8 Anime Side Characters Who Deserve To Be Protagonists

Anime heroes are typically designed to be exceptional, embodying the best traits a character can possess. They’re central to the story for a specific reason, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else taking their place. However, many popular anime and manga series feature supporting characters who are so interesting and well-developed that they could easily have carried the story themselves. This often leads fans to wonder ‘what if?’ and imagine alternative storylines.

8. Killua

Anime: Hunter x Hunter

Killua is a central character in the anime Hunter x Hunter, often considered the second lead alongside Gon. But Killua has a fascinating story of his own. He comes from the Zoldyck family, a lineage of assassins, and decides to forge his own path because he feels like an outsider. His bond with his sister, Alluka, is incredibly important, and he has the potential to become an exceptionally powerful Hunter.

Killua’s more complex and sometimes troubled nature contrasts with Gon’s innocence, and this actually makes him a really compelling character to watch. He definitely had the potential to be the main hero of Hunter x Hunter.

7. Sasuke

Anime: Naruto

Sasuke Uchiha is a central character in the Naruto series, arguably as important as Naruto himself. While the story ultimately focuses on Naruto’s perspective, it would have been thrilling to experience the events of the series from Sasuke’s point of view.

Sasuke possesses all the traits of a fantastic main character, and his storyline is just as captivating as any other Kishimoto has created. It’s no surprise that Sasuke is Kishimoto’s personal favorite – that fact alone would have made him a compelling character to center the story around.

6. Vegeta

Anime: Dragon Ball

Vegeta is a central character in the Dragon Ball series, arguably second in importance only to Goku. He begins as Goku’s enemy, but after the events on Namek, he gradually becomes an ally to the Earth’s defenders. Over time, Vegeta has become a deeply developed character, inspiring fans worldwide, even if he doesn’t receive quite the same focus as Goku. Because of this growth and complexity, Vegeta would make a compelling leader in his own story.

Vegeta’s drive to become stronger, a true Saiyan, and even exceed Goku makes him a compelling character. He’s forged his own unique journey, developing powers like Ultra Ego – a counterpart to Goku’s Ultra Instinct – proving that his independent path is just as captivating to watch as Goku’s.

5. Himmel

Anime: Frieren

Himmel, a character from Frieren, is fascinating because he continues to impact the story even though he’s no longer alive. We learn at the start of the series that Himmel has already passed away, and his time adventuring with Frieren and her companions is in the past. Years later, as Frieren travels with a new group, Himmel’s influence remains strong, making a story focused on his life and adventures a truly compelling idea.

The story would be inspiring and teach valuable life lessons that fans could remember forever. Featuring Himmel as the main character would be fantastic, especially since he’s already the most beloved figure in the series.

4. Gol D. Roger

Anime: One Piece

In the anime and manga series One Piece, Gol D. Roger was the Pirate King, the first to hold the title in hundreds of years. He famously sailed around the entire world and discovered Laugh Tale, the final island, where he found the legendary treasure of Joy Boy. While Eiichiro Oda has revealed parts of Roger’s journey, particularly through flashbacks focusing on Oden and, more recently, Loki, much of his story remains a mystery.

Roger is as charismatic as Luffy, and although he didn’t achieve the legendary Will of D. himself, he set everything in motion. By revealing the existence of One Piece during his execution, he paved the way for someone else to fulfill it. Fans would absolutely love a complete story following Roger as the main character.

3. All Might

Anime: My Hero Academia

In the anime and manga My Hero Academia, All Might is widely considered the greatest hero ever. He originally possessed the powerful ability known as One For All, receiving it from his teacher, Nana Shimura. All Might was incredibly strong and, as the Symbol of Peace, he dramatically lowered crime rates in Japan. Just being near him was enough to frighten villains, and his power was unmatched.

It’s unlikely we’ll see another hero quite like All Might in My Hero Academia, and that’s a shame – many fans would have enjoyed seeing his full story. Since he can no longer be the main character, it would have been fantastic to explore his life, from his early days to his retirement after passing on One For All.

2. Yuta Okkotsu

Anime: Jujutsu Kaisen

The story of Jujutsu Kaisen centers around Yuji Itadori, who also contains the powerful spirit Ryomen Sukuna. However, Yuji isn’t the most popular or captivating character in the series; Megumi Fushiguro and Gojo Satoru consistently receive more attention. Many fans believe Yuta Okkotsu would make a stronger and more compelling protagonist. In fact, Yuta was the main character in Gege Akutami’s prequel story, JJK:0.

After the intense battle in Shinjuku, Yuta takes over as the leader of the Gojo clan. The story continues with his grandchildren as the main characters in a future arc called JJK Modulo. It would be fantastic to focus on Yuta as the protagonist, particularly because he travels to Africa and then, following Gojo Satoru’s death and the Shinjuku battle, becomes one of Japan’s most powerful sorcerers.

1. Ashborn

Anime: Solo Leveling

Ashborn is a significant character in the world of Solo Leveling, though he appears infrequently. He was the Shadow Monarch before Jinwoo, and before the Double Dungeon arc, he planned to possess Jinwoo’s body and be reborn with the Architect’s assistance.

Ashborn is a mysterious and incredibly powerful character known for intense conflicts. His many thrilling battles would make him a fantastic lead in a story, and fans would love to see him take center stage.

2026-05-02 21:38