6 Anime MCs Better Than Deku – Investment Policy

Overall, My Hero Academia has developed its main character, Izuku Midoriya (Deku), quite effectively. While the story follows a familiar pattern, Deku resonated with fans of action anime as a determined, compassionate character who understood what it meant to be an outsider. He was a fitting choice to receive the One For All power and strive for a peaceful, just world, especially with the challenges Quirks presented to society. However, there are other anime protagonists who arguably stand out even more.

While Deku is a great character, many other anime protagonists are even more captivating. This includes heroes who fight for what’s right, complex antiheroes, and even characters in dramatic stories with unique qualities. These examples demonstrate that anime has a lot to offer, and protagonists can still surprise and impress us beyond what Deku provides.

6. Ichigo Kurosaki is a Swordsman With a Wounded Heart and Punk Attitude

Ichigo Didn’t Even Need School to Master His Powers

Many shonen anime feature similar main characters – teenagers with special abilities. While Deku fits this mold well, Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach is ultimately more compelling. Ichigo has a more complex personality than Deku. He’s naturally a good person, but became guarded and tough after experiencing the loss of his mother. His rebellious exterior was a way to protect himself, and he slowly lets go of that facade to reveal his true, kinder nature.

Ichigo captivated anime fans with his impressive development as a Soul Reaper, achieving it all without needing a special school like UA. While his dedication to training is similar to Deku’s, the comparisons stop there. Ichigo surpasses Deku in this aspect because truly controlling his abilities required confronting his inner darkness and deeply examining his motivations for fighting. The surprising revelation of Ichigo’s Quincy ancestry not only enriched the character of his mother, Masaki, but also explained the origins of his original Zangetsu spirit.

5. Aqua Hoshino is Hiding Dire Secrets as a Man in a Teenage Boy’s Body

Aqua’s Thirst For Revenge Might Be the End of Him

Image via studio Doga Kobo.

While many anime protagonists are known for their action skills, some non-action leads are just as compelling. Aqua Hoshino from Oshi no Ko is a great example. He isn’t a fighter, but he’s caught up in a gripping story of revenge, second chances, heartbreak, and deception. Aqua and his twin sister, Ruby, perfectly represent the show’s exploration of the dark side of the entertainment industry and the dangers faced by young performers. Tragically, Aqua lost his mother to this world, and he now faces the possibility of losing himself as well.

In Oshi no Ko, Aqua consistently stands out as a remarkably intelligent and ambitious teen. Secretly, he’s the reincarnation of Dr. Gorou Amamiya, born as the son of Ai Hoshino. He expertly balances a dangerous plan for revenge, a complicated relationship with Akane Kurokawa, a rising career in entertainment, and moments of humor, all within a compelling character journey. While Deku faces overwhelming challenges with his unique abilities, Aqua relies solely on his intelligence and a strong desire to avenge his mother.

4. Monkey D. Luffy Has Become Symbolic of Freedom For People Around the World

Real-Life Protests Follow Luffy’s Example

Image via Toei Animation.

Monkey D. Luffy, the popular hero from One Piece, is another action protagonist who excels at inspiring others, even more so than Deku. Both Luffy and Deku are fantastic shonen heroes who motivate fans with their determination, but Luffy’s journey is particularly impressive. While Deku gained powers and trained to become a hero, Luffy largely taught himself and has faced even bigger challenges along the way.

Luffy’s inventive Gears showcase his resourcefulness and intelligence, and now his Gear 5 transformation as Nika is inspiring people worldwide. He and his crew have become such powerful figures that their pirate flag is even being used in real-life protests against injustice. While Deku aspires to be a symbol of peace, he hasn’t yet achieved the same level of impact.

3. Thorfinn Karlsefni Faced His Self-Inflicted Inner Demons at Ketil’s Farm

Thorfinn Had to Lose Everything Before Finding His Way

Image via Wit studio.

Similar to Aqua Hoshino in Oshi no Ko, Thorfinn Karlsefni from Vinland Saga is a more compelling character than Deku because his story is deeply personal and emotionally raw. While Deku faces challenges with self-doubt and loss, these themes are central to who Thorfinn is, not just obstacles he overcomes. Seeing Thorfinn’s journey – from grieving and rage-filled to losing his chance at revenge and becoming a hopeless farm slave – is particularly heartbreaking.

At first, it didn’t seem like Thorfinn had any chance for a better future, but the story wasn’t over yet. Surprisingly, he managed to conquer his personal struggles and truly understand the lessons Askeladd had taught him about life, which was incredibly impactful. This made Thorfinn a more compelling character than Deku, thanks to the strong writing in Vinland Saga, and the story felt more believable and down-to-earth.

2. Edward Elric Learned a Grim Lesson About an Alchemist’s Hubris

Ed and His Brother Are Making Up For the Mistakes of the Past

Image via studio Bones.

Many anime heroes explore the emotional and personal side of having and using power, but Deku from My Hero Academia was different – he mainly focused on becoming stronger through training. In contrast, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood‘s Edward Elric is driven by deeply personal loss. He and his brother Alphonse suffered greatly after a failed attempt to bring their mother back to life, a decision born from overconfidence. This tragic backstory is a key reason why Edward is considered one of the best protagonists in anime.

I’ve been watching Edward, and he’s an interesting take on the typical shonen hero. He feels both familiar and surprisingly new. Instead of relying on big energy blasts like you often see, he uses science, alchemy, martial arts, and his own quick thinking – and it just looks really cool. What I also like is that he’s not perfect; he’s a bit of a wild card, a headstrong traveler who wants to save his country, Amestris, his own way.

1. Denji is a Wonderfully Deconstructive Shonen Lead Who Dreams Small

Denji’s Constant Suffering Feels More Realistic Than Deku’s Own Struggles

Image via MAPPA.

Like characters such as Edward Elric and Thorfinn, Denji from Chainsaw Man demonstrates that a compelling personal story is more important than simply having immense power. While Chainsaw Man introduces increasingly powerful enemies, and Denji consistently rises to the challenge, the core of his character isn’t about strength. It’s about his enduring vulnerability and the emotional emptiness he struggles to overcome.

Denji is a relatable and realistic character – a struggling teenager who simply wants the basic necessities like a home, food, and affection to feel like his life has value. His goals are much more down-to-earth than those of Deku in My Hero Academia, and this is actually a strength. It highlights how unique and refreshing Denji is, as he fights so hard for such simple things. Anime fans who are feeling discouraged or lost will likely connect with Denji on a deeper level than they would with Deku.

2026-01-15 22:06