Written by: Camille Rahat
When I think of strong anime leads, a few prominent characters come to mind who just so happen to be Black.
Anime evolved along the years, showing more diversity in their cast and giving the spotlight to characters with darker skin and various hair textures ? everything from dreadlocks, braids, afros, and curls.
Black anime characters have continued to add these complex and dynamic roles in their series. They?re not only taking center leads in shows, but also influencing more Black kids, teens, and adults worldwide to watch anime and to partake in anime conventions. Being an avid anime binger, I thought I?d share some of my top 20 most iconic Black anime characters.
The numbers are based on no particular ranking.
20Afro Samurai
In the Afro Samurai Movie, Afro is the first character that comes to mind when I think of a kickass Black anime lead. He and his counterpart Ninja Ninja, voiced by Samuel L Jackson, go on a journey of revenge against samurais who stand no comparison against Afro?s sword.
19Jet Black
Cowboy Bebop ?You got to listen to your dreams, that?s how you find your dream girl.? Jet is captain of the Bebop and an all-around charismatic character. He?s an ex cop turned bounty hunter. Jet is known for his big build and robotic prosthetic left arm. He?s among the most feared bounty hunters in the galaxy, but around Spike, Ed, and Faye he?s a chill and mellow guy.
18Edward
Cowboy Bebop?s Radical Edward or Ed for short is an insane hacker brainchild. She wins the hearts of the bounty hunter squad after she hacks Spike and Jet?s ship Bebop. She?s a genius but is socially awkward. Ed is like the little sister of the crew. Getting on everyone?s nerves, but still being able to save the crew from disaster.
17Kofi
Although Kofi makes a small appearance in Cowboy Bebop, it?s still best that she be mentioned. She?s a tall dark skinned Black woman with an amazing fro. She makes her debut in episode 17 of the series.
16Bob Makihara
Bob from the anime series Tenjhe Tenge, is a tall and lanky gent with dreads. I always wondered if the writers were inspired by Bob Marley ? but in anime form. He?s part of the Juken Club and kicks ass regularly, but still manages to find ways to doubt his training and capabilities.
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15Atsuko Jackson
Atsuko is the strong-willed Afro-Latina cop who rocks a large blonde afro in Michiko to Hatchin. Atsuko?s main mission in the series is to catch Michiko, a prison escapee. The wild part about the pair is that they grew up together in an orphanage. The two just so happen to be on completely different paths in life. This anime is set in Brazil with a diverse cast as well.
14Muhammed Avdol
Now I wasn?t big into Jojo?s Bizarre Adventures at first. The first few episodes were a bit slow, but I?m glad I stuck to it. I was pleasantly surprised to see Muhammed Avdol, who is a fortune teller in the series. He?s also the voice of reason among his team members. What makes me love Muhammed even more is that his hairstyle closely resembles bantu knots.
13Huey & Riley Freeman
Boondocks? Huey is one of my woke faves. He is undoubtedly known for his quirky comebacks and occasional martial arts moves ? run up and get done up. He?s the complete opposite of his rambunctious brother Riley Freeman who?s best known for all his sh*t talking. Regardless of their differences, they still have each others back.
12Kaname Tosen
Although Tosen is an antagonist in the anime Bleach, I would be doing this list a disservice if I didn?t mention him. His pupil-less eyes is what makes him so badass, aside from his long braids. Who said we weren?t allowed to like the bad guys?
11Yoruichi Shihouin
Bleach?s Yoruichi is of noble birth and a former leader of Onmitsukid?. She?s known for being the only character who can transform into a black cat. She?s usually in cat form for long periods of time.
10Andrew Gilbert Mills
Sword Art Online features my favorite shop owner named Agil, known for making weapons and being a beast with an axe. He?s always friendly and kind ? even spending his own money to help some of the mid-level players level up.
9Kaz Kaan
In Neo Yokio, Kaz Kaan is the main character profiled on the Netflix original anime, voiced by Jaden Smith. Kann is very self conscious of what others think of him. He?s conflicted most the time by his peers, all while trying to take out ghost and demons.
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8Kuzan aka Aokiji
In One Piece, Kuzan aka Aokiji is part of the Blackbeard Pirates squad. He?s one of the most laid back characters in the series. With his charm and calm demeanor, it?s easy for people to overlook Aokiji?s skills, that of which he has a lot of.
7Piccolo
Piccolo first appears in Dragon Ball Z as an antagonist, who eventually grew to steal the hearts of anime lovers across the globe. He makes a transition from an anti-hero to a hero nonetheless. He takes the cake when it comes to being one of my favorite Dragon Ball Z characters of all time!
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