It’s not uncommon for the main character in anime and manga to be overpowered by superpowers. These characters would initially lose every fight before becoming unbeatable as they grew stronger. There is also a trend of wimpy main characters who never make independent decisions but end up being more interesting than before by following the storyline that requires development from them. Finally, some anime series with an overpowered character win every battle with ease, making everyone else look inept.
But what makes the main character so strong? We must remember that an overpowered character is one who possesses overwhelming power in comparison to the other characters in the same anime.
Some anime characters may appear weak in comparison to Goku, but keep in mind that Goku never existed in their universe.
Having said that, here is our list of anime with overpowered main characters:
1. That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Satoru Mikami, 37, is a typical corporate worker who is perfectly content with his monotonous lifestyle in Tokyo, save for the fact that he has never had a girlfriend. In the midst of a casual encounter with a colleague, he is stabbed by an unknown assailant on the streets. However, as he succumbs to his injuries, a strange voice echoes in his mind and recites a series of commands that the dying man cannot understand.
When Satoru regains consciousness, he discovers that he has been reincarnated as a slimy goop in an unknown realm. As a result, he gains new abilities, most notably the ability to devour anything and mimic its appearance and abilities.
He then comes across the sealed Catastrophe-level monster “Storm Dragon” Veldora, who has been imprisoned for the past 300 years for destroying a town. Satoru befriends him, sympathising with his predicament and promising to help him destroy the seal. In exchange, Veldora bestows the name Rimuru Tempest on him in order to grant him divine protection.
Rimuru, now free of the monotony of his previous life, embarks on a new journey with a specific goal in mind. As he adjusts to his new body, his gooey antics spread throughout the world, gradually changing his fate.
2. No Game No Life
Disboard is a world ruled by Tet, the One True God, and home to sixteen sentient races. Imanity, the lowest of the sixteen, is made up of humans, a race with no affinity for magic. Humankind appears to have no way out of their predicament in a place where everything is decided through simple games—but the arrival of two outsiders changes everything.
Stepbrothers Sora and Shiro are two inseparable shut-ins who dominate various online games under the username “Blank” on Earth. While they are well-known on the internet, the pair believes that life is just another boring game.
They are suddenly transported to Disboard after responding to a message from an unknown user. Tet, the mysterious sender, informs them about the world’s unbreakable rules. Following Tet’s departure, Sora and Shiro begin their search for more information and a place to stay, which leads them to Elkia—last Imanity’s remaining kingdom.
Stephanie Dola, an emotional girl vying for the kingdom’s sovereignty, meets the duo there. In desperation, she attempts to reclaim her father’s throne, but her folly renders her goal impossible to achieve. Sora and Shiro are inspired by the girl’s motivation and passion and decide to help Stephanie get Elkia back on its feet, ultimately aiming to become the new rulers of the enigmatic realm.
3. The Devil is a Part-Timer!
With his vast demon armies, the Demon Lord Satan begins to conquer the land of Ente Isla, striking fear into the hearts of mortals. However, while embarking on this heinous quest to conquer the continent, Satan’s efforts are thwarted by the hero Emilia, forcing Satan to flee through a dimensional portal only to land in the human world. The demon, along with his loyal general Alsiel, is stranded in modern-day Tokyo and vows to return and complete his subjugation of Ente Isla—if they can find a way back!
In a world without magic, Satan disguises himself as a human named Sadao Maou and starts working at MgRonald’s, a local fast-food restaurant, to make ends meet. He quickly realises that conquering Ente Isla is not enough, and he becomes determined to climb the corporate ladder and become Earth’s ruler, one satisfied customer at a time!
Hataraku Maou-sama! presents a hilarious view of the most mundane aspects of everyday life, all through the eyes of a hapless demon lord, whether it’s part-time work, household chores, or simply trying to pay the rent on time.
4. The Rising of the Shield Hero
The Four Cardinal Heroes are a group of ordinary men from modern-day Japan who have been summoned to the kingdom of Melromarc to save it. Melromarc is a country besieged by the Waves of Catastrophe, which have ravaged the land and brought disaster to its citizens for centuries. To defeat the Waves, the four heroes are given a sword, spear, bow, and shield. Naofumi Iwatani, an otaku, is cursed with the role of “Shield Hero.” Naofumi is mocked and belittled by his fellow heroes and the people of the kingdom because of his lacklustre offensive abilities and personality.
When the heroes are given resources and comrades to train with, Naofumi sets out with Malty Melromarc, the only person willing to train alongside him. However, he is soon betrayed by her and falsely accused of taking advantage of her. The people of Melromarc then begin to discriminate against and hate Naofumi for something he did not do. Naofumi embarks on his journey of self-improvement and reputation-building with a raging storm of hurt and mistrust in his heart. Later on, however, the difficulty of being on his own sets in, so Naofumi purchases Raphtalia, a demi-human slave on the verge of death, to accompany him on his journey.
5. The Misfit of Demon King Academy
A long time ago, a war between humans and demons caused widespread chaos and bloodshed. Demon King Anos Voldigoad willingly sacrificed his life to end this seemingly endless conflict, hoping to be reborn in a peaceful future.
