20 Black Anime Characters You Should Know About

In the world of anime, diversity in character representation has become an important conversation. While anime is predominantly produced in Japan, a country with its unique culture and racial makeup, the medium has gradually embraced more varied characters, reflecting a broader spectrum of the global audience. Among these, black anime characters stand out not only for their rare presence but also for their impact on viewers and the stories they inhabit.

1. Afro Samurai

• Anime: Afro Samurai (2007)
• Genre: Action, Samurai, Historical
• Release Date: January 4, 2007 – February 1, 2007
• Number of Episodes: 5
• Production Studio: Gonzo

Character Description:

Afro Samurai is one of the most iconic Black male anime characters. Equipped with a samurai sword in his hand and with vengeance in his heart, Afro is on to avenge the murder of his father. The anime, voiced by Samuel L. Jackson himself, contains both stylish visuals and high-voltage fight sequences that blend the featural and futuristic elements. Afro is cast in the mold of a loner having a never-say-die approach against all odds. His character is the epitome of resentment, honor, and isolation.

2. Canary

• Anime: Hunter x Hunter (2011)
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Shounen
• Release Date: October 2, 2011 – September 24, 2014
• Number of Episodes: 148
• Production Studio: Madhouse

Character Description:

Canary is a strict, yet disciplinary character who acts as a butler in service of the Zoldyck family-one of the most feared assassin families within the anime. Although appearing to be no more than a servant, her ability and strength are shown in the way she single-handedly holds off Gon and his friends. Indeed, Canary’s story stirs debates over loyalty, obedience, and personal agency-particularly when she shows rebellious signs against her masters for the sake of being kind and empathetic.

3. Yoruichi Shihouin

• Anime: Bleach (2004 )
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Supernatural, Shounen
• Release Date: October 5, 2004 – March 27, 2012
• Number of Episodes: 366
• Production Studio: Studio Pierrot

Character Details :

Yoruichi is a former captain of the Gotei 13 in Soul Society and possesses all of the major characteristics of a really strong fighter: battle and transformation skills. She is generally acknowledged with quick agility and a sharp wit, which she uses to mentor her younger friends through tasks. She can also transform into a black cat-which adds to her mystique. Besides her great insight into the political Soul Society world, leadership qualities make Yoruichi one of the powerful black anime characters in the female gender in Bleach.

4. Michiko Malandro

• Anime: Michiko & Hatchin (2008)
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
• Release Dates: October 15, 2008 – March 18, 2009
• Number of Episodes: 22
• Production Studio: Manglobe

Character Description:

Michiko Malandro is a very defiant, rough-tough woman who manages to escape from prison to search for her long-lost love. While doing so, she forms a mother-daughter-like bond with a young girl named Hatchin. The character Michiko is tough, independent, and one of the very few representations of a Black female lead in anime. The South America-inspired setting and Michiko’s complex backstory combine to make her one of the most iconic characters in anime.

5. Jet Black – Cowboy Bebop

• Anime: Cowboy Bebop (1998)
• Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Space, Drama
• Release Date: April 3, 1998 – April 24, 1999
• Number of Episodes: 26
• Production Studio: Sunrise

Character Description:

Jet Black is a former cop turned bounty hunter who partners with Spike Spiegel on the spaceship Bebop. Being the oldest in the crew, Jet adds some stability and emotional maturity to an otherwise chaotic group. He is a rugged yet kind-hearted man-one of those few men who genuinely believe in justice in a world that is mostly gray. His mechanical skills and combat experience turn him into a really enviable multitasking machine, while his fatherly manners captured many fans’ hearts.

6. Atsuko Jackson – Michiko & Hatchin

• Anime: Michiko & Hatchin (2008)
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama.
• Release Date: October 15, 2008 – March 18, 2009
• Number of Episodes: 22
• Production Studio: Manglobe

Character Details:

Atsuko Jackson is a police officer and Michiko’s childhood friend-turned-rival. Besides the fact that they are on opposite sides of the law, their complex relationship adds depth to the story. Even the character of Atsuko challenges the archetype of an anime police officer by weaving in moments of her tough exterior with vulnerability. She is more often torn between her duty as an officer and her deep-rooted care for Michiko.

7. Dutch

• Anime: Black Lagoon (2006)
• Action, Seinen, Thriller
• Release Date: April 8, 2006 – June 24, 2006
• Number of Episodes: 24 (including Season 2)
• Production Studio: Madhouse

Character Details:

Dutch is the leader of the Lagoon Company, a group of mercenaries who take up dangerous jobs within the lawless city called Roanapur. He’s cool and strategic, with a respected mind among his team. Being a former U.S. Navy officer, he brings a different perspective to the chaotic world where morals are more often gray than black-and-white. His character provides a sense of balance to the otherwise reckless and aggressive crew.

