GREATEST ANIME CHARACTERS EVER— COO EDITION.

What’s good, Otaku?

Two weeks ago, we welcomed a new member to the Animatrix team. 

For one of his first official acts as an executive, he decided to give a list of his favorite anime/manga characters, a selection of the most inspiring anime characters to ever grace our screens. 

So, here we are.

This is a list of the greatest anime characters, per our Chief Operating Officer. 

USOPP. 

Despite the fact that Usopp is a liar, how he still tries every single day to become a brave warrior of the sea is admirable. A true man of valor. He doesn’t let his fears or flaws define him; instead, he keeps pushing forward. That inspires me deeply. Even if I have faults, even if I fall short sometimes, I want to keep trying to become a man of honour who stands for something real.

YOICHI ISAGI.

Isagi showed me that egoism is not always a bad thing. Sometimes, believing in yourself and putting your ambition first is exactly what you need to grow. No one can suppress a true ego that is built on purpose and self-awareness. I want to be able to look someone in the eyes knowing fully well that they may be better than me and still confidently say that I will surpass them. Not out of arrogance, but out of determination and belief in my own potential.

ALL MIGHT.

All Might was known as a symbol of hope. He is someone who stands tall, even when he’s falling apart, knowing fully well that he gave everything he had. That kind of strength,the strength to keep going despite your limits is something I truly respect. We all would love to be someone who can give their all, no matter the situation, and stand proud knowing we did our best.

ICHIGO KUROSAKI.

As an elder brother, Ichigo is the perfect model of what it means to protect and care. He’s not perfect, but he always strives to stand strong for the people he loves. That sense of responsibility and quiet strength is something we all should strive to achieve. I want to be someone others can rely on—someone who protects, supports, and never backs down when it truly matters.

MONKEY D. LUFFY.

The kind of person who dares me to dream bigger than my current reality. Even when I feel small or limited, he reminds me that dreams aren’t measured by where you are now, but by how far you’re willing to go. His fearless pursuit of his goals inspires me to think beyond my circumstances and believe that greatness is possible if I refuse to give up.

TAKASHI MITSUYA

Despite being a gang member, Mitsuya showed me that people are not defined by one label. Not everyone is cut from the same cloth. He balanced strength with kindness, discipline with compassion. He was a great student and a genuinely good person at heart. That reminds me that no matter the environment I’m in, I can still choose to be kind, responsible, and true to myself. 

TANJIRO KAMADO.

His honesty is so pure and unwavering, and it pushes one to reflect on one's self and strive to become a better person every single day. The way he stays kind even in a cruel world reminds me that strength isn’t just power, it’s character.

ARTHUR LEYWIN.

Despite being a near-perfect mage with immense power, he never let pride consume him. He stayed grounded, remembered where he came from, and carried his past with humility. That teaches one that no matter how far you go in life, never lose yourself or forget your roots.

SHIKAMARU NARA

This character teaches a powerful truth— no matter who you are, there are responsibilities only you can carry. Even if you feel lazy, even if you don’t feel like moving, life still demands action. Shikamaru shows that being laid-back doesn’t mean being useless; it means being efficient, smart, and stepping up when it truly matters. 

NARUTO UZUMAKI

He represents relentless drive,the kind that refuses to quit no matter how hard things get. Moving toward your goals isn’t just about effort, it’s about choosing the right path even when it’s difficult. I believe in staying true to my goals, standing firm through obstacles, and never betraying my own word. Because at the end of the day, what defines me isn’t just what I want to achieve but the kind of person I become while chasing it. I choose to be someone of discipline, honesty, and unshakable integrity. 

ALUCARD.

More than just a powerful vampire, he's a character that reflects real human struggles and growth. 

He lived between two worlds : human and vampire. His story shows that it's perfectly okay to be different and that your uniqueness can be your strength, not your weakness. He chooses compassion, even though he comes from a dark and violent background. Realistically it doesn't matter our past or environment. This can't be used to define who we become in the nearest future, it's always a choice! 

LEVI ACKERMAN.

He is not just the "strongest soldier" of humanity and the major reason he’s mych different from the pack isn't sheer strength alone. It's his mindset. 

Levi represents discipline,control and quiet resilience in a world that constantly falls apart.

Wasn't born into greatness, grew up in harsh conditions surrounded by loss, violence and survival. Unlike flashy heroes, he doesn't rely on speeches or emotions. He relies on getting the job done, precision, hardwork and consistency. He doesn't need to be loud to be respected. His presence alone teaches discipline and that's a leader.