10 Anime Characters with a Vengeful Edge Like Aki from Chainsaw Man

Anime characters similar to Aki from “Chainsaw Man” represent a recurring archetype in the battle shonen genre.

This archetype is characterized by a main character who is notably stoic and serious, contrasting sharply with the more exuberant and outgoing personality of the protagonist.

Aki, in particular, also embodies the Avenger archetype. His story revolves around his quest to kill the Gun Devil, the entity responsible for the death of his family.

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10 Anime Characters with a Vengeful Edge Like Aki from Chainsaw Man — Aki From Chainsaw Man (Via Mappa)

Characters like Aki are often defined by their all-consuming desire for revenge.

This intense focus on vengeance can lead them to make numerous mistakes along their journey, a trait that is prominent in Aki’s story throughout “Chainsaw Man”.

His quest for retribution drives much of the narrative and shapes his character development, illustrating how such motivations can lead to both internal and external conflicts.

1. Kurapika (Hunter X Hunter)

Kurapika from “Hunter X Hunter” stands out as a prime example of an anime character similar to Aki. Like Aki, Kurapika is consumed by the need for revenge.

His entire character arc revolves around avenging the massacre of his clan by the Phantom Troupe.

Driven by this vendetta, Kurapika trains rigorously to become a Hunter with the sole purpose of hunting down and eliminating the members of the Troupe.

This obsession with vengeance causes Kurapika to distance himself from friends like Leorio, Gon, and Killua, despite their strong bonds.

His journey mirrors Aki’s in that both characters choose their paths driven by a deep-seated need to avenge their loved ones.

However, Kurapika’s story is still unfolding, and it’s yet to be seen how his quest for revenge will ultimately resolve.

2. Hiei (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Hiei from “Yu Yu Hakusho” shares many similarities with Aki, particularly in terms of demeanor and role within their respective groups.

Hiei is known for his reserved and serious nature, often operating independently of the main group led by Yusuke Urameshi.

His quiet and stoic personality sets him apart from the more outgoing members of the team, much like Aki’s role in “Chainsaw Man”.

Both Aki and Hiei take time to connect with their companions and struggle to openly acknowledge their feelings.

While Hiei’s journey eventually leads him to a more positive and integrated role within his group, Aki’s path is marked by greater tragedy and a more somber ending.

3. Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto)

Sasuke Uchiha from “Naruto” can be seen as a prominent precursor to the archetype embodied by Aki.

Sasuke’s quest for vengeance is central to his character development throughout the series.

After witnessing the murder of his family at the hands of his older brother Itachi, Sasuke becomes consumed with a desire for revenge, which drives much of his actions in the series.

Sasuke’s serious and reserved nature is reminiscent of Aki’s demeanor.

Both characters are defined by their quest for revenge, though Sasuke’s story ultimately leads him to a path of redemption and self-discovery, contrasting with Aki’s tragic end.

Despite their different outcomes, both characters reflect a common theme in anime: the consuming nature of revenge and its impact on one’s journey.

4. Ikki (Saint Seiya)

Ikki from “Saint Seiya” serves as an underrated example of an anime character similar to Aki.

Though not as well-known among younger generations, Ikki’s role as the reluctant antihero mirrors the archetype seen in Aki.

Ikki’s journey begins with him being sent to Death Queen Island to train as a Saint against his will, where he endures harsh conditions and personal trauma, including the death of his loved one, Esmeralda.

Fueled by hatred and a desire for revenge, Ikki kills his abusive mentor, Guilty, and gains significant power.

His quest for vengeance against the Kido Foundation, which forced him into his role as a Saint, parallels Aki’s motivation in “Chainsaw Man”.

Despite the darker tones of his early story, Ikki eventually undergoes a redemption arc, similar to other characters on this list, albeit with a more positive resolution.

5. Yuno (Black Clover)

Yuno from “Black Clover” offers a different take on the archetype shared with Aki.

While Yuno’s motivations and context are distinct from Aki’s, the two characters share similarities in their serious and stoic personalities.

