Defying Tradition: 10 Epic Anime Heroes Who Always Face Defeat

Summary

Some anime defy the norm by showcasing protagonists who face constant defeat but rise resiliently.
Losses in these anime shape the characters’ arcs, making rare victories feel monumental.
The narratives of these heroes highlight their will to keep fighting despite continuous setbacks.

In the realm of anime, it’s common for protagonists to emerge victorious, giving them hero status. This narrative of triumph is what makes many famous anime series appealing and attracts a large following. However, there are some anime that challenge this norm by presenting storylines where heroes do not always prevail. To put it simply, these stories often show the heroes losing frequently. This concept is vividly portrayed in the way these characters are consistently outclassed by their opponents, outsmarted during battles, and subjected to repeated defeats.

In contrast to some anime, these stories don’t focus on showcasing their characters’ vulnerabilities; rather, they emphasize their determination to keep battling. Even when heroes are knocked down in battle, wounded, or sometimes meet their end, they come back stronger. The setbacks serve as catalysts for the plot and contribute to the character development. In this unique anime universe, defeat is not an impasse—it’s what makes the heroic endeavors appear more courageous, and the infrequent triumphs feel truly epic.

8. Gantz

Points Never Equal Peace

In an intriguing blend of themes, this anime explores two seemingly disparate ideas – the challenges of life beyond death and being subjected to a peculiar influence – in a way that keeps viewers spellbound. The narrative revolves around our protagonist, Kei Kunoro, a teenager disillusioned with life, who, along with his best friend, meets an untimely end when they’re hit by a train while attempting to save a homeless person on the tracks. Remarkably, instead of succumbing to death, Kei Kunoro encounters a peculiar situation: he finds himself in a bizarre room alongside other individuals, all under the control of an enigmatic entity known as Gantz.

In a world where they’re thrust unexpectedly into deadly missions against superior alien foes, inexperienced Kei Kunoro, along with his childhood companion Masaru Katou, find themselves in dire straits. Joined by a female comrade named Reika Shimohira, they form a trio that struggles to survive amidst overwhelming odds. The grueling battles leave them battered and broken, yet they persevere through despair, fighting for their lives and the lives of others. The gritty manga series Gantz delves deep into the rawest expressions of resilience and willpower.

7. Tokyo Revengers

Fists Fail, Fate Persists

Thirty-six-year-old Takemichi Hanagaki, a casual worker leading a monotonous life, learns that his high school sweetheart, Hinata Tachibana, whom he had always loved since their teenage days, was brutally killed by the Tokyo Manji Gang. To add to his misery, Takemichi is shoved onto an incoming train, assuming his imminent demise. Miraculously, he survives this ordeal only to find himself transported twelve years back in time.

In this transformation, Takemichi finds himself with a chance to rewrite the course of events stretching back years and prevent Hinata’s tragic death at the hands of the Tokyo Manji Gang. However, his endeavor proves to be far tougher than he initially imagined. As a physically frail, inexperienced, and emotional individual, Takemichi seems ill-equipped for the challenges ahead. Yet, despite his emotional outbursts and the brutal assaults he endures, he persists in pursuing his objectives, inadvertently encouraging two other characters along the way. Tokyo Revengers does not follow the usual path of a heroic tale; instead, it chronicles the journey of a protagonist with flaws who is resolute in overcoming every obstacle.

6. Re:Zero -Starting Life In Another World-

Death Is Only The Beginning

In the realm of time-travel isekai anime, Re:Zero -Starting Life In Another World- distinguishes itself by revolving around the protagonist, Natsuki Subaru, a reclusive teenager who repeatedly encounters loss. As he exits a convenience store, Subaru’s existence undergoes an unprecedented transformation, as he abruptly finds himself in a magical fantasy world where extraordinary events like magic are commonplace.

In this novel world, Subaru learns two crucial facts that greatly impact his existence. Initially, upon death, he is transported back to a particular moment in the past, keeping all his recollections intact. Secondly, an enigmatic power seems to be manipulating him from behind the scenes. Overwhelmed by this superior force, Subaru suffers numerous defeats as he endeavors to protect others, particularly Emilia, a half-elf girl he encounters initially.

5. Bleach

Effort Is Never Enough

In the anime “Bleach”, Yasutora “Chad” Sado, despite his impressive physique and powers, often faces defeat. He’s the kind of character who gets beaten up and knocked out in battles. Interestingly, Chad consistently strives to improve himself, but unfortunately, he seems to draw the short straw in this series as the storyline rarely works in his favor.

