The Legacy of 2017's Male Characters

2017 saw a significant trend towards protagonists who weren't just black and white. They grappled with internal conflicts, made questionable decisions, and evolved in ways that felt earned and authentic. This complexity mirrored a growing desire in audiences for characters they could relate to on a deeper, more human level.

One such character who exemplifies this trend is Guts from Berserk. While Berserk's anime adaptation has a long history, the 2017 film trilogy, Berserk: The Golden Age Arc III – The Advent, brought his brutal journey to a wider audience. Guts, the Black Swordsman, is a character defined by trauma and an unrelenting will to survive. His quest for revenge against Griffith is a raw, visceral exploration of pain and resilience. The sheer physicality of his battles, coupled with his internal torment, makes him a truly captivating figure. His character arc is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. The weight of his past, the loss he’s endured, and the constant struggle against overwhelming odds paint a portrait of a man pushed to his absolute limits. Yet, even in his darkest moments, a flicker of defiance remains, a refusal to be extinguished. This internal fortitude is what draws viewers in, making his journey as much about psychological endurance as it is about physical combat.

Another character who captured the zeitgeist of 2017 was Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia. While not a new character, his development throughout the year in the anime's second season was pivotal. Izuku, or Deku, embodies the spirit of perseverance. Born without a Quirk in a world where superpowers are the norm, his journey from a powerless admirer to a budding hero is inspiring. His unwavering determination, his empathy for others, and his willingness to push past his own limitations made him a fan favorite. The 2017 season focused heavily on his growth, his struggles with One For All, and his burgeoning rivalry with Katsuki Bakugo. Deku's earnestness and his deep-seated desire to save people, no matter the personal cost, are qualities that resonate deeply. He represents the idea that heroism isn't about innate power, but about courage, compassion, and the will to act. His internal monologues, often filled with self-doubt yet always underscored by a fierce resolve, provide a window into the mind of someone striving to live up to an immense legacy.

The anti-hero continued its reign in 2017, with characters who operated in shades of gray, challenging conventional notions of morality. These characters often possessed compelling backstories and motivations that, while not always justifiable, were undeniably understandable.

Light Yagami from Death Note remains a perennial favorite, and while the anime itself is older, discussions and analyses of his character often resurface. However, focusing on 2017, we saw the emergence of characters who walked a similar tightrope. Consider Satoru Fujinuma from Erased. While his actions are driven by a noble cause – preventing tragedies – his methods and his emotional burden place him in a complex moral space. Satoru's ability to time-travel, or "Revival," allows him to alter past events, but it comes at a significant personal cost. He carries the weight of knowing future tragedies and the burden of trying to prevent them, often while navigating his own emotional immaturity and past trauma. His journey is a poignant exploration of responsibility, guilt, and the desperate hope for redemption. The narrative forces him to confront the consequences of his actions, both intended and unintended, making his character arc a compelling study in the ethics of intervention.

Then there's Osamu Dazai from Bungo Stray Dogs. Dazai is a character who masterfully blends dark humor with a profound existential melancholy. His affiliation with the Armed Detective Agency is marked by his brilliant deductive skills and his often-unconventional methods. However, beneath the surface of his playful demeanor lies a deep-seated weariness with life and a fascination with death. His past as a member of the Port Mafia and his complex relationship with his former partner, Chuya Nakahara, add layers of intrigue. Dazai’s intelligence is undeniable, but it’s his philosophical musings and his enigmatic personality that truly set him apart. He’s a character who constantly questions the meaning of existence, making him a fascinating study in the human condition. His ability to manipulate situations and people, while often serving a greater good, also highlights his morally ambiguous nature.

It wasn't just the protagonists who shone in 2017. Many supporting characters delivered performances that were just as impactful, often providing crucial emotional anchors or driving the plot forward in unexpected ways.

Shoto Todoroki from My Hero Academia experienced significant character development in 2017. His struggle with his abusive father, Endeavor, and his desire to forge his own path, separate from his family's legacy, made him a deeply sympathetic figure. His journey of self-discovery and his gradual opening up to his classmates, particularly Izuku, showcased his growth. Todoroki's power, inherited from both his mother and father, represents a duality he must reconcile. His internal conflict is palpable, and his efforts to overcome the trauma inflicted by his father are a powerful narrative thread. His quiet intensity and his moments of vulnerability made him a standout character, demonstrating that even those with immense power can be deeply affected by their past.

Levi Ackerman from Attack on Titan continued to be a fan favorite in 2017, with the anime's second season further exploring the depth of his character and his unwavering loyalty to the Survey Corps. Despite his small stature, Levi possesses unparalleled combat skills and a steely resolve. His stoic exterior often masks a deep sense of responsibility and a profound grief for his fallen comrades. His leadership, though often harsh, is born from a desire to protect humanity. Levi’s pragmatism and his willingness to make difficult decisions, even those that weigh heavily on his conscience, make him a compelling figure. His past, hinted at and slowly revealed, adds further depth to his character, explaining his fierce protectiveness and his relentless pursuit of his goals.

While complexity and anti-heroes were prevalent, classic archetypes continued to resonate with audiences in 2017, often presented with fresh twists that kept them engaging.

