Top 5 Heartless Anime Gangsters and 5 Superheroes with a Heart of Gold

Anime gangsters navigate a delicate balance between cruelty and redemption. Some portray cold-blooded villains consumed by ambition, power, or a skewed sense of justice, proving to be formidable characters within their narratives. However, not every anime gangster is devoid of compassion.

Certain characters, despite their criminal ties, reveal genuine kindness and selflessness, showcasing a complexity that defies the gangster stereotype. This article explores the five most heartless anime gangsters alongside five who possess a heart of gold.

Heartless Anime Gangsters: Diavolo, Nero Vanetti, and Others

1) Devil (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind)

Diavolo from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure — Diavolo from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure (Image via David Production)

Diavolo, the maniacal boss of the Passione gang from JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Vento Aureo, epitomizes the heartless nature of anime gangsters. His ruthless desire for control drives him to eliminate anyone, including allies, who stands in his way.

His Stand, King Crimson, which has the ability to erase time, reflects his manipulative and cruel disposition. Diavolo’s complete lack of empathy and insatiable thirst for power solidify his status as one of the cruelest gangsters in anime.

2) Black Vanetti (91 Days)

Nero Vanetti from 91 Days (Image via Studio Shuka)

Nero Vanetti, a key member of the Vanetti family, showcases a cunning ruthlessness that permeates his actions. His ruthless ambition often trumps the value he places on human life, leading to calculated and brutal decisions.

Focused entirely on maintaining control over his family, Nero sacrifices personal relationships and moral principles, making him a quintessential heartless anime gangster.

3) Balalaika (Black Lagoon)

Balalaika from Black Lagoon (Image via Studio Madhouse)

Balalaika, the leader of the Russian mafia group Hotel Moscow in Black Lagoon, exemplifies the traits of a heartless anime gangster. Her calculated tactics and utter disregard for human life establish her as a fearsome player within the criminal underworld.

With a strategic mind and a ruthless disposition, she orchestrates brutal attacks while manipulating both allies and enemies, solidifying her reputation as one of the most ruthless gangsters.

4) Tetta Kisaki (Tokyo Revengers)

Tetta Kisaki from Tokyo Revengers embodies heartless manipulation, orchestrating acts of violence and betrayal with unflinching ambition. His willingness to sacrifice others for personal gain illustrates his lack of empathy and moral restraint.

Driven solely by power and control, Kisaki’s actions affirm his position as a heartless figure among anime gangsters.

5) Scythe Master (Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom)

Scythe Master from Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom is recognized for his unforgiving and manipulative demeanor. As a sadistic genius responsible for the creation of Ein and Zwei, his twisted relationship with Ein showcases his false affections, using her solely for his advantage.

His approach to loyalty, based on self-interest alone, further emphasizes his heartless nature.

Anime Gangsters with a Heart of Gold: Taro Sakamoto, Tatsu, and Others

1) Worick Arcangelo (Gangsta.)

Worick Arcangelo from Gangsta. presents a stark contrast to typical anime gangsters, revealing a heart of gold beneath his tough exterior. He consistently displays loyalty and compassion toward his friends and allies, particularly his partner Nicholas Brown.

Worick’s protective nature extends to those marginalized and suffering, highlighting a profound sense of justice and empathy. His violent actions are often motivated by love and care for those close to him, revealing a softer side to his persona.

2) Tatsu (The Way Of The Househusband)

Tatsu from The Way of the Househusband (Image via Netflix)

Tatsu, once known as the “Immortal Dragon,”abandons his past as a yakuza leader for a simpler life as a devoted househusband. His transformation showcases kindness and care towards his wife, Miku.

Despite his formidable past, Tatsu embraces daily life with dedication and a loving demeanor, signifying his growth from a fearsome gangster to a nurturing partner.

3) Taro Sakamoto (Sakamoto Days)

Taro Sakamoto from Sakamoto Days (Image via Netflix)

Taro Sakamoto’s retirement from his violent lifestyle to cherish family reflects his deep affection for loved ones. His battlefield prowess contrasts with his tender nature, revealing a warm heart behind the warrior exterior.

4) Dazai Osamu (Bungo Stray Dogs)

Dazai Osamu from Bungo Stray Dogs (Image via Studio Bones)

Dazai Osamu, despite his aloof and cynical facade, embodies a heart of gold. Though connected with the violent world of the Port Mafia, he reveals a caring and protective side, often putting himself at risk for others’ safety.

His complex personality, shaped by a traumatic past, drives him to help and empathize with those around him, reflecting an innate goodness within him.

5) Ash Lynx (Banana Fish)

Ash Lynx from Banana Fish (Image via MAPPA)

Ash Lynx leads a criminal organization in New York while fiercely protecting his loved ones and seeking vengeance for his tumultuous past. His compassion shines through his protective instincts for friends, often going to great lengths to ensure their safety.

While his actions can be ruthless, they often mask a sweet and responsible nature, portraying a conflicting morality inherent in his character.

Conclusion

Anime gangsters like Diavolo and Balalaika showcase a cold-hearted ruthlessness driven by relentless ambition for power, illustrating the darker facets of these characters. In contrast, figures like Tatsu and Ash Lynx reveal their softer sides, embodying care and loyalty despite their criminal backgrounds, highlighting the rich complexity of crime narratives in anime.