Summary
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Ranma has a gender-bending curse from cold water.
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Goku returns as a child in the new Dragon Ball series.
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Deku's epic battle with Shigaraki in the final saga of MHA.
Anime fans had a great year in 2024, and with a myriad of incredible series debuting or continuing this year, fans got to see many interesting and compelling male characters, old and new.
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From old beloved anime, to new releases, there was no shortage of interesting characters in these stories. Here are some of the best male characters seen in anime this year, 2024.
10
Ranma Saotome
A boy with the ability to change gender
Ranma is the main character of Rumiko Takabashi's popular series Ranma 1/2. This series recently came out in 2024 through a new adaptation, bringing it to light for many younger anime watchers.
Although Ranma is male, he received a curse by accident during his training journey. This curse causes him to transform into a girl when he comes into contact with cold water. He can transform back into a boy if he comes in contact with hot water.
9
Kafka Hibino
Protagonist of Kaiju n. 8
Kafka Hibino is the protagonist of one of the new series released in 2024, Kaiju No.8. Kafka had big dreams, especially to join the Third Division Bureau to eliminate all Kaiju. However, he makes use of the power of a Kaiju, after one invaded his body and gave him some amazing abilities.
Despite all this, Kafka is still a klutz, with some very childish personality traits. It's interesting to watch and fans are waiting for what he does next Kaiju No.8.
8
Goku
A legendary anime protagonist returns
This year, Dragon Ball fans got something new Dragon Ball series, Dragon Ball Daima. This means that fan-favorite protagonist Goku has made a grand return in this new story. This was a treat for fans, especially after Toriyama's sad death.
In this new Dragon Ball story, Goku, along with Vegeta and others, is actually transformed into a child. The return of Goku, especially as a child, was certainly a hit of nostalgia for many fans of the original Dragon Ball anime.
7
Garp
The hero of the marines
One piecedespite being on hiatus right now, it had an incredible run in 2024. This year, the anime was in the Egghead story arc, and most of it was pretty incredible. One of the most important male characters during this story arc was none other than Garp, a legendary member of the Marines and Luffy's grandfather.
Garp gave an incredible display of his strength as he infiltrated Blackbeard's territory to free Koby. Garp showed his superior strength but was ultimately defeated.
6
Deku
His run in the final war is legendary
With MHA reaching its final saga in the anime, it's no surprise that many of its characters are getting incredible moments to shine. The final war is currently underway and Deku will finally clash with Shigaraki.
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Fans will have to wait until next season to see how everything really plays out, but regardless, Deku has proven to be an amazing main character and fans can't wait to see what's in store for him in the final season.
5
Okarun
An alien fanatic
Dandan is one of the best anime to come out this year, and definitely for good reason. The anime is packed with amazing storytelling and action. The main male character of the anime is none other than Okarun, an alien fanatic.
Despite his frail appearance, Okarun is actually a rather impressive individual, particularly thanks to his ability to utilize Turbo Granny's powers. He and Momo make a formidable team and his story sees him become one of the best male characters this year.
4
Bakugo
The explosive hero
Bakugo has come a long way since the beginning of MHA. Although he started out as a petty bully, Bakugo has developed greatly as a character since then. He had some incredible moments during MHA the last season, season 7, aired this year in 2024.
In this season, Bakugo faced the main antagonist of the entire series, Shigaraki. However, although he fought well, the fight ended in tragedy for him, with Shigaraki dealing a fatal blow to Bakugo.
3
Himmel
Himmel the hero
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Anime: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Frieren was a huge success as an anime this year, being one of the most talked about anime. Himmel was the catalyst of the story, having a lot of weight in the plot, despite being an already deceased character. Even though Himmel wasn't present, everywhere in the story and throughout Frieren's adventure, fans can see his impact on her.
Himmel was an interesting character when he was alive and even after death. Frieren's character grew as much as he did because of him.
2
Jinshi
The beautiful eunuch from Apothecary Diaries
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Anime: Apothecary's Diaries
Apothecary's diaries is one of the funniest anime released this year and Jinshi is the most important character in this anime after Maomao. He is presented as a beautiful eunuch, with many secrets up his sleeve. His relationship with Maomao is quite endearing to fans.
Jinshi's personality makes him quite a fun character, and fans are definitely looking forward to his return early next year in season two.
1
Luffy
A new Yonko of the sea
One piece always has something interesting to do. This year, the anime covered a good portion of the Egghead Island story arc, before taking a break until 2025. This, however, was enough for Luffy to get some time to shine.
While it's hard to top last year's Wano arc, Luffy still had some wonderful moments, like his rematch with an old man One piece antagonist, Rob Lucci. This fight allowed fans to see how much Luffy has grown since Enies Lobby.
