Black Anime Characters : Our Top 20+

Growing up with anime, I wondered, “Where are all the black people at?” As a fan of hip-hop, rap and black culture I was always interested in their appearances in various shows. That’s when the reality hit. We will be discussing 20+ amazing Black Anime Characters!
Black Anime Characters
20. Mr. Popo (Dragon Ball)
| Title | Dragon Ball |
| Author | Akira Toriyama |
| Genre | Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Toei Animation |
| Premiered | 1986-1989 |
| Episodes | 153 Episodes |
| Duration | 24 mins. per ep. |
Mr. Popo, the assistant to Earth’s Guardian, is one of the most iconic black characters in Anime. He is the Holy Watchout. He’s also the sweetest guy that you will see in the series. He is a very nice person. Popo is kind and understanding. He would ensure that no one gets hurt. But, you can’t get on his bad side. Popo will punish anyone who gets on his nerves or becomes angry at him. Popo, on the whole, is a faithful servant who strives to keep things in balance.
19. Claudia Lasalle (Macross)
| Title | Macross |
| Author | Shoji Kawamori |
| Genre | Action, Romance, Sci-Fi |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Tatsunoko Production |
| Premiered | 1982-1983 |
| Episodes | 36 Episodes |
| Duration | 25 mins. per ep. |
New Anime fans will not understand what we’re talking about. This anime is from the 80s and Claudia is one of the most beloved black characters in anime. Although she isn’t the main character of the series, Claudia was loved by many people at that time.
18. Casca (Berserk)
| Title | Berserk |
| Author | Kentaro Miura, Kouji Mori |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Millepensee, GEMBA |
| Premiered | 2016, 2017 |
| Episodes | 24 episodes |
| Duration | 24 mins. per ep. |
Casca is the first black character in any series. Her anime is quite old. The Berserk series depicts her as one of the strongest and most influential leaders of the mercenary group. Band of Falcon is her leader, but I’m surprised that not many people talk about Casca. Although her character design took a lot of time, she is one of my favorite black characters in anime. Casca is an amazing leader, which is the best part. She is strong but she doesn’t degrade her fellow comrades for being weaker.
17. Killer B (Naruto)
| Title | Naruto |
| Author | Masashi Kishimoto |
| Genre | Action, Adventures, Comedy, Drama |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Pierrot |
| Premiered | 2002-2007 |
| Episodes | 220 Episodes |
| Duration | 23 mins. per ep. |
Killer B is my favorite rapper. He raps with the most outrageous lines, but we all love him. Killer B is a strange character. You can count on Killer B no matter how difficult you are. Killer B is a black character that fights for justice even though he may be the funkiest looking. This guy is not one to be slowed down. He is a powerful beast with the heart of a butterfly. He is also very active and trains a lot.
16. Miyuki Ayukawa (Basquash)
| Title | Basquash |
| Author | Tetsuya Hayashi |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Sports and Mecha |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Statelight |
| Premiered | 2009 |
| Episodes | 26 Episodes |
| Duration | 24 mins. per ep. |
Miyuki is one of the most adorable and fly black characters in Anime I have ever seen. Her unique charm is amazing. Miyuki is a master at taking men off their guard and showing them that women can do whatever they please. Miyuki’s fashion sense is unmatched. In terms of their use of technology, Miyuki was dominant over men throughout the series. She demonstrated to some characters how a robot works, when pilots were struggling to even use it. Miyuki is the best when it comes to cuteness!
15. Kaz Kaan (Neo Yokio)
| Title | Neo Yokio |
| Author | Ezra Koenig |
| Genre | Samurai, Action, and Adventure |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Production I.G, Studio Deen |
| Premiered | 2017 – 2018 |
| Episodes | 6 Episodes |
| Duration | 22 mins. per ep. |
Kaz Kaan, the main character in Neo Yokio’s series, is a young handsome man. This is one of my favorite Netflix original series. Kaz Kaan, being a protagonist, is charming, handsome, and very sensible. He’s also a complete badass. He can fight for his status and that is what I love about him. His ability to see justice was amazing, and his drive are incredible too. He is a great black character in anime, with his beautiful pink hair and charming young face.
