Whenever the topic of the most iconic characters in anime is broached, from Son Goku Dragon Ball Always finds itself around the top of the list, and often, in the #1 spot. This is because nothing else has duplicated the impact this franchise has had on the industry, as it has essentially defined everything that has come in the shonen genre.
Because of this, Goku has a face that is recognized around the world, with many considering him the most important character in the history of the medium. However, there are many others who are either as iconic as Goku or very close to his level, so let's take a look at who these characters are.
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Luffy is the face of the biggest comic series
anime: a piece
In the modern era a piece has become the biggest and most successful franchise the industry has ever seen, recently selling more copies than DC's Superman. Because of the incredible story and far-reaching impact a piece It has been, and is, considered by many to be the most important piece of fiction of modern times.
Because of this, Luffy has become as much a star as his franchise, as he is undoubtedly the face of this legend. since a piece The modern day has had a very similar effect Dragon Ball When it first came out, many considered Oda's masterpiece to be its modern equivalent, with Luffy being the most iconic character who could certainly rival Goku.
Naruto is one of the best anime heroes
anime: Naruto
when Dragon Ball Ended in the beginning, there was a huge void in the anime community that many fans felt needed to be filled. since a piece Only later will hit on your strike, Naruto was the heir apparent, with the franchise's title character going down as one of the best and most iconic heroes of all time.
Ultimately, Naruto has had a huge impact on the following main characters and franchises that are currently making the rounds. More than just a fun shinobi race, Naruto has firmly cemented himself as one of the best heroes in anime, especially among those who are trapped within them.
Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
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Rearrange the covers into the correct US release order.
Easy (5) Medium (7) Hard (10)
Ash is the face of anime's biggest franchise
anime: Pokemon
Although Pikachu could work well here as well, Ash might be the only character on this list whose icon status possibly surpasses Goku's. That's because Pokemon is one of the most beloved and popular franchises of all time, with overall sales and influence that leave everything else in the dust.
Of course, this is due to many video games and commercials, but anime itself is an integral part of the industry. Although Pikachu is undoubtedly the most popular character in the series, Ash Ketchum has always been the focus of the story, making him one of the most iconic figures in anime.
Ichigo is one of the strongest characters in his series
anime: Bleach
However Bleach Arguably the least talked about of the Big 3 of shonen anime, it has become an essential franchise for fans of the industry. Although not very close to the level of Goku, Naruto or Luffy, the main character BleachIchigo Kurosaki is easily one of the most famous and iconic anime heroes of all time.
His role in this story follows typical shonen conventions, as he is one of the strongest and most talented characters in the series, making him similar to Goku, especially in terms of his fighting abilities. All in all, while Ichigo doesn't reach the same heights as others before him, his overall place in the anime industry cannot be denied.
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Gozo overshadows the main character of his series
anime: Jujutsu Kaisen
While many argue that Gozo is not the main character of his series, it cannot be denied that he is a hero. Jujutsu KaisenEspecially considering that so much of the story revolves around her. As one of the new Big 3 of anime, of Jujutsu Kaisen A place in the industry is cemented, with Gozo being the face of this franchise.
Like Goku, Gozo embodies the strongest role, but is definitely a more layered character with more depth to his title and role in the story. Undoubtedly, he is the most popular and beloved character in the entire modern anime industry, with many fans even comparing him to the Goku of this age.
Tanjiro is a giant star
Anime: Demon Slayer
Like Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer The series has also reached monumental heights as one of the Big 3 of modern animation, with some of the best animation ever. The driving force behind this franchise is Tanjiro Kamado, which serves as the perfect foundation for the story this universe tells.
Tanjiro is an exceptionally powerful and talented demon slayer, and his role in the story is more than just that of a fighter, as he often exhibits traits reminiscent of Goku himself. While he certainly has a long way to go to be considered as iconic as Goku, he's not that far off.
