Anime Terrorists: Protagonists Who Engage in Violence for Justice

Summary

Some anime protagonists operate in morally gray areas, challenging traditional beliefs about justice.
Characters like Shu Oma, Koko Hekmatyar, and Eren Yeager engage in terrorism to achieve their goals.
Shows like Guilty Crown, Jormungand, and Code Geass explore themes of rebellion, freedom fighters, and terrorism.

Many anime characters are typically portrayed as virtuous individuals who go to great lengths for their friends or peace. But there are some exceptions where these protagonists don’t shy away from questionable actions to reach their objectives – whether that involves challenging authority figures or instigating widespread destruction, earning them the label of terrorists.

These characters often become renowned for enforcing justice without relying on established legal systems, or for vigorously advocating for their people’s liberty, sometimes through extremely dramatic means. Such anime provoke thought about the very essence of justice and how far individuals might push boundaries to attain it, even if such actions may lead to their own self-destruction.

8. Guilty Crown

Terrorism Used As A Tool By Those In Power

Through unintended circumstances, Shu Oma becomes a pivotal character within the resistance movement. Japan, devastated by the Apocalypse Virus, sought aid from GHQ during these critical times. However, instead of assistance, GHQ exploited their vulnerable position, leading to the establishment of the resistance group known as the Funeral Parlor, where Shu Oma finds himself involved.

Despite GHQ’s involvement in the situation and being the root cause, they successfully portrayed Funeral Parlor as terrorists. Their actions, marked by extensive devastation and unintended harm to civilians, further reinforced this image. Originally led by Gai Tsutsugami, Shu Oma assumed command and began employing increasingly harsh methods that did not align with their reputation as mere freedom fighters.

7. Jormungand

Global Peace Through Terrorism

One might contend that Jormungand primarily revolves around arms dealing and mercenary activities, but it delves deeper. The exploits of Koko Hekmatyar, an international arms dealer and the narrative’s main character, along with her crew, frequently encompass acts of violence, sometimes directed at government officials. This is one reason the CIA pursues them relentlessly. However, Koko skillfully evades capture while supplying weapons to various private entities, thereby exacerbating global turmoil.

Koko too has a large-scale strategy known as Operation Jormungand. This strategy aimed for worldwide tranquility, but it required stopping all flights and communications using numerous satellites and two quantum computers. Unfortunately, this plan put hundreds of individuals at risk, whom she considered essential sacrifices.

6. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans

Freedom Fighters Or Terrorists?

Originally, Tekkadan was a band of children who had been forced into combat roles by a private armed company. They eventually rose up against their commanders and started accepting freelance work, with Mikazuki Augus and Orga Itsuka serving as their chieftains. This team defied the established order, clashing with the Gjallarhorn military and various other corporations.

Although the show presents these characters as freedom fighters instead of terrorists, it depicts their actions as necessary responses to a corrupt system rather than malicious intent. Yet, their methods, which involve violence and guerrilla warfare tactics like assassinations and sabotage, are often associated with terrorism.

5. Akudama Drive

Rebelling Against An Oppressive Government In A Dystopian Society

In the futuristic cityscape of Kansai, which appears to be a paradise at first glance, lies a hidden reality – a dystopian society where a group known as the Akudama are relentlessly pursued. These Akudama are highly skilled criminals, and somehow, the main character gets entangled with them, initially pretending to be a Swindler, eventually joining their ranks entirely.

This organization frequently carries out violent, destructive actions that instill deep-seated dread among citizens. They are at odds with both the authorities and those responsible for tracking down the Akudama, which symbolizes resistance. Although it’s unclear whether they aimed to frighten civilians, the government exploited the destruction caused by the Akudama as evidence of their criminal nature, thereby strengthening its own repressive measures.

4. Terror In Resonance

Terrorism To Expose The Government

In a public spectacle that left everyone in a frenzy, Nine and Twelve, our main characters from the series, orchestrated acts of terrorism shrouded in mystery. They adopted the alias Sphinx and would strategically place bombs at unexpected locations, then leave enigmatic riddles for the authorities to decipher before the bomb’s countdown reached zero.

Though they elicited dread and appeared menacing, their primary objective wasn’t widespread devastation. The Government was covertly executing questionable initiatives, and Sphinx were determined to unveil these to the public while minimizing harm as much as feasible. They are often called ‘pseudo-terrorists,’ but their actions fall under the category of terrorism nonetheless.

3. Attack On Titan

The Fight For Freedom

The “Attack on Titan” series initially unfolded as a thrilling shonen anime, complete with intense action sequences and gory scenes, depicting battles against the Titans who indiscriminately invaded human territories and consumed their inhabitants. Over time, the narrative evolved into something intricate, presenting a divide among the Eldians, Titans, and Marleyans that culminated in one of the most devastating events in anime lore, known as The Rumbling.

In the story, Eren Yeager, our main character, significantly contributed to an occurrence that earned him the label of terrorist. Known as The Rumbling, it was a catastrophic event marked by widespread devastation and global fear, intended to safeguard Paradis Island. Over the course of just a few days, this event resulted in the death of approximately 80% of the world’s population.

2. Death Note

Savior Turned Terrorist

Initially, I found Light Yagami to be guided by noble intentions, as he seemed displeased with the lenient treatment of criminals. However, as time passed, it appeared that his actions, aimed at dispensing justice himself, began to resemble those of a terrorist. It was evident that he was frustrated with the world’s justice system, feeling let down by its inability to punish criminals adequately for their heinous deeds. When fate placed the Death Note within his reach, he believed it offered an opportunity to create a better world – one where the wrongdoers would receive the punishment they deserved, unlike what official authorities failed to deliver.

Observing closely, the demise appeared unusual, and swiftly afterward, figures akin to ‘L’ were hot on his heels. To avoid apprehension, he resorted to extreme actions that bordered on terrorism, merely to evade legal authorities. In doing so, he transformed into the embodiment of what he initially aimed to eradicate.

1. Code Geass

The Never-Ending War Against Holy Britannia

The Code Geass series frequently presents characters who rise against the Holy Britannian Empire, often labeled as terrorists due to their extreme tactics, which are typically employed for righteous purposes. The Lelouch of the Rebellion series primarily revolves around Lelouch Lamperouge, a character who resorts to drastic actions and strategies, using Geass as a tool, in order to safeguard his sister and depose his father.

In the Dakkan no Rozé series, one character assumed the role of Zero, perceived as a savior by the Japanese yet branded a terrorist by the remains of the Holy Britannian Empire. Through his actions, he caused destruction and spread fear among all. Additionally, the storyline included protagonists joining a rebellious faction opposing the Holy Britannian Empire, resorting to acts often labeled as terrorism.

2025-01-24 17:37