Overview of Necromancers in Anime
- Narratives featuring necromancers like Malvekanth, Phanora, and Dratena introduce an eerie yet fascinating dynamic to anime worlds.
- Characters such as Johann Faust VIII and Dr. Franken illustrate varied approaches to the art of reanimating the deceased.
- Esteemed necromancers like Ainz Ooal Gown and Orochimaru stand out for their extraordinary capabilities in the resurrection arts.
Narratives involving necromancers often explore the theme of life and death, as these characters possess the power to communicate with and resurrect the deceased. While this may diminish audience emotional investment in fallen characters, necromancers remain integral and captivating figures in numerous anime series.
Their ability to raise armies of undead minions often satisfies viewer curiosity about their dark powers. Frequently seen as one-person armies, necromancers evoke a sense of fear due to their enigmatic mastery of magical and supernatural forces.
As updated on February 8, 2025, by Oluwatokiloba Folami, necromancers have solidified their status as fascinating characters in anime. Whether portrayed as villains, anti-heroes striving for redemption, or benevolent figures using their powers for good, these characters enrich their narratives with an intriguing blend of horror and moral complexity.
27. Malvekanth
My One-Hit Kill Sister
In the anime My One-Hit Kill Sister, Malvekanth, a necromancer, first appears in episode nine. His misguided belief that Kilmaria, a former demon general, is still loyal to the Demon Lord leads him to attack a village.
Despite his power to summon the dead and command them, Malvekanth faces Kilmaria and meets his demise as she effortlessly defeats him to safeguard the village.
26. Phanora Kristoffel
The Witch and the Beast
The Witch And The Beast narrates the journey of Guideau and Ashaf, agents of The Order of Magical Resonance, who endeavor to investigate supernatural phenomena. Amongst their ranks is Phanora, a Profound Witch, whose commanding presence adds depth to the storyline.
A serious character who wields the ability to manipulate the dead, Phanora’s expertise provides a deeper understanding of magic’s true nature in a universe where power often demands a price.
25. Dratena Belbury
Bogus Skill “Fruitmaster”: About That Time I Became Able to Eat Unlimited Numbers of Skill Fruits (That Kill You)
| Japanese Title | Hazure Skill “Kinomi Master”: A skill that will make you want to die. |
|---|---|
| Number of Episodes | 12 |
| Studio | Asahi Production |
This series centers around Light, who discovers he can consume more than one skill fruit, a feat believed to be fatal. However, a different character steals the spotlight—Dratena, who possesses the forbidden skill of necromancy.
Dratena’s remarkable ability to manipulate corpses and undead beings via magical threads positions her as Light’s most formidable adversary, adding intensity to the plot.
24. Enya Geil
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders
Distinct from many necromancers, Enya utilizes her Stand, Justice, to control corpses. By inflicting even minor wounds, she enables Justice to take over a victim’s body, as it is capable of entering through the injury.
This unique capability allows Enya to manipulate both dead and living beings under specific circumstances, showcasing a duality in her mastery of necromancy.
23. Medea
Fate/Stay Night
Medea stands out as the Caster in the Fate series, known for her advanced use of magic and necromancy. After experiencing multiple betrayals, she incorporates dark magic into her skillset, enabling her to raise dragon tooth warriors with ease.
Her use of these warriors for combat illustrates the complex interplay of allegiance and revenge in the narrative.
22. John Faust VIII
Shaman King
Johann Faust VIII, a dedicated physician turned necromancer, became disillusioned after a personal tragedy. In his relentless pursuit to revive his deceased wife, he mastered necromancy by animating the remains with the spirits of the departed.
His journey raises questions of obsession and the ethical implications of tampering with life and death.
21. Kabuto
Naruto Shippuden
Kabuto initially lacked necromantic abilities but relentlessly pursued power, mastering reanimation techniques to establish himself as a formidable figure. By refining the performances of earlier practitioners, he made significant advancements in the technique.
His most notable contribution includes the resurrection of Madara with tailored enhancements, showcasing his expertise in reanimating beings beyond mere lifeless forms.
20. Tobirama
Naruto
Tobirama, the second Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village, is renowned for his necromantic technique, Edo Tensei. This complex method requires both the subject’s DNA and a living sacrifice, a unique twist on traditional necromancy.
This ability, along with his other skills, establishes Tobirama as a potent figure in the Naruto universe with a rich tapestry of lore surrounding life, death, and sacrifice.
