Anime Where Black Characters Held Positions of Real Authority

I’ve been noticing something amazing in anime lately – more and more Black characters are taking charge! It’s fantastic to see them portrayed as powerful leaders, brilliant military strategists, and people who truly shape the stories they’re in. They aren’t just strong physically, but respected for their intelligence, skills, and the huge weight of responsibility they carry. Whether they’re kings and queens or top cops, these characters are making a real impact across all kinds of anime, and it’s incredibly empowering to watch.

‘One Piece’ (1999–)

Daz Bonez, nicknamed Mr. 1, is Crocodile’s top lieutenant and most trusted follower. He was the leader of Baroque Works’ assassins before the organization changed. He proves his power by giving orders to other agents and playing a key part in the plan to take over the country of Alabasta. Later in the series, he remains a powerful and respected figure, fighting alongside Crocodile as part of the Cross Guild.

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014)

Canary is a powerful protector who guards the main entrance to the Zoldyck family’s estate on Kukuroo Mountain. She’s authorized to use deadly force against anyone trying to enter without permission. As the first line of defense for this famous family of assassins, she has a huge responsibility. Even though she’s young, Canary is skilled enough to defeat many experienced hunters at once.

‘Naruto Shippūden’ (2007–2017)

A, the Fourth Raikage, is the powerful leader of Kumogakure and commands all ninja in the Land of Lightning. He holds complete control over his village, both politically and militarily, and later leads the entire Allied Shinobi Forces. Under his strong leadership, Kumogakure remains a major world power thanks to its rigorous training and cutting-edge technology. His choices significantly affect the balance of power between the five great ninja nations throughout the ‘Naruto Shippuden’ series.

‘Berserk’ (1997–1998)

Casca is a key commander in the Band of the Falcon, second only to the group’s leader. During the Hundred-Year War, she expertly directs battles and handles all the supplies and support for their large mercenary army. Her strong leadership is essential to the Band’s growth, helping them go from a small group to the elite protectors of the Midland royal family. She demands discipline from her soldiers, and they remain fiercely loyal to her thanks to her skill and courage in combat.

‘JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders’ (2014–2015)

Mohammed Avdol is an Egyptian fortune teller who serves as the main strategist and guide for the Joestar team. He’s highly knowledgeable about Stand abilities and provides crucial leadership as they travel to Cairo. His experience as a Stand user and his mentorship of the younger team members give him natural authority. He often takes charge during tough battles to help the team survive against powerful foes.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–)

Miguel is a highly skilled sorcerer from Africa who leads a group of curse users in the prequel story. The main villain greatly respects him and tasks him with delaying the world’s most powerful sorcerer. After the battle, Miguel becomes a mentor to the series’ main character during an international training program. His immense magical abilities and combat skills make him one of the most powerful sorcerers globally in ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’.

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)

Maine leads a team of mercenaries in the dangerous world of Night City. He plans and carries out risky jobs like corporate spying and heists, and his crew completely respects his authority. He’s in charge of everything – getting his team upgraded with cybernetics, assigning roles on missions, and making sure everyone gets paid. He also acts as a mentor and father figure to the newer members, all while trying to survive the deadly corporate battles in ‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’.

‘Bleach’ (2004–2012)

Yoruichi Shihoin used to be a captain in the Gotei 13, leading the Second Division, and also commanded the Onmitsukido, the Soul Society’s secret agents. As the head of the powerful Shihoin family – one of the four most important noble houses – she had complete control over covert operations and intelligence. Even after stepping down from her official roles, Yoruichi remains a highly influential figure in the world of ‘Bleach’.

‘Banana Fish’ (2018)

Cain Blood leads the Black Sabbath gang and effectively runs Harlem. He’s a powerful figure who stays neutral in the city’s criminal conflicts, but has the authority to enforce peace. Throughout the show’s main storyline, he proves his power by quickly gathering hundreds of gang members to form alliances. Even the main characters respect him for being a fair and clever leader.

‘Black Lagoon’ (2006)

Dutch is the leader and captain of the Lagoon Company, a mercenary group that handles deliveries in the dangerous city of Roanapur. He’s in charge of everything – choosing jobs, planning fights, and managing his team. His experience in the military and skill at dealing with criminal organizations allow him to keep the Lagoon Company functioning in the brutal world of ‘Black Lagoon’, providing both the strategy and support they need to survive.

