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Protagonists and antagonists are central to every anime, but some characters leave a lasting impact that goes beyond their original roles. Many of these standout figures share a common trait, that is, a commanding kingly presence or even a role of a king.
Characters who are kings or have a kingly presence have a different kind of aura around them that makes them loved by the audience. They can be villains, but their charisma is mesmerizing.
Here is a list of the greatest anime kings that will leave an everlasting impression on the viewer’s mind.
Watch out! This article contains spoilers.
1. Yhwach
- Anime: Bleach
Yhwach is the main antagonist in Bleach and, without a doubt, the most fearsome and ruthless personality. It will be less to call him a king, as he sees himself as God incarnate. Apart from having a God complex, Yhwach is pragmatic, holds absolute authority over others, and bears fatalistic ideologies. Even if one of the Sternritters showcases signs of weakness, he does not think twice before discarding them, and by all means, he kills them. For him, death is just a fantasy, as he desires to overcome it. His personality and actions are king-like, but he heavily opposes the concept of equality and free will and believes others are just tools that he uses to fulfill his desires.
2. Kibutsuji Muzan
- Anime: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Kibutsuji Muzan is the Demon King and a few thousand years old. His immortality, ability to turn humans into demons, cruelty, and narcissistic personality make him one of the strongest individuals. On top of all his negative charisma, he bears an unparalleled elegance. Kibutsuji Muzan was born during the Heian Period in Japan and became the first Demon through an experiment to save his life. Since then, the character has made himself a kingly individual who can make the strongest Demon Slayers feel fear upon a single glance. Like Yhwach, he detests failure and believes himself to be the embodiment of perfection.
3. Meruem
- Anime: Hunter x Hunter
Meruem, born as the Chimera Ant King, is the main antagonist of the Chimera Ant Arc. While antagonists are generally hated for their philosophies, it was different for Meruem. The latter was undoubtedly strong, and Netero had to use a cheap trick to defeat them, but his character was full of complexities. Initially, when he was introduced, he was ruthless and killed humans without much thought. But after meeting Komugi, his personality started to change. While his entire narcissistic personality was not subdued, it was enough to make him a complex character. His character had the perfect growth, from a tyrant to a living being who felt empathy and love.
4. Julius Novachrono/Lucius Zogratis (Wizard King)
- Anime: Black Clover
Julius Novachrono is the 28th Wizard King in Black Clover and possesses the Time Magic. He is an all-mighty king who is helpful, caring, and kind-hearted to his peers. Unlike the previous entries, he was wise, playful, and a humble leader, making him the perfect person to look up to. As a result, the protagonists, Asta and Yuno, idolize him and want to become the Wizard King.
However, beneath his joyful personality lay another personality belonging to Lucius Zogratis. It was unknown to Julius, but Lucius, one of the Zogratis siblings of the Spade Kingdom and the host of the Time Devil, Astaroth. He is the opposite of Julius and turns out to be the greatest threat to the Clover Kingdom.
5. Askeladd (The Uncrowned King)
- Anime: Vinland Saga
Lucius Artorius Castus, popular as Askeladd, is one of the most brilliantly written characters ever. He was half Danish and half Welsh and always had a tricky way of doing things. Being the leader of a mercenary crew, he did things for which he was paid. Askeladd’s personality made him betray, lie, and kill people, but it was always for the greater good, as he did with Thorfinn after killing Thors. Even though Thorfinn hated him and plotted revenge against him, Askeladd nurtured him into a warrior. The character was neither evil nor good but real, shaping Vinland Saga into a story of redemption rather than revenge.
6. Bojji
- Anime: Ousama Ranking
The son of King Bosse and the late Queen Sheena, Bojji, is a frail, short, and mute boy. He was robbed of his strengths due to a deal that his father made with a demon to become stronger. However, that does not stop him from being a strong prince. He may not have the physical traits, but his personality to win over others, kind-heartedness, and emotional strength make him one of the most admirable characters. Bojji has supernatural agility, can dodge attacks with ease, and showcases precision swordsmanship. While his father’s incredible strength helped him get the throne, Bojji desires to use his heart to reach that level.
7. King Bradley
- Anime: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
King Bradley was the first Homunculus created by the Father and was known as Wrath. He is the leader of Amestris and excels in swordsmanship and superhuman agility. King Bradley was injected with fragments of the Philosopher’s Stone and became the first Homunculus with a human soul. He is ruthless and has the Ultimate Eye, hidden with the eye patch. The Ultimate Eye helps him read movements and intentions, helping him act accordingly. King Bradley is not a regular antagonist but upholds cold determinism rather than believing in justice and peace. He is one of the most potent characters, with the ability to take on armies, and is rightly regarded as the embodiment of tyranny.
8. Ryomen Sukuna
- Anime: Jujutsu Kaisen
Ryomen Sukuna is the King of Curses, and his name is enough to instill fear within Jujutsu Sorcerers. He is a fusion of terror and fascination, who takes pleasure in killing, causing destruction, deceiving people, selfishness and arrogance. Originally born as a human, but too powerful a sorcerer for others to defeat. Even after his death, his soul was indestructible and was divided into 20 special-grade cursed objects (his fingers), earning him the title of King of Curses. Sukuna can use several types of sorcery, starting with the Reversed Cursed Technique, fire-based techniques, Doman Expansion, and, nonetheless, the Ten Shadows Technique. His self-obsession is second to none.
9. Gilgamesh
- Anime: Fate Series
King of the Heroes, Gilgamesh, is a complex character who is known for his arrogance and the ability to blur the fine lines between hero, villain, and god. Gilgamesh had human and god genes and battled fate itself to seek eternal life. The character is another example of self-obsession, seeing himself above others and believing kindness to be worthless. He bore a kingly personality and had a ruler’s mentality. One of the things that makes Gilgamesh a great character is his duality; he can be a lot of things. Even though his presence was overwhelming, there was loneliness residing within him.
10. Imu
- Anime: One Piece
Imu is the main antagonist of One Piece, who sits atop the World Government. They are the Supreme Being and are more than several centuries old. Even though their true identity is yet to be revealed, Imu’s Conqueror’s Haki can knock out strong giants, and the Domi Reversi technique can turn living beings into demons.
The character is untouchable and has been ruling the world since the Void Century. They are ruthless, and any signs of weakness from their peers will lead to instant death. Imu secretly sits on the Empty Throne, and there is no one to oppose. Imu has an ominous presence, and whatever philosophy the World Government has, or abilities that the Gorosei or God’s Knights possess, are all granted by the one at the pinnacle of the world.
Also Read: 7 Dad Protagonists in Anime Who Are Also the Heroes of Their Own Stories
Priyanko is currently pursuing his Master’s in Economics. He loves to read manga or watch anime in his spare time. He is a massive fan of One Piece, Naruto, and Haikyu. Amidst the Great Pirating Era, he wishes to become the greatest Hokage, even though he is short.
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