Forgotten Heroes In Isekai Anime

Highlights

Underrated isekai heroes like Haruhiro from Grimgar, often outshine fan-favorites with their true heroism and leadership.
Makoto Mizuhara from El Hazard, a forgotten hero, navigates a political struggle in a world of ancient devices with strategic wit.
Saito from Familiar of Zero, sets himself apart by his loyalty to one true love, sacrificing himself for the kingdom’s protection.

As a seasoned connoisseur of the fantastical realms that isekai anime presents, I must say that there are certain characters who have left indelible marks on my heart and mind, much like these three heroic souls have done.

Isekai anime has what fans need if they feel the itch for adventure and cool visuals, but it also has a lot of great character development, and especially, cool heroes to look up to. Nevertheless, there are strange cases where forgotten isekai heroes tend to become popular again, and when they resurface, the debates about who’s the best main character or side character spread like wildfire.

This discussion revolves around five less-known isekai characters who, given the opportunity for a comeback or new season, could potentially unseat the current popular heroes. Ranging from a resilient and determined teenage protagonist to a schoolgirl thrust into a conflict between two princes with starkly contrasting personalities.

1 Haruhiro (Grimgar Ashes And Illusions)

Underrated And Often Hated By Fans

In the anime “Grimgar of Ash and Fantasy,” Haruhiro, whose name means ‘Light and Generous,’ is the ideal protagonist. However, despite being the perfect fit for a hero, his name often seems overlooked in favor of characters like Yuri, Merry, or Setora when fans discuss their favorite Grimgar characters. While these female leads may garner more attention, Haruhiro is actually the main character who truly shines in the series.

In the midst of their perilous isekai journey, it was Haruhiro’s determination that kept the group of teenagers alive, even before the untimely demise of their leader Manato during an ambush. After Manato’s death, the remaining members felt hopeless and began to falter. However, it was the flame of courage ignited by Haruhiro’s resolve that mended the fractured group and compelled them to unite once more. Using Manato’s sacrifice as a symbol, they rekindled their bonds and focused on a shared objective: survival. Haruhiro stands out as an unsung hero in isekai anime, demonstrating exceptional character development—a rarity in this genre. The show is commendable for its emphasis on character growth.

2 Makoto Mizuhara (El Hazard)

Impersonated A Princess, And Tried To Save His Ungrateful Classmates

In a surprising turn of events, the honorable and sincere Makoto Mizuhara finds himself transported to the realm of El-Hazard, drastically altering his existence forever. Unlike many isekai protagonists who possess flawed cheat abilities or overly powerful weapons, Makoto communicates with the remnants of an ancient civilization’s advanced artifacts instead. This unique skill makes him a typical isekai main character.

However, it seems that what makes Makoto’s tale particularly intriguing is the fact that he is compelled to disguise himself as the lost princess Fatora. Initially hesitant, he finds himself swept along by events, finding himself at the heart of a power struggle within this world. His ultimate goal is to get close enough to the Eye of God, an artifact that might transport him and his companions back to Japan. Makoto’s acting skills and leadership qualities transform him into a hero, tragically overlooked by fans. In truth, El-Hazard is an underappreciated anime, boasting impressive worldbuilding and character development.

3 Saito (The Familiar Of Zero)

Didn’t Follow The Usual Harem Route, Faithful To His One True Love

It would be unjust not to bring up Saito from “Familiar of Zero”. He’s a noble character who developed feelings for the arrogant young noblewoman who summoned him, and went above and beyond to shield her. Saito didn’t possess extraordinary abilities, but he had the mark of Gandalvr, which granted him the skill to handle any weapon proficiently.

Through his battle-tested abilities, Saito moves uniquely within the storyline compared to typical harem protagonists. He consistently spurns the advances of numerous heroines and remains steadfast by Louise’s side. However, the narrative takes an unexpected turn as Saito, one of the rare isekai heroes, sacrifices his life defending the kingdom and the woman he cherishes. Remarkably, he is resurrected (at a significant personal cost), but his selfless act shielded both Louise and the isekai realm where he found himself.

4 Yoko Nakajima (The Twelve Kingdoms)

One Of The Few Female MCs In An Isekai

An exceptional isekai anime that uniquely delves into cultural disparities and social stratification, boasting a profound and impactful narrative, meticulous world construction, and memorable characters. However, what truly sets it apart is its exceptional heroine: Yoko Nakajima. This character was uprooted from a seemingly dismal existence in Japan, only to find herself in a ruthless realm where daily survival is a struggle. This unfortunate turn of events, facilitated by the isekai convention, saw her transitioning from bad to worse.

1. Stepping into the realm of the Twelve Kingdoms profoundly transformed Yoko; it wasn’t just about her physical appearance, but also her ability to understand this intriguing new language. This world, a blend of ancient Chinese and Japanese cultures, is known as the Twelve Kingdoms – an alternate reality. Upon their arrival, Yoko and her companions were instantly branded fugitives. As the story unfolds, she learns that she is the heir to one of these kingdoms, unwillingly assuming the throne. Her character evolves significantly throughout this journey, displaying remarkable strength and depth. Sadly, both Yoko and her captivating tale have been overlooked by fans over time.

5 Hitomi (The Vision Of Escaflowne)

Another Great Example Of Girls Saving The World

One unforgettable evening, I stumbled upon a puzzling gateway that forever altered my life as a schoolgirl. As I approached it curiously, a dragon sprang forth and aimed to devour me. But just when all hope seemed lost, a peculiar swordsman appeared and dispatched the beast. To my surprise, he introduced himself as Prince Van Fanel, hailing from a crumbled kingdom, and the master of Escaflowne – a mechanical steed infused with dragon spirit energy.

As a gamer, I can attest to Hitomi being the epitome of characters who start off seemingly insignificant but ultimately prove to be saviors. She manages to prevent Van from succumbing to darkness and guides him towards self-improvement, helping him heal the emotional wounds inflicted by his strained relationship with his brother Folken. Their bond surpasses cultural barriers, demonstrating that love is mightier than any weapon crafted by humans or draconians in this case. To top it off, the series is simply fantastic, boasting one of the best theme songs ever produced.

2024-08-18 06:33