Highlights

• Anime superhero origin stories showcase characters who undergo transformative journeys to embrace their destinies and protect their worlds.
• These stories depict the struggle, perseverance, and resilience of becoming a true hero, whether it’s a teenager bonding with an alien robot or a telepath seeking normalcy.
• Anime superheroes like Astro Boy and Tokyo Mew Mew explore themes of identity and belonging in their quests to protect and save the world.

Anime offers an incredible diversity of superhero origin stories, showcasing characters that rise to protect, inspire, and challenge their worlds. From ordinary individuals who acquire extraordinary abilities to those born with unique powers, these characters undergo transformative journeys to embrace their destinies.

Notable characters include Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia, who is born without superpowers in a world where they are common, and the world’s greatest hero, Saitama’s self-made superheroism in One Punch Man. These stories depict the struggle, perseverance, and resilience of becoming a true hero. Let’s delve into the compelling narratives of the best anime superhero origin stories.

Updated by Dev Tugnait on December 2, 2023: Our Best Anime Superhero Origin Stories list continues to evolve! We have added five new entries to include the latest and greatest in anime storytelling. Dive into a world where extraordinary journeys of heroes captivate and inspire. Explore our list to find your next favorite superhero.

15 Joey Jones – Heroman

Teenager Bonds With Alien Robot

Joey Jones’s Unique Abilities

• Controls a powerful robot
• Evolves from average student to heroic figure

Joey Jones, the protagonist of Heroman, is an ordinary high school student living in Center City, USA. His life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a broken toy robot. Joey repairs the toy, which is actually a top-secret prototype called Heroman.

After being struck by lightning, the toy transforms into a giant robot, Heroman. Joey and Heroman quickly become entwined in battles against alien invaders known as the Skrugg, led by the villainous Kogorr. Joey’s origin story stands out due to its East-meets-West approach, combining the appeal of an American comic book superhero tale with the depth and style of Japanese animation.

14 Kusuo Saiki – The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

Telepath Seeking Normalcy

Kusuo Saiki’s Unique Abilities

• X-ray vision to see through objects
• Telekinesis for manipulating objects

Kusuo Saiki, the protagonist of The Disastrous Life of Saiki K., is born with vast psychic abilities, including telepathy, telekinesis, and x-ray vision. Unlike typical superheroes who embrace their powers, Saiki sees his abilities as a curse and desires a normal, unremarkable life. His daily life is a comedic struggle to hide his powers from classmates like the clueless Riki Nendou and the delusional Shun Kaidou.

Saiki employs his powers in subtle and humorous ways, like reading people’s minds or altering memories. Saiki’s story is unique in the superhero genre as it is less about saving the world and more about the comedic trials of living an ordinary life despite being extraordinarily powerful.

13 Astro – Astro Boy

Robot Seeks Human Connection

Astro’s Unique Abilities

• High intelligence
• Flight capability with rocket boosters

In the 2003 adaptation of Astro Boy, the origin story of this iconic character is revisited with fresh nuances. Astro Boy, originally named Astro, is a highly advanced android created by Dr. Tenma, possessing emotions, incredible strength, and jet-powered flight capabilities. Dr. Tenma creates Astro in the image of his deceased son.

However, Dr. Tenma eventually rejects Astro upon realizing he cannot age or replace his human child. The anime is unique as it explores Astro’s quest for identity and belonging while he confronts various threats, from rogue robots to discriminatory humans. Astro’s origin story and journey are a poignant exploration of what it means to be human.

12 Ichigo Momomiya – Tokyo Mew Mew

Teen Girl Becomes Cat Hero

Ichigo Momomiya’s Unique Abilities

• Transforms into Mew Ichigo
• Gains superhuman abilities

Ichigo Momomiya’s origin story in Tokyo Mew Mew begins when Ichigo, an ordinary middle school girl, attends an endangered species exhibit with her crush, Masaya Aoyama. Unbeknownst to her, the exhibit is a cover for a secret experiment led by two scientists, Ryou Shirogane and Keiichiro Akasaka.

They are attempting to infuse human DNA with that of endangered animals. Ichigo’s life changes dramatically when an earthquake strikes, and she is accidentally infused with the DNA of an Iriomote Wildcat. This grants her magical abilities, transforming her into Mew Ichigo, a warrior tasked with fighting alien invaders known as the Chimera Anima. Ichigo’s story combines the classic magical girl genre with a strong environmental message.

