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The growing popularity of Japanese anime worldwide has been accompanied by a demand for more diverse characters, giving rise to some of the most iconic black characters in cartoons.
Black characters have become more popular both in Japan and abroad, particularly in recent decades, as the number of anime fans has grown.
Some mangakas, like Eichiro Oda, were far ahead of their time in integrating black characters into their works, paving the way for future creators.
More than a handful of small examples in lesser-known works, black characters can be found in the biggest anime franchises. Pioneers such as Tite Kubo and Masashi Kishimoto created memorable black characters in their respective series.
This set a precedent for a new generation of manga and anime creators who drew inspiration from these icons and created deep, multi-faceted characters.
The most iconic black cartoon characters are all shining examples of the diversity that now characterizes cartoons.
10. Killik Rung – Soul Eater
Soul Eater creator Atsushi Ohkubo conceived Killik because he felt that black characters were under-represented in anime.
Inspired by the main character in Kirikou and the Witch, Killik is one of Soul Eater’s coolest characters, not only because of his design, but also because of his personality.
He’s a gentle character, willing to risk his life for his friends. He’s also very strong, as he’s considered one of the three strongest students at the Death Weapon Meister academy. He’s an excellent fighter and one of Soul Eater’s most popular characters, even if he doesn’t get much screen time.
9. Carole Stanley – Carole And Tuesday
Carole Stanley is a modern black anime character who appeals to the younger generation. She’s a simple but stubborn girl trying to make ends meet in this cruel world.
She’s an orphan and needs a steady job to support herself, but her candor is the reason she’s fired from almost every job.
In the midst of all this chaos, including bullying at school, Carole dares to dream of becoming a musician. Carole Stanley is a rare gem in the slice-of-life genre, with a larger-than-life personality and the ambition to never back down.
8. Darui – Naruto: Shippuden
Darui was the 4th Raikage’s right-hand man and eventually succeeded him as 5th Raikage, making him an important character in Boruto. As commander of the first division of the Allied Forces, Darui played a crucial role in leading thousands of ninjas against the Akatsuki.
This confirmed Darui’s nature as a brilliant tactician capable of foreseeing threats before anyone else. A master of Kekkei Genkai, Water Style, Lightning Style and Water Style, Darui is one of Naruto’s strongest ninjas, and his exploits during the war cannot be overstated.
7. Muhammad Avdol – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
Anime fans may debate the animation style of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, but nothing beats the energetic character of Muhammad Avdol in Stardust Crusaders. At first, he may seem full of himself and very sensitive to appearances, but he turns out to be a useful ally.
Avdol may look over the top with his bizarre fashion choices and scarred face, but his character is more complex than he appears. He’s a good friend, a wise and sometimes obnoxious boss, but also a capable mentor. Avdol helped Jotaro Kujo in a delicate situation and was instrumental in eliminating Dio.
6. Afro Samurai – Afro Samurai
Afro Samurai is the main character in the series of the same name. After witnessing his father’s murder, Afro Samurai is driven by a desire for vengeance that drives him to spare no one and nothing in his quest.
His strength is impressive, and consistently ranks him among the best swordsmen in anime history. With his mastery of the sword, hand-to-hand combat skills and incredible stamina, Afro Samurai brings action to fans around the world.
5. Canary – Hunter X Hunter
Canary is an extremely popular black character, despite her limited screen time in Hunter X Hunter. As apprentice butler to the legendary assassin family, the Zoldycks, she is responsible for protecting the house from intruders.
The Zoldycks have great confidence in her abilities, as she has an important mission. Canary is kind but doesn’t show it, in order to be as intimidating as possible.
If she’s loyal to the Zoldyck family, she’s far more loyal to Killua. She lets Gon and his friends drop by and see Killua because she’s happy to see that Killua finally has a friend who cares about him as much as she does.
4. Killer Bee – Naruto Shippuden
The multi-sword-wielding, rapping Jinchuriki is an iconic Naruto Shippuden fan favorite. As the host of the 8 Tails, Killer Bee is an integral part of the story, having taught Naruto to control his inner 9-Tailed Demon.
Without his advice, Naruto would have died long ago and the war would have been lost. He brings a comic touch to the series, but quickly abandons this role to take on the most powerful enemies. He almost killed Sasuke when he was attacked, fought the reincarnated Pain and has many other achievements to his credit.
3. Yoruichi Shihoin – Bleach
Yoruichi is an extremely accomplished and powerful character in Bleach, from a noble family, but her humble and relaxed attitude made fans fall in love with her.
Known as Flash Goddess, she was the former captain of Squad 2 and former commander of the Stealth Unit. She has retired from her job as a soul reaper and hangs around Urahara in her cat form.
Although she prefers a laid-back lifestyle, she doesn’t hesitate to help her former comrades. Yoruichi has appeared in every major Bleach arc, and plays a key role in the Thousand-Year Blood War arc.
2. Atsuko Jackson – Michiko & Hatchin
Atsuko Jackson is the perfect embodiment of a black woman, beautiful, confident and capable of making arrests, and changing her life for the better.
Although she grew up in the same orphanage as Michiko, Atsuko strived for a career in the police and often helped Michiko out of tricky situations.
Atsuko Jackson is an exciting character, especially her appearance, which is both unique and precise. She’s a complex, well-written character who starts out as an antagonist, but whose many aspects are revealed, which will surprise the audience.
1. Michiko Malandro – Michiko & Hatchin
On social networks everywhere, anime fans will see Michiko used as a profile photo, even if the user isn’t an anime fan. Her striking design makes her an instantly recognizable character, but a closer look reveals just how awesome she is.
Although loud, jealous and somewhat arrogant, few can hope to match Michiko’s level of kindness and loyalty. She flies to the aid of her loved ones, cares for many orphans and shows them what a parental figure looks like, and escapes from prison to find her lover.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected thanks to social media and the internet, fans can expect to see more diverse characters appearing in the cartoons they love. The most iconic black cartoon characters have generated a wave of support and demand for greater diversity in cartoons.
As the number of anime and manga titles increases every year, so does the representation of black characters, but also characters of all kinds.
The anime’s most emblematic black characters are standard-bearers, proving just how much minds have opened up in recent years.
