Anime Where Black Characters Were Sidelined in Favor of Lighter Leads

Anime has increasingly featured a wider range of characters over the years, but Black and dark-skinned characters often end up playing supporting roles. Even when these characters are well-developed with interesting stories and skills, they frequently exist to help the main, lighter-skinned characters develop. This pattern appears in many different types of anime, like action series and suspenseful thrillers. Looking at these examples shows how characters of color are often pushed to the sidelines as the central story progresses.

‘Soul Eater’ (2008–2009)

Kilik Rung is considered one of the most talented students at Death Weapon Meister Academy, right up there with Black Star and Death the Kid. However, he doesn’t get nearly as much focus as those two main characters. While Black Star and Death the Kid are dealing with the biggest challenges, Kilik often fights his battles off-screen or only appears briefly. This means the series doesn’t fully explore how powerful he could be as a master of fire and ice.

‘Naruto Shippūden’ (2007–2017)

Killer Bee is a tremendously strong ninja who controls the Eight-Tails beast much earlier than the main character, Naruto. Although he’s important in helping Naruto train, his role becomes smaller as the war progresses. He’s often used for humor, and the story primarily focuses on the growing power and destinies of Naruto and Sasuke, leaving Bee as a supportive figure rather than a central one.

‘Bleach’ (2004–2012)

I’m a huge fan of Yoruichi! She’s an incredibly powerful former Captain, and she really helped Ichigo when he first went to Soul Society. It’s a little frustrating though, because even though she’s clearly one of the strongest fighters around, she often ends up playing more of a support role. She’s amazing at quick combat and hand-to-hand fighting, but she usually gives advice or rescues others, letting characters like Ichigo and the others finish the big fights. It feels like her strength sometimes takes a backseat to developing the main characters, which is a shame because she’s a total badass!

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016–Present)

Rock Lock is a pro hero who can freeze objects in place. He first appeared during the Shie Hassaikai arc and brought a realistic, experienced viewpoint to the dangers of hero work. However, he’s quickly injured and taken out of the fight, which means he doesn’t play a big role in the development of heroes like Deku and Lemillion. This happens to other Black heroes too, like Mirko, who often get seriously hurt and are sidelined for long stretches of the story.

‘Fire Force’ (2019–2020)

Ogun Montgomery is a member of Special Fire Force Company 4 and a good friend to Shinra Kusakabe. He has a strong ability called Flamy Ink that makes him incredibly powerful, putting him on par with the series’ best fighters. As the story shifts to focus on the Adolla Burst and Shinra’s family history, Ogun appears less often. He goes from being directly involved in major events to quietly protecting the city from behind the scenes.

‘Jujutsu Kaisen’ (2020–Present)

Miguel is a powerful sorcerer from Africa who first seems like a villain, even managing to hold his own against the incredibly strong Satoru Gojo. After this, he’s sent to mentor Yuta Okkotsu and doesn’t appear much for a long time. When he does return, it’s only to help the main characters, not to focus on his own story. This shows he’s mainly there to help the heroes grow stronger.

‘Shaman King’ (2001–2002)

Chocolove McDonell teams up with the other young shamans, hoping to become the Shaman King and spread joy. Though he’s a key member of the group, his story is usually played for laughs, contrasting with the more serious journeys of Yoh and Ren. While Chocolove has a complex past he’s trying to overcome, the series often focuses more on the powers of his friends. Throughout the original anime and the remake, he remains a supporting character in the final showdowns.

‘One Piece’ (1999–Present)

Daz Bonez, also called Mr. 1, is a dangerous assassin who can transform his body into metal. After losing to Zoro in the Alabasta arc, he appears occasionally, usually connected to what Sir Crocodile is doing. Unlike some other former enemies who become allies or get more focus in the story, Daz Bonez mostly remains a shadowy figure, working in the background. He doesn’t receive the same character development as many other recurring pirates and marines.

‘Black Clover’ (2017–2021)

Sol Marron is a strong Magic Knight with earth magic, able to create huge golems, and a member of the Blue Rose squad. While fiercely loyal to Captain Charlotte, her role in the story mainly focuses on protecting others. She’s often used for humorous moments about her dislike of men, rather than being a key player in the bigger magical events, which keeps her from fully participating in the conflicts with the Elves and the Spade Kingdom.

‘The Promised Neverland’ (2019–2021)

Sister Krone is a complicated character who initially seems like a major obstacle for the children at Grace Field House. Her past shows how damaging the farm system truly is, suggesting she could have played a big role in their escape. However, she’s unexpectedly removed by those in charge, seemingly to set up a final showdown between Emma and Isabella. This removal forces Emma and the other children to fully understand the danger they’re in without Krone interfering.

‘Michiko & Hatchin’ (2008–2009)

Atsuko Jackson is a police officer who shares a childhood history with Michiko Malandro, having grown up in the same orphanage. Throughout the series, she consistently pursues Michiko and Hatchin, but the story primarily centers on their relationship. Atsuko is often hampered by corruption within her own police department, despite being a capable investigator with a personal connection to the case. Her own story, however, takes a backseat to Michiko and Hatchin’s journey.

‘Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic’ (2012–2014)

Sharrkan is a skilled swordsman and a prince from Heliohapt who guides Alibaba Saluja. While he’s a high-ranking general in Sindria, his duties mainly involve advising from within the palace. As Aladdin, Alibaba, and Morgiana journey across the world, Sharrkan stays behind to handle political matters. He demonstrates his fighting ability on occasion, but he doesn’t play a major role in the larger magical conflict.

‘Dragon Ball Z’ (1989–1996)

Mr. Popo helps the Guardian of Earth and used to be Goku’s martial arts teacher. Later in the series, he became more of a supporting character at the Lookout, observing events rather than actively fighting. While he’s still around during big battles, the story shifted to focus on Goku and the other Saiyans, so we don’t see much of Mr. Popo’s fighting skills anymore.

‘Hunter x Hunter’ (2011–2014)

Canary is a trainee butler for the Zoldyck family who proves to be a surprisingly skilled fighter when facing Gon and his friends. She clearly cares deeply for Killua, but remains restricted to working within the Zoldyck estate. After Gon’s group leaves the mountain, Canary doesn’t play a significant role in the story again until short cameos much later on. Ultimately, her potential as a Hunter is never explored, as she continues to serve as a butler.

‘Black Lagoon’ (2006)

Dutch created and leads the Lagoon Company, a highly skilled mercenary group based in Roanapur. While he’s the one making the tactical decisions, the story mainly follows Rock and Revy and how their relationship develops. Dutch often stays on the ship or handles the behind-the-scenes work, letting Rock and Revy take center stage in the action and character development. Because of this, we learn much less about Dutch’s past and what drives him compared to the other members of the team.

Let us know what you think about how these characters are portrayed and what purpose they serve in the story by sharing your ideas in the comments.

2026-01-09 12:46