In the Soul Society arc, I find myself consistently outmatched and falling short against my adversaries. Despite this, my fellow comrades Ichigo and Uryū continue to advance, honing their abilities and skills, leaving me in their shadows. Regrettably, I seem to be perpetually stuck, my potential unfulfilled, while my efforts seem to go largely unnoticed. On the battlefield, I am often sidelined, a hero struggling to prove himself—one who tries tirelessly, but it feels as though my best is never quite good enough.

4. Devilman Crybaby

Hope In Ashes

In the tumultuous anime series depicting a heart-wrenching fall, Akira Fudo, a compassionate adolescent, fuses with the demon Amon during a Sabbath ceremony, transforming into Devilman—a unique form that blends destructive demonic might with human emotions. Akira intends to employ this power for humanity’s protection; however, events do not unfold as anticipated. In a ruthless world where ideals are concealed beneath layers of blood, sorrow, and despair, Akira repeatedly faces defeat—in battles and in his mission.

In Devilman Crybaby, the protagonist, Akira, is unable to protect his friend Miki Makimura from an aggressive, fearsome crowd. His power proves insufficient. Subsequently, he fails to halt a demon apocalypse and ultimately reconciles with Ryo Asuka, his closest companion, who is later disclosed as Satan, the instigator of Earth’s ruin. These harsh defeats significantly influence the course of Akira’s tale, shaping him into a relentless warrior destined for a tragic demise.

3. Dragon Ball Z

The Wolf Gang Fist That Couldn’t Keep Up

In Dragon Ball Z, Yamcha isn’t the central character, but he consistently plays a significant role in the storyline. Initially, Yamcha was a bandit intending to use the Dragon Balls to eliminate his fear of women. However, he undergoes a change, learning martial arts under Master Roshi and eventually joining forces with Goku. In the early fights, Yamcha shows great courage, but as the story unfolds, his luck seems to turn sour as his adversaries become more powerful than him. During the Saiyan Saga, unfortunately, Yamcha meets his end at the hands of a Saibaman.

Restored by the Dragon Balls, yet his setbacks and shortcomings persist. He learns under King Kai, a divine martial arts instructor ruling the North Quadrant, but fails to keep pace with the escalating power levels of his comrades. In the Android Saga and other significant conflicts, he gets wounded and misses out on key battles. Despite Yamcha’s bravery and loyalty, he symbolizes an unfulfilled potential – a hero who never quite reaches his zenith.

2. One Punch Man

Upgrades Are Never Enough

In a nutshell, Genos – a cyborg character with a thirst for vengeance due to an unidentified cyborg wrecking his town and family – seeks guidance from Saitama, the one-punch warrior. His ultimate goal is to match Saitama’s power, but despite numerous enhancements and sheer determination, Genos consistently faces defeat in battles against adversaries like the Deep Sea King, Mosquito Girl, and prominent members of the Monster Association. Despite his brave efforts, he often ends up defeated or severely wounded.

Instead of Saitama, Genos’ losses underscore the immense disparity in their skills. While Saitama remains indestructible and finds himself bored, Genos fights with determination and power, yet still comes up short. His defeats are not due to a lack of spirit, but rather from the overpowering raw strength of his opponents. Yet he never gives up. In the world of One Punch Man, Genos’ journey is characterized by a recurring pattern of defeat and revival. He is a hero with such resilience that he continually rises, even after being knocked down numerous times.

1. Attack On Titan

Victory Drenched In Blood

In the anime series “Attack on Titan,” the storyline doesn’t revolve around a character who effortlessly rises again and again as a hero. It’s not about someone sailing through their triumphs. Instead, it’s an unforgiving narrative where neither victors nor vanquished truly exist. The Titans symbolize the ultimate enemy of humanity, consuming not just people but also any semblance of hope. Yet, amidst this bleak reality, Eren Yeager, our main character, clings tightly to hope.

Eren’s life suddenly ends in a shocking turn of events, witnessing his mother being devoured by Titans and his city being annihilated by the same creatures. Enraged by this devastation, Eren joins the Survey Corps, a specialized military unit dedicated to eradicating these monstrous Titans. Despite suffering severe defeats in every confrontation with them, Eren doesn’t let these losses deter him. Instead, he utilizes each loss as fuel to strengthen his determination and fortitude.

2025-04-30 02:36