‘Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans’ (2015–2017)

I’ve always been fascinated by Dexter Culaster. He’s the guy behind the scenes at Tekkadan, the mercenary group, handling all their finances and legal stuff. It’s incredible how he took this small, scrappy team and turned them into a real, successful business, especially during their quick climb to power on Mars. He doesn’t fight himself, but he’s totally in charge of everything that makes them able to fight – all the money, contracts, and strategy. He’s a really powerful figure in ‘Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans’, even if he isn’t piloting a Mobile Suit.

‘Soul Eater’ (2008–2009)

Kilik Rung is a top student at the Death Weapon Meister Academy and leads a combat team. He’s often sent on important international missions, and when in the field, he’s in charge of less experienced students. Known for his expertise with his twin weapons, he’s a key attacker for the academy. The school’s leaders frequently ask for his advice on battle strategy during the ongoing global conflict in ‘Soul Eater’.

‘Great Pretender’ (2020)

Abigail Jones is the key strategist and muscle for a worldwide team of master con artists. She handles the most challenging and physically demanding parts of their intricate heists, which take place all over the world. The team respects her leadership, and she’s known for making quick, critical decisions when things get dangerous. She works independently to pull off complicated plans targeting dishonest billionaires in ‘Great Pretender’.

‘Gungrave’ (2003–2004)

Bear Walken is a highly respected and feared assassin who holds a high-ranking position within the Millennion crime syndicate. He’s in charge of internal affairs and leads the skilled soldiers working on the ‘Overman’ project. Both the syndicate’s leader and its lower-level members respect his power and authority. Throughout the world of ‘Gungrave’, he protects the organization’s history and its most valuable fighting forces.

‘Eureka Seven’ (2005–2006)

Hap is the second-in-command and treasurer for Gekkostate, a group fighting against the government. During their conflict with the military in ‘Eureka Seven’, he keeps the group running smoothly by managing their finances, supplies, and internal organization. While others focus on flying and fighting, Hap makes sure the crew has everything they need to stay hidden and continue their mission from their large airship base.

‘Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water’ (1990–1991)

Captain Nemo commands the Nautilus, a highly advanced submarine, and leads a fight against Neo-Atlantis. He’s in complete control of his diverse crew and makes the key choices that impact the world. A brilliant scientist and experienced military leader with a hidden history, Nemo wages a dangerous technological war in ‘Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water’ to shield the world from powerful, ancient forces.

‘Fire Force’ (2019–)

Ogun Montgomery is a key leader in Special Fire Force Company 4, coming from a family of renowned heroes. He frequently leads the charge in battles against the dangerous Infernals. Known for staying calm under pressure, he’s skilled at coordinating with other firefighting teams. He’s a highly respected figure within Tokyo’s ‘Fire Force’ military organization.

‘D.Gray-man’ (2006–2008)

Noise Marie is a highly skilled Exorcist in the Black Order, eventually rising to the rank of General. He commands teams of Inquisitors and less experienced Exorcists on important missions against the Millennium Earl’s forces. His power comes from his expertise with Innocence and his proven leadership on the battlefield. He’s a mentor and commander within the European Branch of the organization in ‘D.Gray-man’.

‘Dragon Ball’ (1986–1989)

Officer Black works closely with Commander Red, acting as his top assistant and coordinating all military operations for the Red Ribbon Army. He’s in charge of the Army’s communications worldwide and oversees the hunt for the Dragon Balls. When he discovers Commander Red’s true, selfish intentions, Black takes over leadership of the entire organization and ultimately commands its final stand, relying on powerful robots, in the final parts of ‘Dragon Ball’.

‘Afro Samurai’ (2007)

Afro wears the Number Two headband, which makes him the only one allowed to fight the world’s strongest warrior. This puts him at the very top of a dangerous, worldwide fighting order, where everyone else battles just for a chance to challenge him. All skilled swordsmen acknowledge his power, as he’s the gateway to obtaining the coveted Number One headband. In ‘Afro Samurai,’ he rules the world of swordsmanship through unmatched skill and unwavering determination.

