Anime Villains We Just Love To Hate
Over the years, there have been some of the most iconic and diabolical anime villains that have left a lasting impression on viewers of all ages. From the roots of shonen cartoon animation to the present day, these characters are set apart by their menacing personalities, motivations, and schemes, and as such, many people have become infatuated and captivated by the various villainous characters that have made their presence within numerous anime series.
The following article is set to outline some of the most popular and nefarious anime villains that have withstood the test of time and have been revered as some of the most menacing antagonists in the series that they appear in.
Serpico, The Demon Swordsman
The first villain on the list is Serpico from the anime series Berserk. Serpico is a former Nobleman who first served as a guard for the Band of the Hawk, and was eventually led down his own trail of destruction once the God Hand had their corruptive sway over his mind. Serpiko stands out as a villain because of his lucidity, moral code, and his tendency to fight with a single sword. His intense and mysterious presence, coupled with his strong sense of loyalty to his former master and only to the God Hand, makes Serpico stand out among anime supervillains. To his enemies, his power comes off as terrifying and his presence on screen is one of the most unforgettable scenes in the Berserk franchise.
Light Yagami, The Ultimate Mad Genius
Light Yagami from Death Note is another oft-cited iconic villain from the world of anime. He is the brilliant student who found the eponymous Death Note and makes a masterful attempt to re-shape the world by killing off criminals. His ambition, intelligence, and drive to cause destruction made him one of the most memorable antagonists in the series, and one that viewers from around the world would love to hate. His sick obsession with justice often leads him to immoral decisions, making him quite a complex character. Ultimately, Light Yagami’s ultimate plan failed and is the source of much of the show’s tension.
Mustang, The Unstoppable Conqueror
Mustang, from Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, is an ambitious and villainous villain who’s desire to bring ruin to anything in his way is admirable. Mustang follows the path of a conqueror, and his ambition is so ravenous that he doesn’t care what or who stands in his way. He seeks to be the ruler of Amestris and take control of the entire Country, while his cunningness and cruelty make him such a memorable and formidable enemy. His manipulations of people and his ability to twist events to his advantage are the fundamental elements that make Mustang stand out from other villains.
The Overlord, The Everlasting Worm
The Overlord from Overlord is another highly recognizable and diabolical character. The Overlord is an ancient, powerful being with the ability to take control of people’s bodies and exercise complete power over them. He is a cold and calculating enemy, and his schemes and ambitions cause destruction and chaos throughout the series. He is one of the most powerful and hated villains in the series and sets himself apart from others with his dark and unyielding nature.
The villains mentioned in this article represent some of the most iconic, diabolical, and memorable antagonists to ever exist in the world of anime. They embody aspects of the various series that they are in and stand out in their own way. From their motivations to their interactions with other characters and more, they each have their own unique sense of being and show why they are so loved, and more importantly, why they are so hated.