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The 9 Best Thanksgiving TV Episodes to Watch on Turkey Day
Celebrate thanksgiving by hiding from your family and watching these fictional families enjoy turkey day!
11.25.2020
Celebrating Thanksgiving usually entails a day of eating, answering uncomfortable questions from your family about your career and romantic life, hearing about your grandma's bunion surgery, and, if you're lucky, a well-earned doze in front of the TV. This year, given the social distancing guidelines, you may bypass the family time and go straight to the couch.
Regardless of your plans for Turkey Day, when that second helping of turkey starts to settle in your belly and your eyelids start to feel heavy, it's time to shove your cousin (or cat) over on the couch, settle in, and turn on one of these classic Thanksgiving-themed episodes.
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“The One With the Rumor,” Friends
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjEwNTcyNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwOTg1MDUwM30.HQbIHMBhvTWbQXJfVjNNEdyF2dDzBgalqgLZBCxKPDs/img.jpg?width=980" id="5630d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="43c434173d17f82544480a47c4a8fb30" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Friends Thanksgiving episode" />Friends<p><strong>Season 8 Epsiode 9</strong></p><p>This iconic episode guest stars Brad Pitt (then married to Jennifer Aniston) as Rachel's former classmate who was still bitter about being an ignored and overweight teenager who co-founded the "I Hate Rachel Green Club" with Ross back in high school.</p><p><strong>Where to watch: </strong>Netflix</p>"Parents," New Girl
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjEwNTc2Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0ODI3MjI1NH0.oNG7ZNehomcjG8q5GShlB4QGnaMwQIIZOjLuU-uOVGk/img.jpg?width=980" id="9e04b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a6c4d706bbef84d1987a5fc8d320368a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="New Girl Thanksgiving" /><p><strong>Season 2 Episode 8</strong></p><p>This is an adorable and realistic depiction of the family drama that inevitably comes with Thanksgiving. Here, Jess tries to reunite her divorced parents and, obviously, chaos ensues. </p><p><strong>Where to watch: </strong>Netflix</p>"Homo for the Holidays," Will and Grace
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjEwNTgzNi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MTMyNjA2OH0.K_t3o1VI9Uu5vD24GR6RYbfFKkgpU2Xqt53G5_0NRF0/img.jpg?width=980" id="6b500" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="73c6dc0fde532b5293d958e38fd88e09" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Will And Grace Thanksgiving episode" /><p><strong>Season 2 Episode 7</strong></p><p>This episode centers on Jack trying to come out to his mother over Thanksgiving dinner. It's as messy and hilarious as it is touching. </p><p><strong>Where to watch:</strong> Hulu</p><p><center><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- Popdust Mobile Banner 320x100 --><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:320px;height:100px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4301469008561137" data-ad-slot="6952751205"></ins><script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></center></p>"Slapsgiving," How I Met Your Mother
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjEwNTk1Mi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTk2NzAwOH0.M1_L9ywWjrMCAUxURvr9FvXu1jaiL5PGEnvztptXHHY/img.jpg?width=980" id="b2791" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="23b9b895b1bd6b28b27a8e8d14ebd992" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="How I Met Your Mother Thanksgiving Episode" /><p><strong>Season 3 Episode 9</strong></p><p>HIMYM is all about running jokes, and this episode is full of them. The gang is going through a time of transition, since Ted and Robin just broke up and Lilly and Marshall were recently married, and things get rocky (and hilarious) as a result. </p><p><strong>Where to watch:</strong> Hulu</p>"Turkey In a Can," Bob's Burgers
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjEwNjA2MC9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2OTM1MjU5N30.5zhyqTD_xtyocyGKNe3J14VYwYM_YV6_EdZB4b42VGc/img.gif?width=980" id="bc662" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="99ddebe8711e7cde94576da02d51e1f4" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Bob's Burgers Thanksgiving Episode" /><p><strong>Season 7 Episode 6</strong></p><p>The plot of this episode revolves around a turkey ending up in a toilet. That's it. Its fantastic. </p><p><strong>Where to watch:</strong> Hulu</p>"A Lilith Thanksgiving," Frasier
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjEwNjE5My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMTIxMDc0N30.MYlpMkpq7GwzX_yYEceAipyPv8cQC8MNR0jyzwP3jPM/img.jpg?width=980" id="34cd3" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f3c950fa81fe24a4abfb08f8320d3f2e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Thanksgiving Frasier" /><p><strong>Season 4 Episode 7</strong></p><p>One of the few <em>Frasier </em>episodes that takes place in Boston, this episode sees Frasier and his ex-wife vying to get their son into a prestigious school, while Frasier's dad tries to teach his grandson to play baseball. There are also some fantastic Niles cooking mishaps that make the episode worth watching. </p><p><strong>Where to watch:</strong> Netflix</p>"Lockdown," Brooklyn Nine-Nine
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjEwNjIxNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2OTM4MDU0Nn0.ZHzj8bYLjSEvNWhQIpLC82kZOxPD0MJxMFqG6X5Apq0/img.jpg?width=980" id="154e1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a2da54f625cc5508fc4b6abceadae0b5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Brooklyn nine nine thanksgiving episode" /><p><strong>Season 2 Episode 7 </strong></p><p>There are several great Thanksgiving episodes of <em>Brooklyn Nine-Nine,</em> but this one, in which the squad gets locked inside the station due to an anthrax scare, takes the cake.</p><p><strong>Where to watch:</strong> Hulu</p>"Thanksgiving," Master of None
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjEwNjIyNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0ODMzODY4NH0.P6Ttnfk2Zu0ViTUFLc-La5pUDyLUMA8Aba6G6IRlqAU/img.jpg?width=980" id="8a36b" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c247d8edbc6c937a360e1a087ab2df5f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Master of None Thanksgiving Episode" /><p><strong>Season 2 Episode 8 </strong></p><p>This episode hits all the heart strings in all the right ways. It shows family Thanksgivings over the course of 30 years and tells the moving story of Dez's bestfriend coming out to her mom. </p><p><strong>Where the watch:</strong> Netflix</p>"WUPHF.com," The Office
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMjEwNjIzOS9vcmlnaW4uZ2lmIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyNTk1NDc0Nn0.YIyfcAsAgJJUQvFeQFw-d9HAZYdStj7Lodm-UxUz_FY/img.gif?width=980" id="0a047" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="59e7c43a63ff3b54811a903eb6a3cb8f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="The Office Thanksgiving Episode" /><p><strong>Season 7 Episode 9</strong></p><p>In this episode, Dwight decides that a hay festival is just what everyone needs to get them in the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, Ryan tries to scam his coworkers out of a lot of money. Good stuff!</p><p><strong>Where to watch:</strong> Netflix</p>From Your Site Articles
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Culture Feature
The 8 Strangest Anime Ever Made
Want to get into some weird anime? Here is your guide.