19. Sung Jin-Woo
Solo Leveling
Entering the anime realm in January 2024, although the adaptation remains in its infancy, viewers familiar with the Solo Leveling manhwa are aware of Sung Jin-Woo’s transformative journey from a weak hunter to a formidable necromancer.
With his ‘Arise’ skill, Sung Jin-Woo can effortlessly reanimate the dead, turning them into his combat subordinates, promising a thrilling evolution as the series unfolds.
18. Adalmann
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime
Among Rimuru Tempest’s loyal disciples, Adalmann possesses substantial necromantic capabilities. Armed with the Necronomicon, also known as the Book of the Dead, Adalmann conjures powerful spells that manipulate the deceased.
His dedication to Rimuru and command over an undead army add an interesting dimension to his character, emphasizing loyalty amidst dark powers.
17. Eri Nakamura
Arifureta: From Commonplace to the World’s Strongest
Initially presenting as shy, Eri Nakamura reveals her darker side as the series develops. A skilled necromancer, Eri showcases her command over the dead, inflicting her traumatic past onto the puppets she creates.
Her manipulation of her undead allies reflects her complex, often troubling character, further accentuating themes of betrayal and control.
16. Dr. Franken
Lupin III
On his adventurous path, Arsène Lupin III encounters Dr. Frank N. Stein, an unconventional necromancer reminiscent of the original Frankenstein. Unlike traditional sorcery, Dr. Franken utilizes a serum to hypnotize corpses into obedience.
This unconventional method of control adds complexity to his character as a self-identified zombie who continually hypnotizes himself to maintain his existence.
15. Sports Max
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean
Sports Max, the villain in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stone Ocean, wields the Stand Limp Bizkit, granting him the power to resurrect the dead and summon aggressive spirits to carry out his commands.
His unique ability to raise the dead while keeping them invisible is a fascinating twist that adds suspense and unpredictability to the storyline.
14. Giselle Gewelle
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War
In the Thousand-Year Blood War arc of Bleach, Giselle Gewelle is notable for her power, ‘The Zombie’, which allows her to control individuals splattered with her blood. Those affected become her puppets, compelled to follow her commands.
When it comes to Quincies, her powers differ, as they must be deceased first. Once they die, she can reactivate their abilities, adding layers to her control over life and death.
13. Keyes
Fairy Tail
In the dark guild Tartaros, necromancer Keyes served as a member of the formidable Nine Demon Gates. His ability to resurrect corpses made him a significant threat, able to reanimate vast numbers that became loyal to his will.
Though these undead beings were not permanent, Keyes’s formidable dark abilities positioned him as a pivotal character driven by sinister motivations.
12. Yuuka Sasaki
Talentless Nana
In the world of Talentless Nana, Yuuka Sasaki masquerades as a girl with super strength, but her true talent lies in necromancy. Her ability to control corpses relies on possessing items from the deceased, and she can allow them to utilize their previous powers.
Yet, her necromantic capabilities are limited to nighttime, adding a compelling narrative twist and a struggle for Yuuka to maintain her facade.
11. Evangeline A. K.McDowell
With darkness!
Evangeline A. K.McDowell is an ancient vampire with a youthful appearance, originally an antagonist in Negima! Even though she initially confronted protagonist Negi Springfield, her arc evolves as she aids his quest.
Evangeline’s mastery of necromancy showcases her power; combined with her ability to manipulate others, she earns the title of Doll or Puppet Master.
10. Beldia
KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World!
Beldia serves as a general for the demon king in the KonoSuba series, where his mission intertwines with the show’s protagonists. His distinctive ability, ‘Undead Knights Summoning, ’ enables him to conjure undead soldiers for combat.
Despite limitations on their commands, Beldia’s prowess in necromancy positions him as a formidable foe, highlighting the complexity of his character.
9. Eucliwood Hellscythe
Is This A Zombie?
In the anime Is This a Zombie?, after being murdered, Ayumu Aikawa is resurrected by the powerful necromancer Eucliwood Hellscythe, who possesses a quiet but overwhelming presence.
Eu’s unique power allows her to manipulate reality through her words, leading her to resurrect Ayumu to live with her and explore the implications of life after death.
8th wheel
Black Clover
Rades Spirito serves as a notable antagonist in Black Clover, shining in the realm of necromancy. His Soul Corpse Magic allows him to engulf dead bodies with his mana to resurrect them.
Though largely reanimating weaker corpses, Rades demonstrates potential by summoning powerful beings later in the series, emphasizing a classic approach to necromancy.
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