Kara Dennison
November 16, 2020 
Among the many, many -dere types out there is the kamidere — the “god” type, be it literal or figurative. Whether they want it all or already have it all, they’re a force to be reckoned with. Sometimes the “dere” side gets a little buried under the “kami” side (okay, a lot buried). But in at least some of these examples, there’s some humanity underneath.
Light Yagami and Lelouch Lamperouge may top a lot of lists, but we’re looking at some other kamidere faves. What other god-complex anime stars are your favorites?
Satsuki Kiryuin: Kill La Kill
The kamidere attitude seems to run in the Kiryuin family. Student council president Satsuki rules the roost in Kill la Kill, in more ways than one. When we first meet her, her control over Honnouji Academy is absolute. She judges humans based on their strength and intelligence, and sees anyone lacking in either as “needing” to be ruled.
Underneath all that, though, she is a caring person. From sparing her butler’s feelings to looking after her Elite Four, she’s truly goodhearted. Besides which, her actions (regardless of how they may appear) spring from a desire for justice. And compared to her mom? She’s a downright softy.
Haruhi Suzumiya: The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
The star of The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is an interesting twist on the kamidere classification. She may be controlling and imperious, but (unbeknownst to her) she really is wielding some serious godlike powers. As far as she knows, she’s just bossing around her subordinates. In reality she’s looping time, altering reality for student films, and creating “closed spaces” where giant monsters fight each other.
Despite all this, Haruhi is a surprisingly normal teen with surprisingly normal feelings. She feels lonely, she gets crushes, and she doesn’t like being bored. It’s just that, unlike our fits of boredom, hers could reset all of humanity.
Father: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
When it comes to the deep secrets of Alchemy, look no further than the very kamidere Father of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. He’s got powers that outstrip even the rest of the series’ biggest hitters, creating new beings from himself and controlling the alchemical abilities of others. But under all that, Father is really…
Oh, who are we kidding. This freaky bottle goblin will absolutely destroy everyone and everything you love. He may sound lighthearted sometimes, but don’t let him fool you. No. Seriously. Never get on-side with this dude, only bad things are waiting for you.
What other kamidere characters from the world of anime do you love?
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