12. Nils Nielsen (Gundam Build Fighters)
| Title | Gundam Build Fighters |
| Author | Yosuke Kruda |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Action, and Mecha |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Premiered | 2013 – 2014 |
| Episodes | 25 Episodes |
| Duration | 25 mins. per ep. |
Imagine a man with three Ph.D.’s who is intelligent and has already outperformed his parents. He’s not Nil, even though his name is Nil. He was just a teenager when he was first seen in anime. It is rare to see Black Anime characters, but it is a different story when it comes to Nil. He’s considered too elegant for the series by many. Although he may not be the strongest, he still has his grace unmatched by any other character in this series. Nil is a great black character in anime.
13. S.A.M. (Cannon Busters)
| Title | Cannon Busters |
| Author | LeSean Thomas |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Mecha |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Statelight, Yumeta Company |
| Premiered | 2019 |
| Episodes | 12 Episodes |
| Duration | 24 mins. per ep. |
SAM, the first black robot on our list, is a cute robot that is the protagonist of “Cannon Busters.” It is also a Netflix Original and is well-received too. SAM may seem to be able to get along with everyone, but there is a catch. She is capable of utilizing a number of powers that could intimidate even the most powerful in the series. SAM is the most adorable robot I have ever seen. One wrong move and you could be left in dust. Be careful!
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12. Sid Barret (Soul Eater)
| Title | Soul Eater |
| Author | Atsushi Okubo |
| Genre | Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Bones |
| Premiered | 2008-2009 |
| Episodes | 51 Episodes |
| Duration | 23 mins. per ep. |
This guy was a former teacher at Soul Eater academy. He has amazing hair and tattoos that will make everyone fall in love. Sid was kind and friendly before he left the world. He was strict about teaching and training. Sid, on the other hand, teaches us to push ourselves. Sid teaches us how to improve ourselves and how to be the best version you can be. Sid made it seem like he was going out to kill his students to make them the best versions of themselves. Isn’t this a bit ridiculous?
11. Helles (Dragon Ball Super)
| Title | Dragon Ball Super |
| Author | Akira Toriyama |
| Genre | Action, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Toei Animation |
| Premiered | 20015-2018 |
| Episodes | 131 Episodes |
| Duration | 23 mins. per ep. |
We don’t get to see this majestic God every day. Helles, Dragon Ball Super’s most powerful character, is also on our list. Helles is a wonderful representation of black girls. Her beauty and power made me fall in love with her immediately. Helles is so powerful and beautiful that there’s nothing more to her. Considering all the pros, Helles is one of the most beloved black characters in anime.
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10. Omoi (Naruto)
| Title | Naruto |
| Author | Masashi Kishimoto |
| Genre | Action, Adventures, Comedy, Drama |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Pierrot |
| Premiered | 2002-2007 |
| Episodes | 220 Episodes |
| Duration | 23 mins. per ep. |
Omoi is someone who doesn’t jump to conclusions without a strategy. Omoi is a well-managed ninja and has everything it takes to be one. Omoi’s problem is that he worries all the time, which can make things seem less great than they really are. Omoi’s power is a plus and he can get a lot of missions just because of his abilities. Omoi is also one of the most popular black characters in anime.
9. Kaname Tousen (Bleach)
| Title | Bleach |
| Author | Tite Kubo |
| Genre | Supernatural Adventure |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Pierrot |
| Premiered | 2011-2014 |
| Episodes | 366 Episodes |
| Duration | 24 mins. per ep. |
Kaname Tousen is one of the most shady guys in Bleach. He’s not only badass, but suspicious as well. He is, however, one of the most attractive captains in the series. Kaname is also a reserved Captain, who doesn’t like to talk too much. He loves to talk about facts and blood. Believe me, the series evolved and we saw many sides to Tousen. He isn’t as suspicious as he seems. Perhaps he is even more. Yes! He’s one of my favorite black characters that I’ve ever seen in anime.
8. Darui (Naruto)
| Title | Naruto |
| Author | Masashi Kishimoto |
| Genre | Action, Adventures, Comedy, Drama |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Pierrot |
| Premiered | 2002-2007 |
| Episodes | 220 Episodes |
| Duration | 23 mins. per ep. |
Darui is a complete character. Darui, who was directly trained by the Third Raikage, is perhaps the most honest character in the series. Darui will take the difficult times that everyone else is having. His way is what many people fear. He is more powerful than other characters in the series. And he gets bored easily with his personality. It’s normal for him to get annoyed and not feel guilty about it. It’s not like you can do anything about it.