11.16.2020
While anime has maintained a very important place in popular culture, it can remain challenging to convince the uninitiated to give the art form a chance.
<p>It goes without saying that to truly enjoy some of the best anime requires a certain suspension of disbelief, but the experience is so rewarding for those who can let go of real-world details. With that said, these anime adventures below may not be for the faint of heart, as it's true that anime can sometimes go to some truly strange places. For those who want to dive into the grittiest and most bizarre shows this art form has to offer, here is a list of the strangest anime ever made.</p><p><script async src="https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
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Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5235409a8327798e90d5c789869c810c"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jh-H4Dwv5GQ?start=3&rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Following several generations of the Joestar family, <a href="https://www.popdust.com/jojos-bizarre-adventure-memes-2646046974.html" target="_self"><em>JoJo's Bizarre Adventure</em></a> features pulsating hyper-masculine characters performing outright foolish endeavors. The Joestar family members all possess uncanny supernatural powers, and each travels the world to fight vampiric villains who have obtained occult powers from a mysterious ancient mask. </p><p>The premise itself may sound fairly straightforward for fantastical anime, but the way the series balances the characters' silly absurdist antics with its disturbing story elements make for a captivating experience. </p><p>For example, longtime fans of the anime may remember the character of Forever: a psychic orangutan that loves human p*rn and has a special power that creates a massive ship. If that doesn't make sense now, I promise it will in the context of the show.</p>Saint Young Men
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="fd9079c580ae97ea144d18dc3f8ebca3"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GrvVVreWE6w?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>This charming comedy is about Jesus and Buddha. They're roommates living in Tokyo, and they like to take selfies, blog, and drink beer. They've come to Earth merely for a vacation, and throughout the anime, they try to understand and further immerse themselves in Japanese society. </p><p>Despite the potentially heavy-handed subject matter, the duo's resulting shenanigans are surprisingly lighthearted and whimsical, such as when Jesus unintentionally convinces a senior Yakuza member that he's the head of a crime syndicate. While one would assume the series would be plagued with controversy, very little backlash has arisen against "Saint Young Men," mostly because the duo is so gosh darn likable.</p>Makura No Danshi
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="be37d3d1fc7eb4f59b00c71a405aadaf"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XXLOdaisIsg?start=129&rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>One of the only shows to be shot in the first person, <em>Makura No Danshi </em>frames you, the viewer, as the main protagonist in this odd anime. The plot? You lie in bed with gorgeously drawn men, who all say sensual and erotic things. The mini-series comprises 12 episodes with 12 different men, each one vastly different, and that's pretty much the gist. </p><p><center><script async src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- Popdust Mobile Banner 320x100 --><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:320px;height:100px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4301469008561137" data-ad-slot="6952751205"></ins><script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></center></p>Sarazanmai
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="f1e6c3e904f62201b3945e0d4a6954c4"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X84o2BaXYjg?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>When Kazuki, Toi, and Enta accidentally break a statue of a kappa that serves as a guardian for the district of Asakusa, the prince of the Kappa Kingdom appears and transforms the three middle schoolers into Kappa themselves. While <em>Sarazanmai</em> covers some deep thematic material around anti-capitalism, the endeavors of the kappa are weird enough to warrant <em>Sarazanmai</em> a spot on this list. </p><p>For those who don't know, Kappa are an aquatic creature from ancient Japanese folklore that love cucumbers and engaging in sumo wrestling. They're also known to sexually assault humans and somehow remove a mythical organ called a <em>shirikodama </em>from their victim's butt.</p>Akikan
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c8c212bb56fac466c621e00577b1d5e0"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/67mIfNTkP2E?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>This light series is about anthropomorphic soda cans that engage in grotesque battles to determine whether steel cans or aluminum cans are the superior material. The protagonist, a young boy named Kakeru Daichi, purchases a melon flavored soda only for it to transform into a woman. The woman tells Kakeru that multiple liquids in this strange world can actually come to life, including grape juice, sports drinks, and sweet red bean soup.</p>Bobobo-bo Bo-Bobo
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ec4c47b1d1d968ea52b637763cb84893"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5ApwVGT7LKA?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>A lot of longtime viewers of Toonami back in the early aughts will remember the ludicrous series of <em>Bobobo-bo Bo-Bobo </em>fondly. It was one of the most nonsensical shows on TV and remains one of the most bizarre anime's to have graced our television screens. </p> <p>In the year 300X, a tyrant named Baldy Bald the 4th and his band of misfit soldiers attack innocent towns and rob its citizens of their hair, leaving them bald and their home in disarray. Finally, a muscular and blonde-afroed savior named Bobobo-bo Bo-Bobo says, No more! </p> <p>Bobobo-bo Bo-Bobo decides he will stand up against this terrible regime and recruits a powerful team comprising a cartoon sun, a young guy with bad B.O., and a teenage girl. Together they fight to topple Baldy Bald the 4th by taking on his legion of bizarre but powerful allies.</p> <p>The series moves at a ludicrous pace, relying on many <em>manzai</em> tropes such as cheesy puns, fourth-wall breaks, and obscure pop culture references, meaning the series packs a lot of insane content into its brief runtime. Regardless of its bizarre nature, the series was hilarious and incredibly popular among Toonami viewers. It even spawned a line of equally-as-bizarre video game additions to the PS2 and other consoles.</p>Pop Team Epic
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b0f5e45dabadfedb0f685ca1b7973a87"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VmaxhbGJBb4?start=67&rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>When it comes to nonsensical comedy, no series thrives at bizarro antics more than <em>Pop Team Epic</em>. This surrealist comedy is merely comprised of shorts that find the show's 14-year-old protagonists engaging in some truly bizarre misadventures.</p><p>One short shows a flight attendant asking the girls if they'd prefer beef or chicken for their in-flight meal, to which Popuko gets irate before Pimimi merely responds, "Beef."</p><p>"Your life has been spared," Popuko tells the flight attendant. Obscure comedy like this may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it sure is the strangest anime show we've seen in quite some time.</p>Unko-san
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="6fd95766c3e942ec833618887bab4046"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h4KRQHvGUb0?start=11&rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>A versatile community of brown poop fairies all reside on a strange island in the middle of the ocean. One of the fairies, Unko-san, has a supernatural ability of giving others good luck. So he traverses the island, hoping to help his unlucky poop friends get a little luckier. By the way, Unko-san loosely translates to "lucky crap."</p>
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Netflix's Live-Action "Avatar: The Last Airbender" Is Probably Ruined
Hopes for a decent live-action series based on a beloved cartoon are always too good to be true.
