We don’t have the best track record for black characters in anime. Anime’s earlier depictions of these characters tended to treat them as caricatures, using them for comedic or oversimplified criminal purposes.
While this may be true, it doesn’t mean that all black anime characters have been negative; the previous 40 years have brought us many fantastic black characters in a wide variety of roles.
They have also not been relegated to supporting roles or jokes. On this list, we’re looking at ten of the most iconic black anime characters of all time, which means we’re spanning several decades’ worth of series, so don’t be surprised to see characters from shows that aren’t as widely known as others on our list. Let’s check it out!
Michiko Malandro – Michiko & Hatchin
In the sitcom Michiko & Hatchin, Michiko plays the role of the fiery adult to her partner’s quiet child. She is a Black Latina modeled after the famous R&B singer Aaliyah. When we first meet her, she’s on the run from jail guards in an attempt to find her true love, Hiroshi Morenos.
Michiko is notable for being the sole black female heroine in the series thus far, but there is more to the story than that. She is gorgeous and intelligent and refuses to take nonsense from the law or bounty hunters.
Bob Makihara – Tenjou Tenge
Bob, a South African youngster, and his friend Souichiro Nagi, a Japanese boy he met in primary school, decided to enroll at Toudou Academy. The two are confident that they can easily overpower Toudou, but they are humiliated by students who aren’t even the best in their class.
In the end, though, Bob is recognized for his superhuman strength and capoeira talents that allow him to get into the flow of a fight. The manga gives him his due and makes him one of the strongest characters in the series, whereas the anime leaves him behind a bit.
Claudia Lasalle – Macross
Fans under 30 are unlikely to recall Claudia LaSalle. Even though her show aired in the ’80s, the original Macross was never licensed in the United States because of Robotech.
Claudia LaSalle plays a pivotal role in the first Macross series as the bridge operator. Although she isn’t a primary character, she plays a crucial role in keeping the ship running smoothly even though everyone else is freaking out because they’re at war with a gang of alien giants that don’t understand what culture is.
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Killer B – Naruto: Shippuden
The name Killer Bee is instantly recognizable; therefore, who doesn’t like it? Killer B, a Kumogakure member, is remarkable since he hosts the Eight-Tails and has also become friends with his Tailed Beast. This allows him to exhibit mastery over his abilities that rivals that of even Naruto, if not surpassing it.
His wrestling fighting style, relationship with his tailed Beast, and especially his swordsmanship make him one of the more intriguing shinobi in the ninja world. And despite being a top ninja in his tribe, he still finds time to write sick poems.
Marik Ishtar – Yu-gi-oh: Duel Monsters
Having a villain in this setting is not out of the question. Pegasus was nothing compared to what was coming. He had not outgrown his childish ways and was still entrapping people’s relatives in Viewmasters and Betamax recordings. Marik was sincere in trying to eliminate Yugi; he wanted revenge on the Pharaoh for his repressive upbringing.
With his excellent Infinite Card Ra strategy, he came the closest to legitimately defeating Yugi without cheating, and he was responsible for nearly murdering Joey…twice. First, by subjecting him to extensive brainwashing, and then, in a Shadow Duel, to the full might of Ra’s energy.
Carole Stanley – Carole & Tuesday
Carole Stanley, one of the protagonists of Carole & Tuesday, is a teenage orphan living in Alba City on Mars. Even before she begins working with her musical partner, Tuesday, she’s a hero because she spends so much time at odd jobs that never seem to go well. After all, she refuses to accept any crap from her customers or bosses.
And the best part is that Carole never gives up on her goals, even though she lives in squalor. She spends her free time writing songs and giving public performances.
Nils Nielsen – Gundam Build Fighters/Fighters Try
In Gundam Construction Fighters, Nils almost seems like a secret code. His parents are well-known figures in their respective fields, but he has managed to outdo them by obtaining three doctorates. As the series opens, he is only 12 years old. He challenges Sei and Reiji with his Sengoku Astray Gundam, and while he ultimately loses, they can teach him the fun of Gunpla.
Although he makes a return appearance in Gundam Build Fighters Attempt, his abilities are never explicitly demonstrated. He claims to have an unfair competitive advantage because of his extensive knowledge of Plavsky Particles, the secret to making Gunpla work in this environment.
You can also check out these articles in which we covered characters from other series:
Canary – Hunter X Hunter
Even though Canary was rarely featured in Hunter x Hunter, she merits our admiration. She is destined for a life as an apprentice butler to the Zoldycks, the most ruthless assassin family in that universe. But she has no issue dismissing Gon, even though she is only an apprentice.
Although Gon isn’t the typical shonen protagonist, he can still get his Hunter’s license since he is good enough—and Canary is powerful enough that it doesn’t matter. She is loyal to the Killua family more than the Zoldycks, but she also has a good heart and is willing to sacrifice that loyalty for them.
Yoruichi – Bleach
Can you think of anyone who doesn’t enjoy spending time with Yoruichi? She became one of the most formidable Gotei 13 Captains and the first female to lead a family from the Four Noble Families of Soul Society. A century may have passed since Yoruichi last competed, yet he is still competitive with many of today’s top athletes.
Moreover, her mastery of Flash Step has earned her the title of “Flash Goddess,” and we have witnessed her annihilate entire squadrons in a flash. At 110, not even her lieutenant could match her power.
Afro Samurai
He had to be here somewhere. Takashi Okazaki’s Afro Samurai is a badass character who first appeared in a manga. After all, wearing the Number 2 headband means you’re the second-best swordsman in the world and can hold your own against the Number 1. But that is if you can keep cool when every other combatant tries to unseat you.
Afro Samurai features one of the best sworders in all anime by casting actor Sam Jackson as the title character. The series is just as fond of hip-hop culture as smooth battle scenes.
Who is your character? You should tell us your answer in the comments section. Visit our website venturejolt.com often to find out what’s happening in the entertaiment world.