7. Atsuko Jackson (Michiko To Hatchin)
| Title | Michiko and Hatchin |
| Author | Takashi Ujita |
| Genre | Adventure and Action |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Maglobe |
| Premiered | 2008-2009 |
| Episodes | 22 episodes |
| Duration | 22 mins. per ep. |
Atsuko is another Afro Latina. She is beautiful and elegant. Atsuko’s main task in the series was to capture the main character, Michiko. Guess what? She is as badass as they come. She can be playful and tough but she can also be sweet and fragile. I love anime girls with multiple sides. They’re amazing and can get you through any situation. OH! Oh!
6. A (Naruto)
| Title | Naruto |
| Author | Masashi Kishimoto |
| Genre | Action, Adventures, Comedy, Drama |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Studio Pierrot |
| Premiered | 2002-2007 |
| Episodes | 220 Episodes |
| Duration | 23 mins. per ep. |
While Naruto was my favorite anime, I also loved many black characters. Here’s someone who really got me into all the action. “A”, who is also the Fourth Raikage, is one of the most powerful Kage’s throughout the series. You can’t fight with him if you’re Minato (Naruto’s Dad). But, hey! A proved to be the strongest by his sheer determination. A knows there is no balance in this world until everyone starts trying. That’s why A is one of the most beloved Black characters in anime.
5. Coffee (Cowboy Bebop)
| Title | Cowboy Bebop |
| Author | Keiko Nobumoto |
| Genre | Action, Sci-Fi |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Sunrise |
| Premiered | 1998-1999 |
| Episodes | 26 Episodes |
| Duration | 24 mins. per ep. |
Oh my! It’s something I’m addicted to. This is Cowboy Bebop. Her beauty is stunning, elegant, and hot. The retro-style makes her one of the most popular black characters in Anime.
It seems that she could kick you down, just by looking at her. Coffee is the kind of woman who loves dominating men. Her elegance is unrivaled. When I first started the series, I fell in love. This Coffee fever is still my obsession.
4. James Ironside (BLOOD +)
Finally a military guy has joined our list. James Ironside lived a sad life. This guy is no fool, having lost his parents so young and then joining the military. He didn’t give up, even though he suffered a terrible fate. He pushed himself to become the best military man. This says a lot about society. James is very serious when it comes to daily life. His attitude is not something everyone likes, but they are intimidated by him.
3. Shigusa Takachiho (Medaka Box)
| Title | Medaka Box |
| Author | Nisio Isin, Akira Akatsuki |
| Genre | Action, Comedy, Ecchi |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Gainax |
| Premiered | 2012 |
| Episodes | 12 Episodes |
| Duration | 24 mins. per ep. |
This is the most interesting character on our list. Shigusa, a fighter who never loses heart, is an amazing character. He believes that life is full of meaning. He is always researching and would love to learn more about nature. Yo! Take a look at his strong character. Does he seem like he can slip anywhere in life? Not at all. Shigusa is among the most popular black characters in anime.
2. Agil (Sword Art Online)
| Title | Sword Art Online |
| Author | Reki Kawahara |
| Genre | Adventure, Action, Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi,Thriller |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | A-1 Pictures |
| Premiered | 2012, 2014, 2020 |
| Episodes | 73 episodes |
| Duration | 23 mins. per ep. |
Agil, an Axewielder who’s stuck in a game, is an interesting one. He runs a cafe/bar with his wife. His positive outlook is the best part about him. Everyone thought Agil was playing to earn money and was a gold miner. He was only helping the players.
1. Piccolo (Dragon Ball)
| Title | Dragon Ball |
| Author | Akira Toriyama |
| Genre | Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy |
| Type | Series |
| Studio | Toei Animation |
| Premiered | 1986-1989 |
| Episodes | 153 Episodes |
| Duration | 24 mins. per ep. |
I saved the best one for the end. Piccolo is a story that every black man can relate to. Piccolo was treated as if he were an outsider, just like in the past. He was. But he was based upon the color of his skin and it’s very relatable. The struggle black people face is compared to Piccolo.