In preparation for the return of their king, the demons established the Demon King Academy, an elite institution tasked with determining Anos’ identity when he reawakens. He reincarnates two millennia later, only to discover that the world’s level of magic has dwindled dramatically during his absence.
Furthermore, when he enrols at the academy to reclaim his rightful title, he discovers that demonkind has a different memory of him. His personality, his actions, and even his legacy have all been fabricated—masked beneath the name of an impostor. Because of this “lack” of common knowledge, he is the academy’s outlier—a misfit never seen before in history.
Despite these disadvantages, Anos is unfazed. As he sets out to find those who are changing his glorious past, he takes it upon himself to convince his descendants that their ruler has finally returned.
6. Cautious Hero: The Hero Is Overpowered but Overly Cautious
“You can never be too careful,” as the saying goes. It is critical to plan for any situation that may arise, even if it appears to be a waste of time. Also, in games like RPGs, it is advantageous to outperform your opponents in order to achieve total victory.
These words almost perfectly describe Seiya Ryuuguuin. The hero prepares for his noble journey after being summoned by the goddess Ristarte to save the world of Gaeabrande from destruction.
While this may seem normal, despite having overpowered stats, he spends a significant amount of time training himself. To stay safe, he fights weak enemies with his strongest skills and buys an abundance of supplies and potions.
While his demeanour is grating, it could be Gaeabrande’s saving grace, especially in a world where evil forces dominate every expectation.
7. Overlord
The end of the popular virtual reality game Yggdrasil has arrived. Momonga, a powerful wizard and master of the dark guild Ainz Ooal Gown, however, decides to spend his final moments in the game as the servers begin to shut down. Despite the fact that the clock has struck midnight, Momonga remains fully conscious as his character, and the non-player characters appear to have developed personalities of their own!
When confronted with this unusual situation, Momonga orders his loyal servants to assist him in investigating and taking control of this new world, in the hopes of determining what has caused this development and if there are others in the same situation.
8. Sword Art Online
Since the release of the innovative NerveGear, gamers all over the world have had the opportunity to experience fully immersive virtual reality. Sword Art Online (SAO), one of the console’s most recent games, provides a portal into the wondrous world of Aincrad, a vivid, mediaeval landscape where users can do whatever they want within the bounds of their imagination. Gaming has never felt more alive since the release of this worldwide sensation.
When SAO’s creator traps thousands of players inside the game, the idyllic fantasy quickly turns into a brutal nightmare. The “log-out” function has been removed, leaving the only way out to complete all of Aincrad’s one hundred increasingly difficult levels.
To make matters worse, any in-game death becomes permanent, effectively ending the player’s life in the real world.
While Kazuto “Kirito” Kirigaya was fortunate enough to be a game beta tester, he quickly discovers that, despite his advantages, he cannot overcome SAO’s challenges alone. Kirito joins forces with Asuna Yuuki and other talented players to face the seemingly insurmountable trials head on. However, with difficult bosses and menacing dark cults impeding his progress, Kirito discovers that such tasks are much easier said than done.
9. Wise Man’s Grandchild
Merlin Wolford was once regarded as a national hero in the kingdom of Earlshide, lauded for both his power and achievements. He prefers a quiet life, so he retreats deep into the rural woods, devoting his time to raising an orphan he rescued. This orphan is Shin, a regular salaryman from modern-day Japan who was reincarnated into Merlin’s world while retaining his previous memories. Shin continues to amaze Merlin with his unparalleled talent in both magic casting and martial arts as the years pass.
However, by his 15th birthday, it is clear that Shin has only developed his combat skills and nothing else, leaving him with obvious social awkwardness, a lack of common sense, and a mediocre sense of responsibility. Shin enrols in the kingdom’s Magic Academy to hone his skills and mature alongside other teenagers. However, living a normal life is impossible because he becomes a local celebrity almost immediately after arriving.
Shin Wolford’s high school life in the capital is followed in Kenja no Mago as he makes new friends, learns about the world, and fights the various forces of evil that surround him and his city.
10. Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy-
Makoto Misumi is sent to another world to meet the goddess and become the hero as part of a mysterious contract made years ago by a goddess and his parents. However, the deity regards Makoto as “hideous,” refusing to even look at him and rescinding his heroic title. In exchange for the ability to understand all languages except human, the goddess drives Makoto to the farthest reaches of the wasteland, far from human civilization.
Makoto’s inherent physical and magical abilities awaken as a result of the disparity between Earth and this new world, making him extremely powerful. He meets various demihumans and mythical beings who are all captivated by his characteristics and join Makoto in creating a new community where they can all coexist peacefully.
Nonetheless, despite his success, Makoto longs to meet other people. Makoto and his companions must fulfil his desire in a world where the goddess herself has forbidden him from interacting with his kind—and perhaps reform society along the way.
11. Arifureta: From Commonplace to World’s Strongest
Hajime Nagumo’s ordinary life is upended when he and his classmates are summoned to a fantasy world and tasked with saving humanity. While his classmates have impressive combat abilities, Hajime is mocked for only gaining an inferior transmutation skill with no real offensive power.
Hajime is betrayed by one of his classmates during an expedition in the Great Orcus Labyrinth, plunging him to the bottom of an abyss. Despite surviving the fall, Hajime is confronted with menacing monsters and misfortunes that send him into a bleak nightmare.
