Why The ‘Second-Strongest’ Archetype Is So Awesome In Anime

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Summary

  • The ‘second-strongest’ characters in Shonen anime reinforce the main character’s strength.
  • The second-strongest characters are often complex, flawed individuals, which often makes them the most relatable characters in the story.
  • Examples like Vegeta from Dragon Ball or Sasuke from Naruto show character growth and the importance of shattering one’s limits to get stronger.

As a long-time fan of anime and manga, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing some truly captivating characters that embody the ‘second-strongest’ trope. From Vegeta’s transformation from villain to hero in Dragon Ball, to Zoro’s unwavering pursuit of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman in One Piece, these characters have left a lasting impression on me.

In a straightforward and engaging manner: Shonen anime series consistently follow a successful narrative pattern, making them the most favored and appreciated subgenre across the industry. Despite each story having its distinct meaning and themes, they share common elements in their storytelling. One such element is the extraordinary power and growth potential of the central character.

In most Shonen series, the story often revolves around a main character who embodies the narrative and becomes synonymous with the series. Remarkably, a common pattern in these stories is the presence of a ‘second-strongest’ character, who may trail behind or match the main character in strength. Despite appearing secondary, these characters are frequently praised for their well-crafted personalities and relatability within the storyline. Let’s delve into why this is the case.

The Role Of The Second Strongest

How Do They Serve The Story?

Notable Characters Vegeta, Zoro, Sasuke, Killua, Genos
The Strongest After Goku, Luffy, Naruto, Gon, Saitama

A series, whether it’s in books, movies, or television, won’t be successful if it lacks compelling characters. Strong characters are essential in creating an engaging narrative. Even in shonen anime, which often centers around a single main character, the supporting cast plays a crucial role, particularly those who possess extraordinary strength, second only to the protagonists themselves.

In most cases, the second-strongest characters don’t end up winning against the primary antagonist. Instead, their role is significant: they highlight the power of both the main character and the villains they confront. Although they seldom take center stage in battles against the strongest adversary, they are frequently crucial in the larger struggle to defeat them.

Why These Characters Are So Compelling

Layered and Complex Characters

What stands out most about these characters is their depth. Unlike the primary characters in their stories, they frequently have a complex side, often concealing some form of inner turmoil or darkness. This intricate personality trait gives them a unique internal struggle, enhancing their appeal as characters due to their multidimensional nature. In contrast, many main characters are portrayed as beacons of goodness, aiming to protect and save as many people as possible, but these characters tend to lack the richness and engagement provided by the layered personalities of these complex individuals.

Through this portrayal, it becomes evident that despite being strong characters, the ‘second-lead’ is not perfect but has flaws, making them more realistic and identifiable. They are essentially noble figures, but their motivations often stem from revenge, and they think that gaining strength is essential to rectify past mistakes. This parallel with the main character, who seeks strength to surpass limitations and safeguard loved ones, results in a competition that propels both characters to greater accomplishments.

Only a failure abandons his principles and pride! Do you actually think I’d let you stop me?!

Vegeta from Dragon Ball serves as an excellent illustration of this common narrative pattern. Initially portrayed as a merciless antagonist, he eventually joined forces with the Z-Fighters. Over time and under the influence of his rivalry with Goku, he continually strived to enhance his powers, ultimately transforming into one of their most valuable allies. Vegeta’s character development spans an impressive arc in fiction and has led many fans to consider him as much a protagonist as Goku himself.

A popular character that fits the role in a unique manner is Zoro from One Piece. Unlike Vegeta, Zoro embodies his character differently. Although he ranks as the second strongest member of the Straw Hat Pirates, he doesn’t vie with Luffy for position. Instead, his drive stems from a promise he made to his childhood friend, aiming to become the world’s best swordsman. Despite vanquishing powerful adversaries, Zoro has never defeated the main antagonists.

In the anime “Naruto,” Sasuke was driven primarily by a thirst for vengeance, aiming to avenge the annihilation of his clan. This character embodied the darker side that’s frequently associated with this storyline trope. The narrative trailed him on his personal revenge journey, which ultimately led him back to confront Naruto once more, thereby completing and bringing a sense of closure to both their individual storylines.

Moving forward, “Jujutsu Kaisen” serves as an intriguing deviation from a common theme. In the Hidden Inventory arc, it revealed that the worth of strength lies not just in its power, but also in its use. When Gojo arrived at this point, the series showcased how characters like Geto responded to this revelation across the globe. Unlike many Shonen series, “Jujutsu Kaisen” flipped this trope on its head, demonstrating that not achieving the title of strongest could lead to catastrophic consequences, as in Geto’s case, who became the most significant danger to the Jujutsu world at the time.

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2024-12-15 23:33