The Annoying Character Design Tropes in Anime That aren’t Working

Every genre has its share of overused and annoying tropes, and when it comes to anime, there are several that can really tug at a viewer's patience. Whether it's the all-too-familiar battle-ready protagonists, the tantalizingly-nudity that goes too far, or the absurdly-aging characters who never seem to grow up, these elements can detract from the overall quality of a show. In this article, we will explore some of the most egregious and annoying character design tropes in anime and discuss how they can be improved.

Trope 1: Strong but Stupid Protagonists

Among the most common and divisive character archetypes in anime is the strong but stupid protagonist. While series like Dragon Ball and One Piece have their fans, many argue that the intelligence of these characters is severely lacking.

Characters like Goku and Luffy, despite their incredibly strong abilities, often make subpar decisions that put them in unnecessary danger. Conversely, characters like Bardock, Jonathan Joestar, and Light Yagami are more intelligent and strategic, making them far more interesting and relatable. The journey of one's protagonist to become stronger should not be at the cost of their mental acumen.

Trope 2: The Lolis and Over-sexualized Designs

Anime often features young-looking characters, a trope commonly known as "loli." However, the treatment of these characters can be a double-edged sword. When done tastefully, such as with characters like Hellmaster Fibrizo from Fairy Tail, the designs can be genuinely captivating. However, excessive sexualization and underdeveloped body types can be off-putting.

Characters like Nami and Erza, who are given unrealistic body types and forced to wear revealing clothing as part of their outfits or armor, can be jarring and disrespectful. These designs, especially in series like One Piece, can overshadow the story and character development, leading to a less immersive experience.

Trope 3: Overly Old Characters with Stunted Appearance

One of the most frustrating tropes in anime is the portrayal of elderly or exceedingly old characters who look teenagers. While it can add a level of innocence or allure to the character, it often feels overdone and unrealistic, especially when these characters are equipped with unrealistic hair colors or features.

For instance, characters like Hasbulla, with their unnatural hair pigments, are prime examples of this trope. These characters can come across as shallow and uninspired, detracting from the overall character development.

Trope 4: The Bland, Messy, Black-Haired Self-Insert Characters

Many anime features self-insert characters who are poorly designed, often with spiky or messy black hair that can make them look like clones. These characters, especially in isekai and romance anime, can be a dime a dozen and lack flavor or uniqueness.

Is it so unfathomable for these main characters to have more diverse hair colors, such as blue, green, or even red? If they must retain their default messy black hair, perhaps a more intriguing backstory or personality would help to differentiate them. Originality is key when it comes to creating relatable and memorable characters in a genre that thrives on imagination.

Conclusion: Why Improvement is Needed

The impact and quality of an anime series are often measured by the strength and believability of its characters. While some may argue that these trooped designs are simply part of the medium's identity, it is the responsibility of creators to use them judiciously and enhance the storytelling with thoughtful, well-rounded characters.

Dive into a world of stronger, more intelligent protagonists, tastefully designed lolis, and age-appropriate visual representations, and breathed life into the static and uninspired self-inserts. The future of anime lies in the hands of those who can bring imagination to the page without sacrificing character depth and coherence.

Join the conversation. Do you find these tropes annoying, or do you think there's a place for them? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's discuss how to make anime a more enjoyable and engaging medium for all.