Anime possesses an extraordinary ability to engage viewers emotionally, allowing us to forge deep connections with its characters. We share in their victories and sorrows, and, on occasion, we may even find ourselves applauding the demise of particularly heinous characters. These moments are not merely about bloodshed; they represent a profound sense of narrative justice when evildoers receive their due.
Significant character deaths transcend mere violence; they serve as pivotal moments of narrative fulfillment. The manner of these passing often mirrors the character’s greatest transgressions, providing much-needed closure for both the characters and the audience who have been invested in their stories. In this article, we will explore some of the most impactful character demises in anime history.
8. The Hand Demon
Demon Slayer
For many years, the Hand Demon stalked the secluded forests veiled in wisteria during the Final Selection in Demon Slayer, where he hunted aspiring demon slayers. His insatiable thirst for revenge drove him to target Sakonji Urokodaki, the Water Hashira who captured him and condemned him to his tragic existence. In his twisted logic, eliminating every student trained by Urokodaki would be a fitting retaliation.
Among his many victims was Sabito, the most formidable of Urokodaki’s previous apprentices. The Hand Demon reveled in mocking Sabito’s visage until he crossed paths with Tanjiro. This time, he was mistaken; Tanjiro was not just another nameless challenger. Fueled by the memories of fallen comrades, Tanjiro unleashed his vengeance, swiftly severing the demon’s neck and ending a decades-long nightmare.
7. Envy
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Among the grim figures in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Envy stands out as one of the most contemptible homunculi. His ability to shapeshift allowed him to prey on human emotions and deceive easily, with his most nefarious act being the murder of the beloved Maes Hughes. Disguised as Hughes’ wife, Envy delivered the fatal blow, igniting a wave of grief that cemented him as a loathed character.
The scales of justice eventually tipped when Roy Mustang uncovered the truth. Enraged, Mustang unleashed his fury, scorching Envy repeatedly until he lay exposed as a pitiful creature, devoid of his former deceptions. In a poignant twist, Envy shattered his own Philosopher’s Stone, unable to endure the very pity he sought to dismiss.
6. Charles and Marianne VI Britannia
Code Geass
Code Geass delivered a shocking revelation when Lelouch learned that his presumed deceased mother, Marianne, was complicit with his father, Emperor Charles. Their plot aimed to create a collective consciousness, sacrificing individuality for a greater cause, which highlighted their grotesque selfishness.
The satisfaction in their end came as Lelouch, who distanced himself from their ideology, used his Geass at its zenith to instruct the collective to advance in defiance of his parents’ vision. Their dissolution captured a profound irony; they, who regarded humanity as merely expendable, were eradicated by the very son they underestimated, symbolizing the triumph of free will over oppressive conformity.
5. Gross
Attack On Titan
In the world of Attack on Titan, few antagonists are as reviled as Sergeant Major Gross from the Marley military. His sadistic cruelty towards Eldians, especially children, culminated in a satisfying reckoning when he met his demise.
Gross’s horrific act of feeding Faye, the sister of Grisha Yeager, to dogs showcased his twisted pleasure in torment. This malevolence initiated the chain of events that propelled Grisha’s revolutionary spirit. Ultimately, as Gross made his victims watch their comrades transform into mindless Titans, his own creations turned against him in a delicious twist of fate.
In his final moments, Gross, who previously championed the dehumanization of others, crumbled in despair, desperately pleading for leniency. His end serves as a stark reminder that those who refuse to acknowledge the humanity in others often find themselves blind to their own.
4. Creole Mado
Tokyo Ghoul
Kureo Mado, a relentless investigator in Tokyo Ghoul, fueled by a singular obsession to exterminate ghouls, displayed an utter lack of compassion. His brutality was epitomized in his actions against Hinami’s family, particularly the merciless murder of her mother, which left Hinami a traumatized orphan.
Hinami ultimately sought vengeance, delivering the final blow to Mado. His death was marked by a chilling realization: he expressed no regret, only satisfaction in the thought of continuing his legacy through his protégé, Amon. Mado’s dismissal of the innocence he obliterated encapsulates a bitter irony as he succumbed to the world he sought to erase.
3. Danzo Shimura
Naruto Shippuden
Danzo Shimura embodied the opportunistic nature of power, believing him to be Konoha’s rightful ruler, operating from shadows while causing immense damage. His involvement in the Uchiha Massacre and manipulations reflected a life steeped in misguided ambitions for control.
Even in his final confrontation with Sasuke, his reliance on stolen abilities underscored his treachery. As he fell, Danzo’s futile attempt to execute a desperate counterattack revealed his true nature; he could not escape the consequences of his actions, leaving a legacy of betrayal behind.
2. King Sweyn
Vinland Saga
Vinland Saga starkly portrays the brutality of Viking-era Europe, with King Sweyn of Denmark epitomizing the corruptive nature of authority. His demise resonates through the series’ exploration of power and manipulation, as he treated others as mere pawns in his ruthless schemes.
As Askeladd deftly executed his plan to slay Sweyn, it was more than an act of vengeance; it was a strategic move to secure a future for Canute and Wales. The dramatic fall of Sweyn, shocked to discover that he had lost control of his own game, signifies a crucial pivot away from violence, emphasizing sacrifice over self-interest.
1. Cell
Dragon Ball Z
The saga surrounding Cell in Dragon Ball Z culminated in one of the series’ most iconic and emotionally charged deaths. After achieving his ‘perfect form, ’ Cell became a symbol of unrestrained arrogance, orchestrating a tournament to showcase his vast superiority.
Ultimately, Gohan, not Goku, inherited the honor of vanquishing Cell, representing a passing of the torch and the culmination of Gohan’s potential. The emotional build-up surrounding Cell’s downfall unfolds through heartfelt sacrifices, such as those made by Android 16 and Goku, whose legacy inspired the final climactic stand.
Cell’s second defeat, following his self-detonation, not only rendered his previous claims of invincibility null and void but also symbolized the enduring power of familial bonds. The father-son Kamehameha that obliterated Cell encapsulated not just a visually spectacular moment but also a thematic resolution, underscoring the reality that even those claiming to be perfect can be conquered by love and determination.
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