Beneath their cheerful and heroic exteriors, certain anime protagonists like Nobara and Denji conceal a hidden dark secret or possess a villainous side that eludes most people’s perception.
Within the realm of Japanese anime, these protagonists and their brave companions exemplify qualities of optimism, compassion, and courage, becoming inspirations for fans of all ages. While these anime heroes earnestly work towards improving the world, they carry a concealed darkness that goes unnoticed by most.
While formidable antiheroes like Guts from Berserk and Thorfinn from Vinland Saga openly display their dark side, other anime heroes conceal it more subtly. These characters may harbor anger, destruction, or bitterness beneath their seemingly innocent facade, only revealing their true colors when the time is right. They might secretly hold grudges or harbor villainous intentions, challenging the perception that they are as happy and innocent as they appear.
Aquamarine Hoshino (Oshi No Ko)
In the dark drama anime Oshi no Ko, the main characters harbor hidden darkness that aligns with the overarching theme of entertainers deceiving their audience regarding their true emotions. Ai fabricated her love for fans, and now her son, Aquamarine Hoshino, conceals his true identity as an ordinary teenager. The series explores the complex web of lies and the deceptive nature of fame and happiness.
As the reborn Dr. Gorou, Aqua is driven by an unwavering resolve to seek vengeance for the death of Ai Hoshino. He guards this side of him fiercely, keeping it hidden even from Ruby, as he is determined to face this mission alone without any interference. However, the path of revenge he treads may consume him entirely, and no one can save him from the inevitable consequences it brings.
Denji (Chainsaw Man)
Within the world of Chainsaw Man, every character possesses a hidden darkness, with some, such as the horned fiend Power, openly embracing it. On the other hand, protagonist Denji reveals his own dark side exclusively during desperate battles against devils when he enters his ferocious Chainsaw Man mode.
Denji, a charismatic and relatable character in his daily life, upholds the ideals of a typical Shonen protagonist. However, he unleashes an unpredictable and brutal nature when transformed into Chainsaw Man. When pushed to his limits, Denji shows no mercy, resorting to cruel torture to annihilate his devil adversaries. In a notable instance, he triumphed over a formidable devil by inflicting excruciating agony, leading the devil to choose death willingly.
Iruma Suzuki (Welcome To Demon School, Iruma-Kun!)
Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-Kun! is an endearing isekai anime that follows the journey of Iruma Suzuki, a deredere protagonist who simply yearns to fit in and form connections at Babyls, the school for demons. Despite being human, Iruma shares a remarkable trait with his demon peers: the possession of an evil cycle.
In this peculiar world, every demon is born with a cycle of evil within them. However, Iruma’s desire to maintain a wholesome and benevolent nature creates a conflict within himself. While surrounded by classmates driven by their wicked instincts, Iruma strives to resist the allure of darkness and navigate the challenges that come with his unique circumstances.
While Iruma’s dark side may not be overly menacing, it managed to unsettle his foster grandfather, Sullivan, with its rebellious punkish demeanor. Sporting a unique hairstyle and a piercing gaze, this alter ego exudes audacious confidence. Though his classmates found it hard to believe, the emergence of evil Iruma ultimately proved to be a blessing, as it revealed a side of Iruma Suzuki that still retained his inherent qualities, ultimately benefiting everyone involved.
Yor Forger (Spy X Family)
Within the Forger-found family, each member harbors a hidden secret. Loid, the family’s father figure, is an undercover Westalis spy, while Anya, their gifted daughter, possesses telepathic abilities. However, the most enigmatic secret lies with their mother, Yor. Unbeknownst to her husband and foster daughter, Yor is the infamous assassin known as the Thorn Princess. Though she conceals her true identity with great care, the weight of her past actions and her double life remain a constant source of tension within the family dynamic.
In the world of Spy x Family, Yor assumes the role of a gentle and reserved foster mom, displaying dandere qualities. However, her true nature is far from innocent. Yor is unapologetic about her past as Ostania’s most skilled and ruthless assassin. She has taken multiple lives without hesitation, showing no remorse for the deaths she has caused. Instead, her concern lies solely in the bloodstains that might mar her outfit. Yor’s juxtaposition between her nurturing facade and her blood-soaked history adds a captivating layer of complexity to her character.
Nobara Kugisaki (Jujutsu Kaisen)
In the dark fantasy shonen realm of Jujutsu Kaisen, negative emotions hold a unique power rather than being seen as a hindrance. Within this world, sorcerer students such as Megumi and Maki harness their negative feelings as a source of fuel for their sorcery. However, it is Nobara Kugisaki who takes it a step further. She not only channels her negative emotions but also utilizes them to eliminate curses, displaying a fierce determination and resolve in her quest to eradicate these malevolent entities.