08.13.2020
Nickelodeon Movies
While live-action adaptations of beloved animated series are typically horrendous, fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender were tentatively excited for the upcoming Netflix adaptation.
Even after 2010's universally loathed live-action The Last Airbender movie directed by M. Night Shyamalan, fans held out hope that when Netflix announced a new Avatar: The Last Airbender live-action series, this time would be different. After all, series creators, Michael Dante Dimartino and Bryan Konietzko, would be helming the project.
<p>This seemed promising because Dimartino and Konietzko have guided every successful <em>ATLA </em>story to-date, from the original cartoon that aired on Nickelodeon from 2005 to 2008 to the acclaimed 2012 spin-off series <em>The Legend of Korra </em>to the ongoing <em>Avatar the Last Airbender </em>comic book series. If Netflix was really putting their live-action <em>Avatar: The Last Airbender</em> show in Dimartino and Konietzko's hands, surely it stood a chance of actually being great.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-630"> </div>
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<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Nickelodeon</small></p><p>But alas, the hope for a decent live-action series based on a beloved cartoon (especially an anime or an anime-inspired series, in this case) is always too good to be true. <span></span><br></p><p>In an incredibly depressing turn of events, Konietzko released a statement on Instagram announcing that he and Dimartino had both left the show due to creative differences with Netflix.</p><p>"When Netflix brought me on board to run this series alongside Mike two years ago, they made a very public promise to support our vision," he said. "Unfortunately, there was no follow-through on that promise. Though I got to work with some great individuals, both on Netflix's side and on our own small development team, the general handling of the project created what I felt was a negative and unsupportive environment."</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-632"></div>
<!-- End Ezoic - undersecond12 - under_second_paragraph --></p><p>Konietzko goes on to explain that "this was not a simple matter of [he and Dimartino] not getting [their] way," and that they "ultimately came to the belief that [they] would not be able to meaningfully guide the direction of the series."</p><p>"Perhaps the team that remains might still be able to make something fans of the original and an entirely new audience can enjoy," said Konietzko. </p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-633"> </div>
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</div></blockquote></div><p>Dimartino, too, <a href="https://www.michaeldantedimartino.com/an-open-letter-to-avatar-the-last-airbender-fans/" target="_blank">posted an open letter to <em>ATLA</em> fans on his website</a>, writing: <span></span></p><p>"Look, things happen. Productions are challenging. Unforeseen events arise. Plans have to change. And when those things have happened at other points during my career, I try to be like an Air Nomad and adapt. I do my best to go with the flow, no matter what obstacle is put in my way. But even an Air Nomad knows when it's time to cut their losses and move on."</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-634"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent11 - mid_content --></p><p><a href="https://www.indiewire.com/2020/08/the-last-airbender-creators-exit-netflix-adaptation-1234579624/" target="_blank">In response, Netflix told Indiewire</a>: "We have complete respect and admiration for Michael and Bryan and the story that they created in the 'Avatar' animated series. Although they have chosen to depart the live-action project, we are confident in the creative team and their adaptation."</p><p><!-- Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph -->
</p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-813"><center><script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script>
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<!-- End Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph --><p></p><p>Many fans are speculating on the nature of the disagreement, with many concerned that the series—which follows a young, Asian-coded boy named Aang who has the power to manipulate natural elements (namely wind) and seeks to end the militant Fire Nation's endless conquest against other nations—might be getting whitewashed by Netflix. Others worry that Netflix is insisting upon romantic relationships between characters that were not romantically connected in the original series.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-635"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent2 - long_content --></p><p>The only thing we can be sure of right now is that whatever the reason was, it was big enough for both of the series creators to depart the show as showrunners. This bodes incredibly poorly for the future of Netflix's adaptation. </p><p><span></span>Dimartino put it nicely, saying, "Who knows? Netflix's live-action adaptation of <em>Avatar</em> has the potential to be good. It might turn out to be a show many of you end up enjoying. But what I can be certain about is that whatever version ends up on-screen, it will not be what Bryan and I had envisioned or intended to make."</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-636"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent22 - long_content --></p><h2></h2><p>So we'll say it another way: We won't be holding our breath.</p>
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Why "Hunter x Hunter's" Killua Zoldyck Is the Best Boy in Anime
A deep dive into Killua Zoldyck's characterization
07.28.2020
Shueisha
Hunter x Hunter is one of the most popular anime series, especially within the shōnen genre.
Its main appeal lies in its character relationships, specifically that between the protagonist and deuteragonist, Gon Freecs and Killua Zoldyck.
The two boys first meet while taking the arduous "Hunter Exam" — a deadly test designed to determine those capable of holding the esteemed title of "Hunter." During the first phase of the exam, Gon, an optimistic kid on a mission to find his father, sticks up for Killua, an assassin prodigy, after another contestant questions his usage of a skateboard. Killua immediately becomes enamored with Gon, and after discovering they're the same age (12), the two become an inseparable pair.
Gon and Killua's relationship grows into an extraordinary friendship, but its bulk is shouldered by Killua. His self-sacrificial nature, his journey toward self-worth, and his incredible complexity makes Killua the most popular and beloved character in Hunter x Hunter, and arguably, in all of anime. His growth is extremely well-written, and he becomes a character one attaches themselves to with great empathy throughout the story.
