10 Anime Characters Similar to Ace from One Piece

Portgas D. Ace from One Piece is widely recognized as one of the most beloved anime characters, leading many fans to search for similar characters in other series. Despite his short appearance in Eiichiro Oda’s manga, Ace was intricately developed and portrayed as any other character.

Similarly, there are numerous anime characters, such as Ace from One Piece, whose connections to the beloved pirate can be interpreted in a multitude of ways. While some possess similar abilities and play similar roles in the series, others struggle to find their own purpose and reason for living, mirroring Ace’s journey.

Favorite Anime Characters

Kyojuro Rengoku

Rengoku as seen in the anime series (Image via Ufotable)

Like Ace, Kyojuro Rengoku from Demon Slayer is just one example of an anime character who possesses fire-based abilities. Beyond this obvious similarity, they also share similar roles in their respective series, particularly in the impact they have on their respective protagonists.

Rengoku and Ace both serve as role models for Tanjiro Kamado and Monkey D. Luffy, inspiring them to push themselves further and paving the way for their respective journeys. Tragically, they each sacrifice themselves in front of their protagonists, giving them renewed determination and propelling them to new heights.

Itachi Uchiha

Itachi as seen in the anime series (Image via Pierrot)

In a similar manner, Itachi Uchiha from Naruto also makes a sacrifice for his younger brother, although in a different manner. Instead of physically dying, Itachi sacrifices his way of life in the Hidden Leaf Village to protect both the village and his brother by killing off the rest of the Uchiha clan, leaving only Sasuke alive. In contrast, Ace dies in order to physically protect Luffy from being killed.

In addition, both characters are recognized for their use of fire abilities and infrequent appearances compared to other characters in their respective series. While there may not be as many similarities as other pairings, Itachi is still classified as one of the numerous anime characters similar to Ace.

Neji Hyuga

Neji as seen in the anime series (Image via Pierrot)

Similarly to Ace, Neji Hyuga, a fellow character in the anime Naruto, also made a sacrifice for the sake of another. In his case, he gave his life to protect Hinata Hyuga, who was attempting to shield the protagonist Naruto with her own life. Though Neji’s death was a result of others protecting Naruto, the outcome was ultimately the same as Ace’s.

Neji and Ace share a common struggle in their upbringing and lineage, as they both faced significant challenges in their youth while searching for purpose and significance. Neji pursued excellence in order to surpass the children of the main Hyuga clan branch, while Ace took to the life of a pirate and discovered the value of living among the Whitebeard Pirates.

Nico Robin

Robin as seen in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

Nico Robin, fellow castmate of One Piece, shares many similarities with Ace and other anime characters. They both grapple with questions about their existence and whether they deserve to live. Robin’s doubts stemmed from being the sole survivor of the Ohara Genocide and being labeled a Devil Child, while Ace struggled with the idea of being the son of the Pirate King and his right to exist.

Similarly, both Gol D. Roger and the Oharans share a common origin in their pursuit of the Void Century. While Roger was labeled as a villain for reaching Laugh Tale and uncovering the truth, the Oharans dedicated their research to understanding the Void Century. This shared purpose highlights the striking similarity between the two, as their quest for knowledge ultimately stems from the same source, prompting them to question their own existence.

Lelouch vi Britannia

Lelouch as seen in the anime (Image via Sunrise)

Just like Ace, Lelouch vi Britannia from Code Geass is the son of a notorious character in the series, albeit with a slightly different portrayal compared to Roger. Despite this difference, it remains a shared trait between the two characters, with Ace concealing his true identity by hiding his lineage and Lelouch doing so by adopting the last name Lamperouge.

Both Ace and Lelouch both make the ultimate sacrifice to protect their loved ones. Although Ace’s sacrifice is impulsive and Lelouch’s is a well-thought-out plan, both ultimately achieve the same outcome. Ace’s death allows Luffy to continue pursuing his dream, while Lelouch’s death brings an end to the conflict between Britannia and other nations, ensuring the safety of his younger sister. Undoubtedly, Lelouch deserves to be recognized as one of the many anime characters who share similar traits with Ace.

Character Profile: Zeke Yeager

Zeke as seen in the anime series (Image via MAPPA)

Despite their different roles, Attack on Titan’s Zeke Yeager and Ace may not seem similar at first glance, but they share many similarities. Both characters have a troubling past with their parentage and eventually find a mentor whom they hold in higher regard and admiration than their biological fathers.

As a result of their biological origins, they both grapple with self-hatred and question their right to live and find joy. Additionally, they are both fiercely protective of their younger brother, although Zeke eventually lets go of this stance when it becomes evident that Eren cannot be rescued.

7) Captain Yami Sukehiro

Yami as seen in the anime (Image via Pierrot)

In a similar fashion, Black Clover’s Yami Sukehiro shares similarities with Zeke as they are both anime characters, much like Ace, who may not appear alike at first glance. As with Zeke, Yami also has a tumultuous relationship with his father and eventually finds a new mentor/leader whom they wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to.

In addition, their enigmatic backgrounds are uncovered later in the narrative, which is also when the aforementioned ties between Yami and Ace become apparent. Both characters are also older brothers who have made sacrifices for their younger siblings, although in different manners. While Ace sacrifices his own life to rescue Luffy, Yami takes the blame for a certain massacre in order to shield his adored younger sister, Ichika.

Thorfinn Thorsson

Thorfinn as seen in the anime series (Image via MAPPA)

Thorfinn Thorsson from Vinland Saga has a distinct reason for being among the anime characters, such as Ace, featured on this list. Like Ace, Thorfinn is also driven by a desire for vengeance, with Ace seeking retribution for his fallen comrade Thatch and Thorfinn seeking justice for his father.

This fixation on seeking retribution also drives them to embark on arduous journeys in pursuit of their elusive objectives. These journeys ultimately result in their “demise,”though the circumstances are vastly dissimilar. While Thorfinn’s vengeful nature dissipates, allowing him to find inner peace, Ace’s relentless pursuit of revenge ultimately leads to his capture by Blackbeard and subsequent demise.

Edward Elric

Edward is one of many anime characters like Ace (Image via BONES)

Upon first appearance, it may seem odd to include Fullmetal Alchemist’s Edward Elric in a discussion of anime characters such as Ace. However, the two share many similarities, including their bold personalities and exceptional abilities, which helped them gain recognition at a young age.

Both of them also made significant sacrifices for their younger siblings. Edward gave up his ability to perform alchemy permanently in order to restore his brother Alphonse’s body. Additionally, both of them have fathers who are renowned figures in their respective series, but also have strained relationships with them.

Gohan

Gohan as seen in the Cell Saga (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite not appearing to be similar to characters like Ace from the start, Gohan and Ace actually share a key similarity. In Dragon Ball Z, Gohan is portrayed as a highly skilled and exceptionally strong fighter. This is evident during the Cell Saga, where he becomes the most powerful fighter in the series. While many expect him to take on his deceased father’s role, Gohan simply desires a normal life and attending school.

Ace, on the other hand, is constantly faced with Whitebeard’s insistence that he must become the next Pirate King, despite his own desire to simply be a regular pirate and see Whitebeard ascend to the throne. Both Ace and Luffy are burdened with expectations based on their heritage and abilities, but they both fiercely resist, determined to forge their own paths and reject the idea of predetermined destinies.

In conclusion

Ace’s character is truly multifaceted, and this is highlighted by the various connections that can be drawn between him and other anime characters mentioned above. Although there are certainly numerous other characters who share similarities and differences with Ace, the above 10 characters specifically emphasize the most significant aspects of his personality.