Desperate to live and return home one day, he decides to fight for his life—only to meet Yue, an imprisoned vampire who is also trying to escape the labyrinth. Yue and a few others accompany Hajime on his journey to find a way back home, while gradually transforming from commonplace to the world’s strongest.
12. Seirei Gensouki
Haruto Amakawa, a 20-year-old college student, does not expect to wake up in an unfamiliar world in the body of a young boy named Rio after dying in a traffic accident. Rio realises he now has magical powers as their memories and personas merge. Despite his new identity, he is relieved to discover that his burning desire for vengeance against his mother’s murderers has not subsided.
Soon after, Rio comes across the kidnapped Bertram Kingdom princess and immediately saves her. To show his appreciation, the king grants him admission to the Bertram Royal Academy. He is excited to study at this prestigious academy, believing it will be a new chapter in his life, but life here proves difficult for him, a slum-dweller surrounded by the majestic children of nobles.
13. The World’s Finest Assassin Gets Reincarnated in Another World as an Aristocrat
The world’s most lethal assassin had sworn lifelong loyalty to the organisation that had raised him. Despite his devotion, the organisation takes action to silence him, ultimately leading to his demise. Drowning in frustration and regrets he can no longer suppress, he finds himself in front of a goddess who is drawn to his exceptional abilities. The goddess offers him reincarnation into a magnificent world of swords and magic in order for him to complete a critical mission: slay that world’s hero and prevent its destruction.
Accepting the goddess’ request, he is reborn as Lugh Tuatha Dé, the son of an Alvan Kingdom noble family of assassins. Lugh learns new assassination techniques from his father, which differ significantly from the cold-blooded and unsympathetic killing style of his previous life. His other talents also blossom, allowing him to meet new allies and acquaintances. Even so, Lugh realises that his efforts are insufficient, because a titanic foe like the hero can only be defeated with perfection.
14. Saga of Tanya the Evil
Tanya Degurechaff is a young soldier known for her predatory ruthlessness and uncanny tactical ability, earning her the moniker “Devil of the Rhine.” Underneath her innocent appearance, however, lies the soul of a man who challenged Being X, the self-proclaimed God, to a battle of wits, resulting in his reincarnation as a young girl into a world of magical warfare. Tanya, hellbent on defiance, resolves to rise through the ranks of her country’s military as it slowly descends into world war, with only Being X standing in her way of resuming the peaceful life she once knew.
However, her foresight and combat initiative have an unintended consequence: propelling the mighty Empire to become one of the most powerful nations in human history.
15. The God of High School
The “God of High School” tournament has begun, with the goal of finding the best fighter among Korean high school students! All martial arts styles, weapons, means, and methods of victory are legal. What is the prize? One wish for anything the winner desires.
Jin Mo-Ri, a taekwondo expert, has been invited to compete. There he meets karate expert Han Dae-Wi and swordswoman Yu Mi-Ra, both of whom have come for personal reasons. Mo-Ri is aware that no two opponents will be the same, and that the matches will be the most ruthless he has ever fought. Instead of being concerned, he is ecstatic about the prospect.
A secret lurks beneath the tournament’s ostensibly transparent test of combat prowess, one that has Korean political candidate Park Mu-Jin watching every fight with expectant, hungry eyes. Mo-Ri, Dae-Wi, and Mi-Ra are about to learn what it takes to be the God of High School.
16. Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody
Ichirou Suzuki, a programmer in his thirties, is overburdened with work. Worn out, he eventually has a chance to catch up on sleep, only to wake up in a fantasy RPG world that is a mash-up of the games he was debugging in reality. In this new location, he notices that not only has his appearance changed to that of a younger version of himself, but his name has also changed to Satou, a nickname he used while running game beta tests.
However, before Satou can fully comprehend his situation, an army of lizardmen attacks him. Satou is forced to cast a powerful spell in retaliation, and his level is increased to 310, effectively maximising his stats. Satou sets out to explore this magical new world as a high-leveled adventurer armed with a plethora of skills and no way to return to reality.
17. How Not to Summon a Demon Lord
Nobody can match the power of the Demon King Diablo in the fantasy MMORPG Cross Reverie. He overpowers all who are foolish enough to confront him, as he possesses the game’s rarest artefacts and an unrivalled player level. Despite his terrifying reputation, Diablo’s true identity is Takuma Sakamoto, a reclusive gamer with no social skills. Takuma cares about nothing but his virtual life, defeating hopeless challengers day after day—that is, until a summoning spell suddenly transports him to another world where he has Diablo’s appearance!
Takuma is greeted in this new world that resembles his favourite game by the two girls who summoned him: Rem Galeu, a petite Pantherian adventurer, and Shera L. Greenwood, a busty Elf summoner. In an attempt to subjugate him, they perform an Enslavement Ritual, but the spell backfires, and they become his slaves instead. Takuma decides to accompany the girls in finding a way to unbind their contract while learning to adapt to his new life as the menacing Demon King, as the situation becomes more awkward than ever.
18. In Another World With My Smartphone
God, in an unthinking blunder, accidentally kills Touya Mochizuki with a stray bolt of lightning! As an apology, God grants him one wish and the opportunity to relive his life in a magical fantasy world. Touya gladly accepts the offer and asks for only one wish: to keep his smartphone with him as he embarks on his journey into this mysterious world.