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUxODQzNy9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzMTY3OTg2OH0.UkMacDiz1hY6790aRDpK1pLsSB_eDv_LGkSqntFTRJE/img.png?width=980" id="10296" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1aafd89986ef0b8f67f7f33eae0bef36" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Killua and Gon">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Shueisha</small></p><p>Killua's characterization is intricate, epitomizing nature vs nurture. When introduced, Killua seems to be a normal child just like Gon. But soon, his upbringing as an assassin is revealed, and he's not just any assassin–Killua is a member of the Zoldyck family, infamous for their efficiency and capabilities in the business of killing. He was raised to be the family's heir, subjected to constant training from birth in both assassination skills and torture. <br></p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-632"></div>
<!-- End Ezoic - undersecond12 - under_second_paragraph --></p><p>But unlike his family, Killua doesn't have interest in the family business. In fact, Killua is a very naturally compassionate individual, determined to make up his own way in the world, outside of his family's plans for him. In an effort to find what it is he truly wants, Killua abandons his family and teams up with Gon after the Hunter exam to help him find his father.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-633"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent1 - mid_content --></p><p>Through their adventures together, Killua's true, self-sacrificing nature comes to the forefront time and time again. One of the best examples of this takes place during a high-stakes dodgeball game against a group of powerful criminals on death row—a game necessary for the boys to win in order to meet Gon's father.</p><p><!-- Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph -->
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<!-- End Ezoic - under_second_paragraph - under_second_paragraph --><p></p><p>The boys devise a strategy wherein Killua holds the ball and Gon hits it with spectacular strength. In the middle of the game, another teammate notices that Killua's hands have become extremely damaged from being in such close, repeated contact with Gon's power at full blast. Killua brushes it off, but a different teammate pulls Killua's hands out of his pockets to show the truth. He'd kept them there to keep Gon from noticing his injuries, knowing how essential their victory is for Gon's journey and not wanting to distract or hold back his friend. He even withdrew protective covering from his hands so that Gon's hit would be stronger. </p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-634"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent11 - mid_content --></p><p>Killua is also held dear because of his fierce devotion toward the ones he loves, which lies in such massive contrast with the environment he was raised in. Throughout the show, this devotion is primarily demonstrated in his relationship with Gon, but towards the end it is seen, perhaps in an even greater capacity, with his youngest sister, Alluka. She possesses the remarkable power of granting wishes, but they often come with devastating consequences, even more so if her requests are not granted. Because she is essentially considered too dangerous, the Zoldycks keep her locked away in their mansion, until she is rescued by Killua.</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-635"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent2 - long_content --></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image">
<img type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUxODQzNC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0OTk2ODExN30.t7VPrxyBwRpRXBtBwu_Ycrm8tf01iVtDxv_7CsZKAbc/img.jpg?width=980" id="2afe5" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="4ace4b96009e75fca98346c76d32df47" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Killua Zoldyck">
<small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit...">Shueisha</small></p><p>In the anime's final arc, Killua aims to rescue Alluka from his parents' mansion, where the Zoldycks have locked her away due to her remarkable and terrifying power to grant wishes with potentially devastating consequences.<br></p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-636"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent22 - long_content --></p><p> Unlike the rest of his family, Killua doesn't shun her for her capabilities, but rather loves her as a person. After reuniting, he promises to keep her safe and swears he'd never forgive anyone who tries to hurt her, family or not. With Gon, Killua mostly kept his most protective sentiments inside, but with Alluka, his natural devotion has free reign. </p><p></p><center><script async="" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js"></script><!-- Popdust Mobile Banner 320x100 --><ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:320px;height:100px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-4301469008561137" data-ad-slot="6952751205"></ins><script>
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</script></center><p></p><p>Killua is able to express himself openly to Alluka, indicating just how much Killua has grown and how comfortable he's become with himself throughout the series. Furthermore, Alluka is a canonically trans character, and while the other Zoldycks regularly misgender her, Killua never does, even loudly exclaiming, "Alluka's a girl!"</p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-637"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent3 - longer_content --></p><h2></h2><h2></h2><p>Killua Zoldyck has one of the deepest character transformations in <em>Hunter x Hunter</em>. At the beginning, Killua is a directionless boy, following the whims of either his family or Gon without any true path of his own. By the end, he's learned his worth, no longer carrying the weight of others' expectations. He is self-aware and follows his own personal mission, as opposed to the Zoldycks' or Gon's. Killua's overall journey is heart-wrenching, relatable, and overwhelmingly satisfying. He is a character one cannot help but be proud of. </p><p><div id="ezoic-pub-ad-placeholder-638"> </div>
<!-- End Ezoic - incontent33 - longer_content --></p>
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Shueisha
An anime series is only as good as its villains.
Great villains can make or break any story, and anime just so happens to have some of the best. From over-the-top galactic conquerors to sociopathic high schoolers and psychotic fathers, anime villains are a diverse bunch.
So as an anime fan with a useless screenwriting degree, I'm ranking the best anime villains based on how complex they feel as characters and how well they function within the larger narrative.
<p>Also, <em>Berserk</em>'s Griffith would have been at the top of this list, but there's never been a particularly great <em>Berserk </em>anime adaptation, so I decided not to include him. Oh, and I haven't watched <em>Monster</em> yet, so Johan Liebert isn't on the list either. Yeah, I'm a heathen, I know.</p><p><em><strong>PS: A lot of spoilers follow. Please don't read any entries from series you'd rather not be spoiled on.</strong></em></p>
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9. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUwODY3MS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxMDcwNDE4Mn0.xVAn-jJ46QYd_WVaZxC-Y8w4QCIU_o5G7rNqXLqLlXY/img.png?width=980" id="0031d" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="314d23e84f9b89b793cb4ad936e9eabc" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Itachi" />Shueisha
