Highlights
- Main characters in manga and anime are often exceptional or possess special powers, but some subvert expectations and rely on others or creative solutions.
- Holyland's Yuu Kamishiro becomes the "Thug Hunter" after learning self-defense to protect himself from bullies.
- Osamu Mikumo in World Trigger shines through strategy and tactics despite having low combat aptitude.
In most manga and anime, the main character is expected to be exceptional or harboring a secret power or at least out of the ordinary. Think of Bleach where Ichigo has a huge amount of spiritual power and an innate talent for fighting. These protagonists help establish the mood and pacing for the rest of the story, giving the audience an idea of what to expect.
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In comparison, main characters who don't have obvious talents or any hidden strengths are most commonly used to subvert expectations. Without the ability to fight themselves, these characters need to rely on a supporting cast more often or think of creative solutions to their problems.
9 Holyland
MyAnimeList Score: 8.45
Yuu Kamishiro in Holyland is the kind of person who blends into the background. He's generally timid and quiet, but these traits make him a target for bullies. With the constant harassment from his bullies coupled with the growing pains of being a teenager, Yuu leaves school to learn self-defense.
One year later, Yuu returns to school and starts going out at night to find a place to call his own. With constant run-ins with thugs and delinquents, he has no choice but to protect himself with his newly acquired skills. After a few too many victories, however, Yuu gains a reputation as the "Thug Hunter."
8 Angel Densetsu
MyAnimeList Score: 8.29
Appearances can be deceiving, and that's best seen in Angel Densetsu. Seiichirou Kitano is the new kid at school, but at first glance, he gains a reputation for being the most violent, aggressive delinquent to ever live. His appearance is so off-putting even teachers can't help but flinch at the sight of him.
In reality, Kitano is a lover, not a fighter. He wants to make friends with his peers and wishes for world peace regularly. Unfortunately, multiple misunderstandings keep him from living the life he truly yearns for.
7 World Trigger
MyAnimeList Score: 7.81
In a Sci-Fi story where aliens are constantly invading, and young adults are tasked with protecting the public, it would make sense for all the characters to be incredibly skilled. While most of them are, main character Osamu Mikumo is the exception. He has low combat aptitude and a middling amount of Trion, making him one of the worst soldiers in Border.
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It's through tactic and strategy that Osamu shines. Always thinking outside the box, he tries to make up for all his shortcomings in any way possible.
6 All You Need Is Kill
MyAnimeList Score: 7.77
Weakness is subjective. In a world with killer aliens, the average person may seem incredibly weak. Keiji Kiriya is a regular soldier in All You Need is Kill, doing his best for humanity's survival. Unfortunately, he dies as soon as he's deployed... Or actually, he doesn't. He wakes up a day prior to his death.
Keiji relives this day over and over again until he's finally able to survive. Now he has to find a way out of the time loop.
5 Campfire Cooking In Another World With My Absurd Skill
MyAnimeList Score: 7.53
It's common in isekai stories for the main character to gain an overpowering skill that helps them to become the strongest in their new world. In Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill, Tsuyoshi Mukouda instead receives a magical online shop.
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He can buy modern items, food, and products despite being in a vaguely medieval world. However, with no fighting abilities whatsoever, he must rely on the Fenrir he befriended for protection, as well as other friends he makes along the way.
4 Gate: Where The JSDF Fought
MyAnimeList Score: 7.85
Usually, it's Japanese citizens being transported to another world, but what would happen if the two worlds were connected instead? Gate: Where the JSDF Fought tells the story of Youji Itami, a soldier and otaku who dreamed of fantasy worlds.
Tasked with entering the portal that opened in Ginza, Japan, Youji and his reconnaissance team must learn as much as they can about the world of magic and monsters. Faced with fire-breathing dragons and apostles of actual gods, a normal person can only do so much.
3 KonoSuba: God's Blessing On This Wonderful World!
MyAnimeList Score: 7.99
In KonoSuba, after dying a pitiful death, Kazuma Satou is faced with a goddess who intends to reincarnate him. Any normal person would probably pick a skill and be on their way, but not Satou. He decides to take the goddess Aqua with him instead.
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Unfortunately, Aqua has lost her powers, and neither has any experience working as an adventurer. Barely scraping by as it is, Satou and Aqua must do what all reincarnated people do: kill the demon king.
2 Re:ZERO -Starting Life In Another World-
MyAnimeList Score: 7.73
Known for its darker themes and plot twists, Re:ZERO follows Natsuki Subaru as he finds himself in an unfamiliar city. He quickly finds himself in trouble when he's surrounded by bandits, but luckily a girl named Emilia saves him. Unfortunately, they both end up dying through a mysterious series of events.
In this new world, Subaru's only ability is "Rebirth." It allows him to return to the start of his journey when he dies. This begins a chain of loops where he must relive certain events, getting more convoluted each time.
1 As A Reincarnated Aristocrat, I'll Use My Appraisal Skill To Rise In The World
MyAnimeList Score: 6.58
After randomly dying one day, an office worker is reborn as Ars Louvent the son of a nobleman in a medieval fantasy world. He relishes his easy life as a child until he realizes one day he'll be lord of the land. With the empire threatening to fall apart, Ars begins preparations.
Using his skill "Appraisal," he's able to set people's stats and their potential. Ars decides to gather as many strong people as possible to protect his land.