10 Best Black Anime Characters Of All Time

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Anime often lacks diverse representation of Black people and other minorities, and there are understandable reasons for this. Most anime stories take place in Japan or draw heavily from Asian culture. Since Japan is a largely homogenous country, many anime creators may simply lack firsthand experience with people from different backgrounds, making it difficult to authentically include them in their work.

While Black characters aren’t common in anime and manga, they do appear, and some are portrayed thoughtfully and well. These characters often stand out as not just positive representation, but also as some of the most compelling figures in their shows.

10) Garterbelt

Garterbelt is a main character in the anime *Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt*. He acts as the mission-giver for Panty and Stocking, sending them to defeat Ghosts in Daten City. However, while the sisters are busy fighting, Garterbelt usually spends his time pursuing young boys and exploring his interest in bondage.

I’m a huge fan of Garterbelt! He’s seriously the source of some of the funniest moments in *Panty & Stocking*, but what really surprised me is how much depth they gave him, both in the original series and *New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt*. And it’s awesome they even tweaked his design for the sequel to make him more approachable – it really shows they wanted us to connect with him as a character.

9) Dutch

Dutch is a key character in the anime *Black Lagoon* and the head of the Lagoon Company. He’s a former U.S. Marine who deserted near the end of the Vietnam War. Afterward, he moved to Thailand, worked as a mercenary, and eventually established the Lagoon Company, which employs the other central characters.

Dutch might not be as prominent as characters like Rock or Revy, but like everyone in *Black Lagoon*, he skillfully balances intense action with surprisingly heartfelt moments. He’s a subtle but crucial reason why the series is so good, and that remains true even after 20 years.

8) Yoruichi Shihoin

Yoruichi Shihoin is an important character in the anime *Bleach*. Once a captain of the Soul Reapers, she went into hiding to help Urahara after he was falsely accused of turning other Soul Reapers into Hollows. Years later, she becomes a key ally to Ichigo, assisting him in battles against Aizen and other powerful enemies.

I’ve always thought *Bleach* had a really strong lineup of female characters, and Yoruichi definitely stood out to me from the beginning. Her design is fantastic, she’s genuinely funny, and she’s consistently capable. It’s interesting that she’s often described as ‘black-coded’ rather than actually being Black, but either way, she’s a great character and provides solid representation.

7) Mohammed Avdol

Mohammed Avdol is a key character in the anime *JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders*. When the villain DIO returns to life and threatens Holly, Avdol joins Joseph Joestar and others to defeat him. Having previously survived a confrontation with DIO, Avdol’s experience is valuable to the group, though he sadly doesn’t live to see the final showdown.

Introducing an Egyptian character as a central figure in the 1990s was a brilliant move for *JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure*, and Avdol’s engaging personality and uniquely designed Stand, made him even more popular. While Avdol didn’t have as much screen time as other characters, it’s clear why he remains a beloved and iconic part of the series.

6) Ogun Montgomery

Ogun Montgomery is an important character in the anime *Fire Force*. He trained alongside Shinra and Arthur at the academy, and when Company 8 starts investigating the White-Clads and the Evangelist, Ogun eagerly joins their fight to protect the world.

Ogun is easily one of the most impressive characters in *Fire Force*, thanks to his complex personality, interesting abilities, and striking design. Creator Atsushi Ohkubo has explained he specifically designed characters like Ogun (and Kilik from *Soul Eater*) to increase Black representation in anime, and that effort has clearly resonated with fans.

5) Killer Bee

I’m a huge fan of Killer Bee from *Naruto: Shippuden*! He’s this incredibly powerful ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village, but he always comes across as this goofy, rapping machine. It’s awesome because beneath that playful exterior, he’s actually super wise and a total beast in battle. He’s way more than just a clown, that’s for sure!

Killer Bee is primarily a comedic character, and he consistently delivers laughs. However, he’s also a fantastic addition to the series thanks to his entertaining fighting style and surprisingly thoughtful personality. Although Killer Bee joined *Naruto* later in the story, he quickly became a memorable character and it’s hard to picture the series without him.

4) Usopp

Usopp is the sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates and a key character in the *One Piece* anime. He was one of the earliest members to join the crew, and although he often seems like a coward at first, he consistently finds the courage to support his friends when they need him most.

It’s fantastic that *One Piece* features a main character like Usopp who is canonically Black. Beyond that, Usopp consistently brings both humor and action to the story, making him a valuable member of the crew. While recent story arcs haven’t given him much focus, hopefully he’ll have more opportunities to stand out as *One Piece* moves towards its conclusion.

3) Carole Stanley

Carole Stanley is a main character in the animated series *Carole & Tuesday*. She’s a young orphan living on Mars who meets Tuesday Simmons, a wealthy girl who ran away from home. They bond over their love of music and team up as a duo, hoping to become famous across the planet.

Director Shinichiro Watanabe has always been inspired by Western culture, and this really shines through in the character of Carole. Her beautiful design and relatable journey of self-discovery are particularly noteworthy. It’s a sensitive and well-done portrayal of a minority character, which is especially impressive considering Watanabe’s previous work.

2) Casca

Casca is a central character in the manga *Berserk*. Initially, she was Griffith’s trusted second-in-command within the Band of the Hawk. Her dedication to both Guts and Griffith played a key role in their successes, and the eventual romantic relationship between Guts and Casca became a major part of the story’s development.

I’ve always been struck by Casca from *Berserk*. Her relationship with Guts is compelling, but it’s how deeply the Golden Age arc explores her personality that really makes her special. What I find particularly interesting is the way some viewers interpret her as a character of color, which adds another layer to her already complex story. It’s no wonder she’s become such a beloved and iconic figure in anime.

1) Afro Samurai

Afro Samurai is the main character in the anime series *Afro Samurai*. Driven by the murder of his father – once the world’s greatest warrior – by the criminal Justice, Afro has dedicated his life to becoming a skilled fighter and seeking revenge.

Featuring Samuel L. Jackson as the main voice actor and a soundtrack by RZA, *Afro Samurai* is a strikingly and proudly Black anime. The show’s strong writing, which blends emotional depth with exciting action, is a key part of its appeal. *Afro Samurai* is one of the most memorable anime series ever made, and its protagonist is widely considered the best Black character in anime history.

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2025-10-20 04:12