The Anime Characters With The Worst Downgrade

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Summary

  • Iida’s potential in MHA was squandered, reducing him to a background character with minimal development.
  • Yuno from The Future Diary started off strong, but devolved into predictability as the series progressed.
  • Gaara’s evolution from a complex character to a mere political leader in Boruto was a major disappointment to fans.

It’s incredibly frustrating for anime fans to witness characters with immense promise being sidelined, mistreated, or harmed throughout a series. Whether they were central figures, emotional pillars, or beloved characters, their decline is especially hard to accept because it reminds viewers of the greatness they once held.

In a nutshell, we’re talking about characters who didn’t die in a heroic manner or have their stories wrapped up neatly; instead, they were once central figures or beloved by fans, only to be reintroduced as pale shadows of their former glory. Here are eight anime characters whose potential was squandered, leaving fans feeling let down.

8. Tenya Iida

My Hero Academia

In the initial phases of “My Hero Academia”, Iida left a powerful impact. At first, he was depicted as the class representative with stringent principles and remarkable speed, but it was his determination to confront Stain that revealed his emotional depth, his unwavering commitment to justice, and his need to break free from his rigid perspective.

From that moment on, Iida’s significance as a character has significantly decreased. A figure who once served as the moral compass within Class 1-A is now more of a secondary character with limited progression. His diminished role is particularly noticeable and disappointing, considering how integral he seemed to the heart of the series in the past.

7. Yuno Gasai

Future Diary (Mirai Nikki)

Yuno served as the central character in the intriguing psychological thrill ride known as “Future Diary.” With her stalker-like, unpredictably volatile nature, she was equally terrifying and mesmerizing, often outshining every scene she graced with her presence. Her convoluted past only served to deepen the mystery of her insanity.

Initially, Yuno’s character was intriguing and complex, filled with enigma and turmoil. But as the series progressed, her character development took a different course. Her motivations seemed less thought-out and more haphazard, lacking depth and complexity. Instead of evolving and growing, she started to repeat herself, becoming less dynamic. A character that was once shrouded in mystery, Yuno unfortunately became predictable.

6. Gaara

Naruto/Boruto

Gaara’s transformation in Naruto is marked by profound redemption and renewal. Initially portrayed as a ruthless Jinchuriki, he later became a respected Kazekage, earning a place among the show’s strongest and most intricate characters. His battles and leadership endeared him to fans.

In the series Boruto, Gaara appears to be devoid of emotion. He still exists, yet not with the intensity or emotional resonance that fans previously admired. Instead, he functions more as a political figure than the fiery, affectionate warrior we once rooted for. As we watch him evolve and move away from his past self, it becomes increasingly poignant to remember who he was before.

5. Van Hohenheim

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Hohenheim could have been an incredibly captivating character – he is immortal, exceptionally wise, and connected to the root of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’s primary antagonist. He debuted with high expectations and emotional reconnections that hinted at a more significant part in the story.

Despite his immense power and rich history, he rarely took center stage. Instead, his character was frequently overshadowed, relegated to the background where he provided support. Unfortunately, this overlooked his emotional and narrative significance, representing a regrettable squandering of potential in what was otherwise an almost flawless series.

4. Uub

Dragon Ball Z/GT

In the final episode of Dragon Ball Z, it was revealed that Uub was actually the reborn form of Majin Buu, hinting at a powerful future for this character. With Goku adopting him, viewers eagerly anticipated the upcoming Dragon Ball series where Uub would take center stage as the primary character.

Later came the scenario known as GT, where Uub’s progression was swift yet disappointing. While he did have some notable instances, they fell far short of the epic hero fans were accustomed to or anticipating. Eventually, he faded into irrelevance, a steep drop-off after an initial promising start.

3. Historia Reiss/Krista Lenz

Attack on Titan

In the captivating series “Attack on Titan,” the tale of Historia stands out as one of the most heart-wrenching stories. Her journey, marked by her transformation from assuming another’s identity to uncovering her true self and ascending to the throne, is nothing short of powerful, resonating deeply with viewers.

In Season 4, Historia took a backseat, appearing only sporadically with minimal impact on the storyline. This marked a significant shift for a character who once played a crucial role in both the political and emotional aspects of the series. The lack of Historia was sorely felt by dedicated followers, causing a mix of sadness and frustration.

2. Sasuke Uchiha

Naruto/Boruto

The journey Sasuke took, transitioning from a vengeful outlaw ninja to a penitent traveler, wasn’t simple by any means. Despite his flaws, he remained powerful and crucial to the storyline. Throughout the Naruto series, he was consistently portrayed as an evenly matched and formidable adversary for Naruto, significantly influencing the overall narrative.

In the series called Boruto, Sasuke appears hollow within. Despite retaining significant influence, he often finds himself on the sidelines, losing crucial battles and failing to establish a lasting impact. A former divine fighter reborn, he now serves as a quiet mentor with little personal involvement in the storyline. The downfall of this character ranks among the most poignant declines in anime history.

1. Gohan

Dragon Ball Z/GT/Super

At one stage, Gohan was poised to surpass Goku in strength, particularly following his legendary transformation into Super Saiyan 2 during the Cell Games. His potential, narrative significance, and popular support make him a strong candidate for the lead role in a new series. He symbolized a generational shift in storytelling, and fans eagerly anticipated this change.

In Dragon Ball Super, Gohan largely took a backseat as a supporting character. After pausing his training to focus on studying, both his power and screen time significantly decreased. Although he’s been making a comeback lately, it’s hard to overlook the wasted potential during those years.

The fading of characters isn’t always a sign of weak storytelling; it might stem from an emphasis on incorrect plotlines or an overabundance of characters that are hard to follow. Yet, when the drop in quality is as significant as what’s happening here, it can’t be overlooked. Initially, these characters were introduced with much anticipation, strength, and significance, but they either faded into insignificance or had their defining traits stripped away.

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2025-07-20 08:34