Is There an Anime Where the Protagonist Pisses You Off? A Critical Look at 'Future Diary', 'My Hero Academia', and 'Hunter x Hunter'

Have you ever come across an anime where every element excels, except for the main character? This is a common experience for many anime enthusiasts. In this article, we will explore three such animes: 'Future Diary', 'My Hero Academia', and 'Hunter x Hunter'. We will delve into why these protagonists fail to impress and what makes them so frustrating to watch.

Future Diary

'Future Diary' is a prime example of an anime where the story concept and supporting characters shine, but the protagonist leaves much to be desired. The narrative's strength lies in its concept, a murder mystery involving a diary that can predict the future, and the supporting characters, especially Yuno Gasai, who popularized the yandere trope, and Aru Akise, whose character deserves a more satisfying ending.

However, the main character, Yuki Yagami, falls dramatically short. Yuki's reliance on others and his inability to stand on his own are the main reasons why he is so frustrating to watch. When Yuno, one of the more complex and powerful characters, gives him instructions, Yuki's naivety and lack of critical thinking skills make him an easy target for manipulation. For example, when Yuno tells him to 'kill these motherfuckers', he does so without hesitation, and when she informs him that his friend Aru is trying to kill him, he chooses to trust her over more insightful advice.

Yuki's characterization doesn't stop at lack of self-reliance. His physical appearance is also a source of frustration, with his weak and emotional demeanor. The visual representation of Yuki's cowardice is particularly striking, as he literally cries more than Izuku from 'My Hero Academia'. This adds to the overall disappointment of his character development.

One memorable scene in the anime is when Yuki kills all his friends on Yuno's command, which comes across as a catastrophic misstep in character development. This scene is not only illogical but also unethical, given the clear manipulation involved. Yuki's inability to stand up for himself or his friends is a significant drawback in a world where the stakes are every bit as high as in 'My Hero Academia'.

My Hero Academia

Another anime where the main character fails to live up to expectations is 'My Hero Academia', or MHA. Initially, Izuku Midoriya is portrayed as a likeable and capable protagonist. However, as the story progresses, particularly in season 5, Izuku's character takes a turn for the worse, leading to frustration among viewers.

The issue with Izuku's character development is primarily rooted in his rapid power escalation. Instead of growing organically, Izuku is given a massive power boost 'on a silver platter', while his friends receive no equivalent upgrades. This uneven power distribution makes Izuku’s character feel unearned and unnatural.

Some argue that giving powerful abilities to the antagonist justifies providing the same to the protagonist. However, the question remains: why must the protagonist shoulder the burden of fighting the antagonist alone? This discrepancy in power distribution raises ethical questions about the narrative's fairness and responsibility.

Protagonists are often expected to take the lead, and their friends are expected to support them. Yet, the dynamic in 'My Hero Academia' seems to prioritize the protagonist's power at the expense of his relationships and his friends' agency. This imbalance can result in the protagonist becoming less relatable and the story feeling less engaging.

Hunter x Hunter

Lastly, we turn to 'Hunter x Hunter', where Gon Freecss is the main character often criticized for being selfish. This is particularly evident during a scene where Gon almost sacrifices his friends' lives to achieve a 'perfect win' in a dodge ball game.

Gon's selfish behavior is a recurring theme, with his willingness to put personal gains above his friends' safety. This decision-making process is not only contrary to the spirit of friendship but also diminishes his character's overall appeal.

While Gon's journey is filled with growth and development, his moments of selflessness are frequently overshadowed by selfish acts. This imbalance can leave viewers feeling unsatisfied and looking for a more balanced and relatable protagonist.

In conclusion, the protagonists of 'Future Diary', 'My Hero Academia', and 'Hunter x Hunter' collectively exhibit character traits that can significantly detract from the overall experience of the anime. While each series has its unique strengths, the underdevelopment or mischaracterization of the protagonists can detract from the cohesiveness and enjoyment of the story. By addressing these issues, these animes could offer a more engaging and fulfilling viewing experience for their audience.