11 Shigeo Kageyama – Mob Psycho 100

Most Powerful Psychic

Shigeo Kageyama’s Unique Abilities

• Powerful psychic abilities
• Can use telekinesis and energy projection

Shigeo Kageyama, also known as Mob in Mob Psycho 100, is a seemingly ordinary middle school student with extraordinary psychic abilities. His journey is not about acquiring powers; instead, it revolves around his struggle to control them. Under the guidance of his mentor, Arataka Reigen, a self-proclaimed psychic who is actually a fraud, Mob learns to navigate the challenges of his abilities.

His story is unique as it focuses more on emotional growth and understanding rather than physical strength or typical heroics. Mob’s character development and the desire for mundane life experiences make his story stand out in the superhero genre.

10 Sunred – Tentai Senshi Sunred

Laid-Back Domestic Hero

Sunred’s Unique Abilities

• Classic superhero abilities
• Overpowers most enemies easily

Sunred from Tentai Senshi Sunred offers a refreshingly humorous take on the superhero genre. What makes Sunred’s story stand out is its satirical approach. Sunred, while being a powerful warrior capable of defeating monsters with ease, is depicted as a laid-back, unemployed and unconventional character living in Kawasaki, Japan.

He often engages in typical daily activities like cooking and has a nonchalant attitude towards his heroic duties. Unlike typical heroes who maintain a secret identity, Sunred’s neighbors are well aware of his role as a superhero. The unique charm of Tentai Senshi Sunred lies in its blend of the remarkable and the mundane, making it an enjoyable variation of the superhero genre.

9 Masayoshi Hazama – Samurai Flamenco

Citizen Turns Vigilante For Justice

Masayoshi Hazama’s Unique Abilities

• Skilled in hand-to-hand combat
• Uses mini-smoke bombs to enter and exit

Masayoshi Hazama’s origin story in Samurai Flamenco is unlike any other. Masayoshi, a model citizen with a deep admiration for superheroes, decides to become one despite having no superpowers or advanced gadgets. He takes on the persona of Samurai Flamenco and starts tackling petty crimes and everyday injustices, like public littering and loitering.

What makes Masayoshi’s story stand out is its focus on the psychological and social aspects of being a hero. He faces not only the dangers of confronting criminals but also the challenges of public perception. Masayosh’s journey is intertwined with Hidenori Goto, a police officer who discovers his identity and becomes a confidant and a grounded counterpoint to his superhero aspirations.

8 Jin Kanzaki – Zetman

Genetically Engineered Hero

Jin Kanzaki’s Unique Abilities

• Superhuman strength
• Enhanced speed and reflexes in ZET form

Jin Kanzaki, the protagonist of Zetman, has a unique and dark superhero origin story. Born as the result of a genetic experiment, Jin possesses extraordinary abilities, marking him as a Player, a being created to fight in deadly games. Raised by his kind grandfather, Jin lives a relatively normal life until a tragic event shatters his world: his grandfather is killed by a monstrous Player.

The story of Jin is unique in its exploration of moral ambiguity and the blurred lines between heroes and monsters. Unlike traditional superheroes, who are often clear-cut symbols of good, Jin transforms into ZET, a violent being designed to fight other Players, but struggles with losing his humanity.

7 Ichiro Inuyashiki – Inuyashiki: Last Hero

Elderly Man Becomes Cyborg Hero

Ichiro Inuyashiki’s Unique Abilities

• Body transformed into a cyborg
• Uses newfound power to fight crime

Ichiro Inuyashiki’s origin story in Inuyashiki is impressive and poignant. Ichiro is an unassuming, elderly man overlooked by his family and society who suddenly discovers he has terminal cancer. His life takes an extraordinary turn when, during a walk in a park, he is caught in an explosion caused by extraterrestrials.

The aliens, realizing their mistake, rebuild his body using advanced technology, inadvertently transforming him into a powerful cyborg with incredible abilities. Ichiro grapples with his new identity and powers, choosing to use them to help people, save lives, and fight crime. His actions contrast sharply with another character, Hiro Shishigami, a teenager who also gains similar powers but uses them for malevolent purposes.

6 Sho Fukamachi – Guyver: The Bioboosted Armor

High School Student Gains Bio-Armor

Sho Fukamachi’s Unique Abilities

• Enhanced strength and durability
• Can transform into a Guyver

Sho Fukamachi’s origin story in Guyver: Bio-Boosted Armor begins when he accidentally stumbles upon a strange device known as the Guyver Unit. This device, created by the sinister Chronos Corporation, is part of a series of bio-mechanical weapons. When Sho activates the Guyver Unit, it merges with his body.

