One of the longest-standing and most notable rivalries within the vast anime fandoms revolves around the Naruto and Yu Yu Hakusho communities.
At the heart of this ongoing debate lies the contentious issue of “Hiei clones” and their proliferation in shonen anime following the popularity of Yu Yu Hakusho.
For seasoned veterans of anime forums and social media circles, this beef is a familiar topic of discussion. The crux of the matter lies in the perceived abundance of characters resembling Hiei from Yu Yu Hakusho in the subsequent Shonen series.
This man Togashi really birthed so many Hiei clones
l'd charge Shonen Jump a Hiei tax at this point, $300k anytime another clone appears pic.twitter.com/lMFrMVnzWh
— 𝐍𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐦 (@NakeemHere) March 16, 2024
However, the contention intensifies when it comes to identifying the most iconic figure among these “Hiei clones.”
Sasuke Uchiha, from the Naruto series, often emerges as the central figure in this debate. Widely recognized even among non-anime fans, Sasuke’s likeness to Hiei is frequently cited as a prime example of the phenomenon.
While Hiei himself holds a significant place in the annals of anime history, some argue that Sasuke’s widespread fame and recognition elevate him to the status of the ultimate “Hiei clone.”
In fact, there are Naruto fans who boldly assert that with the advent of their series, the archetype of the “Hiei clone” effectively transforms into the “Sasuke clone,” owing to Sasuke’s unparalleled popularity.
Naturally, this assertion is met with resistance from devoted fans of Yu Yu Hakusho, sparking yet another chapter in the ongoing saga of the fandom war.
Sasuke vs. Hiei and the Battle for Influence in Anime Fandoms
The ongoing war between the Yu Yu Hakusho and Naruto fandoms carries significant weight for both sides due to the perceived “prestige” associated with the characters they champion. In the anime and manga communities, discussions surrounding influences and inspirations are fervently debated, particularly when older series are seen as paving the way for newer ones.
Each fandom strives to secure recognition for their respective characters as influential figures who have shaped the landscape of the medium.
However, this quest for acknowledgment often leads to heated debates, regardless of the reality that influences in anime and manga are often a tangled web of interconnected inspirations.
Social media platforms serve as battlegrounds for these debates, with fans passionately arguing their cases. Ironically, while Sasuke from Naruto may be seen as a dominant figure, it’s widely acknowledged that he draws direct inspiration from characters like Hiei, as confirmed by Naruto’s creator, Masashi Kishimoto, citing Yu Yu Hakusho’s creator, Yoshihiro Togashi, as an influence.
Despite this acknowledgment, many fans lean towards Sasuke’s iconic status as a reason to label subsequent characters as “Sasuke clones” rather than “Hiei clones.”
However, it’s evident that the concept of “Sasuke clones” wouldn’t exist without the foundation laid by “Hiei clones,” undermining the argument for Sasuke’s precedence.
Inevitably, Naruto fans vehemently defend Sasuke’s position, arguing that he deserves recognition and respect for his influence, seemingly overshadowing Hiei.
On the other hand, Yu Yu Hakusho fans rally behind Hiei, reminiscing about his impact and asserting that characters discussed in the debate are more accurately classified as “Hiei clones.”
The debate persists, fueled by fans’ unwavering loyalty to their respective series and characters. While the discourse may never reach a definitive end, it serves as a witness to the enduring passion and dedication within the anime community.