The "cool, aloof rival" archetype was brilliantly personified by Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia. Bakugo’s explosive personality and his intense rivalry with Izuku are central to the series. While initially presented as arrogant and bullying, the 2017 season began to peel back the layers, revealing the insecurities and pressures that fueled his aggression. His drive to be the best, his pride, and his eventual, albeit grudging, respect for Izuku’s strength make him a dynamic and evolving character. Bakugo’s unwavering confidence, while often overbearing, is also a source of his power. He embodies a raw, untamed energy that is both intimidating and captivating. His journey is about learning to channel that energy constructively and to understand the true meaning of strength.

In the realm of fantasy, characters like Saber from Fate/stay night: Unlimited Blade Works (though the anime concluded earlier, its influence and discussions persisted) or new interpretations of familiar tropes continued to draw viewers. While not strictly a 2017 character, the enduring popularity of such figures highlights the timeless appeal of well-executed archetypes. The "knight in shining armor" or the "wise mentor" can still captivate audiences when imbued with genuine personality and a compelling narrative.

It's crucial to acknowledge that the success of these top anime male characters 2017 wasn't solely due to their writing. The animation quality and the voice acting played an equally vital role in bringing them to life. The fluid action sequences, the nuanced facial expressions, and the powerful vocal performances elevated these characters from mere drawings to living, breathing entities.

The animation studios behind these series invested heavily in making their characters visually distinct and emotionally resonant. The way a character moved, the subtle shifts in their expressions, and the energy conveyed through their actions all contributed to their impact. For instance, the sheer kinetic energy of Bakugo’s explosions or the fluid grace of Levi’s ODM gear maneuvers were crucial to their appeal.

Equally important was the voice acting. The actors who lent their voices to these characters infused them with personality, emotion, and depth. A well-delivered line, a subtle inflection, or a powerful cry can transform a scene and solidify a character's place in the audience's memory. The performances in series like My Hero Academia and Attack on Titan were consistently praised for their quality, further enhancing the impact of their male leads.

The male characters introduced or significantly developed in 2017 left a lasting legacy. They pushed the boundaries of characterization, explored complex themes, and provided audiences with figures to admire, relate to, and even debate. Whether through their heroic deeds, their moral ambiguities, or their sheer charisma, these characters cemented their place in the pantheon of great anime males.

The trend towards more nuanced and flawed protagonists continued to gain momentum, reflecting a broader shift in storytelling across all media. Audiences were no longer satisfied with simple heroes; they craved characters who felt real, with all their imperfections and internal struggles. This demand for authenticity drove creators to develop more intricate character arcs and explore a wider range of human experiences.

The top anime male characters 2017 offered a diverse spectrum of personalities and motivations. From the relentless determination of Izuku Midoriya to the brooding intensity of Guts, each character brought something unique to the table. Their stories resonated because they tapped into universal themes of struggle, growth, and the search for meaning.

The impact of these characters extends beyond mere entertainment. They inspire, provoke thought, and often serve as catalysts for discussions about morality, justice, and the human condition. The continued popularity of these figures, even years later, is a testament to their enduring appeal and the quality of the storytelling that brought them to life.

As we look back at 2017, it’s clear that it was a landmark year for male characters in anime. The depth, complexity, and sheer memorability of these figures continue to influence the industry and captivate audiences. Their stories are a reminder of the power of well-crafted narratives and the unforgettable impact that compelling characters can have. The evolution of these characters, their struggles, and their triumphs offer a rich tapestry of human experience, making them truly worthy of recognition. The exploration of their inner lives, their relationships, and their impact on the worlds they inhabit is what makes them so compelling.

The diversity of these characters is also noteworthy. We saw characters from different genres, backgrounds, and with vastly different motivations. This variety ensures that there was something for everyone, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences within the anime community. Whether you preferred a straightforward hero, a morally ambiguous anti-hero, or a stoic warrior, 2017 delivered.

The ongoing discussions and fan theories surrounding these characters further highlight their cultural significance. Fans dissect their actions, analyze their motivations, and debate their place in the anime canon. This level of engagement is a clear indicator of their lasting impact and their ability to spark meaningful conversations. The characters that truly stand out are those that leave a lasting impression, prompting viewers to reflect on their own lives and values.

The year 2017 provided a fertile ground for the development of male characters who were not afraid to be flawed, to struggle, and to grow. This commitment to realism, even within fantastical settings, is what made them so relatable and so beloved. The top anime male characters 2017 represent a significant evolution in anime character writing, setting a high bar for future productions. Their journeys, often fraught with peril and emotional turmoil, ultimately offered messages of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The exploration of their relationships, their triumphs, and their failures contributes to a rich and complex narrative tapestry that continues to be celebrated.

The continued relevance of these characters speaks volumes about their design and the stories they inhabit. They are more than just animated figures; they are archetypes that resonate with our own experiences and aspirations. The journey of a character like Izuku Midoriya, from underdog to hero, is a timeless narrative that speaks to the potential within us all. Similarly, the internal struggles of characters like Shoto Todoroki offer profound insights into overcoming adversity and defining oneself. The impact of these characters is undeniable, shaping the way we perceive heroism and personal growth.

The influence of these characters can also be seen in the subsequent anime seasons and series that followed. Creators were inspired by the success of these complex male figures, leading to a greater emphasis on nuanced character development across the board. The willingness to explore the darker aspects of human nature and to present characters with genuine flaws paved the way for even more sophisticated storytelling in the years to come. The top anime male characters 2017 were pioneers in this regard, pushing the boundaries of what was expected from anime protagonists and supporting cast alike. Their enduring appeal is a testament to their masterful creation and the powerful narratives they helped to drive.