Anime deaths are always hard to handle. One day you’re introduced to a character that seems to sweep you off your feet. The next he is in the middle of a fight or reminiscing on his life as the screen is getting dark. We all know what it means when a character is going through a tough situation and his theme song or inspirational music does not begin to play. That’s right, its time to bring on the waterworks as today I want to check out 10 anime characters that left us too soon. Ps: This episode will contain spoilers so read at your own risk!
Portgas D Ace.
First up we have none other than Monkey D. Luffy’s older brother. Mr. Fire fist himself, Portgas D Ace. This death has always stuck with me as I really did not want this character to die. He was so badass and always made sure to watch out for his younger brother. Could he have done some things better, sure? But that’s no reason to create a gaping hole in a man’s chest. Portgas D Ace dies in episode 483 of one piece along with several other characters during this ark. All I know is that Ace will be missed and now lives on in spirit through Luffy’s other brother Sabo.
Kamina
Kamina was sort of a role model for young Simon in the popular series Gurren Lagann. In fact, he was the one who actually named the series when he created the combined named Gurren and Lagann from the union of their two robots. Kamina was definitely an extra individual that loved to make quotes such as “The dreams of those who fallen” or my personal favorite “Your drill is the drill that will pierce the heavens”. Kamina died extremely early in the series and unfortunately, it’s not one of those you make a comeback later on in the series deaths. I love seeing Gurren Lagann cosplays at conventions and I’m sure Kamina is looking down from anime heaven saying thanks for remembering me, bro!
Kite
If there is one character’s death that had a profound effect on the series then it would have to be Kites. His death caused one of the most memorable anime transformations ever seen. Gon simply lost it once he discovered Kite’s death and as such discarded all reasoning and emotions to transform into his adult form. This caused enormous strain on his body which was naturally irreversible, well without Killuas sister’s help. Sadly, his death was so overshadowed by Gons transformation that I don’t even see his cosplay at conventions. For the time being, just wear a T-shirt in his memory.
Greed (Full Metal)
Ok I know what you’re thinking, this was technically a villain so didn’t he get what he deserved? Well, my friend, I beg to differ. First of all, he was born into a world he did not ask to be brought into. Homunculus are essentially made rather than being born and are such just looking for a place to fit in and to be loved. Despite being a homunculus, greed was actually a good guy and for the most part didn’t really cause others that much trouble, at least in comparison to the rest of the cast. All he really wanted was friends and he died in the pursuit of that goal. #ripgreed
Neji
Another character that started the series as a complete badass but slowly faded away, both literally and metaphorically. Neji was an absolute beast when they first introduced him. They labeled him a genius and monster at taijutsu. I mean he stood ahead of Rock Lee and we all know how ridiculous he was at taijutsu. He nearly made it to the end of the series but they were like naa fam, its time for you to exit stage left. I really had hoped his eyes would eventually unlock another level the same way the Sharingan does but the creators weren’t having it. As such, Neji will forever be remembered as the character who never had his moment in the spotlight. Excluding episode 116, cause that one was amazing.
Nina Tucker
This is one character the internet surely hasn’t forgotten. I still see new images of Nina appearing all over the internet daily. I may have to say that this was the saddest death on the list. What made it so bad was that she was a child. She was completely innocent and always wanted to play. Second, they killed off a dog. An animal death combined with a child’s death are just way too much. Nina was transformed into a chimera by her greedy father looking to please the scientific community. Undoubtedly one of the most depressing moments in any anime.
Itachi Uchiha
While I’m at it, let me go ahead and get another extremely popular character out of the way. Uchiha Itachi was doomed from the beginning. Being forced to choose between his village and his family. Unfortunately, he went against his family and chose the village but as we all know spared his younger brother. The entire series he’s a complete ass to Sasuke but deep down adores and loves him. I couldn’t imagine the psychological effects killing your entire tribe would have on you. Especially your own mother and father. Itachi made the ultimate sacrifice and even came back just to be killed again trying to right his wrongs and protect his brother. #ripitachi
Tidus FFX
So this character didn’t exactly die but he did cease to exist in the world of the living. There’s this whole dream thing and monster named sin and….. just play the game. Anyways, there is a reason you see this cosplay at tons of conventions to this day despite the game being released almost 20 years ago. Tidus and Yuna developed a love that brought many to tears upon the game’s final cut scene. Fortunately, this death was not as traumatic as several others on the list. He went in a very peaceful way but none the less hurt all the same.
Jiraiya Sensie
Since The Yellow Flash aka Naruto’s dad gave his life defending Naruto, it was Jiraiya who had to step in and raise the naughty ninja. Without Jiraiya Naruto would have never learned his ultimate technique the Rasengan. I really thought he was going to pull through, the same way I thought Neji was going to. I now know any character I tend to favor is going to meet an untimely end. To make matters worse, Jiraiya died in an extremely gruesome way. And then to reinforce the pain you were already feeling, they made the killer one of his old students. This was definitely one of the hardest episodes in the series to bare.
Setsuko Grave of the fireflies
This is one of the only movies I have cried on, well will admit to crying about. I mean they just built this amazing story filled with grief and strife followed by trials that are constantly being overcome. Then out of nowhere when you thought the movie was taking a turn for the better, they just snatch Setsuko away. What the hell. Then the brother, who is also a child, has to burn his younger sister’s body. What makes it even worse is that this story probably occurred in Japan following the events of WWII. It really paints a picture of how bad life was for many following WWII.
Wolfwood Trigun
Last but not least we have Wolfwood from Trigun. Wolfwood is a traveling priest that raises money to help children in need. He wants to alleviate their suffering and prevent any of them from having to experience the hardships he had growing up. His death was so iconic because, like many, he spent the last few moments of his life reflecting while making one final confession before dying. In his final scene, he is shown leaning against the very cross he used to take so many lives. It was as though his instrument of destruction had become his only support. I’m just now realizing I haven’t watched this series in over 15 years and really need to give it another run as many of the details have become fuzzy.
I hope this post did not depress you too much! I know a lot of these deaths were rather tragic and reliving this a second or third time doesn’t make it any easier. But as always, their great cosplays for your next convention as there is an emotional attachment to many of them. And we all know memory lane can get us just a few more likes or comments for that next Instagram post 😉. Thanks so much again for checking out my post. For more awesome cosplay related news feel free to check out my Blog and Podcast. Until next time, stay BOUNDLESS!!!