Despite the inherent dangers and risks involved, Nobara fearlessly embraces her inner darkness, demonstrating her unwavering dedication to the cause. Her ability to harness and utilize negative emotions as a potent weapon adds an intriguing layer of complexity to her character. It sets her apart as a formidable force within the world of Jujutsu Kaisen.
Nobara consistently showcases her strength and formidable fighting skills, portraying herself as a challenging and cool warrior. However, it was during her intense battle alongside Yuji against the cursed womb brothers that her true dark side emerged. At that moment, Nobara unleashed her most vicious curse techniques, demonstrating a ferocity and determination that sent chills down the spines of both her adversaries and the curses themselves. She was willing to go to extreme lengths, even risking her own life, in order to ensure the demise of Eso and the others, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed her unwavering resolve.
Rock (Black Lagoon)
Within the thrilling world of Black Lagoon, numerous characters unabashedly display their dark sides, including the gun-wielding Revy and the cunning Balalaika. In stark contrast, the timid protagonist named Rock assumes the role of the group’s moral compass, consistently challenging Revy and Dutch’s penchant for brutal and extreme methods. Rock’s unwavering objections to their violent tactics serve as a constant reminder of the line between right and wrong, adding depth and conflict to the dynamic relationships within the series.
Over time, Rock made a transformative choice to embrace the brutal nature of Roanapur, revealing his own dark side that began to distance him from those around him. With cunning and calculated actions, he adeptly navigated encounters with formidable figures like Roberta and Chang, surprising even himself with his newfound empowerment derived from such darkness. This internal shift marked a significant departure from his previous self, illustrating the complex and evolving nature of Rock’s character within the world of Black Lagoon.
Misaki Ayuzawa (Maid-Sama!)
In Maid-Sama!, Misaki Ayuzawa is renowned for her strict and responsible tsundere personality both at school and in the maid cafe where she works. However, her true dark side remains hidden from most. While Misaki generally offers support and guidance, she refuses to extend the same favor to her father, revealing a contrasting side to her character.
Misaki holds her father responsible for her family’s financial struggles, and upon his return, she confronts him with a fit of cold and unforgiving anger. This unexpected reaction even surprises her younger sister, Suzuna. However, as time passes, Misaki gradually reconsiders her stance and becomes open to revisiting her feelings toward her father.
Negi Springfield (Mahou Sensei Negima!)
The anime adaptation of Mahou Sensei Negima! Provides a condensed glimpse into the extensive lore of the Negima! Manga series, spanning 38 volumes. Both manga and anime enthusiasts are aware of Negi Springfield’s multifaceted character. Despite his kind, friendly, and optimistic nature as a wizard, he harbors a hidden dark side that adds depth to his persona.
While Negi seldom unveils his hidden darkness and doesn’t fully embrace it, it becomes an unexpected ally in times of desperation. During the isekai arc of the story, he even delves into training with dark magic to enhance his strength. He enters a ferocious and enraged frenzy on multiple occasions to vanquish formidable adversaries like Fate Averruncus and safeguard his students. This display of brutal determination highlights the depths to which Negi is willing to go for the sake of protection and victory.
Ken Kaneki (Tokyo Ghoul)
Throughout the narrative of Tokyo Ghoul, an increasing number of characters come to recognize the presence of Ken Kaneki’s hidden darkness. However, in his own preference, Ken continues to project an image of kindness and helpfulness. Initially, he did not possess a dark side, but after transforming into a one-eyed ghoul, he discovers the significance of embracing his inner darkness instead of resisting it. This transformative experience leads him on a path where he learns to navigate the shadows within himself, ultimately shaping his character in unexpected ways.
Ken’s dark side first surfaced following the brutal torture inflicted upon him by Yamori, leading to a shocking transformation. He exhibited a disturbing enthusiasm as he mercilessly killed and devoured Yamori, fueling his own strength. As subsequent battles ensued, Ken’s usage of his kakuja triggered a wild and unpredictable behavior, culminating in a startling act—biting into his own human comrade, Hideyoshi, to gain a power boost, a shocking move that caught everyone off guard.
Rimuru Tempest (That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime)
In That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Rimuru Tempest, the protagonist, dedicates himself to establishing a harmonious monster kingdom, fostering an environment of peace and coexistence among diverse creatures such as goblins, orcs, and dire wolves. Rimuru’s principles revolve around defense and tolerance, avoiding conflicts, and promoting understanding. However, when confronted by relentless adversaries, there are moments when Rimuru’s unwavering resolve may be tested, potentially pushing him beyond his limits.
When a devastating event led to the destruction of half his city, Rimuru’s concealed dark side surfaced. Driven by the need to rectify the situation, Rimuru resorted to ruthless measures, eliminating thousands of enemy troops without mercy and harvesting their souls to revive his fallen comrades. This grim act stood as a testament to the lengths he would go to protect his friends and restore balance. However, once the ordeal concluded, Rimuru swiftly reverted to his benevolent and selfless nature, continuing his journey as a beacon of compassion and goodwill.
