Anime fans often find themselves intrigued by characters like King from One Punch Man, particularly when exploring similar personalities across various series. King stands out as a compelling figure, loved for his comedic attributes and intriguing character arc throughout the anime’s second season.
Proudly dubbed “The Strongest Man on Earth,”King possesses a formidable persona, yet his true character is that of an endearing coward who often relies on luck. This blend of traits resonates with audiences, as it reflects the challenges many characters face. Below, we explore an array of anime characters that share qualities similar to King.
Disclaimer: This article expresses the writer’s personal opinions.
Ten Anime Characters That Echo King from One Punch Man
1) Usopp (One Piece)
Much like King, Usopp’s reputation is inflated by those around him. King is revered as the ‘Strongest Man on Earth,’ while Usopp accidentally earns the moniker ‘God Usopp’ after an unexpected victory during the Dressrosa arc. Both characters exemplify how fortune can bring glory, with King stalling powerful foes purely by accident during the Monster Association arc, and Usopp surviving a brutal encounter thanks to a lucky break against Mr. 4 and Miss Merry Christmas.
2) Mr. Satan/Hercule (Dragon Ball Z)
Mr. Satan, or Hercule, from Dragon Ball Z mirrors King in many ways, particularly in how both characters benefit from exaggerated reputations. After the Cell Games, Mr. Satan is mistakenly credited with defeating Cell, while King wins battles by instilling fear through his formidable reputation alone. Facing the Machine God G4, King’s mere name causes the enemy to hesitate, allowing him to win without a fight.
3) Arataka Reigen (Mob Psycho 100)
Arataka Reigen shares similarities with King in that both characters hold titles that don’t reflect their true prowess. While King is labeled the ‘Strongest Man on Earth,’ Arataka is referred to as the ‘Greatest Psychic of the 21st Century.’ Both rely on stronger allies; King has Saitama and Arataka inadvertently borrows powers from Mob, ultimately becoming perceived as a more formidable fighter than he is.
4) Masayuki (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime)
Both King and Masayuki are misidentified as heroes. King, while facing challenges like the Octopus Claw Man, unwittingly gets credit for feats accomplished by others, just as Masayuki’s victories arise from sheer chance. Their false reputations afford them influence; King commands respect in battle, while Masayuki is revered by the Holy Empire of Lubelius, who believe in his capacity to fight the Demon Lords.
5) Yukiteru Amano (Future Diary)
Yukiteru’s perceived strength is similarly misleading. He is viewed as a strong strategist, while internally, he panics and relies heavily on the support of Yuno Gasai. Like King, who finds himself in precarious situations and must bluff his way out, Yukiteru learns to navigate danger with Yuno’s aid, ultimately growing into a more competent individual over time.
6) Zenitsu Agatsuma (Demon Slayer)
Both King and Zenitsu exemplify cowardice in their respective series. Zenitsu’s anxiety manifests before every battle, while King panics when confronted by powerful foes. However, while Zenitsu eventually finds the strength to face threats, King mostly uses his schooled bluster to stall for time and remain safe, often awaiting the intervention of others.
7) Aoyama Yuga (My Hero Academia)
Aoyama’s struggle with imposter syndrome resonates with King’s own insecurities about his reputation. Both characters fear exposure as frauds. Yet, each evolves, balancing their weaknesses with newfound strengths. King provides strategic insights to Saitama, while Aoyama courageously confronts All for One, ultimately learning to embrace his identity.
8) Hideyoshi Nagachika (Tokyo Ghoul)
Both King and Hide, from Tokyo Ghoul, find themselves in a world dominated by supernatural forces, relying on intelligence and social skills rather than brute strength. While King supports Saitama, Hide assists Kaneki, showcasing their importance in uplifting stronger allies.
9) Kyoya Ootori (Ouran High School Host Club)
Kyoya shares a commonality with King in manipulating perceptions to his advantage. King uses his status to avert battles, while Kyoya presents a stern demeanor to mask his vulnerabilities. Both lend crucial support to their respective leads, emphasizing the significance of their roles in the larger narrative.
10) Shinji Matao (Fate/Stay Night)
Shinji embodies a false bravado akin to that of King, each boasting titles and strength they do not possess. King is celebrated as the ‘Strongest Man Alive,’ while Shinji attempts to present himself as an elite mage despite lacking substantial talent. Vulnerability surfaces in both characters during genuine threats, showcasing their inherent flaws.
In Conclusion
King’s unique blend of comedy and vulnerability within One Punch Man earns him a special place in anime history. His relatability amidst a cast of overwhelmingly powerful heroes captivates audiences, emphasizing that strength does not solely define a character.
Characters like King are prevalent across various anime, each embodying traits that facilitate rich narratives and complex relationships. These attributes contribute to the popularity of One Punch Man, which remains a celebrated series with captivating and diverse characters.