Characters such as Endeavor in My Hero Academia can vary greatly due to their defining characteristics. Endeavor possesses fire-based powers and was a highly regarded hero. Despite his complex family dynamics, he underwent a transformation, shifting from a strength-obsessed individual to someone who prioritized the well-being of his loved ones and sought to make amends for his past actions.
Undoubtedly, there are anime characters such as Endeavor who undergo redemption, however, this does not negate their controversial nature, largely due to family conflicts.
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that observing these dynamics unfold and develop throughout a story is intriguing. As such, presented below in no particular order are 10 anime characters who bear resemblance to Endeavor from My Hero Academia and the reasons behind their similarities.
This article includes spoilers for all the mentioned series.
10 powerful anime characters similar to Endeavor from My Hero Academia
Character Profile: Nnoitra Gilga (Bleach)
One of the reasons why Nnoitra is often compared to Endeavor as an anime character is due to their shared insecurities that are manifested through their fixation on strength. From the beginning of the series, Endeavor was consumed with the desire to surpass All Might and become the Number 1 Hero, often at the expense of his relationships with others. This fixation ultimately caused numerous problems with his loved ones.
During the main Bleach story, Nnoitra, an Arrancar and one of Aizen’s Espada, is determined to become stronger and has a strong dislike for others, especially women such as Tier Harribel and Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck. However, unlike Endeavor, Nnoitra never learned from his mistakes and eventually met his end in Hueco Mundo at the hands of Zaraki Kenpachi.
Ging Freecss – Hunter X Hunter
Undoubtedly, when talking about anime characters such as Endeavor, Ging Freecss from the popular series Hunter X Hunter will inevitably come up. This is due to the fact that both Ging and Endeavor have received significant backlash for their portrayals as fathers within the anime community.
However, unlike Endeavor, who was always involved in his children’s lives, Ging actively neglected Gon and created barriers between them. This neglect has been criticized by characters within the series, with many stating that Ging should be more present in his son’s life. As a result, Ging has earned the title of one of the worst fathers in anime history.
Jotaro Kujo
Despite similarities to Endeavor, it would be an exaggeration to say that Jotaro from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is just as harmful to his family. However, in the sixth part of the series, Stone Ocean, Jotaro is portrayed as a neglectful and emotionally distant father to Jolyne, similar to Endeavor’s behavior.
Despite Jotaro’s stoic nature and inability to express his thoughts and feelings, the truth of the matter is that he didn’t want his family to be in danger due to being constantly hunted by Dio’s followers. This makes him similar to other anime characters, such as Endeavor, who also struggle with expressing themselves and often clash with others.
4. Character Profile: Roy Mustang (Fullmetal Alchemist)
While Roy Mustang from Fullmetal Alchemist may not be the first character that comes to mind when thinking of anime characters like Endeavor, there are certainly some similarities between the two. One of the most notable is their shared ability to control fire, which requires caution when utilized.
Despite their apparent differences, both Mustang and Endeavor share a common aspiration of achieving higher positions in their respective professions. However, while Mustang’s motivation stems from his desire to improve his country, Endeavor’s goal is primarily driven by his ego.
Character Profile: Gendo Ikari from Neon Genesis Evangelion
Despite being included on this list, what sets Gendo Ikari apart is that he is not simply another anime character like Endeavor; rather, he exceeds even Endeavor in terms of being a truly terrible individual. While Endeavor is often criticized for his shortcomings as a father and husband, Gendo’s actions far surpass any of Endeavor’s mistakes in that regard.
Despite not showing much concern for his son’s wellbeing, Gendo forces Shinji Ikari to pilot one of the Evas and puts him through numerous extreme situations. Additionally, it is eventually revealed that Gendo is responsible for the major threats in the series and he shows little remorse for his actions, highlighting his descent into darkness throughout the story.
6. The Revolutionary Army Leader in One Piece: Monkey D. Dragon
While Monkey D. Dragon does have some significant differences from other anime characters, such as Endeavor, in the sense that he has never been abusive or dismissive towards his family, the fact that he is not present in Luffy’s life by his own choice has always been a source of contention among fans. Additionally, Dragon remains fully devoted to the Revolutionary Army.
In this aspect, Endeavor and Dragon share a similarity as they are both dedicated to their roles of aiding others. Despite their past mistakes and questionable decisions, it is evident that their intentions are always to assist those in need, even if it has resulted in them not being the most exemplary parents.
Cinderella (Vinland Saga)
While discussing anime characters such as Endeavor, it is unlikely that many would consider Askeladd from Vinland Saga. This is understandable as Askeladd is not a paternal figure, lacks fire abilities, does not fixate on strength, and does not share Endeavor’s ambition to become the top hero.
Similarly, Askeladd’s role as a surrogate father to Thorfinn mirrors that of Endeavor and his relationship with his son, Shoto Todoroki. Both Askeladd and Endeavor are similar in that they both serve as mentor figures to the very individuals they have caused trauma to for most of their lives.
Both Shoto and Thorfinn have intricate relationships with these two characters, although the latter is more vocal about his intention to take Askeladd’s life. This level of intricacy is what adds to the compelling nature of their relationships and their development.
Raoh, the Conqueror (Fist of the North Star)
The similarity between Raoh and Endeavor from My Hero Academia, both being fixated on strength, is what solidifies their status as some of the most notable anime characters. Raoh’s ultimate goal was to dominate the Fist of the North Star world with his unmatched power and apply his Hokuto Shinken teachings with an authoritarian approach.
Similarly to how Endeavor was seen as a flawed version of All Might among the top heroes, Raoh’s relationship with his brother Kenshiro in the series shares many similarities. While Raoh may not have been an outright villain like Endeavor, he was still perceived as a darker and more flawed counterpart to Kenshiro. However, like Endeavor, Raoh eventually learned from his mistakes and attempted to make amends.
Vegeta – Prince of Saiyans (Dragon Ball)
It would be incorrect to state that Vegeta falls into the same category as characters like Endeavor in terms of anime. In fact, it would be more accurate to say that it is the other way around. The Saiyan Prince stands out as one of the earliest anime villains to undergo a significant redemption arc, eventually reaching a level of strength and skill that rivals the protagonist, Goku. However, this journey was not without its struggles and obstacles.
Both Vegeta and Endeavor were fixated on their own strength and disregarded their families, although Vegeta’s obsession was more extreme as he even enslaved planets. He also had a difficult relationship with his future son, Trunks, but through growth and learning, he ultimately transformed into a kinder and more devoted family man.
10. Katsuki Bakugo’s Character Development in My Hero Academia
In his series, there are anime characters such as Endeavor and Katsuki Bakugo, who may be considered as the prime example. Despite barely interacting, Endeavor and Bakugo are constantly compared to each other, an irony considering the circumstances.
Despite his insecurities and jealousy of Deku, Katsuki Bakugo frequently lashed out at others and displayed rude and aggressive behavior throughout most of the series. However, he eventually came to the realization that his actions were wrong and attempted to make amends, although they were not as severe as Endeavor’s mistreatment of his family.
Many fans of My Hero Academia have suggested that Bakugo shares similarities with Endeavor and may have followed a similar path if he hadn’t learned from his experiences in the main storyline. This comparison is logical, which is why he is often compared to other characters like Endeavor in the anime.
Final thoughts
While Endeavor from My Hero Academia stands out as a major character, there are numerous other anime characters who possess similar traits. These notable characters are featured in some of the most popular anime series and share qualities with Endeavor, including their personalities, roles as parental figures, or undergoing significant redemption arcs.
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