Anime is filled with countless memorable characters, each with their own unique story and personality. However, not all characters are lucky enough to make it to the end of their journeys, and some are taken away from us far too soon. Here, we pay tribute to some of the anime characters who did not deserve to die and whose passing left a lasting impact on us.
- Carla Yeager (Attack on Titan)
Many deaths from the shonen anime Attack on Titan, including those of Erwin Smith and Mikasa Ackerman's parents, may have been included on this list. There's a lot of death in this series. However, from the viewpoint of the major protagonists, Eren Yeager's mother Carla's passing marked the beginning of the events of the anime. She died at the hands of the Smiling Titan.
Carla wanted nothing but a peaceful life for her family. Her murder served as the trigger for numerous events in Attack on Titan, including Grisha Yeager's madness, Eren's death desire, and Mikasa's determination to never leave his side.
Numerous destinies were altered and countless lives were affected as a result of this one death.
- Trisha Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist)
Trisha Elric's passing marked the beginning of the Elric brothers' journey in Fullmetal Alchemist. It is unlikely that the Elric brothers would have set off on their journey had Trisha's sickness not taken her life. In Van Honheim's life, Trisha had stood for optimism and brightness. She adored her boys with all of her heart and even encouraged them to study alchemy.
In both versions of the narrative, Trisha battled an uncurable sickness in an effort to live long enough for her husband to return home. The Elric brothers decided to use alchemy to try to revive her after she passed away. This backfired severely and cost Ed an arm and a leg and Alphonse his whole body. Beyond her death being the catalyst for the brother's journey, Trisha had a slightly expanded role in the 2003 anime where she was brought back, with the homunculus Sloth impersonating her.
In the manga, Honheim discovered her ghost, and the two departed together into the afterlife.
- Nighteye (My Hero Academia)
Overhaul's soldiers were attacked by an invasion that was aided by Sir Nighteye. Despite having a personal interest in Eri's security, he did not participate in the attack and was killed shortly after. His illness brought in a series with a darker tone where the heroes' lives weren't always assured.
However, considering how little Nighteye helped the raid despite being a prestigious professional hero, he deserved a more dignified battle to show the full extent of his precognitive potential. Nighteye hadn't accomplished enough to deserve his demise so soon after his introduction.
- Leone (Akame ga Kill)
This show might cover half of the list. By the end, everybody and their mother is dead. Everyone also has a favourite death that they think is the saddest. The brave Tatsumi, the large brother Bulat, or the good-hearted Sheele who became dog food.
But for me, Leone's passing brought the most grief.
This is due to the fact that most of the characters passed away on the battlefield while defending their comrades and had everyone around them sobbing.
But Leone was a woman of the people.
She knew her time had come, so she strolled down to the markets to see the lively crowd one last time before dying in an alley all alone and yet content. Damn this list is hitting heavy already…
- Neji Hyuga (Naruto Shippuden)
The tragic deaths in Naruto were numerous. You name it; Jiraya, Minato and Kushina, Itachi. The impact of Neji's death, however, was rather different.
This is the person who insulted Hinata and Naruto for not being brilliant like himself and for rejecting their inevitable fate. In order to save those two, he was now willing to give his life.
The words Obito spoke to Naruto, asking as several bodies lay lifeless beside him, asking whether he could once more claim to be protecting his teammates, were what stung the most. The reality check for Naruto was really difficult. This was my saddest death of the series, especially when combined with Neji's final emotion and the gorgeous soundtrack.
- Ebisu (Noragami)
The character of Ebisu underwent significant development in a short amount of time. From what at first glance appeared to be a classic bad guy to someway becoming into a beloved character who’s passing truly saddened me.
His interaction with Yato was largely responsible for its melancholy since, on the one hand, Yato at last felt needed and recognised. On the other side, Ebisu had discovered his purpose in life.
Ebisu wanted more than merely to accept death and reincarnate for the first time. He wished he could be his present self. And Yato deserves all the credit.
As a result, it was perhaps equally painful to see Yato later on with little Ebisu, as Yato tried to explain to him the true significance of his previous reincarnation.
- Askeladd (Vinland Saga)
The man who at first glance appeared to be the main villain, but who ultimately proved to be a hero.
Ultimately, he got into his last fight, killing everyone who resisted him. He allowed the prince to stab him all in the name of protecting Canute and Wales.
And what he left behind was a boy in despair. Thorfinn, a young man who had lost all sense of direction in life.
By asking him to move on, he ultimately provided him closure. To venture to lands ever further than those his father had been to, to become a true warrior. He had finished repaying all favours with that.
- Hayate Gekko (Naruto)
The proctor of the Chunin Exams, Hayate Gekko, was always worn out. He tried to flee after hearing Baki and Kabuto talking, but he was killed right away. Gekko's death was poorly written for a number of reasons. In addition to avoiding punishment for his misdeeds, no one expressed any concern over Hayate's absence.
It's unfortunate that he passed away so hastily considering that he was one of the most memorable shinobi in the first season. Gekko had a gratifying comeback in the Fourth Shinobi War, although his skills would have been more useful if he had fought alongside Konoha as opposed to against it.
In conclusion, anime is filled with many memorable characters, and it is always painful when we have to say goodbye to those we have grown to love. However, it is through their struggles and sacrifices that we are reminded of the power of love, friendship, and hope, and their legacy will continue to inspire us for generations to come. These characters will always hold a special place in our hearts and in the world of anime. While their stories may have come to an end, the impact they had on us will live on forever.