Shounen fighting anime usually targets male audiences and is characterized by action-packed plots. It’s common for the anime series under this genre to have a main character with extraordinary physical strength. Most start off as weak characters who slowly become stronger through their training and perseverance. Unfortunately, not all shounen fighting anime have main characters with outstanding physical strength. Some popular shounen fighting anime, in fact, have weak protagonists. Whether physically or mentally weak, these characters remain weak throughout their existence in the series. Weak shounen protagonists are often considered a weak link in their anime series as they do not contribute much to the fights. Nevertheless, characters with limited abilities offer a lot to their viewers. Some even seem very relatable to their audience. In this article, we will list down the top 5 weak protagonists in shounen fighting anime and see how they have other strengths.
5. Takemichi Hanagaki – Tokyo Revengers
Tokyo Revengers continues to grow in popularity, especially with the anime entering its second season. The popularity of this series among anime fans can be attributed to the conflicts between the gangs and their iconic brawls. However, the protagonist of this series, Takemichi Hanagaki, is known as a weak and cowardly hero. Takemichi’s strength lies in his perseverance, but it doesn’t help him much in physical fights. Due to the prevalence of gang fights in the anime, Takemichi’s fragility has become a defining characteristic of his character. Legendary characters such as Mikey, Draken, and Baji overshadow him. They have even won the hearts of fans of the series, making them more popular than Takemichi.
4. Nezumi – Junni Taisen
Nezumi is incredibly fragile mentally and physically. Despite this, he emerged as the winner of Junni Taisen, a fight between warriors named “The Twelve Chinese Zodiacs.” For him to win, he needed a special ability that would allow him to exist in different realities simultaneously. Regardless of Nezumi’s tendency to jump from one reality to another and back, he was finally able to win Junni Taisen on his 100th attempt. However, he did not win because of his perseverance or physical strength. Instead, it was due to him making use of openings that others had created for him. A request was made to the winner of the Junni Taisen tournament. After Nezumi won the tournament, he requested that all memories of it be erased, as remembering it would be a heavy burden.
3. Senku Ishigami – Dr. Stone
After being petrified for over 3,700 years, Senku is the first Dr. Stone character to be free from the stone. He then decides to use his intelligence to rebuild the world that had regressed to the Stone Age due to the absence of human life and activity. Senku’s plan is to turn this planet from a prehistoric condition into a scientifically advanced kingdom in just a few years. While Senku has many positive qualities, physical strength is not one of them. Because of his weakness, he often needs the help of others to complete tasks that require physical strength. Senku is not even able to fight, despite being in a shounen fighting anime where fights often break out.
2. Hiro – Darling in the Franxx
Before meeting Zero Two, the protagonist of Darling in the Franxx was an exceptional pilot. The anime tells the story of teenagers who unite to fight the Klauxosaurus in an apocalyptic future where they are attacking the Earth and intending to destroy all human beings. The boys are called “stamen,” while the girls are called “pistil.” Since Hiro was given half of Zero Two’s Klauxosaurus blood when they were young, he cannot fly with other pilots anymore. The cycle of decline resulting from his loss of confidence and emotional resilience is inevitable. Most of the Franxx robot’s care is in Zero Two’s hands. Therefore, even though Hiro regained his flying ability, he is still regarded as a weak link.
1. Yukiteru Amano – Future Diary
It is common for shounen protagonists to start off as a weak character who gradually becomes stronger. However, this does not apply to Yukiteru Amano in Future Diary. Throughout the series, Yuki is portrayed as a coward. He manipulates his obsessive classmate, Yuno Gasai, to stay alive in a survival game that drags him along. When faced with danger, Yuki always runs to find a solution, thereby showing his weakness. Nevertheless, Yuki also has a unique ability that allows him to have an advantage in the game.
In conclusion, weak protagonists in shounen fighting anime commonly have other strengths that make them valuable to the series. While they may not be physically or mentally strong, these characters offer relatability and perseverance that are essential in their stories. Rather than being seen as a weak link, these characters exemplify the human experience, showing us that not everyone is perfect and that it’s our unique abilities that make us who we are.
