Representation of PoC is as important in anime as in any other media. That’s why we’re highlighting 10 black main characters who stand out for their depth.
Black characters in anime don’t have to be stereotypical. Carole and Yasuke set a great example. Image Source: Bones / MAPPA / Netflix
We’ve already given you a brief overview of the history of PoC in cartoons and anime. Yes, looking back at the past can be pretty sobering, but that makes it all the more important to focus on the characters we see in today’s media landscape.
Even though they’re still relatively rare, black characters in Anime are all the more impressive when done right. With this article, we aim not only to shine a spotlight on these fantastic protagonists but also to highlight the importance of diversity in the world of anime – and why it deserves to be celebrated.
Nadia: The Secrets of Blue Water
Genre: Adventure | Created by: Hideaki Anno & Hayao Miyazaki | Original Run: 1990 - 1991
If you were a kid in the 90s or early 2000s, chances are you stumbled upon Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water. The titular main character is one of the first Black female protagonists in anime.
The series is loosely based on classic stories by Jules Verne, such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea or Around the World in 80 Days. Set in 1889, the story begins when a young boy named Jean meets Nadia, a circus performer, at a World Exhibition in Paris. When Nadia becomes the target of the shady Gargoyle organization, which is after her mysterious blue pendant, the two embark on an epic journey across the world's oceans to deep dive into the secrets the enigmatic gemstone holds – quite literally.
Nadia is portrayed as a brave, independent, and intelligent character who is searching for her own identity. Having always relied on herself in the past, she now forms an unbreakable bond with Jean. The great character writing paid off: At the Animage Anime Grand Prix, she took home the award for Best Female Character in 1991.
Afro Samurai
Genre: Action | Created by: Takashi Okazaki | Original Run: 2007
The title of the original manga series is already quite telling. It’s about Afro, a taciturn and highly skilled samurai who happens to be Black. In the fictional world he inhabits, there’s a hierarchy of warriors where every fighter strives to become Number 1. As a child, Afro witnessed his father, who was the then-Number 1, being challenged and killed by Justice, the then-Number 2. This solidified Afro’s goal to take revenge and climb to the top of the warrior hierarchy himself.
True to the samurai archetype, Afro is a stoic and reserved character who has become physically and emotionally hardened by his childhood trauma and a life filled with violence. His cool demeanor and impressive combat skills are juxtaposed with a deeply tragic story, where Afro often becomes his own greatest obstacle.
If that’s not enough to convince you, perhaps the voice cast will. Afro is voiced by none other than Samuel L. Jackson, with the legendary voices of Mark Hamill and Lucy Liu also lending their talents to the series.
Black Lagoon
Genre: Action | Created by: Rei Hiroe | Original Run: 2010 - 2011
In Black Lagoon, the ordinary office worker Rokuro Okajima is kidnapped during a business trip by the Lagoon Company. Does he get a bonus for that? The group consists of the gun-happy Revy, the pragmatic Dutch, and the tech-savvy Benny. It’s not the worst company Rokuro could imagine, which is why he quickly decides to join the smuggler crew and earns the nickname Rock.
Dutch isn’t only the largest member of the group, but also its leader, steering their speedboat, the Black Lagoon, through the turbulent waters of Roanapur. He’s allegedly a
former Vietnam veteran who left his past behind to embrace his criminal tendencies. While he might not be the main focus of the series, he’s the glue that holds this chaotic crew together.
Michiko & Hatchin
Genre: Action | Created by: Manglobe | Original Run: 2008 - 2009
Michiko & Hatchin strikes a similar chord. The anime is set in the fictional country of Diamandra, which is inspired by Brazil. In the series, Michiko Malandro breaks out of prison to find her presumed-dead love, Hiroshi. Meanwhile, his daughter, Hana, has been living with an abusive foster family, from whom Michiko rescues her, giving her the nickname Hatchin.
The Afro-South American/Japanese Michiko emerges as a rebellious figure carving her own path in a ruthless world. On her journey to find Hiroshi, she takes on a protective role for his daughter, Hatchin, and reveals a softer side beneath her tough exterior. Over the course of their adventure through the tropical setting, the unlikely duo gradually grows closer together, as they both learn more about their own identity.
Cannon Busters
Genre: Action / Fantasy | Created by: LeSean Thomas | Original Run: 2019
Cannon Busters is notably more Western-influenced than the previous anime mentioned. Created by American LeSean Thomas, Cannon Busters tells a fantastical story set in a futuristic world that blends magic and technology.
In this world, the robots S.A.M. and Casey Turnbuckle are on a mission to find their friend Kelby, the rightful heir to the throne, who has been kidnapped. To improve their chances of success, they aim to recruit the outlaw Philly the Kid, who has his own share of troubles.
What makes this anime stand out is that it doesn’t just feature one Black character – a significant portion of the cast consists of people of color. Alongside the main characters Philly the Kid and S.A.M., many side characters bring a variety of cultural influences to the story. Philly, blessed with immortality, is reckless and cynical, while the optimistic S.A.M. is programmed to be loyal and friendly. Their contrasting traits create a humorous and interesting dynamic.
