Ranking the 10 Most Powerful Mafia Characters in Anime

Anime mafia characters have become well-known thanks to figures like Nicolas Brown in Gangsta. These characters are primarily anti-authoritarian underworld figures involved in various crime syndicates.

Mafia anime series, including Banana Fish and Gangsta, immerse us in the lives of underdogs, oppressed, and marginalized individuals who found no alternative but to dive into the underworld. The representation of these characters is varied; some are ruthless criminal overlords, while others strive for a better society in morally complex ways. This listicle ranks the 10 strongest mafia anime characters.

Giorno Giovanna, Chisaki, and 8 other powerful anime mafia characters

10) Kenny Ackerman – Attack on Titan

Kenny Ackerman (Image via MAPPA)
Kenny Ackerman (Image via MAPPA)

Kenny Ackerman, known as “Kenny the Ripper,” is one of the most unique characters in Attack on Titan. He stands out as one of the strongest in the mafia anime genre.

This character commanded a group of fierce fighters against the Survey Corps during the kidnapping of Eren Yeager. Despite his affiliation with the underworld, he maintained contact with Uri Reiss and served directly under the crown.

Kenny trained Levi Ackerman, humanity’s most formidable soldier, and is rumored to surpass Levi in strength. Additionally, he demonstrates cunning and strategic prowess as a mafia boss, keeping the Paradis underworld under control.

9) Brandon Heat – Gungrave

Brandon Heat (one of the strongest anime mafia characters) (Image via Madhouse)
Brandon Heat (Image via Madhouse)

Beyond the Grave, or Brandon Heat, ranks among the most skilled hitmen in Gungrave. His journey began with a street gang, eventually leading him to join Millenion, where he developed a close relationship with the “big daddy.”

After a revival, he emerged as the ultimate sweeper, forming his group called “Beyond the Grave.” This revival granted him extraordinary physical strength and resilience, making him a formidable adversary.

8) Arlong – One Piece

Arlong (Image via Toei Animation)
Arlong (Image via Toei Animation)

Arlong served as the captain of the Arlong Pirates, a notorious fish-man pirate crew. He established a syndicate and ravaged various islands for wealth. Before his defeat at the hands of Monkey D. Luffy, he was regarded as more powerful than Don Krieg, the strongest military force of the East Blue.

This character was a cruel and authoritative captain, rallying fishmen against humans. He exhibited traits of selfishness and cunning as a mafia leader, readily breaking promises for personal gain, notably with Nami.

7) Nicolas Brown – Gangsta

Nicolas Brown (Image via Manglobe)
Nicolas Brown (Image via Manglobe)

Nicolas Brown, a crucial member of The Handyman, stands out as one of the strongest characters in Gangsta. With a Twilight rank of A/0 and no history of overdose, he is among the elite.

A skilled swordsman and hand-to-hand combatant, Nicolas can enhance his abilities after overdosing on Cerebret, surpassing his A/0 rank to gain augmented physical strength, agility, and speed. He is among the most popular anime mafia characters.

6) Tsunayoshi Sawada – Katekyo Hitman Reborn!

Tsunayoshi Sawada (Image via Artland)
Tsunayoshi Sawada (Image via Artland)

Tsunayoshi Sawada is on a quest to become the 10th-generation mafia boss, guided by the resourceful Reborn. Though often perceived as lazy, he emerges as one of the most powerful characters in Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, with skills second only to his mentor.

Tsuna excels in controlling Dying Will Flames, enabling him to counter his adversaries with various techniques, and can activate sky rings using his flames. Throughout the series, Tsuna experiences rapid growth, getting closer to his goal of becoming a formidable mafia leader.

5) Ronny – Baccano!

Ronny Sachito (Image via Brain's Base)
Ronny Sachito (Image via Brain’s Base)

Ronny Sachitto, known as the eccentric “chiamatore” of the Mortillo family, commands significant influence in Baccano!. Being the first perfected homunculus, he is essentially immortal.

The mafia leader wields overwhelming powers, including teleportation, telepathy, and matter manipulation. Additionally, he can control memories and even consume other immortals.

Many consider Ronny the most potent character in Baccano!. His leadership style, intellect, and quirky nature contribute to his stature as a prominent anime mafia character.

4) Osamu Dazai – Bungo Stray Dogs

Osamu Dazai (Image via Studio Bones)
Osamu Dazai (Image via Studio Bones)

Osamu Dazai was once a leader in the Port Mafia before transitioning to the Armed Detective Agency. Dazai, notorious for his mercenary skills, commanded fear and respect from rival organizations.

Dazai’s “no longer human”ability can nullify the powers of others in the Bungo Stray Dogs universe, which makes him an intimidating opponent. His persistent existential boredom and disinterest transformed him into a lethal operative, presenting a significant threat within the mafia realm.

His strategies and leadership were unmatched in the Port Mafia. Even after departing from this world, Dazai remains one of the most captivating mafia anime characters.

3) David Martinez – Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

David (Image via Studio Trigger)
David (Image via Studio Trigger)

David Martinez is celebrated as the youngest mafia leader in anime. His journey in Cyberpunk: Edgerunners portrays a modern American underworld, chronicling David’s rise to power as a top Edgerunner.

Following the tragic death of his mother, he joined a mafia syndicate and quickly became an essential member. In a remarkably short span, he attained leadership of his gang and began commanding the Edgerunners’ society.

Fueled by a deep-seated animosity toward the Arasaka group, David was a relentless Edgerunner. Despite his young demise, he remains one of the strongest characters in anime mafia.

2) Chisaki Kai – My Hero Academia

Chisaki Kai (one of the strongest anime mafia characters) (Image via Studio Bones)
Chisaki Kai (Image via Studio Bones)

Chisaki Kai, the leader of Shie Hassaikai, is one of the most formidable villains in My Hero Academia. He is a ruthless and intelligent mafia leader who has earned his place at the top of the underworld.

With a unique quirk, “Overhaul,” he can disintegrate and regenerate any organic or inanimate matter. His abilities extend to healing wounds and merging beings, lending him an aura of invincibility.

Beyond his immense power, Chisaki developed a quirk-destroying drug using Eri’s blood, initiating significant disturbances in hero society. Although he once allied with Shigaraki, betrayal eventually followed.

Even in a powerless state, after losing his hands, Chisaki stays influential within the anime mafia realm.

1) Giovanna Day – Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure

Giovanna Day (Image via David Production)
Giovanna Day (Image via David Production)

Giorno Giovanna is the lead character in the fifth arc of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and serves as the infamous mafia leader of the Passione gang.

His ability, “Gold Experience,”grants him the power to manipulate life, making him a daunting opponent. Gold Experience Requiem can ensure that his enemies face death, heightening his threat level.

Giorno exemplifies the spirit of freedom, asserting his role as a diligent and strong soldato. He stands as one of the strongest figures in the Jojo universe and arguably the most powerful anime mafia character.

Final Thoughts

Anime mafia characters present unique narratives filled with intriguing backstories. Unlike conventional anime characters, they often embody morally ambiguous values and complex ideologies.

Figures like Ash Lynx and Nicolas Brown captivate audiences with their compelling onscreen presence. Despite their criminal activities, these mafia characters are portrayed in a nuanced manner, enhancing the allure of anime mafia.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *