We’re sure you noticed;the superhero genreis quite prevalent these days. Between the Marvel and DC movies, as well as the exclusive streaming service content, theaters and small screens are overly occupied by capes and costumes. But while live-action films get most of the love and attention, some of the coolest and most creative entries in the superhero genre lately have been coming fromanime.
If you’re overwhelmed by staying in the same universe and are looking for a change of pace, or simply are among those who have never really checked out anime before but want to see what the medium can do with the genre, you definitely need to dive into some of the superhero anime mentioned in this list. From slapstick to emotionally complex, from futuristic todark and grim, anime has stories and tropes that raise the bar for entertainment.
20SSSS.Gridman
Following the traditional sentinel concept of living robots and protectors assigned to use them and save the country,SSSS.Gridmanis an incredible superhero mecha anime of recent times.
Through the eyes of Yuuta Hibiki, we are thrown into a setting where the protagonist has lost his memories and hears a strange voice coming from an old computer. He soon realizes that he has a newfound superpower to enter the computer and merge with Gridman, a Hyper Agent whose job is to fight off threats in the virtual world. Together, Yuuta and Gridman not only battle unseen threats but also get into intense fights with kaiju monsters and other forces plaguing the city. Although the anime is only 12 episodes, its visualization is so cool that you may easily breeze through the entire thing in one sitting.
19Astro Boy
Atrue classic– not just in the genre but in the generous world of anime itself –Astro Boyis adapted from the manga created by Osamu Tezuka. While the source has been refurbished several times since, it goes without saying that this ‘60s show about a young robot boy forging his own identity in a mechanical world is the pioneer of groundbreaking fun for all the ages. Apparently, after Dr Tenma loses his only son, Tobio, he creates a robotic version of him, and gives him superpowers and traits like empathy and kindness.
Astro may be created for combat but his boundless compassion hints there’s more to existence than one’s original design. With sharp animation and great use of its sci-fi setup, the anime sure remains a beloved one.
18A Certain Scientific Railgun
Set in a futuristic Tokyo, where Academy City is filled with students whose declared “Esper abilities” places them on different ranks in the society, we follow middle-schooler Misaka Mikoto. Despite not having a cool costume of flashy skills, Misaka triumphs in her ability to manipulate electricity and solve problems using deductions and agility. As the third strongest esper among seven “Level 5” espers, she rocks being pretty and formidable at the same time. That is until science seeks to break her.
20 Underrated Sci-Fi Anime Series
This list celebrates the science fiction anime series that haven’t yet received mainstream attention, but are still adored by small anime fan circles.
Strange malfunctions inside “Level Upper,” a supposed dystopian device used by espers in need, lead her to take charge. With friends by her side and lightning in her grasp, Misaka tackles oppressions and mysteries with gusto. Featuring epic superpower showdowns,A Certain Scientific Railgunis an anime worth watching.
17Vividred Operation
InVivid Operation, Kenjirou is one of the members of the team that invented the Manifestation Engine, a machine that has been a problem-solver for the people of Blue Island for five years. Kenjirou’s granddaughter, Akane Isshiki, is a cheerful and optimistic young girl who lives with him on the neighboring island of Izu Ooshima. With no trouble to touch them thanks to this powerful invention, the people live peacefully. Until their world is attacked by an alien species known as “Alone” and their rampage sends everyone into fear. Kenjirou grants Akanesuperpowers that can destroyAlone, and despite being new to the feeling, she embraces her role with an infectious smile.
Marvel’s Stan Lee has long influenced the comic book genre. But before he became synonymous with Hollywood’s largest studio, the legendary artist showcased his unmatchable talent inHeroman. The anime takes place in an alternate California, where Center City harbors a young, starry-eyed and kindhearted boy named Joseph Carter “Joey” Jones. Not being as well-off as the other rich kids in his school, Joey’s dream of owning the top-of-the-line toy robot named Heybo has always remained just a dream. But one day, Joey finds a broken Heybo in the alleyway, takes it home and restores it, only to have it struck by lightning and grow to life. Together, Joey and his giant robotic companion fight aliens known as Skrugg.
15Puella Magi Madoka Magica
Blending superhero and witchcraft into one phenomenal series,Puella Magi Madoka Magicais an anime that follows the titular Madoka Kaname and her friend Sayaka Miki as two harmless middle school girls who come across a cat-like magical student, Kyuubey. He grants the two girls a wish, but in exchange they must become magical girls known as Witches and possess superpowers to fulfill their destinies. The girls reluctantly accept the offer and their one wish, but in a city that hides nightmares, not all magic comes without cost. Through the eyes of thesewell-crafted heroines eager to do right, we confront excellent animation and profound truths.
14Samurai Flamenco
You’ve seen several underdog-turned-savior stories in Hollywood where an unassuming protagonist aspires to become a hero. Treading the same waters is Samurai Flamenco, a 22-episode anime centered around Masayoshi Hazama, a male model with no powers whatsoever, determined to redefine his life and bring peace and justice in his world. By only donning one costume and naming himselfSamurai Flamenco, Masayoshi transforms into a superhero and later finds humble camaraderie in policeman Hidenori Gotou. Together, the unlikely duo fights escalating dangers and gives commentary on heroics in this charming series.
13S-CRY-ed
S-CRY-ed(or Scryed) is a thrilling and unique sci-fi drama consisting of 26 episodes, and it is directed by Gorō Taniguchi. It takes on a similar premise and origin story as X-Men and introduces us to the “Lost Ground,” an isolated patch of land that emerged out of the Earth after a strange phenomenon cracked Japan open in two. Living in this mysterious part of the country for 22 years is Kazuma, who is willing to do any sort of work to sustain in the harsh environment of Lost Ground.
10 Times Fairytales Have Been Incorporated in Anime
Once upon an anime time, in a land far, far… well, on one’s streaming platform, fairy tales decided to crash the party!
Kazuma is also a “Native Alter User” and he possesses a superpower that allows him to plaster his right arm and torso with a metallic alloy. When he forms a rivalry with Ryuho, an elite member of a group that unleashes wrath upon Alter Users, the series turns actually compelling, visceral, and unpredictable.
12Cyborg 009
The popular 1960s manga has been revived several times, but among all the versions,Cyborg 009: The Cyborg Soldieris the most widely known anime, mainly because it aired on Cartoon Network’sToonamiback in the day. Filled with adventure and science fiction elements, this superhero anime centers around nine abductees who were transformed into cyborgs and assigned to fight evil. With varied abilities now in hand and the power of solidarity, these cyborgs band together to take down the evil terrorist organization, Black Ghost, and its responsible leader, Skull. The incredible CGI technique and emotive storytelling really elevatesthis beloved property into a memorable saga.
11Inuyashiki
Serialized from the manga written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku,Inuyashikiis a spectacular superhero anime that also dabbles in genres like mecha and science fiction, while making piercing comments on the use of technology and ageism. We follow Ichirou Inuyashiki, a 58-year-old family man who is crushed by the weight of negligence and indifference from his family, and only finds flickers of happiness when he’s with Hanako, an adopted Shiba Inu.
Despite being diagnosed with cancer, he receives no care or support from loved ones, leading to his ultimate breakdown. But then, Ichirou finds himself reborn as someone new. He has gained godlike abilities and a mechanized frame of body. He still looks like himself, but now Ichirou has a gift which he can use for good, be compassionate, and finally control his destiny.
