violent actions and nearly global genocide in the name of Eldia. At one point, he shifted his focus and began to act out in order to achieve his ideals.

Anime has served as a platform for a wide variety of shows and stories, ranging from lighthearted slice-of-life series to those that tackle darker or more mature themes. The characters in anime also come in a diverse array.

Controversial anime characters come in various forms. Some have storylines that stir up controversy, while others may be portrayed in a way that is too intense for the average viewer. Certain controversial anime characters skillfully portray the darker aspects of reality, which some audiences may find difficult to confront. These complex characters are just one of the many factors that make anime captivating and deserving of attention.

Editor's P/S

As a passionate anime fan, I find the exploration of controversial characters in the anime world to be both intriguing and thought-provoking. These characters often challenge societal norms, push boundaries, and spark important discussions within the community. While some may argue that certain portrayals can be offensive or insensitive, I believe that these characters serve as a means to address complex issues and encourage critical thinking.

The inclusion of characters like Emporio Ivankov and Mr. Popo highlights the importance of representation and cultural sensitivity in anime. It is crucial for creators to approach these topics with care and consideration, ensuring that their portrayals are respectful and avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. At the same time, I appreciate the willingness of anime creators to tackle controversial subjects and provoke discussions that extend beyond the realm of entertainment.