9 Manga Arcs Where the Villains Steal the Spotlight

Certain manga arcs elevate antagonists to such heights that they somewhat outshine the protagonists and leave a lasting impression on readers. For instance, the Pain’s Assault arc and the Aogiri Tree arc feature remarkable villains with strong beliefs, formidable abilities, and complex personalities.

This list features nine manga arcs in which the villains take center stage, showcasing their terrifying strength and complex personalities.

Manga Arcs Where Villains Outshine the Protagonists

Pain’s Assault (Naruto)

Pain overwhelming Kakashi (Image via Pierrot)

In Naruto’s Pain’s Assault, the Akatsuki’s leader, Pain (also known as Nagato), uses his Rinnegan to wreak havoc and destruction upon the village of Konoha. His god-like powers include manipulation of gravity, summoning creatures, and even bringing the deceased back to life.

Pain’s incredible strength is demonstrated when he single-handedly obliterates Konoha. His belief that genuine peace can only be attained through mutual suffering adds a layered moral element to his persona. His poignant origin story, in which he evolves from a war-ravaged orphan into a vengeful deity, solidifies him as a formidable and empathetic adversary whose principles and might greatly overshadow Naruto, the protagonist.

Golden Age Arc of Berserk

Golden Age Arc from Berserk (Image via GEMBA, Millepensee)

In the Golden Age Arc of Berserk, the protagonist Griffith is a cunning strategist and skilled commander who leads his band to victory against numerous enemies, earning the trust and adoration of those around him. However, his relentless ambition to become a king ultimately leads him to betray even those closest to him in pursuit of his goal.

During the Eclipse, Griffith’s descent to the dark side and transformation into the monstrous Femto becomes apparent as he betrays and sacrifices his comrades. This dramatic shift in his character and role has a profound impact on the storyline, overshadowing even the main character, Guts, with its portrayal of his downfall from a hero.

3) Chimera Ant Arc in Hunter x Hunter

Killua Vs Shoot (Image via Nippon Animation)

In Hunter x Hunter’s Chimera Ant Arc, the Chimera Ant King, Meruem, initially holds a reputation for being a ruthless and nearly unbeatable leader, possessing great physical and mental abilities. However, his relationship with Komugi, a blind Gungi master, offers a humanizing perspective and adds complexity to his personality.

Despite being a villain, Meruem’s grappling with philosophical concepts surrounding power, humanity, and his own purpose sets him apart from the typical antagonist. His tragic demise, in which he acknowledges the importance of human life and passes away alongside Komugi, has a profound effect and often overshadows even the main character, Gon, among the other arcs of the manga series.

Start Arc (Bleach)

Grand Fisher appears (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The Arrancar Arc in Bleach introduces us to a group of fearsome Arrancars, known as the Espada, who are led by Sōsuke Aizen. Aizen’s cunning and manipulation of events in Soul Society are a testament to his intelligence. With the aid of the Hōgyoku, he possesses the ability to break through the defenses of both Shinigami and Arrancars.

The Espada’s individual abilities and past experiences greatly contribute to the dynamic of this opposing team. In his ultimate showdown against Ichigo, Aizen showcases his immense strength and unwavering belief in himself, solidifying his role as the central character who often overshadows the protagonist. His commanding voice and near invincibility make him one of the most formidable foes in the series.

Hunter x Hunter: Yorknew City Arc

Kurapika using his Dowsing Chain (Image via Nippon Animation)

In Hunter x Hunter’s Yorknew City Arc, the focus shifts to the Phantom Troupe, headed by Chrollo Lucifer. Chrollo’s exceptional strategic skills and knack for stealing Nen abilities make him a formidable opponent. The Troupe’s successful heist and merciless fighting abilities showcase their unity and power. Chrollo’s collected demeanor and enigmatic past only add to his intimidating aura.

The Troupe members’ tragic and complex backstories add to their depth, making them even more compelling characters. Within the series, the Troupe’s power and Kurapika’s vendetta against them create a unique dynamic where the complexity and charm of the villains often outshine the protagonists in comparison to other arcs.

Shibuya Incident Arc (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Pseudo Geto seals Satoru Gojo (Image via Map)

The Jujutsu Kaisen storyline features the Shibuya Incident Arc, which depicts an epic clash between Jujutsu Sorcerers and a group of cursed spirits led by Mahito and Geto.

The chaos and destruction that occurred during the incident served to emphasize the villains’ daunting strength. Through the arc, the cursed spirits’ beliefs are delved into, providing them with more depth than simply being antagonists. The immense risks and emotional impact on the main characters only further highlight the villains’ power and make them stand out significantly.

7) The Saga of Whole Cake Island in One Piece

Sanji retrieval team in Pudding (Image via Toei Animation)

The focus of the Whole Cake Island Arc in One Piece is on Sanji Vinsmoke and his family. Sanji’s father, Judge Vinsmoke, is a ruthless man who genetically modifies his children into super soldiers, displaying his mastery of technology and combat. Sanji’s kind nature, which is viewed as a weakness by his family, serves to emphasize their callousness.

The Judge’s determination to resurrect the Germa 66 empire and his readiness to use his own children as pawns in his pursuit of power reveal his character. The Vinsmoke family’s advanced technology and intricate family dynamics frequently overshadow the Straw Hat Pirates’ attempts, intensifying the depth and suspense of the storyline.

Culling Game Arc

Cursed Naoya spins to negate Maki's attack (Image via Shueisha) — Cursed Naoya spins to negate Maki’s attack (Image via Shueisha)

The main focus of the Culling Game Arc in Jujutsu Kaisen is a lethal tournament masterminded by Kenjaku, who has possessed Geto’s body. Kenjaku’s intricate plans and knack for causing chaos make him a captivating villain.

The stakes are raised for the protagonists in The Culling Game due to its lethal rules and the formidable cursed users involved. Kenjaku, with his intellect and strategic mind, poses a major threat as he seeks to establish a new world order. The diverse abilities and motivations of the game’s participants add complexity to the story. Despite the protagonists’ efforts, the deadly nature of the game and Kenjaku’s schemes often overshadow them, making the villains the true stars of this manga arc compared to others in the series.

Aogiri Tree and the 11th Ward Battle Arc in Tokyo Ghoul

Aogiri Tree /11th Ward Battle Arc (Image via Shueisha)

The Aogiri Tree Arc of Tokyo Ghoul centers around the Aogiri Tree group, with a special focus on Eto and the One-Eyed Owl. Eto, an enigmatic figure who is renowned as a writer and a formidable ghoul, is a captivating and astute leader within the organization.

The Aogiri Tree’s powerful assaults on human institutions demonstrate their might, while the enigmatic identity of the One-Eyed Owl and internal disputes create a sense of unease. Eto and Aogiri’s mysterious influence on Kaneki and fellow ghouls make them the central focus of the arc, often overshadowing the main characters.

To summarize

In the various manga arcs, the villains are depicted not only as malicious adversaries who create tension, but also play crucial roles and make meaningful contributions to the development of the plot. Whether possessing impressive powers or raising thought-provoking moral dilemmas, figures like Pain, Griffith, and Meruem stand out as monumental characters whose impact can be felt throughout the manga arcs.

The antagonists in these manga arcs are not only physical adversaries for the protagonists, but also pose mental and ethical challenges, making their impact on the story significant. These arcs demonstrate that determining who is good or bad is not always easy, as characters with seemingly sinister motives can turn out to be the most intriguing, multifaceted, and unforgettable individuals in their respective tales.