Shonen anime holds a global appeal, known for its unforgettable stories and dynamic characters. However, it can sometimes fall into repetitive tropes, which make the show seem lacklustre. For instance, Fairy Tale became a generic show, while Boruto entirely failed to live up to its predecessor. The storytelling, animation, or even certain character traits have put people off the show. This is exactly why we must look at the ones that have managed to push the barrier, proving what it takes to create a successful, much-loved shonen show.
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Of the few good apples, Assassination Classroom, despite its initially unusual premise, defies expectations with its deeply touching narrative. While it incorporates common shonen elements, the unique bond between Korosensei and his students stands out. Unlike typical shonen series focused on a single hero's journey, Assassination Classroom delivers substantial growth for all Class 3E students and their teachers. Its themes of patience and individuality distinguish it from the usual fare, where characters tend to train together and follow a singular path. The series shines with its well-developed characters and unexpectedly heartwarming storyline, making it a standout in the genre.
Shuganshina is the best shonen arc ever and shibuya arc comes second pic.twitter.com/zpC2YnI4yU — Munie ⚔ (@Muniefrfr) September 10, 2023
Another example, albeit darker, is Jujutsu Kaisen. While not the first, the show is a more mature approach to the traditional shonen storyline. The realm of Cursed Spirits challenges the genre's conventions and expands into real-world issues and locations. The series deserves recognition for its portrayal of female characters, a departure from the typical hyper-sexualized depictions seen in many other series. Jujutsu Kaisen features numerous competent female sorcerers, many excelling even beyond their male counterparts. It consciously avoids sexualising female students, and those adult women who dress provocatively are not objectified. This progressive portrayal of women sets a promising example for the genre, particularly given the show's immense popularity.
1.Fairy Tail is better written than One Piece
2. HxH should’ve been apart of the Big 3 instead Bleach
3.Boruto is a better written character than Luffy — ChiefJinjo76 (@StarWrld76) September 12, 2023
Like the previous anime, Attack on Titan also broke new ground in the realm of darker shonen anime. It received widespread critical acclaim and immense popularity due to its graphic violence and fearless storytelling. Much like HBO's Game of Thrones, the writer did not fear to kill off major characters to convey the horrors of war. The series' profound mysteries, particularly the revelations beyond the wall, reshape the tale dramatically, making it one of the most rewatchable and surprising shonen anime in the genre.
Y'all new gens anime fans need to put RESPECT on BLEACH ‼️😤
Without Bleach, no Black Clover, no Jujutsu Kaisen, no Demon slayer and no MHA 😹
This is why Bleach is the BEST of the BIG 3!! 🗣️🗣️🔥🔥
It's been carrying Shonen on its BACK!! 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/kyqyBkQEgH — ⓘⓛⓚⓐ| Road to 1k| (@25th_ilka) September 13, 2023
Last but not least is Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood and its companion, Fullmetal Alchemist. Rank among the most influential shonen anime, Hiromu Arakawa's narrative of vengeance, atonement, and sacrifice delves into the harsh realities of war, challenging viewers' perceptions of the genre's potential. Brotherhood, particularly, serves as a gateway for many fans into the world of exceptional storytelling. With its blend of drama, romance, humour, and tragedy, it weaves a cohesive narrative that sets it apart. Unlike many shonen series that fixate on one theme, Brotherhood boasts a well-rounded approach. Its captivating world-building and authentic character portrayals have not only inspired other shonen shows but have also rejuvenated a genre often reliant on its clichés.
The only reason I didn't include Lanfan and Hawkeye on this list is because their entire emotional arcs center around the men in their lives? But they're no less bad-ass.
Then there's also this legend: pic.twitter.com/Q9KExAfVEc — Jon Jon, 无名仲夏骑士传 (@BurnJonJonBurn) September 6, 2023
A few noteworthy examples such as My Hero Academia, JoJo’s Bizzare Adventure, and Spy x Family have also shaped the genre, but the above-mentioned four instances do shine the brightest. These series restore our faith in the genre, proving that clever world-building, top-notch animation, and compelling characters are all achievable in one project. After all, is it wrong to ask for quality over quantity?
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