7 Anime MCs Better Than Sung Jinwoo

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Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling has quickly become a popular anime hero. The story follows his incredible transformation from a weak and shy young man into one of the world’s strongest fighters, and it’s this compelling journey that has made him so beloved by fans.

I’ve noticed Jinwoo is a really striking character – confident, seemingly unbothered, and incredibly powerful. It’s not surprising he’s become so popular, and fans even voted him the best main character of 2025! But honestly, while he’s great, I think other anime protagonists, both classic and more recent, are actually more compelling. He falls a little short when compared to some of the best.

Jotaro Kujo

Jotaro Kujo is a standout character in the popular anime series, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. He’s the protagonist of Part 3, Stardust Crusaders, and has become the most recognizable face of the entire franchise.

Jotaro Kujo and Sung Jinwoo share similar calm and collected personalities, and both are incredibly powerful in their respective universes. However, Jotaro is generally a more compelling protagonist, especially in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean (Part 6), where his character develops significantly after becoming a father to Jolyne Kujo.

Frieren

Both Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End and Solo Leveling became incredibly popular right after they were released, leading many fans to compare them and debate which main character, Frieren or Jinwoo, is stronger.

Jinwoo’s story mainly focuses on action, but Frieren offers both exciting battles and deeply touching character development. Ultimately, many viewers find Frieren’s adventure more engaging than Jinwoo’s.

Monkey D. Luffy

When people think of famous anime heroes, Monkey D. Luffy is often one of the first names that comes up. As the main character of One Piece, the world’s best-selling manga, Luffy has become incredibly popular, even though the anime adaptation isn’t considered the best. Despite this, he remains one of the most beloved anime characters ever.

Jinwoo often showcases impressive, calculated displays of power, while Luffy is all about spontaneity and enjoying the moment. Despite their different approaches, both characters are incredibly popular with fans.

Naruto Uzumaki

Naruto Uzumaki is a hugely popular anime character who has resonated with fans for years thanks to the incredible Naruto series. It’s no surprise he’s become one of the most well-known anime characters of all time.

Naruto’s story is all about determination and refusing to quit, even when things are tough. He’s a classic underdog character who transforms his flaws into strengths. Plus, he’s known for having some incredibly exciting fights – his battle with Pain is often considered better than anything seen in Solo Leveling.

Maomao

Apothecary Diaries

Maomao is a fresh and engaging protagonist, and her story, The Apothecary Diaries, is gaining immense popularity worldwide, particularly in Japan. Unlike many other currently trending series, The Apothecary Diaries focuses less on action and battles.

Maomao wins over fans with her intelligence and charming personality. She’s a truly captivating main character who keeps viewers engaged, and she doesn’t rely on action-packed battles to stay interesting.

Son Goku

While Sung Jinwoo from Solo Leveling is a strong protagonist, he doesn’t quite reach the popularity of Son Goku, the star of Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball is arguably the most famous anime of all time, and Goku is a huge reason why.

Goku is a globally famous character, known for being in some of the most iconic battles in anime history. No fight featuring Jinwoo reaches the same level of intensity or impact as Goku’s best moments.

Izuku Midoriya

image by Studio Bones

Izuku Midoriya, or Deku, is the central character in the incredibly popular anime series, My Hero Academia. Viewers adore this lovable and often emotional hero, who is widely considered one of the kindest and most effective, always saving people with a positive attitude even while dealing with personal struggles.

Season 8 of My Hero Academia is currently on air, and it really highlights how much more compelling Deku is as a character than Jinwoo. Unlike many heroes whose stories focus solely on fighting, Deku’s strength comes from his willingness to admit vulnerability and then grow from it, which is what makes him so relatable and inspiring.

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2025-12-05 05:34