<p>Itachi Uchiha is the older brother of Naruto's best friend/rival, Sasuke, and we're introduced to him through Sasuke's sole desire and goal in life: to kill him.<br></p><p>Itachi certainly seems like a monster. Hailing from the prestigious Uchiha clan, Itachi was once considered one of the most talented young ninjas in the Leaf Village, even being promoted to Anbu rank (essentially special ops) at only 11 years old. Then Itachi snapped, murdering the entire Uchiha clan save for Sasuke, and subsequently defecting from the Leaf Village to join the criminal organization Akatsuki.</p><p>Fueled by hatred and his drive for revenge, Sasuke ultimately defects from the village, too, in search of power at any cost. Sasuke ultimately succeeds in his mission, finding Itachi and killing him in a battle where, strangely enough, Itachi doesn't actually seem to be trying. Only after his death do we finally learn the truth. </p><p>Itachi never actually betrayed the Leaf Village. The Uchiha clan had been planning a coup and, due to his rank, Itachi was given a choice: Either the Uchiha clan would be wiped out entirely, or Itachi could take the burden upon himself and spare Sasuke whilst preserving the family name. Itachi chose the latter but, racked by guilt, decided that he deserved to be killed by Sasuke as punishment for his actions. Moreover, Itachi acted as a double-agent in Akatsuki, protecting the Leaf Village until his dying breath. </p><p><strong>So...Itachi is not actually a villain. He's a tragic, selfless hero and the bestest boy in all of Naruto</strong><strong>.</strong> At the same time, so much of <em>Naruto</em>'s plot is predicated on the <em>idea</em> of Itachi being a villain that he deserves to be included based on impact alone. But, again, since he's not a real villain, he can't, in good faith, be ranked any higher.</p>8. Shou Tucker (Fullmetal Alchemist)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUwODczMC9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYyMTUwMjQwMH0.g_gD2f_E0zL0-HEE313ejXC6err3LacbY6I7PwvTBn4/img.jpg?width=980" id="629d1" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ad187146b578b7ad5e52037e7c68d3f6" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Shou Tucker" />Square Enix
<p>Quite possibly the biggest piece of sh!t in all of anime, Shou Tucker inspires unprecedented feelings of unabashed hatred. Shou is not a fun villain, or a cool villain, or even a particularly fleshed out villain. After all, the dude is an extremely minor character who only appears in a few episodes. But...Christ on a pancake, this man is an unforgettable douche canoe.</p><p>When we first meet Shou Tucker, he presents himself as an unassuming, soft-spoken single father. He also happens to be a State Alchemist who specializes in bio-alchemy, and he's best known as the first person to create a talking chimera. It's for this reason that Edward Elric visits Shou's home in hopes of picking his brain for potential leads on restoring his and his brother's, Alphonse's, bodies. </p><p>Shou is hospitable, allowing Ed and Al access to his library. They meet his adorable daughter, Nina, and the family dog, Alexander. All is well and good, at least on that first visit. It should have ended there.</p><p>Alas, Ed and Al return to Shou's house later on to discover that Shou, frustrated that he hadn't made a scientific breakthrough in two years, alchemically fused Nina and Alexander into a talking chimaera. Also, that first talking chimaera was his wife, because apparently Shou's entire MO is remorselessly experimenting on his own family.</p><p>Ed beats the crap out of him and the alchemist serial killer, Scar, murders Shou soon after, but, oh lord, he deserved so much worse. Shou Tucker might not be the most interesting villain from a character standpoint, but he is, perhaps, the single most irredeemable villain on this list. </p>7. Kyubey (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUwODY5My9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzQzMjkyOH0.IwvHaCzixNKs1nfBO3CD5I5owZIbZ0tlHIxV4M2zt3s/img.jpg?width=980" id="f5c96" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="98282caff5f464d2a86346750799df76" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Kyubey" />Aniplex
<p>In stark contrast to its cutesy aesthetic, <em>Puella Magi Madoka Magica</em> is an incredibly disturbing deconstruction of the Magical Girl genre (i.e. <em>Sailor Moon</em>). Naturally, this also means that the adorable cat-rabbit-esque creature, Kyubey, is a lot more than just your typical animal mascot.</p><p>In the world of <em>Madoka Magica</em>, humans are unknowingly plagued by evil creatures called Witches that hide themselves in invisible labyrinths, feeding off human misery and spreading curses. Of course, the only thing that can defeat a witch is a magical girl—a young girl blessed with magical, transformative powers.</p><p>Kyubey is the arbiter of these magical girl powers, appearing before young girls and offering to grant their deepest wishes in exchange for their souls. Upon forming this contract, the girls' souls will be transferred to a tiny gem which becomes the source of their magical girl powers.</p><p>Now here's the twist: Witches are actually magical girls whose soul gems have become corrupted by negative emotions—an inevitability for all magical girls. Therefore, all magical girls eventually become witches who must be killed by fresh magical girls. For Kyubey, this death cycle is the entire point of magical girls. </p><p>See, Kyubey is actually a member of an emotionless race known as Incubators, who have been tasked with staving off the eventual Heat Death of the Universe. Human emotions apparently defy thermodynamics, which make them a great source of energy production for this cosmic task. </p><p>Thus, Kyubey exploits the emotions of young girls during a time in their life when he deems them most volatile, harvesting their emotional energy and eventually sacrificing them in order to a achieve a larger goal. His actions aren't malicious, as he doesn't understand emotions or even human morality in the first place. And sure, it's for the greater good of the universe. But still, major yikes.</p>6. Frieza (Dragon Ball Z)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUwODcyMi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1Njg5NjE2M30.bAOaBfY1L6emiwZVdNBYPo_lXDOsWHymqzz4Jo_vXN0/img.png?width=980" id="64a05" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="d1bb954eef965091d76a887a199d3e67" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Goku vs Frieza" />Shueisha
<p>Frieza is the quintessential shonen villain—a wildly overpowered space emperor who wants nothing less than universal domination.</p><p>In fact, Frieza is practically the definition of a villain you love to hate. He doesn't have a tragic backstory or a complex character arc. He's just an arrogant d!ckhead with the firepower to back it up. There's something to be said for a villain who actually feels fun to watch.</p>Even within the larger context of <em>Dragon Ball Z</em>, Frieza stands out as the most memorable bad guy. On top of being the big bad who killed Goku's father, Bardock, and slaughtered the Saiyan race, his personality is just so douchey. He literally started the whole "<a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/this-isnt-even-my-final-form" target="_blank">This isn't even my final form!</a>" shtick, transforming his body over and over again because he just has that much power.<br><span></span><br>He's so powerful, in fact, that Goku needs to transform into a Super Saiyan for the first time in order to defeat him. So, in essence, Frieza is responsible for pretty much all of the narrative elements that <em>DBZ </em>is best known for. Also, Frieza's character design is just really cool. Props to the OG.<p><br></p>5. Sensui (Yu Yu Hakusho)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUwODcwMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1NTE4NjE3NH0.haPU2GyXajRGsvQYYh42BMWQe-j_k8QNKU3l8lSv9CQ/img.jpg?width=980" id="c8005" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5088ecd371bdc597704a99262e214595" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Sensui" />Shueisha
