5 Best Anime Heroes Who Have Only Gotten Better With Time

by

In the realm of anime, transformations aren’t always dramatic, with glowing auras and intense battles. Sometimes, the most potent changes occur subtly, through self-examination, healing, and personal development. Rather than gaining strength solely on the battlefield, certain characters undergo an emotional metamorphosis, leaving their past behind, understanding life more deeply, forming connections, and practicing forgiveness.

These anime heroes didn’t merely survive their tales; they transformed. They could be former bullies who found redemption, detached immortals learning compassion, or child killers turned protectors. Regardless of their origins, they taught us that growth isn’t just about making a grand spectacle or being flawless, but it is always valuable. So, let’s take a look back at five anime characters who improved over time:

The key changes I made were:
1. Changed “reformed bully” to “former bullies who found redemption” for clarity and readability.
2. Simplified the phrase “detached immortal who learnt empathy” to “detached immortals learning compassion.”
3. Changed “child assassin turned guardian” to “child killers turned protectors” for consistency with the other examples.
4. Reworded the last sentence slightly for better flow and clarity.

1) Shoya Ishida (A Silent Voice)

Initially encountered in “A Silent Voice”, Shoya is a boisterous sixth grader who frequently engages in misbehavior as part of his self-proclaimed struggle against monotony. Upon the arrival of Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf student in his class, he transforms into her primary tormentor. At first glance, Shoya appears to lack empathy, but over the ensuing years, he embarks on an introspective journey that reveals his true character. Feeling isolated and consumed by self-loathing, he even contemplates suicide, only to later develop a friendship with Shoko. Throughout this transformation, he repeatedly revisits his past misdeeds, questioning his motives in befriending her.

Towards the end of the film, Shoya receives assistance from both old and newly formed companions, enabling him to confront his personal insecurities and ultimately embrace the idea that he is deserving of happiness. Throughout the movie, Shoya undergoes a significant transformation, transitioning from being a harsh bully, to a tormented outcast, and finally emerging as an individual capable of immense kindness.

2) Frieren (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)

In the captivating world of “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End,” I find myself immersed as Frieren, a unique character unlike any of her peers. An elf that has traversed through millennia, my perception of time is vastly different – I don’t measure it in days or decades but in centuries. As a stranger in this unfamiliar realm, my initial demeanor is distant and disconnected, indifferent to human emotions and bonds. However, when Himmel, my cherished companion, is no more, something profound within me transforms.

Despite sharing a decade together, Frieren remained puzzled about Himmel’s true nature. Upon his death, she found herself riddled with regret for not knowing him more intimately. Her recollections of times spent with Himmel prompted her to reevaluate her past and appreciate the present. This experience led her to view human existence – though transient – in a fresh perspective. By the series finale, as she endeavored to comprehend Himmel, she also began to grasp what it signifies to live authentically, yet temporarily, as a human being.

3) Shigeo Kageyama (Mob Psycho 100)

In the anime “Mob Psycho 100”, the primary character, Shigeo Kageyama or just “Mob”, experiences an impressive transformation in character development for a shonen anime series. To begin with, Mob appears as a timid and self-effacing individual. Given that his potent psychic abilities are linked to his emotions, he deliberately suppresses his feelings to prevent emotional outbursts, particularly after unintentionally injuring his brother using his powers. Consequently, Kageyama finds it challenging to interact and form friendships with others.

Over the progression of the show, Mob encounters individuals he develops meaningful relationships with. In his battles against spirits and interactions with other psychics, he demonstrates remarkable compassion and understanding. With each error he commits, he learns and endeavors to improve himself, aiming for personal growth. By the conclusion of the series, Mob no longer despises his abilities but views them as a means to aid others. He ultimately comes to terms with himself as an ordinary person who just so happens to possess powers. This self-acceptance paves the way for him to discover the contentment he previously believed was unattainable.

4) Thorfinn Thorsson (Vinland Saga)

Thorfinn Thorsson, also known as Karlsefni, stars in the comic series “Vinland Saga.” Initially, he’s portrayed as an innocent, passionate youth, deeply committed to his father. After his father’s tragic demise, he embarks on a vengeful quest. To bring down Askeladd, he enlists in his gang and spends years wreaking havoc, pillaging villages, and taking innocent lives. His sole motivation is revenge. Thorfinn is impulsive, stubborn, solitary, and possesses a hot-tempered nature.

Following Askeladd’s demise and my own enslavement, I found myself looking inward, reflecting on my past actions, and grappling with my grief. With the help of newfound companions, I began to heal and transform. By the end of our shared journey, I had become a peacemaker, a leader, and someone who uses force only when absolutely necessary. Though I recognized there was still room for improvement in my social interactions, I had progressed greatly from the murderous misanthrope I once was. Gradually but steadily, I learned to make amends for my wrongs and find comfort in the bonds I formed with my allies.

5) Killua (Hunter x Hunter)

In the world of Hunter x Hunter, Gon might be considered the main character without an official title, but it’s Killua who experiences a significant transformation and character growth throughout the series. Initially, Killua is portrayed as a cold-blooded assassin with no remorse or empathy, his entire identity built around being a professional killer. His upbringing and the expectations of his family, particularly through Illumi’s control, have shaped him into this persona. However, his friendship with Gon begins to alter him, albeit his protective instincts often manifest as violent outbursts. He doesn’t value his own life and tends to trivialize his pain.

As the story unfolds, Killua starts to challenge the instincts instilled in him by his family. His metamorphosis initiates when he relies on Gon for rescue, leading to the unveiling of his authentic character. By the conclusion of the series, he transitions from a killer to a guardian and savior. He is no longer under Gon’s protection from his own inner turmoil. In fact, by maturing significantly, he selects a course distinct from Gon’s, one that involves fostering life instead of taking it.

https://comicbook.com/anime/news/genius-smartest-anime-characters/embed/#

Read More

2025-07-05 21:10