With anime becoming increasingly popular around the world, so has the demand for more diverse characters, and that has led to some of the most iconic black characters in anime. Black characters have become more popular both in Japan and outside, especially in the past few decades as anime fandom grows. Some mangaka, like Eichiro Oda, were way ahead of their time by incorporating Black characters in their work which paved the way for future creators to follow suit.

More than just a handful of small examples in lesser-known works, black characters can be found in even the biggest anime franchises. Trailblazers like Tite Kubo and Masashi Kishimoto have designed some of the most memorable black characters in anime and manga.

This set a precedent for a new generation of manga and anime creators who looked up to these icons and wrote some deep and multifaceted characters. The most iconic black anime characters are all shining examples of how diverse anime has become.

15

Kilik Rung

Soul Eater

Creator of Soul Eater Atsushi Ohkubo designed Killik as he felt there was a lack of representation of Black characters in anime. Based off the main character of Kirikou and the Sorceress, Killik is one of the coolest characters in Soul Eater, not just because of his design, but also his personality. He is a kind character who would put his life on the line for his friends. He’s also on the stronger side, as he is considered one of the three strongest students in Death Weapon Meister Academy. He is a great combatant and one of the more popular characters in Soul Eater despite not getting much screen time.

14

Hibana

Fire Force

Fire Force‘s Hibana is as gorgeous as she is strong. Another creation by Atsushi Ohkubo, Hibana is a fan favorite and one of the more complex characters in the show. She is very sadistic and bossy towards her subordinates but has a tragic past that led to her pessimistic ideals. In order to survive and exact revenge on those who killed her friends, she became ruthless and wholeheartedly immersed herself in her research. Hibana is a brilliant scientist and uses chemistry to power up. For all her faults, she was a great ally to Shinra and Company 8, helping them whenever they were in a pinch.

13

Darui

Naruto: Shippuden

Nauto‘s Darui was the right-hand man to the 4th Raikage and eventually succeeded him as the 5th Raikage, making him an important character in Boruto. As the commander of the First Division of the Allied Forces, Darui played a crucial role in leading thousands of ninja against the Akatsuki. This confirmed Darui’s nature as a brilliant tactician who could foresee threats brewing before anyone else. A master of Kekkei Genkai, Water Style, Lightning Style and Water Style, Darui is one of the strongest ninja in Naruto, and his accomplishments in the war cannot be overstated.

12

Aomine Daiki

Kuroko’s Basketball

Aomine Daiki is one of the reasons Kuroko’s Basketball is one of the best sports anime ever. He is by far the toughest opponent for Kagami, Kuroko and the Seinin High basketball team. What sets him apart from all the talented players in the series is his sheer talent, confidence and competitiveness. He doesn’t put in nearly as much work as others, but will still easily beat them in a game.

Aomine’s drive for basketball went down when he realized nobody could challenge him, but when he played Kagami, his true skills were put on display. Because of his dominating play style, Kagami went into the Zone and improved greatly as a player. All this adds up to making Aomine one of Kuroko’s Basketball’s best players.

11

Miguel Oduol Has Quickly Become One Of Jujutsu Kaisen’s Best Characters

Character from Studio MAPPA’s Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen isn’t that old an anime, but it’s still created a very iconic black character in Miguel Oduol. Not only did Jujutsu Kaisen 0 give Miguel an incredible spotlight where he legitimately stalled Gojo for time, but in the final arc, Miguel further proved his power by putting up one of the best fights against Sukuna out of anyone, with Miguel’s power even being explicitly compared to Gojo’s. Even with his lack of screen time, Miguel has managed to leave a lasting impression on people, and it’s especially great to see something like that with a minority character.

10

Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai is the main character of the series of the same name. After witnessing his father’s murder, Afro Samurai is fueled by a desire for revenge that leads him to spare nothing and nobody in his quest. His strength is impressive, consistently putting him in the upper ranks of the best swordsmen in anime history. From his mastery of the sword, proficiency in hand-to-hand combatant, and incredible durability, Afro Samurai offers some great action for fans all over.

9

Canary

Hunter X Hunter

Canary is an extremely popular Black character, despite her short amount of screen time in Hunter X Hunter. As an apprentice butler for the legendary assassin family, the Zoldycks, she is tasked with guarding the house from any intruders. The Zoldycks place a great deal of confidence in her abilities as she has an important duty. Canary is a kind character but doesn’t show it, so that she can be as intimidating as possible. As loyal as she is to the Zoldyck family, she is much more loyal to Killua. She let Gon and his friends pass and see Killua as she was pleased to see Killua finally earn a friend who cares about him the way she does.