Basquash!
Genre: Action / Sports | Created by: Shōji Kawamori/Thomas Romain | Original Run: 2009
Let’s stick with futuristic stories. In Basquash!, everything revolves around a new kind of basketball, played with giant mecha robots called Bigfoots. Could there be anything cooler?
We follow the story of Dan, who dreams of living a life of luxury on the Moon one day. Yes, that’s actually a thing in this series. The show features a diverse cast, with many characters being PoC. For example, there’s Miyuki Ayukawa, a brilliant mechanic responsible for maintaining and upgrading the Bigfoots. She not only supports Dan and his team on a technical level but also becomes a close friend and an emotional anchor for the group.
Carole & Tuesday
Genre: Music / SciFi | Created by: Shinichirō Watanabe | Original Run: 2019
We’ve got one more sci-fi anime for you! But instead of basketball, Carole & Tuesday is all about music. The series takes place on Mars, where all songs are composed by artificial intelligence. However, two misfits aim to break away from this sad trend.
Carole spends her days working odd jobs to make ends meet and loses herself in playing the keyboard at night. The Afro-Martian, who grew up without parents, hasn’t had an easy life, but R&B, soul, and pop became her bestfriends and help her escape the struggles of the daily routine. Together with the wealthy Tuesday, she forms a band that quickly lands its first viral hit.
But Carole isn’t just a token character. The anime features a diverse cast, showcasing various ethnic backgrounds and LGBTQ+ representation.
Yasuke
Genre: Historical Fantasy | Created by: LeSean Thomas | Original Run: 2021
There he is again! LeSean Thomas has returned to the drawing board and created another great anime with Yasuke. The series is based on a real historical figure of the same name. As a samurai, the African warrior served under the flag of Oda Nobunaga in the 16th century.
However, the anime takes place in an alternate version of feudal Japan, where magic and futuristic technologies also exist. After Nobunaga’s fall, Yasuke retreats into a simple life as a
boatman. But peace doesn’t last long. The former Samurai is quickly drawn into a new conflict, where he must protect a girl with magical abilities.
Yasuke is not your typical hero – his battles are as much emotional as they are physical, making him a complex and fascinating protagonist.
Cowboy Bebop
Genre: Space Western | Created by: Hajime Yatate | Original Run: 1997 - 1998
Cowboy Bebop should be a familiar name to everyone who loves anime by now. The legendary series from the 1990s even received a live-action adaptation in 2020.
The series tells the story of a ragtag crew of bounty hunters traveling through space aboard their ship, the Bebop, as they try to make their living. The captain of this ship is Jet Black. While the anime leaves Jet’s ethnicity ambiguous, the decision was made to cast the African-American Mustafa Shakir in the live-action version.
After being betrayed by his former police colleagues, Jet turned his back on the law and became a bounty hunter. He is the crew’s rock in the surf, who may have his own baggage to carry, but always keeps a cool head. This makes him a contrast to younger, more impulsive characters such as Spike or Faye. Even though his ethnicity is not explicitly addressed, he is a perfect example of a subtle and respectful portrayal of PoC.
One Piece
Genre: Action / Adventure | Created by: Eiichirō Oda | Original Run: 1999 - Today
One Piece probably needs no introduction either. Since 1999, Eiichirō Oda’s masterpiece can be enjoyed in its animated form. The story follows Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirates as they sail across the Grand Line in search of the legendary One Piece.
One crew member stands out for his penchant for lying and his love of pyrotechnics. Usopp joins the crew in Syrup Village and gradually grows throughout their adventures, evolving from a cowardly storyteller to a brave hero. Many fans appreciate that Usopp, as an Afro-inspired character, avoids many of the stereotypes often seen in anime of that time.
Although ethnicity is not explicitly discussed in the series, creator Oda has confirmed that Usopp would hail from Africa if the Straw Hat Pirates existed in the real world. For Netflix's live-action adaptation, the role is played by Jacob Gibson, confirming Usopp as a PoC once again.
Honorable mentions
Unfortunately, a Top 10 list only has room for 10 spots. But we can’t resist mentioning a few more noteworthy characters!
The Blade Anime from 2011 brings Marvel’s iconic vampire hunter into the anime world with his signature stoic demeanor and action-packed battles.
In Neo Yokio, Kaz Kaan stands out as a demon-slaying aristocrat navigating the absurdities of high society while questioning his own purpose.
Akudama Drive introduces its chaotic cyberpunk world, where the bold and insanely strong Brawler joins a group of highly skilled criminals to break someone out of death row.
Run with the Wind features Musa Kamara, a kind-hearted runner whose journey highlights themes of perseverance and camaraderie.
Lastly, Castlevania: Nocturne presents a diverse cast, including Annette, a revolutionary who wields both magic and determination in the fight against vampires.