Starting over in this new world, Touya discovers it is full of magic, which he enjoys, and cute girls vying for his attention. These girls—the twins Linze and Elze Silhoueska, Yumina Urnea Belfast, Leen, and Yae Kokonoe—provide Touya with endless romantic frustrations as he discovers the secrets of this new world.
19. The Fruit of Evolution: Before I Knew It, My Life Had It Made
One day, a man claiming to be a god hacks into a school’s intercom system, ordering all of its students to band together and prepare to be transported to another world. They will be given special abilities in the hopes of becoming heroes of that world and defeating the Demon King who ravages the land.
The initial transfer goes well. Seiichi Hiiragi, on the other hand, is left behind because no one wants to be his teammate because he is constantly bullied by his classmates because of his somewhat undesirable appearance. Regardless, the self-proclaimed god sends Seiichi to the parallel world and allows him to join his peers.
Unfortunately, this fateful ordeal leads Seiichi to a location deep in the forest, far away not only from his classmates, but also from human civilization.
Seiichi’s miserable days seem to worsen as he desperately searches for a way to change his situation. When all seems lost, Seiichi discovers a strange fruit known as the “Fruit of Evolution,” which may be his first step toward a much brighter future.
20. Isekai Cheat Magician
Taichi Nishimura, a regular high school student, and his childhood friend Rin Azuma are on their way to school one ordinary morning. A glowing light envelops them, transporting them to a fantasy world teeming with magical creatures.
When Taichi and Rin arrive, they are confronted by a beast. They are quickly rescued by a group of adventurers, who warn them that travelling unarmed and inexperienced exposes them to the recently increased monster attacks. Taichi and Rin are sent to the Guild to test their magical abilities and register as adventurers.
The test they take, however, yields an unprecedented result: Taichi and Rin possess extraordinary powers far exceeding those of the average mage, instantly transforming them from ordinary high school students to the ultimate cheat magicians.
Taichi and Rin learn to understand the full scope of their abilities and become acquainted with their new surroundings. However, as the duo investigates the reason for their transport and a possible return to their original world, unexpected trouble lurks in the shadows.
21. Kaze no Stigma
Kazuma Yagami possesses the ability to control the wind, known as “Fuujutsu.” After being banished four years ago for his inability to control fire and subsequent defeat in a duel at the hands of his younger cousin, Ayano Kannagi, he returns to his old home, the noble Kannagi household.
Returning from such a brutal exile creates many conflicts in and of itself, but to make matters worse, several Kannagi family members have recently been murdered with Fuujutsu. As a result, the Kannagi family, including the fiery Ayano, suspect Kazuma is the culprit. Kazuma must now not only clear his name, but also assist the family with whom he shares a mutual hatred in order to discover the true identity of the killer.
22. Chivalry of a Failed Knight
Few humans in this world have the ability to manipulate their souls into powerful weapons. These people, dubbed “Blazers,” study and train at the prestigious Hagun Academy to become Mage-Knights; among them is so-called failure Ikki Kurogane, the only F-rated Blazer. When the academy’s worst student sees Stella Vermillion, an A-ranked Blazer who also happens to be a princess, naked, she challenges him to a duel with dire consequences—the loser becomes the winner’s slave. Stella couldn’t possibly lose, right?
Rakudai Kishi no Cavalry follows Ikki as he tries to prove his strength to a world that believes he is the weakest, all the while making new friends and gaining wisdom.
23. Baki
Baki Hanma continues his quest to defeat his father, Yuujirou, the strongest man in the world, after winning a brutal underground tournament. When the tournament runner, Tokugawa Mitsunari, pays him a visit at school, he has no time to rest. He informs Baki that five extremely dangerous death row inmates from around the world, all skilled in martial arts, have escaped confinement and are on their way to Tokyo, each wishing to finally taste defeat. Tokugawa warns Baki that, due to his well-known strength, he will meet them sooner or later, and that he will not be their only target.
Baki, based on the first saga of the second manga series, is about an all-out war between Japan’s renowned martial artists and those from the dark underground world.
24. Gate
Off-duty Youji Itami, a Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) officer and otaku, is on his way to a doujin convention in Ginza, Tokyo, when a mysterious portal in the shape of a large gate appears out of nowhere. Supernatural creatures and warriors in mediaeval armour emerge from this gate, charging through the city, killing and destroying everything in their path. Youji saves as many lives as he can while the rest of the JSDF focuses their efforts on stopping the invasion.
Youji has been tasked with leading a special recon team as part of a JSDF task force that will be sent to the world beyond the gate—now known as the “Special Region”—three months after the attack. They must travel into this unknown world to learn more about what they are dealing with and to make friends with the locals in the hopes of establishing peaceful relations with the ruling empire. If they fail, they will be forced to take part in a devastating war that will engulf both sides of the gate.
25. The Irregular at Magic High School
Magic, long thought to be folklore and fairy tales, has become a systematised technology and is taught as a technical skill at the dawn of the twenty-first century. Students are divided into two groups at First High School, the institution for magicians, based on their entrance exam scores: “Blooms,” those with high scores, are assigned to the First Course, while “Weeds,” reserve students, are assigned to the Second Course.