Yuno serves as a deuteragonist to the more energetic Asta in “Black Clover”, reflecting a dynamic akin to that between Denji and Aki in “Chainsaw Man”.

Although Yuno’s quest is not driven by revenge in the same way Aki’s is, their contrasting personalities and the seriousness with which they approach their goals create a parallel.

Yuno’s role as a serious and focused character contrasts with Asta’s more exuberant nature, similar to how Aki’s demeanor contrasts with Denji’s.

6. Megumi Fushiguro (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Megumi Fushiguro from “Jujutsu Kaisen” often draws comparisons to Aki due to the similar themes present in their respective series.

Both “Chainsaw Man” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” emerged around the same time and share elements of urban battle shonen with dark fantasy.

Megumi, like Aki, is characterized by his serious and introverted nature, driven by his own set of goals and motivations.

Their shared focus on their respective goals often leads to tragic outcomes, as both characters are willing to make significant sacrifices in pursuit of their objectives.

Megumi’s serious demeanor and intense dedication to his goals echo the traits seen in Aki, highlighting the theme of obsession with personal missions.

7. Jean Pierre Polnareff (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

Jean Pierre Polnareff from “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure”‘ exemplifies the revenge-driven character archetype seen in Aki.

In “Stardust Crusaders”, Polnareff’s quest for vengeance is triggered by the murder of his sister Sherry at the hands of a criminal working for Dio.

This event propels him into a journey of intense training and confrontation with those responsible.

Polnareff’s obsession with revenge leads him to make critical mistakes, including a period where he mistakenly believes he has caused the death of his ally, Muhammad Avdol.

However, Polnareff’s story ultimately culminates in him achieving his revenge and personal growth, evolving into a more mature and well-rounded individual, which contrasts with the more tragic trajectory of Aki.

8. Trafalgar Law (One Piece)

Trafalgar Law from “One Piece” provides another example of an anime character similar to Aki.

Law’s quiet and reserved nature parallels Aki’s demeanor, and his motivations are driven by a quest for revenge against Donquixote Doflamingo.

This quest stems from the trauma and abuse Law experienced at the hands of Doflamingo, much like Aki’s quest for vengeance against the Gun Devil.

Law’s interactions with the Straw Hat crew and his role within the New World showcase his serious personality, which can sometimes create tension with his peers.

Although Law’s pursuit of revenge is a key aspect of his character, the outcomes of his journey differ significantly from Aki’s, reflecting a variety of ways this archetype can be explored in anime.

9. Genos (One Punch Man)

Genos from “One Punch Man” shares notable similarities with Aki, particularly in their serious and stoic personalities.

Genos’s quest for vengeance is driven by his desire to find and defeat the monster responsible for the destruction of his family.

This pursuit shapes much of his character and mirrors Aki’s own quest for revenge against the Gun Devil.

While Genos’s journey involves training and battling alongside Saitama, his motivations and personal demeanor are akin to Aki’s.

Both characters are defined by their intense focus on revenge, and their stories explore the impact of such obsessions on their lives and relationships.

10. Guts (Berserk)

Guts from “Berserk” is a quintessential example of an anime character driven by revenge, making him comparable to Aki.

Guts’s journey is largely defined by his desire to avenge the betrayal and sacrifice inflicted by his former comrade, Griffith, who became the demonic Femto.

Guts’s quest for revenge is a central theme in “Berserk”, shaping his actions and character development.

Despite the parallels, Guts’s journey eventually leads him to gain perspective and focus on his loved ones, such as Casca.

Both Guts and Aki are marked by their tragic experiences and mistakes, but Guts’s narrative offers a broader exploration of how revenge impacts one’s life and relationships.

While there are many anime characters that share traits with Aki from “Chainsaw Man”, these ten examples stand out due to their prominent roles in popular series and their similar character arcs.

Each character reflects different aspects of the archetype defined by a quest for revenge and a serious, stoic demeanor, offering a range of interpretations on how such motivations can shape a narrative.