The superhero genre is traditionally associated with comics and North American productions, with icons such as Superman, Batman and the Avengers dominating both the page and the screen.
However, Japan has also developed its own tradition in this field, bringing the characteristic style of anime to the universe of heroes.
In this article we will highlight 10 anime that explore the theme of superheroes, combining elements familiar to Western audiences with the unmistakable style of Japanese animation.
10 superhero anime to watch streaming
My academic world of heroes
Considered the greatest current exponent of the genre, “My Hero Academia” presents a world in which 80% of the population possesses special powers, called quirks. In this scenario, young people train in specialized schools to become professional heroes.
However, young Midoriya is one of the few to be born without abilities. His life changes when he receives the power of the legendary All Might, the greatest hero of all time. From then on, he will have to constantly improve himself to live up to the legacy he has inherited.
The fist man
Originally created as a webmanga, “One Punch Man” has become a global phenomenon. The work satirizes the clichés of comic book and anime heroes by presenting Saitama, a man so powerful that he can defeat any enemy with a single punch.
The humor arises precisely from the contrast between his extraordinary strength and the monotonous life he leads. Get ready for lots of comedy and epic battles.
Eromeno
A collaboration between Japanese studio Bones (responsible for anime like “Fullmetal Alchemist” and “My Hero Academia”) and the legendary Stan Lee (Marvel’s former editor-in-chief and chief creative mind), “Heroman” follows Joey Jones, an orphaned boy who lives with his grandmother on the West Coast.
Dreaming of becoming a hero, he wishes to have a Heybo robot, but cannot afford it. His luck changes when he finds a broken model, which he names Heroman. After being hit by a mysterious ray, the toy comes to life and transforms into a giant robot.
Together, Joey and Heroman become Earth’s last defense against the Skrugg aliens, accidentally brought by the boy’s science teacher.
Love after world domination
Not all superhero anime need to be just about epic battles. “Love After World Domination” mixes romance and comedy by telling the story of Red Gelato of the hero team Gelato 5, who falls in love with Princess Grim Reaper of the evil Gekko organization.
Despite having no sentimental experience, the two begin to secretly meet, experiencing romantic and fun moments, always with the suspense that their forbidden relationship may be discovered.
The series plays with both the stereotypes of superhero stories and those of the tokusatsu genre (from productions such as Kamen Rider and Ultraman).
Go go loser Ranger!
Inspired by the colorful Super Sentai teams, “Go Go Loser Ranger!” presents a creative twist: after years of fighting heroes, a private from the evil army decides to infiltrate the vigilantes to get revenge.
Thirteen years earlier, the evil and evil army attempted to invade Earth, facing the team of Divine Dragon Rangers (or Dragon Keepers). Despite being defeated, the surviving soldiers are forced to reenact their defeat by the heroes every Sunday in front of a crowd.
Tired of the charade, one of them decides to rebel, planning to defeat the Dragon Keepers from within the organization. The series subverts traditional superhero conventions and offers a critical and creative look at heroes.
Concrete revolution
With stylized and experimental animation, “Concrete Revolutio” mixes superheroes, kaiju, magic and science fiction, chronicling several decades of Japan.
After the year of Apotheosis 41 (1966 AD), Earth is home to superhumans and paranormal phenomena. The Japanese government keeps this information secret and creates the “Superhuman Department” to monitor and, if necessary, eliminate threats. Jiro Hitoyoshi, a member of the Department, recruits new superhumans.
Five years later, Jiro becomes a fugitive, pursued by those he helped recruit, as society grapples with corruption, conflicts of justice, and the delicate balance between humans and superhumans.
Batman Ninja
In this animated film with an anime aesthetic, the Dark Knight is transported to feudal Japan along with his allies and enemies. The character designs were done by Takashi Okazaki, the creator of the “Afro Samurai” anime.
In the first film, Batman, his allies and adversaries are sent from modern Gotham City to feudal Japan, where each villain takes control of a region.
Batman Ninja vs. the Yakuza League
In the second movie of the ninja version of Batman, the Batman family returns to the present and discovers that Japan has disappeared, transforming into a floating island called Hinomoto.
The country is currently dominated by the super-powered Yakuza reminiscent of the Justice League. Now Batman and his allies must save Gotham from a new threat.
Suicide Squad: Isekai
Following the same logic of cultural fusion, “Suicide Squad: Isekai” transports DC Comics’ famous team of villains into a medieval fantasy world.
Produced by Wit Studio (“Attack on Titan”), the series reinvents characters such as Harley Quinn, Peacemaker and Gunslinger in a setting full of swords, dragons, magic and fantastic creatures.
Tied to bombs around their necks, the bad guys must survive and get involved in local conflicts to complete their missions, facing challenges that mix action, adventure and classic elements of the genre. isekai.
Tiger and bunny
In “Tiger & Bunny,” heroism is treated as a media spectacle. Heroes act in front of cameras, sponsored by large companies and compete for points in a televised leaderboard, broadcast on Hero TV.
The story is set in Sternbild, a city full of people with extraordinary abilities. Some use their powers for good, but now they must balance their heroic missions with the need to promote brands and earn points toward the title of “King of Heroes.”
The protagonist duo, Barnaby Brooks Jr. and Kotetsu Kaburagi, tackle crimes while facing ethical dilemmas and the fine line between being a true hero and simply a celebrity.
The 10 Superhero Anime to Watch Streaming appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
