5 Best Unexpected Character Returns in Anime (& 5 That Were a Letdown)

The return of beloved characters in anime is often met with great anticipation and excitement. These scenes can be incredibly satisfying, whether they bring closure, advance the plot, or introduce unexpected twists. However, not all of these returns live up to the high expectations set by fans.

Certain comebacks are carefully orchestrated and leave a lasting impression, while others fall short and leave fans wanting more for the main character. Whether it is due to lackluster storytelling or lack of significance, certain comebacks can diminish a character’s reputation instead of elevating it.

This list highlights five anime character comebacks that exceeded expectations and five that were ultimately disappointing.

5 Unexpected Character Returns in Anime

Madara Uchiha from Naruto Shippuden

Madara Uchiha as seen in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Madara Uchiha’s reappearance in Naruto Shippuden remains one of the most memorable and unexpected character comebacks in anime. Fans were shocked when he resurfaced during the Fourth Great Ninja War after his sudden departure long ago.

His revived self not only delivered an astonishing plot twist, but also brought an incredible amount of power and strategic brilliance that completely shifted the tide of the battlefield.

Despite facing the entire Allied Shinobi Forces, Madara effortlessly defeated them, solidifying his status as a legendary figure. His resurrection only added to the complexity of his character, connecting him to the grand plans of the Uchiha clan and the Infinite Tsukuyomi. This epic comeback solidified Madara’s place as one of the most iconic villains in anime.

Character Profile: Sabo from One Piece

Sabo as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The unexpected return of Sabo in One Piece was a highly praised moment in anime, as it had a significant impact on both the story and fan reception. Initially believed to have died in the flashback, Sabo made a comeback during the Dressrosa Arc, revealing himself to be the second-in-command of the Revolutionary Army.

Sabo’s return was a highly memorable event, as it not only shifted the narrative but also delighted fans with its blend of nostalgia and thrill. Its element of surprise was perfectly balanced and it remained significant in terms of its impact, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Kite in Hunter x Hunter

Kite as seen in anime (Image via Madhouse)

Despite the tragic loss of Kite in Hunter x Hunter, their unexpected return as a half-formed Chimera Ant is a memorable moment that continues to resonate with fans. This development adds layers to the overarching themes of Hunter x Hunter, delving into the themes of grief, evolution, and the constant battle between humanity and monstrous beings.

Despite undergoing changes and having new interactions with Gon, Kite’s return in the anime is a powerful one that raises the emotional stakes and continues to explore the series’ themes of grief and redemption. It is one of the most unexpected character comebacks in anime, making a striking impact.

Goku (Dragon Ball Z)

Goku as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite his death during the battle against Cell, Goku’s return during the Cell Saga in Dragon Ball Z is still considered one of the most surprising and memorable character comebacks in anime. Utilizing Instant Transmission from King Kai’s planet, Goku dramatically reenters the fight against the Androids.

Goku’s arrival during the battle was a pivotal moment, showcasing his character development and mastery of the Spirit Bomb technique. The tense and relieving moment was a turning point for the Z Fighters, as Goku’s comeback shifted the balance in their favor. It also reaffirmed his role as the protagonist of the story.

5) Main Character of Attack on Titan – Eren Yeager

Eren Yeager as seen in anime (Image via Wit Studio)

Eren Yeager’s return as the titan is one of the most impactful character comebacks in anime, as it significantly altered the trajectory of the storyline. After a heart-wrenching moment where Eren seemingly met his end, his sudden transformation and subsequent role as a crucial figure drove the plot of the series forward.

Eren’s reappearance adds further depth to the overall theme of freedom and conflict. It goes beyond simply being a return, as it significantly alters the course of events and intensifies the stakes, emotions, and plot intricacies for the final arc of this story.

Frieza and Four Other Character Returns in Anime That Were Disappointing

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez – Character from Bleach

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez as seen in anime (Image via Studio Pierrot)

Despite the excitement among fans for Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez’s return in Bleach’s Thousand-Year Blood War arc, it proved to be rather uneventful. The character’s role was significantly reduced compared to his previous stature, without any significant impact on the story. Despite being revived, Grimmjow did not receive proper development and did not engage in any essential fights.

Although there was potential for a grand comeback, it ended up being a very minor role for him. His contribution was not significant to the main conflicts or storyline of the arc. His return felt like a missed opportunity to delve into his character, ultimately disappointing fans with Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez’s comeback in the anime.

Frieza in Dragon Ball Super

Frieza as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite initially sparking excitement among fans in Dragon Ball Super, Frieza’s return ultimately disappointed. While his revival and involvement in the Universe 6 tournament and Tournament of Power were initially intriguing, they lacked the same impact as his original threat. With his constant revivals in various forms and manipulation of allies, the significance of his return had diminished.

Despite being a highly intense battle, the showdown with Goku ultimately felt lackluster due to Frieza’s overused character. His constant resurrections and lack of character development, as well as the absence of new threats, made his return one of the most disappointing in the world of anime.

3) Pell (One Piece)

Pell as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

After appearing to sacrifice himself to save Arabasta, Pell’s comeback in One Piece was a major disappointment. His selfless act of flying the bomb away from the city added emotional depth to the arc’s climax, making his return without any injuries feel like a betrayal of that sacrifice.

It seemed like a letdown, diminishing the importance of the story and causing difficulty for fans to truly invest in future character sacrifices. This reappearance lessened the emotional impact of the plot, and instead of being a powerful moment, it turned into a missed opportunity and one of the most disappointing character comebacks in anime.

Rika Furude – Character from Higurashi: When They Cry-Gou

Rika Furude as seen in anime (Image via Studio Passione)

Despite Rika Furude’s character returning in the anime Higurashi: When They Cry–Gou, it was disappointing due to the repetitive nature of her arc. While her initial journey to escape the tragic time loops was intriguing, the new series has failed to provide meaningful growth for her character.

Despite hoping for a new direction in Rika’s journey, fans were left disappointed as her return only perpetuated the same cycles of despair and hindered any chance of solving her trauma. Rather than advancing the series, Rika’s return ultimately dragged it down, leaving fans dissatisfied with the lack of narrative progression.

Makoto Itou (School Days)

Makoto Itou as seen in anime (Image via Studio TNK)

Despite Makoto Itou’s return in School Days, it is ultimately disappointing as it only occurs as a fleeting hallucination and does not result in any significant development of his storyline.

Despite all the wrongs done to his character, he ultimately meets a gruesome end at the hands of Sekai. In a cruel and undeserved twist, he appears as a haunting vision in Kotonoha’s mind at the series’ conclusion, serving as a painful reminder of the chaotic love triangle. This disappointing return of his character in the anime only adds to the tragedy of his story.

Conclusion

Depending on how they are portrayed, character returns in anime can either elevate a story or disappoint fans. Some characters, like Madara Uchiha, Sabo, and Eren Yeager, have made impactful comebacks that brought unexpected plot twists, added emotional and thematic depth to their stories.

Conversely, certain characters such as Frieza, Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez, and Makoto Itou often failed to meet the expectations set for them due to weak storytelling or a lack of significant impact. This can ultimately diminish the significance of a character’s development, leaving fans yearning for a more substantial narrative.

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