Tatsuya and Miyuki Shiba, siblings enrolled in First High School, are the focus of Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei. Miyuki is placed in the First Course after taking the exam, while Tatsuya is relegated to the Second Course. Though his practical test scores and status as a “Weed” indicate that he is magically inept, Tatsuya possesses extraordinary technical knowledge, physical combat abilities, and unique magic techniques, making him the outlier at a magical high school.
26. Blood Lad
Staz Charlie Blood is a powerful vampire who rules Demon World’s Eastern district. Despite rumours that he is a bloodthirsty and merciless monster, Staz is simply an otaku obsessed with Japanese culture who is completely uninterested in human blood. Staz spends his days lazing around, indulging in anime, manga, and games while his subordinates manage his territory.
Staz is overjoyed when Fuyumi Yanagi, a Japanese girl, unintentionally walks through a portal leading into the demon world. But, just as he begins to develop an unusual attraction to her, his territory is attacked, and Fuyumi is killed. She transforms into a wandering ghost, and the heartbroken Staz vows to resurrect her in order to travel to the human world, which he has always desired.
Blood Lad follows Staz and Fuyumi as they travel to find a magic that can bring humans back to life, soon joined by the spatial magician Bell and the half-werewolf Wolf.
27. Yuragi-sou no Yuuna-san
Yuragi-sou, once a hot springs inn and now a boarding house with ridiculously low rent, is almost deserted except for a few odd residents. According to legend, it is haunted by a vile ghost who scares away all potential tenants. As a result, it is the ideal refuge for Fuyuzora Kogarashi—a broke, homeless psychic looking for a place to stay and ghosts to exorcise.
Kogarashi prepares for a fight with the ghost, only to discover that it is not as evil as the rumours suggest. Instead, it is the ghost of a lovely silver-haired girl whose only memory of life before death is her name: Yuuna. Even more perplexing is the fact that the other tenants of Yuragi-sou not only see Yuuna, but each has their own supernatural ability.
Kogarashi attempts to uncover the regret that keeps Yuuna anchored to the world of the living, lest she become an evil spirit sentenced to spend her afterlife in hell, amidst the chaos caused by his eccentric fellow residents.
28. Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation
Despite being bullied, scorned, and oppressed his entire life, a 34-year-old shut-in mustered the courage to attempt something heroic—only for it to end tragically. In an unexpected turn of events, he awakens in another world as Rudeus Greyrat, resuming his life as a baby born to two loving parents.
Rudeus quickly adapts to his new environment by retaining his memories and knowledge from his previous life. He begins to demonstrate magical talent that exceeds all expectations, honing his skill with the assistance of a mage named Roxy Migurdia. Rudeus is taught swordplay by his father, Paul, and meets Sylphiette, a young girl who quickly becomes his best friend.
As Rudeus’ second chance at life begins, he strives to make the most of his newfound freedom while overcoming his traumatic past. And maybe one day he’ll find the one thing he couldn’t find in his previous life: love.
29. Beelzebub
Ishiyama High is a delinquent-dominated school where nonstop violence and lawlessness are the norm. There is one universally accepted rule, however: don’t cross first-year student Tatsumi Oga, Ishiyama’s most vicious fighter.
Oga is walking along a riverbed one day when he comes across a man floating down the river. After being retrieved by Oga, the man splits down the middle, revealing a baby, who crawls onto Oga’s back and forms an attachment to him right away. Though he is unaware of it, this baby is named Kaiser de Emperana Beelzebub IV, or “Baby Beel” for short—the Demon Lord’s son!
Oga is confronted by Hildegard, Beel’s demon maid, as if finding the future Lord of the Underworld wasn’t enough. They try to raise Baby Beel together, but being surrounded by juvenile delinquents and demonic powers, the two of them may be in for a bigger challenge than they can imagine.
30. One Punch Man
Saitama, who appears unimpressive, has a rather unusual hobby: he is a hero. Saitama relentlessly trained for three years to pursue his childhood dream, losing all of his hair in the process. Saitama is now so powerful that he can defeat any foe with a single punch. However, the fact that no one can match his strength has caused Saitama to face an unexpected problem: he is no longer able to enjoy the thrill of battle and has grown quite bored.
Saitama one day catches the attention of Genos, a 19-year-old cyborg who witnesses his power and wishes to become Saitama’s disciple. Genos suggests that the two become certified heroes and be recognised for their positive contributions to society by joining the Hero Association. Saitama, who is surprised that no one knows who he is, agrees quickly. Saitama embarks on a new journey as a member of the Hero Association, meeting new allies and facing new foes in order to relive the thrill of battle.
31. Log Horizon
After the game’s latest update, thirty thousand befuddled Japanese gamers are whisked from their everyday lives into the world of the popular MMORPG, Elder Tale—unable to log out. Among them is Shiroe, a socially awkward college student whose confusion and shock last only a moment before he, a veteran of the game, sets out to explore the limits of his new reality.
