Best Shonen Manga with Non-Japanese Protagonists

Important points

• Japanese manga are diversifying their non-Japanese protagonists to appeal to global audiences.
• Series like Jojo's Bizarre Adventure and Spy
• Dragon Ball and One Piece feature characters with foreign influences. and adds depth to their origins.

It probably isn't surprising that a Japanese company produces in Japan for Japanese people. They are usually set in Japan and feature Japanese protagonists. Even though it takes place in a fantasy setting. At least there are still some familiar elements for domestic viewers to relate to (Hurricane Polymer Happened in “Amehon” – a combination of America and Japan in one country, with “Washinkyo” as the capital)

Still, manga has access to more sources of inspiration these days. And it allows them to spice up the setting and worldbuilding with even more influence. It worked out well for them. This is because some famous cartoons in Shonen manga have non-Japanese protagonists. They may help them access global content as well. They show, though, that going abroad can still appeal to home audiences if it's still a good read.

1 Jojo's Bizarre Adventure

MyAnimeList Score: 7.29 (Episode 1), 8.14 (Episode 2), 8.18 (Episode 5), 8.24 (Episode 6)

• Creator:Hirohiko Araki
• Part 1: 5 volumes, 44 chapters
• Part 2: 7 volumes, 69 chapters
• Part 5: 17 volumes, 155 chapters
• Part 6: 17 volumes, 158 chapters
• Available through Viz Media.

Jojo's Bizarre Adventure It's one of the more famous examples, like the first. Shonen Jump The series officially has a non-Asian protagonist, Jonathan Joestar. Chapter 1: Demonic Blood– Although his gentlemanly conduct does not excite readers like Joseph's does, His cocky grandson did when he took office. Chapter 2: Martial Tendencies– Then Jotaro, the stoic, half-Japanese protagonist, was not very popular. Chapter 3: Stardust Crusader–

by time Jojo Completely non-Japanese leadership returned. Chapter 7: Steel Ball RunningBy Johnny Joestar, the series has become a bit of a dud. But that international touch never disappears, as Giorno, the hero of Part 5: Vento AureoI'm half Japanese. But it was all Italian in their upbringing. While Jolene from Chapter 6: Rocky Ocean Has a vague heritage as she is either American with only 1/4 Japanese in her or completely Japanese. There was nothing interesting about it because her mother didn't make any progress. Apart from being Jolene's mother

2 Trigun and Trigun Max

MyAnimeList Score: 7.72 (Trigun), 8.27 (Highest)

• Creator: Yasuhiro Nightow
• 3 volumes, 22 chapters (Saikan), 14 volumes, 102 chapters (maximum–
• Available through Dark Horse Comics.

Space Westerns were a popular genre for anime fans back then. Cowboy Bebop– outlaw starand Saikan keep viewers engaged when they turn on Toonami, but because bebop It's only anime and star Starting from the area Senen left. Saikan He's the only one who started out as a shonen manga. A “humanoid typhoon” that can destroy cities on its own while trying to live a peaceful life. It looks like another white male protagonist. But looks can be deceiving.

He is actually a sentient plant creature. Therefore it is considered a part “Humanoid” Thanks to retrograde amnesia, it takes him a while to remember that part of his past. With the goal of stopping his twin brother's evil intentions. The series took a while to catch on. SaikanThe proceedings were cut short. and had to change publishers to continue. Maximum trigonometryBut it has since become a classic in both print and on screen.

3 Neverland Promise

MyAnimeList score: 8.15

• Creators: Kaiu Shirai (story), Posuka Demizu (art)
• 20 volumes, 181 chapters
• Available through Viz Media and MANGA Plus.

Neverland Promise It maintains momentum better in the original manga than the anime. The story of a group of orphans who discover they were raised to be the flesh of demons makes for tense reading. Especially when they have to abandon everything they know. including what is called mother To try to survive in the forest by myself while helping other orphans.

It also goes beyond Japan. Because the cast is a multicultural group and has Western names, like the cheerful optimist Emma. genius norman and the cynical Ray Still, it wasn't just a mix of whites and Asians, lots of it. NeverlandThe story's heroes and villains come from different backgrounds, such as the scruffy but lovable Don. and the crafty Krone

4 black butler

MyAnimeList Score: 8.41

• Creator:Yana Toboso
• 34+ Volumes 213+ Chapters
• Available through Yen Press.

One of the reasons why Europe often appears in manga and anime is because many early anime series and films were inspired by European fairy tales and novels. whether directly or indirectly (usually through Disney films) Hayao Miyazaki is one of many animators who got their start in the industry by adapting stories such as: Heidi, Girl of the Alpsto the TV screen. Studio Ghibli continues this trend with the likes of Ariety and Tales from Earthsea– however, black butler received different influences

Cursed child genius Ciel and the demon butler Sebastian have a Sherlock touch. Holmes and Dr. Watson with them This is especially true in the Victorian London setting. But Sebastian's agreement with Ciel He will eat souls as soon as he gets revenge on the murderer who killed his family. It's more of a Faustian thing. As they investigate the traces of various mysterious crimes. From sickening Gothic horror to something more Lovecraftian.

