In the world of shonen anime, a hero’s first impression can make a lasting impact on audiences. While many heroes immediately endear themselves to viewers through acts of bravery or kindness, some of the most iconic characters made surprisingly rocky debuts. These characters initially came across as arrogant, selfish, or even antagonistic before revealing their true heroic nature. Here are ten shonen anime heroes who started off with questionable impressions but grew to become fan-favorite characters.
10. Naruto Uzumaki
When Naruto first introduced Naruto Uzumaki, he was portrayed as a rebellious troublemaker seeking attention through pranks, including vandalizing the Hokage monument. Beneath his antics, though, Naruto was battling loneliness and yearning for acceptance. As he matured, Naruto shifted his focus from self-centered dreams to protecting his friends, eventually becoming the dedicated hero and future Hokage fans know and love.
9. Benimaru
In That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Benimaru initially targeted Rimuru, blaming him for his village’s destruction. Enraged and impulsive, Benimaru’s actions reflected his grief and anger. However, once the misunderstanding was cleared, he became one of Rimuru’s closest allies, proving himself as a fiercely loyal warrior and friend.
8. Power
In Chainsaw Man, Power bursts onto the scene as a selfish, erratic fiend who only cared about herself. Her betrayal of protagonist Denji left a lasting impression, but after a life-or-death battle, the two formed a complex friendship. Power’s unpredictability remains, but she became a reliable teammate with an endearing, albeit chaotic, personality.
7. Inosuke Hashibira
In Demon Slayer, Inosuke Hashibira made a memorable yet intimidating entrance with his wild demeanor and combativeness. His aggressive energy initially clashed with his allies, especially Zenitsu, and he even fought Tanjiro in his quest for dominance. Eventually, Inosuke channeled his energy into protecting his friends, evolving into a valuable, if eccentric, companion.
6. Uryu Ishida
Uryu Ishida’s initial rivalry with Ichigo in Bleach was driven by his pride as a Quincy, making for a cold and antagonistic start. His competitive spirit and desire to prove Quincy superiority led to tension, but Uryu gradually let his defenses down, becoming a trusted friend to Ichigo and an integral member of the team.
5. Levi Ackerman
Attack on Titan’s Levi Ackerman left a harsh impression on Eren Yeager during their first encounter, asserting dominance through physical force. Levi’s no-nonsense demeanor and brutal methods were jarring, but his unwavering dedication to humanity’s survival and his formidable combat skills quickly established him as a respected leader.
4. Piccolo
Dragon Ball introduced Piccolo as a world-conquering villain with little regard for life. However, after being defeated by Goku, Piccolo re-evaluated his goals and began fighting to protect the Earth. His transition from villain to hero marked a significant character shift, eventually making him a beloved mentor and ally.
3. Valac Clara
In Welcome to Demon School! Iruma-Kun, Clara Valac’s hyperactive personality initially alienated her classmates, making her seem like an unbearable nuisance. However, her genuine friendship with Iruma and eventual maturity helped Clara become a lovable character who values her friends deeply.
2. Jotaro Kujo
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure introduced Jotaro Kujo as a rude, abrasive character, even going so far as to treat his family coldly. His harsh words toward his mother, Holly, were especially jarring. But as he journeyed to defeat DIO and save her life, Jotaro’s fierce loyalty and dedication to his family became undeniable.
1. Katsuki Bakugo
Initially, My Hero Academia’s Katsuki Bakugo was little more than a bully, intimidating Deku and asserting his superiority. Over time, however, Bakugo began to confront his insecurities, especially during his heartfelt apology to Deku. His growth into a selfless hero willing to risk his life for others has solidified Bakugo as a standout character.
Each of these characters defied initial expectations, revealing complex backstories and developing into unforgettable heroes. Their journeys from flawed first impressions to respected warriors demonstrate the resilience and growth that make shonen anime heroes so compelling.
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