<p>While <em><a href="https://www.popdust.com/yu-yu-hakusho-anime-2646385020.html" target="_blank">Yu Yu Hakusho's </a></em><a href="https://www.popdust.com/yu-yu-hakusho-anime-2646385020.html">most popular villain may be the Dark Tournament Arc's Younger Toguro</a>, Shinobu Senui is a far more interesting bad guy.</p><p>Sensui is the central antagonist of <em>Yu Yu Hakusho</em>'s Chapter Black Saga—a bizarre arc wherein Yusuke—the Human World's primary "Spirit Detective"—finds himself pitted not against demons, but rather against a group of deranged humans with strange powers. Sensui acts as the group's leader with the ultimate goal of opening up a massive portal to the Demon World in order to purge humanity.</p><p>The most interesting part of the equation, however, is the fact that Sensui was Yusuke's "Spirit Detective" predecessor. In other words, Sensui went from a man tasked with protecting the Human World from demons to a man hellbent on allowing demons to destroy it. But why?</p><p>Earlier in his life, Sensui's sense of right and wrong was incredibly black-and-white. He believed that humans were good and demons were evil, and therefore he wholeheartedly believed in his role as humanity's protector. Everything changed when a mission lead him to crash the Feast of Human Vices, an event wherein wealthy humans with criminal connections tortured demons for pleasure. This role reversal shook Sensui to his core, leading him to slaughter all of the humans in attendance. The experience also caused him to develop post-traumatic dissociative identity disorder (which, yeah, isn't how DID actually works, but fine), splitting his personality across multiple personas.</p><p>Soon after, Sensui sought out a video tape called Chapter Black, which contained real-life footage of all of humanity's worse atrocities. After watching Chapter Black, Sensui concluded that humanity was just as bad, if not worse, than demons, and in order to atone for killing so many demons who might have been innocent, he must rid the world of humanity.</p><p>Scarily enough, Sensui's actions and worldview make a lot of sense given his circumstances. Humans, especially the wealthiest and most powerful ones who hold the most influence in society, are oftentimes exceedingly evil. Perhaps, then, humanity doesn't deserve to be protected. This holds true now more than ever.</p>4. Light Yagami (Death Note)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUwODcwNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzODU1NDQ5N30.5X9OLgRejAlQDRWu3EmEsFXP51hiGcFK38v9a_7Gbp4/img.jpg?width=980" id="9550f" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c638f13d00d9a4bdf0c2d7bfdebc6110" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Light Yagami" />Shueisha
<p>The wonderful thing about Light Yagami is that, alongside being one of the most cold-blooded villains in all of anime, he's also the kind of character who makes you question your own morality.</p><p>Prior to the start of <em>Death Note, </em>Light is a normal, albeit extremely intelligent, high school student. Then, one day, a bored <em>shinigami</em> named Ryuk drops a mysterious notebook for Light to pick up. The titular Death Note includes instructions, primarily: "The human whose name is written in this note shall die."</p><p>While skeptical at first, Light decides to test it out on various criminals and convicts, quickly learning that it is, indeed, real, and that he now holds a vast amount of power. Thus, Light decides to use the Death Note to purge the world of evil and reshape society in his image. Except Light's actions don't go unnoticed, and as criminals begin dying en masse, the world's greatest detective, L, decides to track down the mysterious killer.</p><p>To an extent, Light's actions are understandable. While many of us might not feel comfortable admitting it, it's not an uncommon sentiment that the world would be better without a lot of the most awful people. It's also hard to feel <em>too </em>much sympathy for the murderers, rapists, and worst offenders of humanity.</p><p>But as Light continues his mission to purge the world of evil, his actions become less and less defensible. The crimes he's willing to kill people over become pettier and pettier. Worse, any time an investigator comes to close to finding out his true identity, he kills them too, justifying it as being for the greater good, of course.</p><p> Eventually the truth becomes clear: Light is a sociopath, and his moral trappings are an excuse. He can never truly purge all evil from the world, since as long as he's still alive, evil will continue to exist.</p><p>But the question remains: How many of Light's actions can we justify; and more importantly, what would we do in his shoes?</p>3. Yoshikage Kira (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 4: Diamond Is Unbreakable)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUwODcwOS9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYwNjY0NzUyNn0.8DcwRG3eN6bQWYnn-ixgkUc1V7kIyaeN7QKHssdcpAM/img.png?width=980" id="e4273" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="3ef864662ffe810e7caa300e6d1021e5" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Yoshikage Kira" />Shueisha
<p><em><a href="https://www.popdust.com/jojos-bizarre-adventure-memes-2646046974.html" target="_blank">JoJo's Bizarre Adventure</a> </em>is chock full of over-the-top villains, which is why Yoshikage Kira feels like such a breath of fresh air.</p><p>Kira isn't a showman. He's not the kind of bad guy who toys with people or desires recognition for his evil deeds. No, Kira is a simple department store worker who is content to live a quiet life in the small town of Morioh, occasionally eating his favorite sandwich and always going to bed by 11PM. Oh, and he's also a paraphilic serial killer obsessed with women's hands.</p><p>Kira is an especially wonderful villain because, from a character standpoint, he feels exceedingly real. His primary motivation (other than killing people) is to be left alone so that he can adhere to his routine. It's a relatable, understandable motivation, even if the reasoning behind it is really evil.</p><p>And, make no mistake, Kira is <em>evil</em>. He's perfectly willing to kill anyone who gets in his way, <a href="https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/my-name-is-yoshikage-kira" target="_blank">including young children</a>. He spends a good portion of the show masquerading as a family man whose likeness he stole (after murdering the guy, of course), residing with the man's wife and son and ruining their lives.</p><p>His powers are absolutely wild, too, possessing the ability to turn anything he wants into a bomb, and the secondary ability of being able to briefly reverse time. Kira is both a terrifying and seemingly unstoppable villain while simultaneously being one of the most realistic, disturbingly relatable villains (especially for introverts). If you've ever dreamt of living a quiet, simple life, you and Kira are mostly on the same page. Well, except for the serial killer obsessed with women's hands part.</p>2. Askeladd (Vinland Saga)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUwODcxMi9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxNTc0MjQ4NH0.uVRB-y6J-snn0JosRDNmtdHdFxnfzMeRTngApKm6ciE/img.jpg?width=980" id="41bf6" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="a0a3c6286dae722622bf2f4ce0b7eb51" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Askeladd" />Kodansha