Shiroe must learn to live in this new world, leading others and negotiating with the virtual city of Akihabara’s NPC “natives.” He is joined by his unlucky friend Naotsugu, who logged in for the first time in years only to find himself trapped, and Akatsuki, a petite but fierce assassin who refers to Shiroe as her master. Log Horizon is a fantasy, adventure, and political story that examines the elements of gaming through the eyes of a master strategist attempting to make the best of a perplexing situation.
32. Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica
Thousands of young people have travelled to fantasy worlds since the discovery of “Samon Syndrome” 30 years ago, with only a few returnees retaining the special abilities they acquired in those parallel universes.
Akatsuki Ousawa, dubbed the “Rogue Hero,” abandons his peaceful life in the fantasy world Alayzard in order to face new challenges when he returns to Earth. He returns with Miu, the daughter of the Demon King he defeated, and is now forced to conceal her true identity by posing as his younger sister. The two are soon accepted into Babel, a special school for those who have gained special abilities and magical powers as a result of their journey to a fantasy world.
Babel appeared to be founded to train young interdimensional travellers and “guide them to the right path for the sake of humanity and themselves,” but the pseudo-siblings are unsure of its true purpose. Will Akatsuki and Miu be able to overcome the hostile, powerful student council and uncover the hidden forces at work?
33. Noblesse
The “Noblesse” Cadis Etrama di Raizel, also known as “Rai,” is enrolled in Ye Ran High School by his servant Frankenstein to avoid the Union, a mysterious organisation out for Rai’s blood. Rai begins his life as a student, becoming acquainted with his classmates and the daily activities of humans. However, Rai’s new life is far from peaceful, and he is soon forced to rescue his new friends from the hands of the Union, which has abducted them.
Meanwhile, M-21, a rogue Union agent during Rai’s rescue operation, joins the Ye Ran High School security staff after being approached by the school’s director, who happens to be none other than Frankenstein himself. M-21 appears to be a prim and proper employee, but in reality, he is bound by his former ties to the Union and the unavoidable consequences of betraying the organisation.
To make matters even more complicated, Nobles Regis K. Landegre and Seira J. Loyard enrol in the same high school to investigate the Noblesse. While the Union conducts a manhunt for M-21 in order to obtain information about their missing agents, Rai is forced to conceal his identity while protecting everything he values.
34. Seiken Tsukai no World Break
Seiken Tsukai no World Break takes place at Akane Private Academy, where students with memories of previous lives are being trained to use Ancestral Arts as defenders against monsters known as Metaphysicals who attack at random. The students, known as saviours, are divided into two groups: kurogane, who can summon offensive weapons with their prana, and kuroma, who can use magic.
The story begins six months before the series’ major climax, during the opening ceremonies on the first day of school. After the ceremony, Moroha Haimura meets a girl named Satsuki Ranjou, who reveals that she was Moroha’s little sister in a previous life when Moroha was a heroic prince capable of slaying entire armies with his sword skills. Soon after, he meets another girl, Shizuno Urushibara, who eventually reveals that she also knew Moroha in a previous life when he was a dark lord capable of using destructive magic but saved her from slavery.
35. Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou
Akuto Sai transfers to Constant Magic Academy, where he meets Junko Hattori, a virtuous ninja clan member, and dreams of changing the world for the better. On their way to the academy, they vow to make the world a better place together; however, when he arrives, the situation takes a turn for the worse—it is prophesied that he will become the Demon King!
As word of his fate spreads, the school begins to fear him, and Junko’s faith in him begins to wane. While Akuto is determined not to let his fate be determined by his predicted future, it appears that everything he says and does only serves to reinforce the fact that he is destined to be the Demon King. Furthermore, he is surrounded by a harem of beautiful girls, each with their own plan for him, which ranges from bringing him to justice to simply showering him with love. With his newly awakened powers, Akuto must deal with his ever-growing list of misfortunes while fighting to prove that his fate is not predetermined.
36. The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.
To the average person, psychic abilities may appear to be a blessing; however, for Kusuo Saiki, this could not be further from the truth. With supernatural abilities ranging from telepathy to x-ray vision, he sees this so-called blessing as nothing more than a curse. As the inconveniences caused by his powers mount, all Kusuo wants is a normal, trouble-free life—a life where ignorance is bliss.
Unfortunately, the life of a psychic is anything but peaceful. Though Kusuo tries to avoid the spotlight by keeping his powers hidden from his classmates, he inadvertently attracts the attention of a slew of strange characters, including the empty-headed Riki Nendou and the delusional Shun Kaidou. Forced to deal with the craziness of those around him, Kusuo discovers that the ordinary life he has been pursuing is far more difficult to achieve than he anticipated.
37. Rurouni Kenshin
Hitokiri Battousai was a legendary assassin who lived in the final years of the Bakumatsu era. He was feared throughout the country as a merciless killer, but mysteriously vanished at the height of the Japanese Revolution. Although it has been ten years since then, the mere mention of Battousai still strikes fear into the hearts of war veterans.
Unbeknownst to them, Battousai has abandoned his bloodstained lifestyle in order to atone for his sins, and is now known as Kenshin Himura, a wandering swordsman with a positive attitude and a strong will. Kenshin vows never to kill again and devotes himself to protecting the weak. One day, he runs into Kaoru Kamiya at her kendo dojo, which is under attack by an impostor posing as Battousai. After receiving assistance from Kenshin, Kaoru allows him to stay at the dojo, and the former assassin temporarily discontinues his travels.
