10 Anime Characters Similar to Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop

It goes without saying that Spike Spiegel is one of the most effortlessly cool anime characters to grace our screens. His calm demeanor, trendy dark green hair, impressive martial arts abilities, and heartbreaking past all contributed to his immense popularity in the beloved series Cowboy Bebop.

If you adore Spike Spiegel and are searching for other anime characters that share his essence, this list has got you covered. Here are 10 of the greatest anime characters who embody a similar spirit to the renowned Spike Spiegel.

This article is the writer’s opinion and is not organized in any specific ranking.

8 Anime Characters Who Resemble Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop

Mugen’s Character in Samurai Champloo

Similar to Spike Spiegel, Mugen is a tough and straightforward drifter who survives by taking on miscellaneous tasks and assignments. He displays incredible proficiency in a distinct form of breakdancing combat and carries a weapon that combines a katana and broad sword.

Despite having a criminal history, Mugen is guarded and rarely allows others to get close to him. He masks his true emotions with a carefree attitude, but on occasion, his compassionate nature shines through. Alongside Jin and Fuu, he embarks on a journey through feudal Japan in pursuit of the elusive “samurai who exudes the scent of sunflowers.”

Character Profile: Revy from Black Lagoon

Known for her quick temper and impressive skill with guns, Revy possesses a similar talent for violence as Spike Spiegel. In the crime-noir-inspired anime Black Lagoon, she operates as a mercenary and pirate.

Similar to Spike, Revy tends to conceal the details of her tragic past and often finds herself in trouble due to her quick temper. She has a habit of smoking and drinking heavily, which contributes to her carefree demeanor. However, underneath her tough exterior, Revy forms strong connections with her comrades in the Lagoon company.

Izaya Orihara from Durarara!!

Izaya Orihara (Image via Brain's Base) — Izaya Orihara (Image via Brain’s Base)

Izaya Orihara, the informant, is known for his manipulative ways and is often seen as a villain. However, similar to Spike Spiegel, he possesses impressive agility and endurance, and is skilled in wielding a switchblade.

Izaya’s greatest pleasure comes from expertly orchestrating events and manipulating people in Ikebukuro for his own entertainment, all while remaining hidden in the shadows.

Izaya possesses the same slender physique, black locks, and clever demeanor as Spike. He effortlessly employs parkour to outwit his sworn enemy Shizuo throughout the urban landscape, casually revealing his switchblade along the way.

Character Profile: Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter

Despite being from different anime series, Killua Zoldyck from Hunter x Hunter and Spike Spiegel from Cowboy Bebop both possess a slender physique. Additionally, they both have a troubled history, with Killua having served as an assassin for his prestigious family.

Despite his initial cold demeanor, Killua Zoldyck’s true, caring nature is revealed after he forms a close bond with Gon and their companions. This transformation is similar to Spike’s, who gradually opens up to the Bebop crew despite his tough exterior. Killua’s exceptional strength and tactical skills make him a formidable fighter, and he is willing to put his own life on the line to defend his friends.

Kakashi Hatake’s Role in Naruto

Kakashi Hatake (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite his aloof demeanor, the elite ninja Kakashi harbors a troubled and painful past, much like Spike Spiegel. Despite losing his teammate Obito, Kakashi has adopted some of Obito’s caring nature, hidden behind his nonchalant facade.

Kakashi’s Sharingan eye, gifted to him by Obito, serves as a constant reminder of his departed comrade. Similar to Spike, Kakashi channels his sorrow into a composed demeanor during missions, but unleashes powerful jutsus and lightning blade techniques when faced with formidable opponents.

6) Main Character in Bleach: Ichigo Kurosaki

Ichigo Kurosaki (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Ichigo leads a dual existence as a powerful guardian of souls, similar to the way Spike Spiegel operates as a bounty hunter. Despite losing his mother at a young age, Ichigo keeps her memory close to his heart and only occasionally reveals his bottled up grief through his usual scowl.

With his Zanpakuto Zangetsu always by his side, Ichigo showcases his sharp abilities by defeating Hollows with ease, all while lightening the mood with witty remarks and teasing his comrades. As time passes, he develops strong relationships with fellow allies such as Rukia, Renji, and Uryu.

Jin’s Character Development in Samurai Champloo

Jin serves as the ideal balance to his unpredictable companion Mugen, reminiscent of Spike’s role among the idiosyncratic members of the Bebop group. With his classic Ronin appearance, complete with glasses and a composed, serious demeanor, Jin exudes a strong resemblance to Spike Spiegel.

Jin’s sword style showcases an incredible level of mastery, with minimal wasted movements and a composed demeanor. Despite leaving behind his violent past as a samurai, he carries the weight of regret and tragedy beneath his stoic exterior.

Sesshōmaru’s Role in Inuyasha

Sesshōmaru, the formidable dog demon, exudes a composed and seemingly disinterested demeanor similar to Spike Spiegel. His exceptional swordsmanship is a result of his innate talents, the healing abilities of Tenseiga, and his toxic claws.

From the beginning, Sesshōmaru may come across as aloof and indifferent, but as time goes on, he develops a fondness for the human girl Rin, who manages to penetrate his tough exterior. Similar to Spike, Sesshōmaru possesses a compassionate nature beneath his composed demeanor and impressive fighting abilities.

9) The Journey of Trunks: From Dragon Ball Z to the Future

Future Trunks (Image via Toei Animation)

This time-traveling half-Saiyan bears a striking resemblance to Spike Spiegel in terms of physique and appearance, sporting lavender hair swept forward above piercing eyes. He deliberately keeps the specifics of his tragic future ambiguous, where ruthless android enemies have mercilessly taken the lives of his loved ones, similar to how the Syndicate ended Spike’s life.

In order to avert this calamity, Trunks travels back in time to alter his destiny, striving to better his own timeline while also aiding others. Similar to Spike, Trunks conceals the anguish of his history beneath his tough, strong warrior facade, only revealing it during pivotal moments such as facing the Androids or witnessing Gohan’s maturation.

Levi Ackerman: The Strongest Soldier from Attack on Titan

Levi, the protagonist of Attack on Titan, bears many similarities to the unflappable Spike Spiegel. From his slender physique to his melancholic grey eyes and proficiency with blade weapons, Levi shares both the appearance and demeanor of Spike.

Despite his harsh and stoic exterior, Levi’s true emotions are often concealed. However, he does occasionally show a caring side towards his allies in the Survey Corps. His skill with the Vertical Maneuvering Gear blades is unmatched, and he displays a precision in swordplay that is reminiscent of Spike’s mastery in martial arts, especially when facing the monstrous Titans.

Just like Spike’s undisclosed past with the Syndicate, Levi has endured the agony of watching his friends and comrades being devoured by Titans for countless years. However, he persists through the pain, determined to do whatever it takes to safeguard humanity within the walls from facing extinction.

Conclusion

To sum up, Spike Spiegel is a one-of-a-kind character, possessing an incomparable combination of coolness, talent, and tragedy. Although there are 10 other anime characters who come close to resembling him, it is unlikely that anyone could truly step into his slender, impeccably styled, dark-haired shoes.