10 Most Iconic Black Anime Characters

The world of anime is bursting with charming characters, and black representation is steadily growing. Are you searching for iconic black anime characters to add to your watchlist? Look no further! This article explores the 10 best black anime characters, spotlighting their unique personalities, and great abilities.

From the courageous Michiko Malandro to the rapping powerhouse Killer Bee, this list showcases the diversity and strength of black characters in anime. Discover new favourites, revisit old friends, and celebrate the impact these characters have on the anime industry!

10 Most Iconic Black Anime Characters

Here is a listing of the 10 most iconic black anime characters.

Michiko Malandro

• Anime: Michiko & Hatchin (2008)
• Creator Name: Sayonara Hayashi
• Abilities: Expert fighter, sharpshooter, resourceful, quick wit

Michiko is a firecracker of a character, also known as Sexy Diva. A strong black anime character and a black protagonist, she escapes prison determined to find her lost love. Her impulsive nature clashes with Hatchin, a young girl she rescues, but together they embark on a thrilling road trip across a fictional South American country. Looking for black characters in anime to watch? Michiko & Hatchin is a must-see for its unique story, stunning animation, and unforgettable characters.

Afro Samurai

• Anime: Afro Samurai (2007)
• Creator Name: Takashi Okazaki (inspired by the manga by Hiroyuki Takei)
• Abilities: Master swordsman, superhuman strength and durability

One of the most popular black anime characters, Afro Samurai is a ronin warrior fueled by rage. Fueled by a desire for revenge, he carves a bloody path across a futuristic world. This intense and visually striking anime showcases Afro’s iconic journey.

Yoruichi Shihouin

• Anime: Bleach (2004)
• Creator Name: Tite Kubo
• Abilities: Shunpo (high-speed movement), Hakuda (hand-to-hand combat), master strategist

Don’t underestimate Yoruichi Shihouin! This badass black female anime character is a captain in the Gotei 13, a force dedicated to protecting the living from evil spirits. A skilled fighter with a playful personality, Yoruichi showcases her strength and strategic mind throughout the series.

Killer Bee

• Anime: Naruto: Shippuden (2007)
• Creator Name: Masashi Kishimoto
• Abilities: Jinchuriki (powerful tailed beast sealed within), rapping, exceptional swordsman

Killer Bee is a powerhouse! This popular black anime character is the jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails, a giant octopus sealed within him granting him immense power. A laid-back yet formidable ninja with a unique ability to rap while fighting, Killer Bee becomes a valuable ally to Naruto.

Canary

• Anime: Hunter x Hunter (2011)
• Creator Name: Yoshihiro Togashi
• Abilities: Expert martial artist, enhanced reflexes, master of disguise

Canary is a skilled black bodyguard with a mysterious past. Loyal to a fault, she protects the young Gon Freecss on his journey to become a Hunter, a licensed individual who tracks down rare treasures and beasts. Canary is a strong black anime character who showcases her impressive fighting skills throughout the series.

Aomine Daiki

• Anime: Kuroko’s Basketball (2012)
• Creator Name: Tadatoshi Fujimaki
• Abilities: Incredible athleticism, unmatched speed and shooting skills, superhuman strength

A basketball prodigy with immense talent, Aomine Daiki has become disillusioned with the sport. His unmatched abilities make games boring, leading him to abandon teamwork. A complex character who serves as a rival to the protagonist, Aomine is a talented black anime character who pushes the boundaries of the game despite his arrogance.

Darui

• Anime: Naruto: Shippuden (2007), Boruto: Naruto Next Generations (2017)
• Creator Name: Masashi Kishimoto
• Abilities: Skilled swordsman, exceptional strategist, Lightning Release jutsu

A cool-headed and collected shinobi, Darui hails from the Hidden Cloud Village and serves as a close confidant to the Raikage, the village leader. This strong black anime character possesses a sharp intellect and is a master swordsman. Darui plays a significant role in the later parts of both Naruto and Boruto, showcasing his strategic mind and combat prowess.

Carole Stanley

• Anime: Carole & Tuesday (2019)
• Creator Name: Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo)
• Abilities: Talented singer and songwriter, optimistic and determined

Carole Stanley is a bright and bubbly musician with dreams of stardom. She teams up with Tuesday, a mysterious refugee with an equally impressive voice. Together, they navigate the cutthroat music industry, their contrasting personalities creating a unique musical bond. Carole is a positive black female anime character who represents the power of friendship and perseverance in achieving one’s goals.

Kilik Rung

• Anime: Soul Eater (2008)
• Creator Name: Atsushi Ohkubo
• Abilities: Weapon Meister (can transform into a powerful weapon), skilled hand-to-hand combat, tactical mind

A levelheaded and stoic young man, Kilik Rung partners with the soul-eating weapon Tsubaki. Together, they strive to become Death Scythes – powerful weapons wielded by students at Death Weapon Meister Academy to eliminate evil souls. Kilik is a reliable black anime character, serving as a voice of reason and a pillar of support for his team with his tactical mind.

Usopp

• Anime: One Piece (1999)
• Creator Name: Eiichiro Oda
• Abilities: Sharpshooter with a slingshot, inventive mechanic, master liar (according to himself)

A core member of the Straw Hat Pirates, Usopp is a character with a big personality and an even bigger nose. Often cowardly and prone to tall tales, Usopp possesses a strong sense of loyalty and surprising bravery when his friends are in danger. (While Usopp’s ethnicity is debated, he is often considered black and a popular black anime character among fans.) Despite his quirks, Usopp is a valuable asset to the crew with his inventive skills and sharpshooting.

Conclusion

Anime diversity is on the rise, and these iconic black anime characters are just a taste of the incredible talent out there. From the strong black female characters like Yoruichi Shihouin and Michiko Malandro to the popular black anime characters like Afro Samurai and Killer Bee, these characters showcase a range of personalities, abilities, and stories. If you are looking for black characters in anime what these and enjoy the treat.

Most Iconic Black Anime Characters – FAQs

Who is the most famous black anime character?

It’s difficult to say definitively who the most famous black anime character is, but Afro Samurai and Michiko Malandro are strong contenders.

What’s the first Black anime?

Unfortunately, pinpointing the first black anime is challenging due to the historical lack of focus on character ethnicity. However, anime with black characters have been around for decades.

Is there any Black anime?

Absolutely! There are many anime featuring black characters, and their presence is continually growing. This article highlights 10 such characters!

Who are the first black anime creators?

While information on the first black anime creators is limited, there are certainly black creators working in anime today. The industry is becoming more diverse.

Is there an anime with a black MC?

Yes, there are numerous anime with a black MC (Main Character). This article features Michiko Malandro from Michiko & Hatchin as an example.

Is there any Black anime shows?

There are many great black anime shows. This article explores 10 of them to help you find your next watch!