8

Loran Cehack Is One Of Gundam’s Most Underrated Heroes

Character from Sunrise’s ∀ Gundam

∀ Gundam might not be the most recognizable entry in the Gundam franchise, but it’s still a standout series, especially for its protagonist, Loran Cehack. Loran’s strong adherence to pacifism lets him stand out among other Gundam protagonists, who typically have fewer reservations about violence, and he’s always written in a way that makes that trait come across as endearing as opposed to preachy or heavyhanded. Add in the progressiveness of Loran’s willingness to crossdress with little embarrassment, and he ends up as one of Gundam‘s most underrated protagonists, by far.

7

Killer Bee

Naruto Shippuden

The rapping and multiple sword-wielding Jinchuriki is an icon and a fan favorite in Naruto Shippuden. As the host of the 8 Tails, Killer Bee was integral in the story as he was the one who taught and helped Naruto to control the powerful 9 Tails inside of him. Without his guidance, Naruto would be long dead and the war lost. He brings comic relief to the series, but quickly abandons that role and takes on the most powerful of enemies. He almost killed Sasuke when he was attacked, fought the reincarnated Pain, and has many other accomplishments to his name.

6

Yoruichi Shihoin

Bleach

Yoruichi is an extremely accomplished and powerful character in Bleach from a noble family, but her humble and relaxed attitude made fans fall in love with her. Known as the Flash Goddess, she was the former Squad 2 Captain and former commander of the Stealth Unit. She retired from her days as a soul reaper and hung around Urahara in her cat form. Although she prefers a relaxed life, she doesn’t hesitate to help out her former comrades. Yoruichi has played a major supporting role in nearly all of Bleach’s major arcs and plays a key role in the Thousand-Year Blood War Arc.

5

Usopp

One Piece

The third person to join the Strawhats on their 1000+ episode journey, Usopp of One Piece is loved for many aspects of his personality. In a world filled with vicious and fearless pirates and marines, many fans can relate with Usopp as he is afraid and not as daring as others. However, that doesn’t mean he is a coward; far from it. He is one of the bravest because he faces his fears for the sake of his friends and what’s right. Usopp is a master marksman and important to the Strawhats, despite not being as strong. His kindness is heartwarming, even making up stories for the sick Kaya to cheer her up.

4

Michiko Malandro

Michiko & Hatchin

Michiko’s striking design makes her an instantly recognizable character, but examining her even deeper will reveal just how great a character she is. Although she is loud, jealous, and arrogant, Michiko shows incredible loyalty towards those she cares about, especially Hatchin, who becomes her daughter in all but name. There are few portrayals of a black character in media as good as Michiko, and she and Michiko & Hatchin, as a whole, are a perfect example of Shinichiro Watanabe’s constant use of positive representation in anime.

3

Brock Is Still One Of Ash’s Most Iconic Friends In Pokémon

Character from OLM, Inc.’s Pokémon anime

While Brock from Pokémon is more an example of an anime character who simply has dark skin as opposed to actually being a person of color, that doesn’t make him any less iconic. Pokémon always used Brock being older than Ash and his friends to put him in the role of the supportive older friend, with Brock’s cooking and occasional moments of wise advice always doing a lot to help out Ash and others. Brock was always one of Ash’s best traveling companions, and it’s easy to see how he’s remained such an iconic part of the franchise decades later.

2

Muhammad Avdol Is One Of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s Most Iconic Characters

Character from David Production’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders

Some of the most iconic characters of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure were introduced in Stardust Crusaders, and one of those was the major supporting character Muhammad Avdol. While not as involved in the plot as the rest of the cast, Avdol’s strategic mind and powerful Stand always allow for some truly creative battles in Stardust Crusaders, and the way he plays off the rest of the cast always makes for great character moments, as well. Avdol is technically an Egyptian character as opposed to a black African, but he’s still a great representation of a person of color in anime, regardless.

1

Casca Is Still One Of Anime’s Most Iconic Heroes

Character from OLM, Inc.’s Berserk

Berserk is one of the most iconic anime and manga of the past several decades, and its heroine, Casca, has always played a big part in that. Casca is a standout female character for her constant acts of bravery and leadership, all of which are still impressive by modern standards, and the way that’s balanced out with occasional moments of vulnerability fleshes her out even further. Casca has always been at the heart of what makes Berserk so great, and she still stands out as one of the most iconic black characters in anime, if not the most iconic.