<p>It's hard to truly think of <em>Vinland Saga</em>'s Askeladd as a "villain."</p><p>Make no mistake, this isn't an Itachi scenario. Askeladd is, undoubtedly, a very bad person. But <em>Vinland Saga </em>is a mature series that fully realizes how grey humans can be. </p><p>As the leader of a band of Danish mercenary vikings, Askeladd kicks the series off by agreeing to assassinate a noble former viking named Thors. Upon ambushing Thors and his crew (including Thors' young son, Thorfinn), Askeladd agrees to a fair duel against Thors. Thors makes it clear that he doesn't want to kill anyone, and all he wants if he wins is to leave peacefully with his crew. Askeladd quickly realizes that he can't beat Thors in a fair swordfight, so instead has one of his men take Thorfinn hostage and then commands his archers to riddle Thors with arrows. Then, after killing Thors, Askeladd honors the terms of Thors' "fair" duel and lets the rest of the crew go free. </p><p>This sort of behavior is typical for Askeladd. He's cunning and dishonest, willing to do whatever it takes to succeed in his goals. At the same time, he's morally complex, and sometimes even empathetic.</p><p>After Thors' son, Thorfinn, decides to stow away on Askeladd's ship with the intent of killing him in a fair duel, Askeladd essentially brings Thorfinn onto his crew. Knowing that Thorfinn is fueled by the desire to kill him, Askeladd uses the promise of duels to incentivize Thorfinn to work with him. Throughout the years, the two develop a strange relationship, akin to a mentorship or even a father-son bond, albeit one where the son always wants to kill the father.</p><p>Meanwhile, Askeladd engages in a series of maneuvers on the political front, positioning himself as the vassal of one of the Danish King Sweyn's two sons, Canute, and attempting to engineer Canute's succession to the throne. We later learn that Askeladd grew up as the illegitimate son of a powerful Danish viking and a Welsh slave. Witnessing the severe mistreatment of his mother and the Welsh people, Askeladd grew to hate the Danes and ultimately murdered his father. </p><p>It becomes clear that, in supporting Canute, Askeladd's ultimate ambition is to foster peace for the people of Wales. It also becomes clear that Askeladd sees himself in Thorfinn and, in a sense, truly believes that he deserves to die at Thorfinn's hand.</p><p>Throughout his journey, Askeladd does some truly unforgivable things. He murders women and children while securing food and shelter for his own crew. He even tortures a civilian. </p><p>And yet, in the end, Askeladd dies a hero's death. After learning that King Sweyn plans to invade Wales and murder Canute (in a bid to secure succession for his other son, Harald), Askeladd feigns madness, murdering King Sweyn by his own hand and sacrificing his life to Canute. In doing so, Askeladd saves Wales and facilitates Canute's succession to the throne. He even offers Thorfinn the chance to deliver the final blow (Thorfinn refuses), using his dying breath to urge Thorfinn to move forward and not repeat the same cycle of hatred that he propagated. </p>1. Meruem (Hunter x Hunter)
<img lazy-loadable="true" src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8yMzUwODcxNy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYzNzU1NDQzNn0.PoZKO6ESkFfnjhdGn74jHOhm0JyzLN76-viz5X3xFZ8/img.jpg?width=980" id="c8ef0" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1c029cba2f6fc27834d84d88ef0e880d" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" alt="Meruem" />Shueisha
<p><em>Hunter x Hunter</em>'s Meruem—the main antagonist of the Chimaera Ant arc—seems to cover the same exact archetype as <em>DBZ</em>'s Cell. He's an insectoid monster capable of absorbing and integrating the powers of other living creatures, with the sole directive of ruling the world. </p><p>In a traditional shonen anime, Meruem would be a one-note character defined almost exclusive by his terrifying powers. The arc would be largely spent hyping up Meruem's insane abilities, which would finally be revealed in-full during a final one-on-one blow-out with the protagonist.</p><p><strong>But <em>Hunter x Hunter </em>is far from a traditional shonen, and the Chimaera Ant arc essentially functions as a deconstruction of its genre.</strong></p><p>Indeed, Meruem starts off as a cold, calculating monster who has no qualms about killing and eating anyone, be they men, women, children, or even other members of his species. But despite having no sense of humanity, Meruem isn't just physically powerful; he's also ridiculously intelligent. </p><p>Upon conquering a small nation and devising a plan to turn the population into a high-quality food source, Meruem grows bored and decides to pass his time by challenging the nation's top minds to various board games. Despite having never played any of these games before, Meruem learns quickly and easily defeats all of his opponents, constantly relishing in his own superiority.</p><p>Then Meruem meets Komugi, a young girl considered to be the world's best player of a tile-based strategy game called Gungi. Komugi is blind, clumsy, and very physically weak, and yet no matter how many times they play, Meruem cannot beat her at Gungi. Eventually, the constant losses begin to shake Meruem's sense of identity.</p><p>Up until this point, Meruem had always been the best at everything he ever attempted. As far as he knew, no creature alive could match his immense physical strength or his superior intellect. Now, here was this powerless girl who, at first glance, struck Meruem as a poor specimen even amongst humans. And yet she was better than him at something.</p><p>Meruem becomes obsessed with playing Gungi against Komugi, skipping meals and even de-prioritizing his master plans of world domination. Komugi enjoys playing Gungi with Meruem, too, expressing that her only real talent is the ability to play Gungi and how playing with him gives her purpose. As the two continue their games together, Meruem grows to genuinely care about Komugi. This, in turn, causes his perspective on life to shift.</p><p>Eventually Meruem realizes that he can never know what kind of talent, potential, and unique skills a person may possess, and instead of conquering the world and killing people for food, he will instead become a benevolent ruler who protects the weak.</p><p>Through all of this, the protagonists have been gearing up to take Meruem down. Isaac Netero, the most powerful Hunter in the world, challenges Meruem directly. But at this point, Meruem doesn't want to fight, instead sitting down and telling Netero that he'd rather spare his life, as his goal is now to create a just world for humans. <a href="https://www.popdust.com/best-anime-fights-without-main-character-2646425041.html" target="_blank">Netero won't listen, going all out against Meruem</a> and, ultimately, sacrificing his own life to set off a poisonous nuclear explosion.</p><p>Meruem survives the blast, but soon realizes that he has been poisoned and will die soon. Reassessing what's important to him, Meruem decides that the only thing he cares about is spending his remaining time with Komugi. He goes to her and asks her to play more Gungi with him. </p><p>After a few matches, he admits that he's going to die shortly and that, despite it being his last wish to continue playing with her, he doesn't want her to get infected, too. Komugi doesn't respond. She just continues playing. Meruem dies in her arms. </p><p>As a villain, Meruem absolutely defies all tropes. He's set up as the ultimate shonen monster, but he never even displays his powers in a battle. Instead, he transforms from a heartless monster into a being capable of love. Meruem's character arc is unlike that of any villain in any other story I've ever heard of. It is, at its core, a story of hope and how love has the potential to change even the worst of us. Meruem's final moments are, without a doubt, the saddest, most heart-wrenching scene I have ever experienced in...anything, really. </p><p>There are good villains, there are great villains, and then there's Meruem—an all-powerful insectoid monster whose death is capable of making a grown man sob.</p>From Your Site Articles
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TV Features
The Top 3 Anime Fights (That Don't Feature Main Protagonists)
Sometimes the undercard matches are better than the headline fights.
