With anime becoming increasingly popular worldwide, the need for more diverse characters has also led to some the most iconic black character in anime. Black characters have become more popular both in Japan and abroad, especially over the past few decades as anime fandom has grown. Some mangakas like Eichiro Oda were ahead of their time by incorporating Black characters into their work, which paved the way for future creators to follow.
More than just a few small examples in lesser-known works, Black characters can be found in even the biggest animated series. Pioneers like Tite Kubo and Masashi Kishimoto designed some memorable Black characters in their respective franchises. This set a precedent for a new generation of manga and anime creators who admired these icons and wrote some deep and multifaceted characters. The most iconic black anime characters are all prime examples of how diverse anime has become.
10 Killik Vibrations – Soul Eater
Soul Eater creator Atsushi Ohkubo designed Killik because he felt there was a lack of representation of Black characters in anime. Based on the main character of Kirikou and the witch, Killik is one of the coolest characters in the series, not only because of his design but also his personality. He is a kind character who will sacrifice his life for his friends. He is also on the stronger side, as he is considered one of the 3 strongest students in the Death Weapon Meister Academy. He is a skilled fighter and one of the more popular characters in Soul Eater despite not having much screen time.
9 Hibana – Fire Force
The captain of Special Company 5, Hibana is both beautiful and strong. Another creation of Atsushi Ohkubo, Hibana is a fan favorite and one of the more complex characters on the show. She is very brutal and bossy towards her subordinates but has a tragic past that leads to her very pessimistic ideals. To survive and exact revenge on those who killed her friends, she becomes ruthless and completely immerses herself in research. Haibana is a brilliant scientist and uses chemistry to increase her strength. Despite her faults, she is a great ally to Shinra and the 8th Company, helping them whenever they are in trouble.
8 Darui – Naruto Shippuden
Nauto’s Darui was the 4th Raikage’s right-hand man and eventually succeeded him as the 5th Raikege, making him an important character in Boruto. As commander of the 1st Division of the Allied Forces, Darui played a key role in leading thousands of ninjas against Akatsuki. This confirms Darui’s nature as an excellent tactician who can foresee impending threats before anyone else. A master of Kekkei Genkai, Water Style, Lightning Style, and Water Style, Darui is one of the strongest ninjas in Naruto, and his achievements in battle cannot be overstated.
7 Aomine Daiki – Kuroko’s basketball
Aomine Daiki is one of the reasons why 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 talent, confidence and sheer competitiveness. He doesn’t work as much as the others, but still easily beats them in a game. His motivation to play basketball decreased when he realized that no one could challenge him, but when he played Kagami, his true skill was shown. Thanks to his dominant play style, Kagami entered the Zone and improved greatly as a player.
6 African Samurai – African Samurai
Afro Samurai is the main character of the series of the same name. After witnessing his father’s murder, Afro Samurai is driven by a desire for revenge that causes him to spare no one in his quest. His strength is nothing to scoff at, constantly ranking among the best swordsmen in anime. From his mastery of swords, proficiency in hand-to-hand combat, and incredible durability, Afro Samurai delivers some great action to fans around the world.
5 Canary – Hunter X Hunter
Canary is an extremely popular black character despite her short appearance in Hunter X Hunter. As the apprentice housekeeper of the legendary assassin family the Zoldycks, she is tasked with protecting the house from any intruders. The Zoldycks family has great faith in her abilities because she has an important mission. Canary is a kind character but doesn’t show it to appear as scary as possible. As loyal as she is to the Zoldyck family, she is even more loyal to Killua. She lets Gon and his friends pass and meet Killua because she is happy to see Killua finally have a friend who cares for him like her.
4 Killer Bees – Naruto Shippuden
The rapping and multiple sword-wielding Jinchuriki is an iconic and fan favorite in Naruto Shippuden. As the owner of the 8 tails, he is an integral part of the story because he is the one who taught and helped Naruto control the powerful 9 tails inside him. Without his guidance, Naruto would have died long ago and the war would have been lost. He brings comic relief to the series but quickly abandons that role and takes on the strongest enemy. He almost killed Sasuke when he was attacked, fought a reincarnated Pain, and has many other achievements to his name.
3 Yoruichi Shihoin – Bleach
Yoruichi is an extremely successful and powerful character in Bleach and comes from a noble family, but her humble and laid-back attitude makes fans fall in love with her. Known as the Goddess of Light, she was the Captain of the 2nd Division and former commander of the Stealth Unit. She retired from her days as a reaper and hangs around Urahara in her cat form. Although she likes comfort, she does not hesitate to help her former teammates. Yoruichi has appeared in all major Bleach arcs and played an important role in the Thousand Year Blood War Arc.
2 Usopp – One Piece
As the third person to join the Straw Hats on their 1000+ episode journey, One Piece’s Usopp is loved for the many aspects of his personality. In a world filled with fierce and brave pirates and marines, many fans can sympathize with Usopp because he is scared and not as daring as others. However, that doesn’t mean he’s a coward, far from it. He is one of the bravest people because he faces his fears for the sake of his friends and what is right. Usopp is a master marksman and important to the Straw Hats, although not as strong. His kindness is heartwarming, even making up stories to the ailing Kaya to cheer her up.
1 Michiko Malandro – Michiki & Hatchin
Across social networks, anime fans will see Michiko used as their profile picture even if the user is not an anime fan. Her striking design makes her an instantly recognizable character. Examining her further will reveal just how amazing she is. Although she is loud, jealous, and somewhat arrogant, few can hope to achieve Michiko’s level of kindness and loyalty. She steals to help those close to her, takes care of many orphans and shows them what parents are like, and she escapes from prison to find her lover.
With the world becoming more interconnected thanks to social media and the internet, fans can expect more diverse characters to appear in their favorite anime. The most iconic black characters in anime have led to a wave of support and demand for more diverse actors in anime. With the number of anime and manga continuing to increase each year, the representation of not only Black characters but characters of all types will increase as well. Anime’s most iconic black character are the standard bearers of how the medium has evolved in recent years.