The topic of anime characters facing loss is of great interest to many viewers, as it is not often seen in mainstream series. Typically, the protagonist and their friends overcome all obstacles and have a happy ending, but there are popular series where these characters experience tragedy.
Despite the presence of numerous well-written anime characters who experienced significant losses in their stories, there also exists a selection of characters who did not face the same fate. The quality of their character development and relevance to their respective series are key factors in determining their impact. Therefore, here are five characters who suffered great loss and five others who did not, listed in no particular order.
Disclaimer: The following article contains spoilers for all the series mentioned. Any opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of Sportskeed as a whole.
5 Anime Characters Who Lost Everything
Guts from Berserk
Despite experiencing countless hardships and losses throughout the series, Guts remains a strong example of how these tragic events can shape an individual. From the moment of his birth, the protagonist of Berserk has endured endless struggles and suffered the loss of family, friends, and loved ones.
Undoubtedly, the Eclipse, which marks the climax of the Golden Age arc, was the pinnacle of Guts’ challenges in the series. Nevertheless, he serves as a testament to persevering through life and striving for personal growth, both for oneself and for loved ones. He stands out as the ultimate illustration in manga of a character who endures immense loss yet continues to push forward with unwavering determination.
Akira Fudo as Devilman
One notable example of the trope of anime characters losing everything is Akira Fudo from the battle shonen genre. Created by manga legend Go Nagai in the early 1970s, Akira’s story is a prime example of this theme. After being persuaded by his friend Ryo Asuka to undergo a ritual that transforms him into Devilman, Akira’s life takes a downward turn as he battles against the forces of evil.
It was revealed that Ryo was actually Lucifer, manipulating Akira and other demons in an attempt to bring about the end of the world. This led to a devastating war that brought about the downfall of humanity. As a result, Akira lost everything – his family, his beloved, and the entire human race. In response, God initiated the cycle of the universe once more.
Eren Yeager – Main Character of Attack on Titan
Despite his tragic circumstances, Eren bears the weight of responsibility for the events that unfolded in the Attack on Titan series and ultimately led to his downfall. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that he even orchestrated certain events in history, such as his mother’s death at the hands of a Titan, in order to fuel his desire for revenge.
The main focus of the series revolves around Eren’s descent into madness and his insatiable desire for vengeance, ultimately leading to his transformation into the primary antagonist. In addition to causing the deaths of most of humanity, he also severs his relationships and is ultimately killed by Mikasa Ackerman, who has harbored feelings for him since their childhood. Eren serves as a notable example of an anime character who suffers the loss of everything he holds dear.
Light Yagami (Death Note)
In comparison to other anime characters who have lost everything, Death Note’s Light Yagami stands out due to the significant difference in his journey. This is attributed to the fact that Light sacrificed his humanity in pursuit of becoming the “god of the new world,”using fear to control and eliminate anyone he deemed as evil.
Through Light’s actions, his father’s death, his sister’s paralysis, and his mother’s solitude were all caused. L Lawliet’s murder was a result of his pursuit of Light. Light had no qualms about manipulating numerous individuals to achieve his desires, ultimately leading to his death in isolation without anyone mourning his true self.
Jonathan Joestar – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Undoubtedly, Jonathan Joestar can be considered a prime example of an anime character who has suffered immense loss. This is evident in the initial installment of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Phantom Blood, where Dio Brando, who was taken in by the Joestar family, becomes Jonathan’s brother and causes extensive destruction that spans nearly two hundred years.
Dio was responsible for the death of Jonathan’s father and engaged in a battle with him that resulted in their house being burned down. Many casualties occurred during their conflict and, unfortunately, Jonathan would later meet his demise at the hands of his adopted brother. To make matters worse, Dio would take control of his body, but ultimately, Jonathan’s descendants would eventually defeat the villain in later parts, providing some form of retribution for his tragic fate.
5 Anime Characters Who Never Lost Anything
Goku (Dragon Ball)
Undoubtedly, Goku is the most iconic character in the medium and is not among those anime characters who have lost everything. He is one of the few who have gained everything since his days of living alone in the woods in Dragon Ball. Today, he has a loving family, loyal friends, and a strong network of connections with many people.
Despite criticism claiming that the series lacks any real stakes, it should be noted that the author Akira Toriyama has always maintained an optimistic tone throughout Dragon Ball. This is evident in Goku’s character and his journey throughout the series, further proving that Toriyama never intended for it to be dark.
Yusuke Urameshi from Yu Yu Hakusho
Yusuke Urameshi is an intriguing character in Yu Yu Hakusho as the series steadily grows darker, yet his personal growth and development continue to shine through each arc. Unlike many other anime characters who suffer great losses, Yusuke’s story focuses on building connections and taking advantage of the second chance he is granted in life.
Despite facing various challenges, Yusuke continuously improves and grows in his life. He forms new friendships, gains new mentors, and even repairs fractured relationships from the beginning of the story. Even difficult losses, like Genkai in the Dark Tournament arc, are eventually reversed, allowing Yusuke to develop and mature in a positive direction.
Himura from Rurouni Kenshin
Undoubtedly, Kenshin’s past is filled with tragedy as he lost his parents at a young age and was forced to become a skilled fighter and eventually a soldier in war, responsible for taking numerous lives. However, while this could easily classify him as a character who has suffered immense loss, it is important to note that this is only his backstory. In the actual narrative of Rurouni Kenshin, his story is one of resilience and positivity.
The central plot of the manga revolves around Kenshin’s journey through Japan after years of wandering, as he forms new bonds and finally finds a place to call home. It is significant that Kenshin manages to avoid losing anyone throughout his journey and gains many companions along the way, all without resorting to taking another life.
Koichi Hirose (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)
Koichi is the sole non-protagonist on this list, but he plays a significant role in the fourth installment of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Diamond is Unbreakable. He is the first person to encounter Jotaro Kujo in Morioh and later becomes a close friend of the main character, Josuke Higashikata. Throughout the story, Koichi proves to be a dependable source of support during pivotal moments.
As the story of Diamond is Unbreakable unfolds, Koichi forms new friendships, including with Rohan Kishibe, and even develops romantic feelings for Yukako Yamagishi. He also displays increased courage, as evidenced by the continual growth and transformations of his Stand, Echoes.
Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach
Ichigo Kurosaki’s drive stems from his desire to protect others, making it somewhat paradoxical to argue that he is not one of those anime protagonists who have suffered great losses. This is because his motivation is rooted in the personal tragedy of losing his mother, Masaki Kurosaki, to a Hollow when he was just a child. This traumatic event instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility to become strong and safeguard those he cares for, ultimately shaping his identity.
Despite his inner turmoil, Ichigo spends the majority of his time in Bleach training and protecting others in order to become stronger. Thankfully, his efforts paid off as he successfully saved all three worlds from Yhwach by the end of the series without any significant losses among his inner circle.
Final Thoughts
Throughout the medium of anime, there are numerous characters who have experienced great loss and those who have not. However, these particular characters stand out due to their involvement in influential series that have left a lasting impact over the years.
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