Most action series tend to follow a preset narrative of an overpowered protagonist with their latent powers further making them an unstoppable force. Being geared towards an older audience, action seinen anime follow a somewhat similar premise, though a few series tend to break out of this stereotype and paint an entirely opposite picture.
Weak protagonists are rare in action series, yet the portrayal of a more frail and inexperienced main character offers an element of relatability. While these protagonists may not always remain weak, their journey to achieving greatness further serves as a relatable feat. The popularity of such seinen series serves as a testament to how well-received the concept has been among anime audiences.
5 Parasyte — Shinichi Izumi
With a dystopian setting, Parasyte follows the story of Shinichi Izumi, a highschool student desperately trying to survive a parasitic alien invasion. As worm-like aliens take over the other humans’ brains, Shinichi survives by a mere coincidence as the parasyte trying to take over his body remains stuck in his right hand. Becoming highly dependent on each other for survival, the two eventually form a strong bond in a bid to survive attacks from other parasites.
Shinichi is initially quite frail and weak, forced to rely on his alien symbiote ‘Migi’ to defend himself. Coupled with a debilitating fear of bugs, Shinichi initially portrayed the image of a wimpy highschool kid. However, he eventually grows out of this phase as he fights other parasitic beings alongside Migi, becoming a more calm and collected person with the resilience needed to protect himself and his loved ones.
4 Valkyria Chronicles — Welkin Gunther
Based on the plot of a Sega video game, Valkyria Chronicles is set in a warring era in the Europan region. Welkin Gunther, a son of a former war hero, becomes embroiled in the war after the Imperial Alliance invades his hometown of Bruhl. After surviving the invasion, Welkin joins the Gallian Militia to help fight off the Imperial invaders from his homeland.
Initially being a commoner, Welkin is the last person to be well-versed in the art of war. However, his circumstances force him to somehow become Lieutenant and the Commander of Squad 7 of the Gallian Militia. With his newfound role in the military, Welkin tries his best to live up to the expectations and ensure his squad survives the war.
3 Fate Series — Shirou Emiya
The Fate series feature differing plotlines depending on the route taken, giving way to three different adaptations of the same light novel. Fate, Unlimited Blade Works, and Heaven’s Feel offer an entirely different conclusion, however, the prologue in each version remains the same. With Shirou Emiya at the center of the story, Fate’s storyline depends on the actions he takes, leading to various outcomes with the Holy Grail War.
Consequently, Shirou’s overall strength also differs in each version of the series. With no knowledge or experience in sorcery, Shirou is initially quite weak in all three routes. However, he eventually becomes quite powerful after training and participating in the Holy Grail War, though a drastic difference can still be witnessed between all versions of Fate.
2 Tokyo Ghoul — Ken Kaneki
Tokyo Ghoul’s narrative undergoes several twists and turns, with Ken Kaneki encountering the very same convolutions in his life. From a weak and frail literature student to an artificial ghoul, Ken Kaneki faces a number of tragic events. However, his awkward disposition lasts for most of season 1. Even after awakening his ghoul powers, Kaneki remains hesitant in using his powers to fight others as he chooses to escape rather than facing off against other ghouls.
Kaneki’s disposition remained the same until he was tortured at the hands of Jason, who cut off his fingers and toes with pliers and then forced him to consume them, so they would grow back, repeating the process countless times. The traumatic experience changed his personality and worldview entirely, turning a kind and gentle boy into a cold-hearted killer. Even though he still lacks fighting experience, his pure bloodlust makes him a daunting opponent for any foe.
1 Akame Ga Kill! — Tatsumi
Similar to many other seinen series, Akame ga Kill! encompasses some dark themes rooted in reality. Tatsumi, the series’ protagonist, ventures into the Capital with his friends to raise money for his village. Being trained by a former soldier of the Capital’s army, Tatsumi is nowhere near weak, though he later discovers the disparity in his skills after coming into contact with Night Raid, an assassin group trying to fight off the corrupt rulers of the kingdom.
Tatsumi is initially quite naive, though his disposition undergoes many changes as he trains with the Night Raid and uncovers the dark secrets of the Kingdom. He eventually gains considerable strength after merging with his Teigu. The Incursio armor further adds to his overall strength, turning a once naive villager into a skilled assassin. However, even after achieving such feats, his overall strength pales in comparison to a few other members of the Night Raid.