The point of this thread is to list those anime characters who show great promise when introduced, but fall short of expectations. Here are four examples.
Ayano from Stigma of the Wind. Ayano is from a family of fire users who are dedicated to fighting evil. Early on, she easily defeats her older male cousin Kazuma for the right to be designated heir to being head of the family. Kazuma is exiled in humiliation, but returns years later as a practitioner of supposedly inferior wind power. Never mind when a few of his cousins gang up on him, Kazuma has an easy time routing them. Yes, Kazuma is now a mighty warrior. And Ayano? During those same years, she has grown into a beautiful, brave, dedicated – klutz. That’s right. Ayano is a klutz. One of the unanswered questions in this series is how she can get out of bed in the morning without killing herself. No wonder Ayano’s father, the current family head, wants to hire Kazuma to be her bodyguard. It turns out Kazuma was simply a late bloomer, while Ayano inherited the dregs of the family genetic pool. No wonder Dad is secretly hoping the two mate so that he can have his genetic line restored to something other than a joke.
Tatsuki from Bleach. When we first meet Tatsuki, we learn she is a strong, tomboyish practitioner of the martial arts. She is well suited to fight beside Ichigo and Rukia. Tatsuki is also Orihime’s protector. But it is Orihime who joins the fight. And Tatsuki? She disappears, then reappears ready to take a fighting stand, and then disappears again. It’s not really her fault. I blame her agent. Tatsuki is to Bleach what Meg is to Family Guy.
Krillin from Dragonball Z. When we first meet Krillin in the original Dragonball, he and Goku are both taken in by Master Roshi and taught the secrets of martial arts. Krillin is well on his way to becoming the strongest human in the world. In Dragonball Z, being the strongest human does not count for much since the world is also inhabited by various Sayans, Namekians, androids, etc. So Krillin becomes a side character to be used as needed.
Akira from Devilman Crybaby. Conned by his best friend into becoming part devil, Akira uses his powers to try and save humanity.
Your turn. What anime characters do you have who have failed to live up to expectations? Don’t just give names. Tell us why.
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