38. Nanatsu no Taizai
The feared yet revered Holy Knights of Britannia use enormously powerful magic to protect the region of Britannia and its kingdoms in a world similar to the European Middle Ages. However, a small group of Knights allegedly betrayed their homeland and turned their swords against their comrades in an attempt to overthrow Liones’ ruler. The Holy Knights defeated them, but rumours persisted that these legendary knights, known as the “Seven Deadly Sins,” were still alive. Ten years later, the Holy Knights staged their own coup and became the Kingdom of Liones’ new, tyrannical rulers.
Nanatsu no Taizai is based on the best-selling manga series of the same name and follows the adventures of Elizabeth, the third princess of the Kingdom of Liones, and her quest for the Seven Deadly Sins. With their assistance, she attempts not only to reclaim her kingdom from the Holy Knights, but also to seek justice in an unjust world.
39. BOFURI: I Don’t Want to Get Hurt, so I’ll Max Out My Defense.
Kaede Honjou reluctantly agrees to try New World Online, a popular VRMMO played by thousands of people across Japan, after an enthusiastic invitation from a friend. She begins her journey by naming her in-game character Maple. As a complete newcomer to such games, she devotes all of her stat points to vitality in order to avoid injury. Maple has an extremely high defence despite having no points in any other stat, but she can’t move quickly or hit hard.
This does not, however, end badly for her. Maple gains powerful skills such as Total Defense, Poison Immunity, and Devour as a result of her high defence. These abilities, combined with the incredibly powerful items she acquires, allow her to annihilate most enemies in a single blow. Maple claims third place in a server-wide event after only a few days of playing the game, establishing a reputation as a player who is both unkillable and absurdly powerful.
Despite her powerful character, Kaede has a lot to learn. She meets new friends and acquaintances as she progresses through the game, assisting her in completing new levels and events. Throughout her adventures, she may pick up some crazy skills that far exceed her expectations.
40. The Daily Life of the Immortal King
Wang Ling is a near-invincible existence with prowess far beyond his control as a cultivation genius who has achieved a new realm every two years since he was a year old. But now that he’s sixteen, he’s facing his toughest challenge yet: Senior High School. With one challenge after another, his plans for a low-key high school life seem to be slipping away…
41. Hellsing
Hellsing, a supernatural threat response organisation, is called in to eliminate a vampire who is turning the villagers of Cheddar into ghouls. To put an end to this, the organization’s leader, Sir Integra Fairbrook Wingates Hellsing, dispatches her most formidable asset: Alucard, a powerful vampire.
Alucard, armed only with a single handgun, wreaks havoc on the monsters that plague Cheddar. Seras Victoria, a young police officer, is caught up in the chaos and is fatally injured as a result. Alucard, feeling sorry for the girl, gives her the option of dying as a human or living on as a vampire. Seras accepts his offer and begins a new life as a Hellsing member.
Seras struggles with the fact that she is no longer human, despite her decision. Nonetheless, if she is to survive on the front lines of the battle between humans and the supernatural, she must embrace her identity as a creature of the night as soon as possible.
42. Parasyte: The Maxim
They appeared out of nowhere: parasitic aliens who descended on Earth and quickly infiltrated humanity by burrowing into vulnerable targets’ brains. In order to feed on unsuspecting prey, these insatiable beings gain complete control of their host and can morph into a variety of forms.
Shinichi Izumi, a sixteen-year-old high school student, becomes infected with one of these parasites, but it does not take over his brain, instead landing in his right hand. Because it is unable to relocate, the parasite, now known as Migi, must rely on Shinichi to survive. As a result, the pair is forced to coexist in an uneasy manner and must defend themselves from hostile parasites hoping to eradicate this new threat to their species.
43. Strike the Blood
Kojou Akatsuki’s days as an ordinary high school student in Itogami Island’s Demon District come to an end after a fateful encounter endows him with vampire-like abilities.
It isn’t long before he is thrust into the spotlight when it is revealed that he is the fourth primogenitor, an enormously powerful vampire whom most regard as a legend. Fearing Kojou’s destructive potential, the Lion King Organization dispatches Yukina Himeragi, an apprentice sword-shaman, to monitor him and, if he becomes a threat, to kill the boy dubbed the world’s most powerful vampire.
As Kojou comes to terms with his abilities and they both struggle to protect the city from various emerging chaotic forces, the two form an unlikely alliance.
44. Kumo Desu ga, Nani ka?
The day is as normal as it can be in high school, with students going about their daily activities peacefully until an unprecedented disaster strikes the school, killing everyone in its path. A few students are fortunate enough to be reincarnated into another world as nobles, princes, and other people with prestigious backgrounds, thanks to what appears to be a miracle.
One girl, however, is not so fortunate. She is reborn as a spider of the weakest kind, and she immediately faces the difficulties of her predicament. Nonetheless, she must persevere in order to survive the numerous threats to her life. When she discovers that her new world has a system similar to that of an RPG, she tries her hardest to hunt prey and defeat monsters in order to level up and evolve. She hopes that as she grows stronger, her efforts will be recognised and she will be granted a better life.
