Underdog male leads are the lifeblood of anime and the backbone of stories that make us fist-pump in triumph and sometimes ugly cry in public. These protagonists have the essence of rising from nothing to conquering everything. They prove that with determination, grit, and pure willpower, even a zero can be the ultimate hero. Let's go over five fantastic MCs who started from rock bottom and crawled to the top like absolute bosses.
1. Sung Jinwoo – Solo Leveling
From Weakest to World’s Strongest
The first time we see Sung Jinwoo, he is what you would probably label “Doomed Guy No. 3” in every dungeon raid. An E-rank hunter, Jinwoo is as weak as your Wi-Fi when there is a thunderstorm outside. His life is a gamble every day to see if he stays alive or makes it to the afterlife.
But after a dungeon one so nasty that even the bravest of hunters leaves him fatally injured, Jinwoo receives the System, a mysterious ability that lets him level up. Boy, does he level from slaying lowly beasts to commanding an army of shadow soldiers, Jinwoo's evolution is something like seeing someone change from a bicycle to a jet plane overnight.
It resonates in the heart of anyone who has ever been underestimated. In addition, it is not just his surging power but his unshakeable resolve that keeps us on our feet and cheering in support. Plus, let's be real, who would not want to command a legion of undead shadows while looking ridiculously cool doing it?
2. Asta – Black Clover
The Magicless Mage Who Defied Fate
In the world of Black Clover, everything has magic in it. You're either born with it, or you're Asta. Everyone else shows off their magical talents like Instagram influencers with new filters, while Asta's magic ability is precisely non-existent. Nada. Zilch. He would be the guy who failed at the tutorial level on any magical RPG.
But does that stop him? Oh, heck no! With sheer grit, endless training, and enough yelling to rival a stadium full of football fans, Asta wields anti-magic swords power singularly his own. From village underdog to brawling alongside the Magic Knights, meteoric rises don't get any more pure-hearted.
That's not even the most inspiring part, though's Asta's attitude. He isn't bitter; he isn't jealous of their talents. The things he can do, he does better than anyone, and let's not even get him started with his unbreakable bromance with his childhood rival, Yuno. Asta's story is proof that destiny is what you make of it-loudly, if necessary.
3. Izuku Midoriya – My Hero Academia
The Quirkless Hero Who Stole Our Hearts
If there were a support group for quirkless kids who wanted to be heroes, Izuku Midoriya would be its president. Born in a world where everyone has superpowers in the form of quirks, Izuku does not. That does not stop him, however, from obsessively studying heroes and dreaming of one day becoming a hero.
Life flips 180 degrees when he meets his idol, All Might, and inherits the strong Quirk of One For All. Really, watching Izuku transform from the crying little kid on the floor who wrote hero notes down to the unstoppable Deku who fights his villains with a passion that knows no end is something else.
What really sets Izuku apart is his heart. He isn't doing this to prove any sort of point; he just really wants to save people. And well, quite frankly, his quirky mutterings before a battle and jitters just really make him one of the most relatable anime protagonists out there.
4. Eren Yeager – Attack on Titan
The Determined Titan Slayer Turned World-Changer
Eren Yeager's life is a masterclass in trauma, revenge, and self-discovery. Starting as a kid who could barely swing a blade without falling over, Eren's early goal was simple: kill all Titans and avenge his mother. But as the story unfolds, his journey becomes much more complex and morally gray, to put it mildly.
Eren's transformation from a hot-headed teenager to a calculating and formidable force of nature is one of the most legendary arcs in anime. He not only defeats Titans but also changes the entire narrative of his world. Whether you love him or hate him, his journey is definitely one you'll remember for a long time.
Eren's storyline powerfully illustrates the fight against overwhelming odds, even if it involves some highly questionable methods.Eren's storyline embodies the struggle against overwhelming odds, despite some questionable methods.
5. Tanjiro Kamado – Demon Slayer
The Compassionate Demon Slayer Who Defied Tragedy
Tanjiro's life began with tragedy when he witnessed the slaughter of his family and his sister, Nezuko, being turned into a demon. Instead of succumbing to grief, he embarked on a quest to avenge his family and find a cure for his sister. Armed with a trusty sword, an unusually sharp sense of smell—almost akin to a superpower—and an unwavering sense of compassion, Tanjiro battles demons while staying true to his moral principles.
Further, what makes him really different is that he actually is empathetic. Even to the most dangerous demons, he sees them as tragedies rather than pure monsters. His politeness and determination make him go from a good sword player to an inspiring character.
Also, his interactions with Nezuko are actually sibling goals on steroids. Be it slaughter-hemming demons or head-butting some arrogant Hashira, Tanjiro shows that strength can arrive in many forms, especially when it is fueled by love and loyalty.
Final Thoughts
Underdog male leads remind us that greatness is not determined by where you begin, but by how you fight to rise above your challenges. Whether wielding an anti-magic sword, commanding shadows, or facing Titans, these characters demonstrate that diligence and determination can lead to triumph, regardless of the fictional world they inhabit.
Now, which of the following underdogs do you find the most inspiring? Or perhaps there is another favorite underdog MC you feel needs more love? Let's discuss it down in the comments because there's no better feeling than being able to root for the guy that everybody counted out.
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