This transformation is involuntary and horrific, as the Guyver armor overtakes his body, enhancing his physical abilities. Sho finds himself fighting against Zoanoids, humans who can transform into monstrous creatures. The uniqueness of Sho’s story lies in the exploration of the horrors of biotechnology and the loss of humanity. His struggle is also an internal battle with the alien, often violent nature of the Guyver armor.

5 Kotetsu And Barnaby- Tiger & Bunny

Heroic Duo Navigates Justice

Kotetsu and Barnaby’s Unique Abilities

• Super strength for five-minute intervals
• Duo excels in coordinated attacks

Tiger & Bunny is set in a futuristic city called Sternbild, where individuals with superpowers, known as NEXT (Noted Entities with eXtraordinary Talents), are celebrities and heroes. The story primarily revolves around two such heroes, Kotetsu T. Kaburagi (Wild Tiger) and Barnaby Brooks Jr., each with unique backstories and paths to heroism.

The two have a unique superhero origin story that blends traditional heroism with corporate sponsorship and reality TV dynamics. Kotetsu is an experienced but aging hero known as Wild Tiger, while Barnaby is a young, polished hero with a tragic past. Kotetsu and Barnaby’s paths cross when they are paired by their sponsors and have to work together to stop crime.

4 Usagi Tsukino – Sailor Moon

Clumsy Girl Becomes Moon Warrior

Usagi Tsukino’s Unique Abilities

• Transforms into the powerful Sailor Moon
• Becomes the leader of the Sailor Guardians

Usagi Tsukino’s origin story in Sailor Moon is a defining example of the magical girl genre. Usagi, a seemingly ordinary and somewhat clumsy 14-year-old schoolgirl, discovers a talking cat named Luna, who reveals her destined role as Sailor Moon to protect Earth. Her transformation is marked by the iconic phrase, Moon Prism Power, Make Up!

Moon Prism Power, Make Up!

What makes Usagi’s story unique is her evolution from a reluctant hero into a confident and powerful leader. Alongside her, other Sailor Guardians are awakened – Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Venus. Each character has different strengths, making Usagi’s story not just about fighting evil but also about the power of collaboration.

3 Paper Sisters – R.O.D The TV

Special Paper Power Sisters

The Paper Sister’s Unique Abilities

• Anita is skilled in close combat
• Michelle uses paper for reconnaissance
• Maggie creates large paper constructs for defense

The Paper Sisters – Michelle, Maggie, and Anita are the central characters in R.O.D the TV. Their story starts when they are hired as bodyguards for Nenene Sumiregawa, a famous author. The Paper Sister’s origin story is unique due to their ability to manipulate paper, known as Paper Mastery.

Michelle, the eldest, is outgoing and often uses her paper in large, dramatic ways. Maggie, the middle sister, is more introverted, creating defensive structures like shields and walls. Anita, the youngest, is feisty and agile, using her paper for quick, precise attacks. What sets the Paper Sisters apart in the superhero genre is their unique power set, deeply intertwined with literature and knowledge.

2 Saitama – One Punch Man

Ordinary Man Becomes Unbeatable Hero

Saitama’s Unique Abilities

• Unmatched speed and strength
• Can defeat anyone with one punch

Saitama’s origin story in One Punch Man is a satirical take on the traditional superhero narrative. Unlike most superheroes who possess innate or acquired powers through extraordinary means, Saitama’s journey begins quite ordinarily. He was a regular, unemployed man who decided to become a hero for fun after a random encounter with a monster.

Saitama’s training regimen, famously consisting of 100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10 km run every day for three years, is deceptively simple yet yields unimaginable strength, making him able to defeat any opponent with a single punch. What makes his story different is the existential boredom and frustration he faces due to his overwhelming strength.

1 Izuku Midoriya – My Hero Academia

Quirkless Teen Becomes Hero

Izuku Midoriya’s Unique Abilities

• Inherits One For All Quirk
• Immense strength and speed

Izuku Midoriya’s origin story in My Hero Academia gets the #1 spot on this list for its incredible portrayal of a hero-in-the-making. Izuku, a Quirkless and ardent admirer of heroes, has his life transformed when he meets All Might and displays true bravery by rushing in to save his friend Katsuki Bakugo from a villain.

Impressed by Izuku’s courage, All Might chooses him as his successor of the One For All Quirk. Izuku inherits these powers, gaining superhuman abilities. He enrolls in U.A. High School, a prestigious institution for budding heroes, where he undergoes rigorous training and faces challenges from classmates like the talented but aloof Shoto Todoroki and adversaries such as the League of Villains.

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