Highlights
- Shonen anime protagonists embody traits that audiences can sympathize with and relate to, serving as perfect examples for young audiences to never give up and follow their ambitions.
- Kindness is rewarded in shonen anime, as protagonists who exhibit genuine goodness and help others often receive rewards or overcome obstacles.
- Shonen protagonists display stubbornness and resilience, defying fate and remaining determined even when faced with ridicule or isolation. Their bravery inspires others and shows that anyone can overcome challenges.
The Shonen genre has taken over the anime community in recent years. My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, and the still ongoing One Piece are just a few of the most popular anime to date. There is a case to be argued though, when it comes to the standard "Shonen anime formula".
An aspiring young man seeks to prove himself through trial and error to achieve a near-impossible goal, while his friends support him. There's the hot-headed female lead, the aloof rival best friend, the powerful but goofy mentor, and the comic relief. Of the 4 mentioned, shounen anime will have at least 3. But as cliché as it may sound, everyone knows someone who fits those molds.
My Hero Academia: Quirk Marriages, Explained
Quirk marriage is an unethical practice in the world of My Hero Academia, as its sole purpose lies in the creation of genetically engineered quirks.
It's Them vs The World
It should be duly noted that a protagonist is meant to embody traits that audiences can sympathize with or relate to. But for a demographic initially aimed towards young boys, there was a need for an end goal that made audiences want to keep watching. Most individuals see themselves as different from others, and even ones that don't, know someone who does.
It's easier to sympathize with and relate to someone you can see yourself in. Shonen protagonists, generally speaking, are overachieving with a positive mindset. In a way, they set a perfect example for young audiences; never give up and follow your ambitions. But that doesn't always mean it's going to be easy.
Kindness is Contagious
Shonen protagonists are portrayed as just genuinely good people who drew a short stick in life. But it's because of their predicament, that their desire for whatever goal they have is so strong. Take Deku from My Hero Academia for example. He was one of the rare humans to be born without a Quirk, meaning that he could never become a powerful hero.
It isn't until he meets a frail, unassuming man who he treats with kindness and exhibits bravery, does he finally gets his Quirk - and a very powerful one at that. The man he helped was the legendary All Might, whom Deku looked up to. No matter how bad your situation may be, kindness will reward you. But this doesn't mean you should never stand your ground.
In episode 10 of Naruto, the main trio, tasked with escorting a carpenter, meet the latter's family, one of which is a young boy named Inari. While initially putting up a strong facade for the sake of his family, in reality, he's terrified of the environment he and his people live in and hesitates to stand up for himself, even though he means well. Naruto is the one who tells Inari flat-out that he's being weak - not because he doesn't sympathize, but because he cares. While Inari had always been somewhat rebellious, his fear of invoking the wrath of Gato left him stagnant.
But Naruto showed through example that if you don't take risks, you'll live your whole life in a shell full of regrets. In spite of his teammates' bullying, Naruto stayed true to himself and his determination served as a vital role in Inari's character development. Though Naruto's curse of the Nine-tailed Fox always served as an obstacle for him, he chooses to make it his greatest strength, instead of his greatest weakness.
In the end, they were able to defeat Gato and Inari's homeland was well on its way to being rebuilt. The smallest gestures one makes throughout their lifetime can make a huge difference. And those who matter will see that and respect your resolve. As they say, be the change you want to see.
Stubbornness is the New Cool
Aside from his recent questionable actions, Eren's whole personality was defying fate. Though he was heavily flawed and definitely imperfect, nothing ever stopped him from getting back on his feet. Though, unlike Naruto and Deku, Eren's resilience wasn't always met with respect. His desire for freedom outside the walls and desperation to explore the world was seen as laughable, and even stupid by those around him, including his own parents. When he entered boot camp to become a soldier, he didn't hesitate to speak up about joining the Survey Corps, and even preached that those who can't handle the stress can never make it.
Unfortunately, he ends up eating his own words when he's the only one who struggles with basic ODM gear training, earning him scorn and tyranny from his peers. Yet despite the social isolation, he only remains more determined, even earning the respect of Reiner and Bertholdt. Additionally, he isn't above seeking help, either, as seen in his conversation with the former two. During the battle of Trost, Eren is eaten by a Titan, but continues to swear vengeance against them even though he was trapped.
Another similar instance was in season 2, when he and Mikasa were cornered by the Smiling Titan, and in the face of no hope, Eren decided to punch it as a last way of saying "screw you", fully expecting to die. In both cases, he had an unknown ability that allowed him to survive, but regardless of that, he wasn't going down without a fight. And those who exhibit bravery, even in their dying moments, are the ones remembered as heroes. Overall, the Shonen protagonists we look up to, exhibit traits that most people want to achieve, and despite their shortcomings, they still keep going as if to say, "If I can do it, then you can too".