45. Yu☆Gi☆Oh!
Bullies frequently target the frail and vulnerable, such as Yuugi Mutou. Anzu Mazaki, his beautiful childhood friend, is always there to defend him, but he can’t rely on her forever. Despite constantly causing Yuugi problems, Katsuya Jonouchi, who is almost always accompanied by his verbal sparring partner Hiroto Honda, does not appear to be a bad person. Most importantly, Yuugi wishes for a true friend who understands him and will never betray him.
Yuugi cherishes his Millennium Puzzle, an ancient Egyptian artefact found in his grandfather’s game shop. He completes the puzzle, believing that solving it will grant him his wish, unleashing a new personality within him—the soul of the “King of Games.”
The new personality named Yami Yuugi is the polar opposite of Yuugi: dark, twisted, strong, and dependable. Whenever he is wronged, Yami Yuugi takes over Yuugi’s body and forces the opponent into a “Shadow Game.” The stakes are high because whoever loses will taste the darkness that dwells within their own heart.
46. Dragon Ball Z
Gokuu is now living a peaceful life with his wife and son, five years after winning the World Martial Arts tournament. This changes with the arrival of a mysterious foe named Raditz, who poses as Gokuu’s long-lost brother. He reveals that Gokuu is a warrior of the once-mighty but now-virtually extinct Saiyan race, whose homeworld was completely destroyed. Gokuu’s sole purpose when he was sent to Earth as a baby was to conquer and destroy the planet; however, after suffering amnesia from a head injury, his violent and savage nature changed, and he was instead raised as a kind and well-mannered boy, now fighting to protect others.
With his failed attempt to coerce Gokuu into becoming an ally, Raditz warns Gokuu’s friends of a new threat that is rapidly approaching Earth—one that could plunge Earth into an intergalactic conflict and cause the heavens to shake. In Dragon Ball Z, a war will be fought over the seven mystical dragon balls, and only the strongest will survive.
47. Mob Psycho 100
Shigeo “Mob” Kageyama, an eighth-grader, has tapped into his inner wellspring of psychic prowess at a young age. However, the power quickly becomes a liability when he realises the potential danger in his abilities. Mob’s only current use for his ability is to impress his longtime crush, Tsubomi, who quickly grows tired of the same tricks.
Mob enlists under the wing of Arataka Reigen, a con artist claiming to be a psychic who exploits Mob’s powers for pocket change, in order to gain control of his abilities. Exorcising evil spirits on command has now become a part of Mob’s routine. However, his psychic energy is only the tip of the iceberg; if his vast potential and unrestrained emotions go berserk, a cataclysmic event will occur that will render him completely unrecognisable. Attempting to halt the progression toward the Mob’s explosion is futile.
48. Charlotte
Yuu Otosaka would be an ordinary high school student if it weren’t for his ability to take over people’s minds and bodies. Despite the fact that it only lasts for five seconds at a time, Yuu’s mysterious power allowed him to cheat his way to the top of his class and into a prestigious high school, where he continues his deception.
His shenanigans are eventually put to an end by Nao Tomori, the Hoshinoumi Academy’s headstrong student council president, who sees through his deception.
Nao coerces Yuu into transferring to Hoshinoumi and joining the student council. Hoshinoumi Academy is a covert institution for adolescents with supernatural abilities, with the student council tasked with tracking down those who abuse their abilities.
The group sets out to find and protect new ability users from harm, with Yuu reluctantly assisting in council affairs. However, as they investigate the abilities further, they become entangled in far more complicated matters than they could have imagined.
49. Trigun
Vash the Stampede is the target of a $60,000,000,000 bounty. He’s a merciless villain who annihilates those who oppose him and flattens entire cities for fun, earning him the moniker “The Humanoid Typhoon.” He leaves a trail of death and destruction wherever he goes, and anyone who even makes eye contact with him is dead, according to rumours. Vash, in reality, is a huge softie who claims to have never killed anyone and avoids violence at all costs.
Vash traverses the wasteland of the planet Gunsmoke with his crazy doughnut obsession and buffoonish attitude in tow, all the while being followed by two insurance agents, Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson, who attempt to minimise his impact on the public. However, their misadventures quickly turn into life-or-death situations when a group of legendary assassins is summoned to cause the trio harm. Vash’s agonising past will be revealed, and his morality and principles will be tested to the limit.
50. To Your Eternity
An Orb, only known as It, is cast to Earth to be observed from a distance. It is capable of changing forms from the beings whose reflections it captures, first becoming a rock and then, as the temperature rises, moss.
It doesn’t move until a wolf at death’s door passes by on a snowy day. When It assumes the animal form, It gains consciousness and begins to wander with no clear destination in mind. It soon encounters the wolf’s master—a young boy who is waiting for his tribe to return from a paradise rich in fish and fruit in the south.
Despite his loneliness, the boy hopes that those he holds dear in his memories have not forgotten him and that he will be reunited with them one day.
The boy desires to explore new surroundings and decides to abandon his home with It in order to find the paradise using the traces left behind by his tribe. What will become of the boy, however, with a severely injured body and no sight of his elder comrades?
Fumetsu no Anata e depicts the story of an immortal being experiencing humanity and meeting various types of people in various locations throughout time.