‘Blood+’ (2005–2006)

James Ironside leads the Schiff, a band of artificially created soldiers fighting for their independence. He eventually takes charge of the American division of the Cinq Flèches Group, giving him significant power in both the corporate world and politics. This position allows him to influence world events and control the deployment of dangerous biological weapons. Throughout the international conflict in ‘Blood+’, Ironside acts as a key strategist and commander.

‘Michiko & Hatchin’ (2008–2009)

Atsuko Jackson is a top-level police inspector dedicated to catching the escaped criminal, Michiko Malandro. Throughout her career, she’s been in charge of entire police stations and special teams while investigating organized crime. Her position gives her the power to use military support and operate outside normal boundaries to get results. In ‘Michiko & Hatchin’, she’s shown as a strong and determined leader fighting against corruption within the system.

‘Sword Art Online’ (2012–)

Agil, also known as Andrew Gilbert Mills, is a highly experienced player who runs a popular shop and serves as a key source of information. He’s a respected leader among the players trapped in the death game, often joining the strongest teams for challenging boss battles. He’s responsible for managing supplies and equipment, ensuring everyone has what they need to survive and advance. Beyond the game, Agil is a successful business owner and mentor in the real world, demonstrating his leadership skills both online and offline within the ‘Sword Art Online’ community.

‘Blue Exorcist’ (2011–)

Igor Neuhaus is a highly skilled exorcist and a demonology professor at True Cross Academy. He’s responsible for training and certifying new exorcists, and often leads missions to contain particularly dangerous demons. As a high-ranking official within the Vatican’s exorcist organization, he has access to secret archives and powerful magical tools. In ‘Blue Exorcist,’ he plays a key leadership role in protecting humanity from demonic threats.

‘Akudama Drive’ (2020)

Known as the Master, this legendary figure heads the Kanto Execution Division, a team dedicated to capturing dangerous cybercriminals. He leads highly skilled squads and possesses the power to impose martial law in city areas when necessary. Throughout the series ‘Akudama Drive’, the Master represents the full force of the law, maintaining order with powerful weapons and effective combat tactics.

‘Gangsta.’ (2015)

Galahad Woe is a key leader within the Cristiano Family and manages the powerful Paulklee Guild. He can send out enforcers known as “Twilights” to keep the peace and maintain control in the city of Ergastulum. He’s known for protecting the vulnerable within the city’s dangerous and complicated criminal world, and is widely considered one of the most powerful figures in ‘Gangsta.’s’ underworld.

‘Promare’ (2019)

Ignis Ex leads the Burning Rescue team, Promepolis’s top firefighting unit. As captain, he coordinates all emergency responses, directing the use of advanced technology to fight the Burnish. The city government respects his authority, and he’s ultimately responsible for keeping everyone safe. In ‘Promare,’ he’s known for his strategic leadership and commitment to helping people.

‘Tenjho Tenge’ (2004)

Bob Makihara is one of the original members of the Juken Club and a powerful leader at Toudou Academy. He’s in charge of the school’s martial arts groups and plays a major role in planning the club’s defenses. Because he’s so strong and well-respected, he’s central to the school’s conflicts and fights over territory. During big battles, he steps up to protect his teammates and keep the Juken Club at the top in ‘Tenjou Tenge’.

‘Cannon Busters’ (2019)

S.A.M. is a highly-ranked robot from the fallen kingdom of Botica, known as a Royal Class Friendship Droid. She’s skilled in both combat and diplomacy, letting her control defenses and negotiate with others. Robots and citizens still loyal to the kingdom respect her authority. Currently, she’s traveling the world in ‘Cannon Busters’ to rebuild order and complete a vital mission for the royal family.

‘Yasuke’ (2021)

As a huge fan of historical fiction and anime, I’ve been captivated by the story of Yasuke. He was a real person – an African warrior who actually served as a samurai under the powerful Oda Nobunaga back in feudal Japan. The anime really leans into that strength and history, portraying him as this incredibly skilled and respected leader. He’s not just a fighter; he’s in charge of defending the empire from all sorts of supernatural dangers, and other samurai genuinely look up to him. It’s fascinating to see how the series highlights his role as someone who connects different worlds, all while being a total powerhouse on the battlefield. He’s truly a central figure in the story, and his leadership feels crucial to everything that happens.

Tell us which of these powerful leaders is your favorite in the comments.

2026-01-21 13:19