As anime has become popular around the world, so has the demand for diverse characters, and this has resulted in some of the most popular black characters in anime. Black characters have become increasingly popular in Japan and abroad, especially with the rise of anime fandom in the last few decades. Some mangaka, such as Ichiro Oda, have paved the way for future creators to follow by including black characters in their work.

More than a few examples in lesser-known works, black characters can be found in major anime franchises. Series creators like Tite Kubo and Masashi Kishimoto designed memorable black characters in their respective series. This is an example for the new generation of manga and anime creators to look at these icons and write some deep and multi-faceted pieces. The most recognizable black anime characters are all examples of how diverse anime is.

10 Kilik Rung

A soul eater

Soul Eater creator Atushi Ohkubo designed Killick because he felt there was a lack of representation of black characters in anime. From the main character of Kiriku and Witch, Kilik is one of the best characters not only in design but also in character. He is a kind character who puts his life on the line for his loved ones. He is on the strong side as he is considered one of the 3 strongest students in the Death Weapon Master Academy. He is a great fighter and is one of the most popular characters in Soul Eater even though he doesn’t get much screen time.

9 Hibana

Fire power

Captain Hibana of Special Company 5 is as beautiful as she is strong. Another creation of Atsushi Ohkubo, Hibana is a fan favorite and one of the most complex characters in the show. She is pitiful and sympathetic to her subordinates but has a tragic past that leads to her pessimistic ideals. In order to survive and avenge those who killed her friends, she became cruel and threw herself into her research with all her heart. Hibana is a brilliant scientist and uses chemistry to increase power. For all her faults, she was a great ally to Shinra and Company 8, helping them whenever they were in a pinch.

8 Give

Naruto: Shippuden

Nauto’s Darui was the right-hand man to the Fourth 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, Daru played a vital role in leading thousands of ninja against Akatsuki. This proved Darin’s nature to be a skilled tactician who could anticipate threats before anyone else. Master of the Kekkei Genkai, water style, lightning style, and water style, Darui is one of the strongest ninjas in Naruto, and his feats in battle are indescribable.

7 Amin Daiki

Kuroko’s basketball

Aomine Daiki Kuroko’s Basketball is one of the best sports anime of all time. He is by far the toughest competitor for Kagami, Kuroko, and the Seinin High Basketball Team. What sets him apart from all the players in the series is his skill, confidence and competitiveness. He doesn’t do as many tasks as others, but he still beats them in a game easily.

When Aomine realizes that no one can challenge him, the basketball tournament falls apart, but his true talent is on display when he plays Kagamine. Kagami got into the zone and improved as a player because of his dominant style of play. All of this makes Aomine one of Kuroko’s best basketball players.

6 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 driven by a desire for revenge that causes him to do nothing and care for no one. His strength is impressive, consistently placing him at the top of the best swordsmen in anime history. Afro Samurai With his swordsmanship, hand-to-hand combat prowess, and incredible durability, Afro Samurai offers a great move for all fans.

5 Canary

Hunter X Hunter

Despite her brief screen time in Hunter X Hunter, Canary is a hugely popular black character. As an apprentice bodyguard for the notorious assassin family Zoldyx, she is tasked with protecting the house from any intruders. Since Zoldyx has an important duty, he places great faith in her abilities. Canary is a kind character but she doesn’t show to be as intimidating 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 by to see Killua, glad to see that Killua finally has a friend who cares as much as she does.

4 Killer bee

Naruto Shippuden

The rapping and multi-sword wielding jinchuriki is a fan icon and favorite in Naruto Shippuden. As the host of the 8 tails, Killer Bee was crucial in the story because he was the one who taught and helped Naruto master the 9 tails within him. Without his guidance Naruto would be long dead and the war would be lost. He brings comic relief to the series, but quickly abandons that role and takes on the most powerful enemies. He nearly killed Sasuke when he was attacked, battled reincarnation disease, and has many other accomplishments to his name.

3 Yoruichi Shihoin

Bleach

Yoruichi from a noble family is the most talented and powerful character in Bleach, but her humble and relaxed attitude endears her to fans. Known as the Goddess of the Flash, she was the former captain of Squad 2 and the former commander of the Undercover Unit. She retired from being a soul reaper and hung around Urahara in her cat form. Although she prefers a quiet life, she does not hesitate to help her former friends. Yoruichi appeared in all of Bleach’s main arcs and played a key role in the Millennium Blood War arc.

2 Usopp

one piece

The third person to join the Straw Hats in their 1000+ episode journey, Usopp of One Piece is loved for many aspects of his character. In a world full of fierce and fearless pirates and sailors, many fans can relate to Usopp as he is scared and not as brave as others. However, it does not mean that he is a coward; Far from it. He is one of the brave because he faces his fears for the sake of his loved ones and what is right. While Usopp is not as strong, he is a mainstay and important to the Strouts. His kindness is touching, even making up stories to cheer up ailing Kia.

1 Michiko Malandro

Michiko and Hatchin

All over social media, anime fans will see Michiko as their profile picture, even if the user is not an anime fan. Her striking design makes her an instantly recognizable character, but a deeper look reveals just how wonderful she is. Although she is loud, enthusiastic, and arrogant, few can hope to match Michiko’s level of kindness and loyalty. She steals to help those close to her; She took care of many orphans and showed them what parenting is like and escaped from prison to find her lover.

With the world becoming more interconnected thanks to social media and the internet, fans can expect to see more diverse characters in their favorite anime. The most popular black characters in anime have led to an outpouring of support and many different actors in anime. With the number of anime and manga increasing every year, the representation of not only black characters, but also characters of all kinds increases. Anime’s most iconic black characters are standard bearers that prove just how much the medium has grown in recent years.