07.19.2020
Shueisha
Usually the most epic fights in anime are the ones between the main hero and the baddest villain.
Showdowns in the vein of Goku vs. Frieza are the culmination of entire story arcs. These are the fights where the villains pull out their most terrifying powers, and the heroes draw on everything they've experienced so far in order to transcend their abilities and, more often than not, develop a new final form.
But while the headline fights might be the bread and butter of anime hype, sometimes the undercard matches are incredible in their own right. Long-running anime series are particularly great at fleshing out side-characters who would most likely get shoved to the side in a lot of other kinds of stories, and sometimes their battles hit even harder than those of the main heroes.
<p>Here are some of the best anime fights that don't feature the main protagonists. </p><p>*Major spoilers for <em>Hunter x Hunter</em> and <em>JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 5</em> follow.</p>
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Rock Lee vs. Gaara (Naruto)
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="b7e18b31a972cd5a9d38ea4ad6da6644"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ltn2YITCdFw?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>We don't know a ton about Rock Lee or Gaara before going into their fight. The battle takes place early on in the series as part of the Chunin Exam, wherein young ninjas from different ninja villages come together in an attempt to graduate from their junior rank. During the third stage of the exam, students must fight one another in a sparring match, and sure enough, Rock Lee and Gaara get matched up.<em></em></p><p>Rock Lee, with his bushy eyebrows and goofy green bodysuit, seem like a borderline joke character. Gaara, on the other hand, is introduced as a stone-cold killer. In the only prior scene where Gaara fights, he's ambushed by a group of rival ninjas and promptly slaughter them all without lifting a finger. In short, putting Rock Lee against Gaara at such an early point in the series felt immediately unfair. Undoubtedly, Rock Lee would be used as a likable, good-natured punching bag in order to make Gaara seem all the more scarier.</p><p>Then the fight starts, and Rock Lee goes all in on Gaara. Throughout the fight, we discover that Rock Lee can't actually use ninjutsu or genjutsu (illusionary techniques), but he has worked harder than anybody else to master taijutsu (body techniques). Essentially, Rock Lee is the best at hand-to-hand combat.</p><p>Still, Gaara's sand powers are too great, and Lee's skill and training ultimately fail to best Gaara's monstrous abilities. But due to Rock Lee's insane skills, a fight that might have otherwise played out as a one-sided beatdown instead played out as <a href="https://www.thebobaculture.com/anime/top-5-fights-from-naruto" target="_blank">one of the craziest, coolest bouts in the series.</a> </p>Netero vs. Meruem (Hunter x Hunter)
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="5f6809507ca35b3f95a8da3f76968dfd"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rcN7PLB-zdc?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p><em>Hunter x Hunter</em>'s Chimaera Ant arc is essentially a deconstruction of the <a href="https://myanimelist.net/anime/genre/27/Shounen" target="_blank">typical shonen</a> "strongest creature alive" storyline (exemplified by <em>Dragon Ball</em><em> Z</em>'s Cell Saga). In this fight, Meruem, an insectoid monster bred to subjugate the world, has achieved unprecedented levels of power. At the same time, though, he has begun to question his own morality and has come to the conclusion that when he does ultimately conquer the world, he will be a benevolent ruler who aims to find the value in every living thing.<br></p><p>Netero is the leader of the Hunter organization, and arguably the strongest Hunter alive. In a typical shonen series, Netero would fall in battle to Meruem so that the protagonist could step up to defeat the ultimate foe. But <em>Hunter x Hunter </em>is far from a typical shonen. </p><p>The battle plays out almost anti-climactically. Meruem refuses to fight, not wanting to hurt Netero. Meanwhile, Netero pulls out every move he can. Eventually, Meruem steps up and it immediately becomes clear that he is far too powerful for Netero to ever even come close to beating. So, after his ultimate move falls short, Netero—presumably the "good guy"—detonates a weapon of mass destruction, killing himself and dealing substantial damage to Meruem.</p><p>The most incredible part of the Meruem/Netero fight is the way that it subverts expectations of character roles, putting Meruem, the uber-powered monster, into the role of a pacifist, and Netero, the "hero" who spent his whole life training in combat, into the role of the deceitful bad guy.</p>Doppio vs. Risotto (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure)
<span style="display:block;position:relative;padding-top:56.25%;" class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ad9e1e86188e62be44f5d007a59e4ce8"><iframe lazy-loadable="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/33jQ7TPaapE?rel=0" width="100%" height="auto" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="position:absolute;top:0;left:0;width:100%;height:100%;"></iframe></span><p>Perhaps one of the most bizarre fights even in a series full of bizarre fights, the Risotto/Doppio match-up in <em><a href="https://www.popdust.com/jojos-bizarre-adventure-memes-2646046974.html?share_id=5556345" target="_blank">JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind</a></em> is absolutely bonkers.</p><p>Risotto is the lapsed leader of a group of mafia hitmen seeking revenge on his boss over the murder of one of his men. Doppio is a weak, cowardly, mentally unhinged young man who also happens to be the alternate personality (or, more specifically, alternate soul-half) of said mafia boss.</p><p>Risotto's powers are amongst the most grotesque in all of <em>JoJo's. </em>His Stand, Metallica, allows him to manipulate iron through magnetism at short range. His ability to manipulate iron means that he can do things like, oh, create razor blade from the blood inside someone's face–which he does.</p><p>Doppio spends the majority of their fight getting absolutely brutalized by Risotto. Like, razor blades coming out of his face. But Doppio has a trick up his sleeve, and that trick is being delusional enough to believe that a frog is a telephone. Upon catching a frog, Doppio has a "phone call" with his other half, the brutal mob boss Diavolo, who allows Doppio to use his Stand, King Crimson, to manipulate time. Yeah, this battle is absolutely off-the-wall.<em></em></p>From Your Site Articles
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