5 dragon ball

MyAnimeList Score: 8.43

• Creator:Akira Toriyama
• 42 volumes, 520 chapters
• Available through Viz Media.

Of course, everyone knows Goku from dragon ball not japanese He's a Saiyan! Even though they were brought up on earth from birth. He considers himself more Earthly than anyone from Planet Vegeta, but is he from the Japanese version? Not much. Although his Japanese voice has a thick Tohoku accent, Son Goku has more Chinese than Japanese connections, just like “Son Goku” is the Japanese pronunciation of “Sun Wukong”, the monkey who… great from travel west–

Then, his childhood home in Paozu Mountain was based on Wukong's home on Fruit and Flower Mountain. This is likely Mount Huaguo in Lianyungang. Many of his friends are based on figures from Chinese folklore, such as Tien (Erlang Shen), Chiaotzu (Nezha), and Oolong (Zhu Bajie). DBIts world is a mix of different cultures and characters. But if Goku comes from somewhere It's probably China.

6 X Family Spies

MyAnimeList rating: 8.50

• Creator:Tatsuya Endo
• 14+ Volumes 107+ Chapters
• Available through Viz Media and MANGA Plus.

X Family Spies Dive into Teutonic territory by placing the rival countries of Westalis and Ostania directly into West Germany and East Germany. As with previous halves, countries were at the center of the Cold War. Where “Twilight” spy Vestalis is spying on Desmond Donovan, an important Austanian political figure. to keep an eye on him So he conceals his identity as the family man, Lloyd Forger, along with his wife Yor and adopted daughter Anya.

Yor is a notorious killer named “Princess Thorn” without his knowledge and uses a fake marriage to get closer to her goal. Except she didn't know Lloyd was a spy. And Anya is not his daughter by blood. Anya is the only one who knows the whole story. Due to her telepathic abilities, she can read the minds of her “parents” when put together. They created the most unusual West German family in fictional East Germany.

7 attack on titan

MyAnimeList rating: 8.55

• Creator: Hajime Isayama
• 34 volumes, 141 chapters
• Available through Kodansha Comics USA.

like black butler and X Family Spies– attack on titan It has a vaguely European theme, with traditional Eldians and somewhat Greek Marlyans. But their backgrounds get their essential spice from their real names. Because Mikasa has a Japanese appearance. Including her name. But she is also an Ackerman. It still maintains the German connection that the other characters have.

Considering her as the basis, one would think that Eren is the protagonist. Jaeger has Turkish roots. Since his name is derived from the Turkish word for “saint”, but since the name was chosen in reference to the Eldian spy Eren Kruger, it is sadly unlikely if AOTThe world is still connected to the real world. He likely has German roots. Perhaps a little Russian through his father. Because his name “Grisha” is Russian for “Gregory”.

MyAnimeList score: 9.04

• Creator:Hiromu Arakawa
• 27 volumes, 116 chapters
• Available through Viz Media.

like attack on titanFans noticed a rather full-hearted tone in Full Metal Alchemist set– Although more so in the 2003 anime than in the manga, as Studio Bones received the license to create an original ending while the manga was running, writer Sho Aikawa ( Urotsukidoji and Angel Police disgrace) saw Edward Elric ended up in Germany before the war. And saw a man with a mustache in the movie Tie-in. Conqueror of Shamballa–

The manga is based on the fantasy world of Amestris, typical of late 19th century Europe, with a touch of England and France here and there along with the Germans. The same goes for its characters. While there are more diverse examples (See the Middle Eastern Ishvalans and the China-based Xingeses.) Many of the key characters are basically white. Including the Elric brothers.

9 one piece

MyAnimeList Score: 9.22

• Creator: Eiichiro Oda
• 110+ volumes, 1,131+ chapters
• Available through Viz Media.

From the criticism received The strongest live-action reviews one piece The series comes from creator Eiichiro Oda himself, who was especially impressed with Iñaki Godoy's performance as Luffy. He went so far as to give him his own straw hat and say, “I'm glad you were born Luffy,” considering how few live-action adaptations have lived up to their message. That is probably the highest compliment we can receive.

while one piece Happens in a fantasy world Oda often imagined Luffy as a Latino character. He claims that Brazil is the closest country to his land of origin. It was in response to questions asked through his SBS bulletin board that came out in each chapter or so. Besides Luffy Oda also added that Nami will be Swedish, Nico Robin Russian, Sanji French, Brook Austrian, Franky American. Chopper Canada, Usopp African (but he doesn't specify where in Africa), and Zoro are the only Japanese members. of the straw hat group