Kara Dennison
April 6, 2024 
In a good series, anime heroes go through a lot of changes. They may get stronger in body, mind, and spirit. They may overcome past traumas or biases. But some undergo much more literal changes: like straight-up turning into the exact kind of monster they’re fighting. What’s a protagonist to do? In the case of these stars, keep on fighting.
Here are three anime heroes who won’t let a silly thing like becoming the very thing they fear stop them from protecting humanity. In fact, this new transformation only makes them stronger against their foes!
Akira Fudo, Devilman
Akira Fudo is several anime heroes in one, depending on which version of Devilman you’re talking about. In most versions, he’s a kindhearted crybaby who gets fused with a demon by his friend (who, by the way, turns out to be Satan). But in the very first anime adaptation in 1972, the real Akira died far from home and was replaced by a full-blooded demon named Devilman.
Whichever way you slice it, though, this literal devil ends up fighting for humanity. In the 1972 anime it’s because Devilman slowly begins to sympathize with humanity over time. In the more common story, it’s because Akira’s good heart is just that strong. Either way, he’s using his demon powers to fight back against demons.
Nezuko Kamado, Demon Slayer
Nezuko is one of many anime heroes filling out the ranks of Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, but she’s a fan favorite for a reason. (And we’re sure it’s not just because she can get smol and ride around in a backpack.) Even after being turned into a demon, Nezuko isn’t fully lost. Tanjiro’s dedication to her wins her over, and that affection eventually spreads to other humans.
The bloodthirstiness that could have been turned against her loved ones now protects those same loved ones. And it’s a good thing—because sometimes it takes a demon to slay a demon.
Kafka Hibino, Kaiju No. 8
One of this season’s most anticipated anime heroes started out as basically a janitor. But one day, Kafka Hibino goes from cleaning up after kaiju to becoming a kaiju! Considering his dream had always been to fight these giant monsters by his childhood friend’s side, things aren’t going to be easy for him in Kaiju No. 8.
But, as with the other monsters in this article so far, it takes a kaiju to fight a kaiju. And the corps is actually very aware of that, given what their gear is really made of. But will Kafka be able to convince them he’s on their side? Find out when the series premieres April 13!
Want to meet another friendly monster? Start reading RuriDragon!
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