8. Killer B -Naruto Shippuden

• Anime: Naruto Shippuden (2007)
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Martial Arts, Shounen
• Release Date: February 15, 2007 – March 23, 2017
• Number of Episodes: 500
• Production Studio: Studio Pierrot

Character Details:

Killer B is the host of the Eight-Tails Beast and is one of the most powerful ninjas in the Naruto world. His fun-loving personality and love for rapping could often blind his remarkable strength and prowess in battle. Killer B helps Naruto master his tailed beast. He is one of the most famous Black male anime characters due to his unique combination of humor and strength.

9. Claudia Lasalle – The Veteran Strategist from Macross

• Anime: Super Dimension Fortress Macross; 1982
• Genre: Mecha, Military, Sci-Fi, Romance
• Air Date: October 3, 1982 – June 26, 1983
• Number of Episodes: 36
• Production Studio: Tatsunoko Production

Character Description:

Claudia LaSalle is a lieutenant in the space military and serves as a bridge officer on the Macross ship. Among the few Black characters in early anime, Claudia certainly stands out as strong and competent, with even a romantic subplot. She represents professionalism and fortitude of character. Claudia helps in establishing many of the key relationships that come along in the series.

10. Bob Makihara – The Fearless Brawler from Tenjou Tenge

• Genre: Action, Martial Arts, Supernatural, Shounen
• Release Dates: April 1, 2004 – September 16, 2004
• Number of Episodes: 24 ***
• Production Studio: Madhouse

Character Information:

First of the main characters in Tenjho Tenge, Bob Makihara is a really skillful martial artist who originally hailed from South Africa. In the martial arts school, Bob’s strength and agility make him an even stronger fighter. He has an exceptional fighting style, combining capoeira with hand-to-hand combat, which makes him different from other fighters within the series’ context.

His close relationship with Souichiro Nagi gives an emotional depth to Bob when they both go to such a hazardous school environment. Also, his character as an anime black male emphasizes a lot of his physical prowess and commitment toward friends.

11. Miyuki Ayukawa

• Anime: Basquash! (2009)
• Genre: Sports, Mecha, Sci-Fi
• Release Date: April 3, 2009 – October 2, 2009
• Number of Episodes: 26
• Production Studio: Satelight

Character Details:

Miyuki Ayukawa is a mechanic and one of the major supporting characters in this anime entitled Basquash!; it incorporates mecha with basketball in a futuristic world. She does bear importance to the team in general, as she designs and handles every high-energy basketball game with used robotic “Big Foot” mechs. With her technical expertise, her personality brings calm and cool composure, making her an important part of the crew. Miyuki is among a very select few Black female anime characters who stand as an engineering genius, breaking stereotypes based on intelligence and compassionate character.

12. April

• Anime: Darker than Black (2007)
• Genre: Action, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Supernatural
• Release Date: April 6, 2007 – September 28, 2007
• Number of Episodes: 25
• Production Studio: Bones

Character Details:

April is a contractor who can control the weather in Darker than Black. She works for an agency of intelligence in Britain and has a stoic professionalism about her. She has powers that allow her to create or control storms and changes in weather to assist undercover missions. April is quiet and dedicated to her job, making her an interesting character in this dark and mysterious anime.

13. Ogun Montgomery

• Anime: Fire Force – 2019
• Genre: Action, Supernatural, Shounen
• Release Date: July 5, 2019 – present
• Number of Episodes: 48 [Seasons 1 & 2]
• Production Studio: David Production

Character Overview:

Ogun Montgomery tends to be an impressive-looking fighter in Fire Force, an anime based on the same name-one that speaks about a force of employees who use fire for fighting against supernatural series of infernos. Being a member of Company 4, Ogun’s special capability, “Flame Ink,” covers his body in flames, boosting his combat abilities to unimaginable degrees. His calm and friendly nature makes him well-liked among his peers, but when it is time to fight, the powers of Ogun make him one of the strongest characters in the series.

14. Rakshata Chawla – Code Geass

• Anime: Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion 2006 Genre: Mecha, Military, Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Thriller
• Release Date: October 6, 2006 – July 28, 2007
• Number of Episodes: 25
• Production Studio: Sunrise

Character Description:

Rakshata Chawla is an amazing scientist and engineer involved in the design and development of Knightmare Frames-mecha used in battles. Being one of the most prominent members of the Black Knights, Rakshata’s calm nature offsets how smart and sharp she is. She engages in developing the Guren Mk-II, which is one of the most advanced Knightmare Frames used by the rebels.

She is one of the most respected characters because of her major contribution to the rebellion and among the few examples of intellectuals among Black anime characters in mecha.

15. Casca

• Anime: Berserk Year: 1997
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Horror
• Release Date: October 8, 1997 – April 1, 1998
• Number of Episodes: 25
• Production Studio: OLM

Character Overview:  Casca is the pivot character in the anime Berserk; she’s also a member of the Band of the Hawk and the only female fighter among them. Her strong loyalty to its leader, Griffith, along with her budding closeness to Guts-the protagonist of the series-serves as a strong emotional core to the series.

Casca is a very complex character, being an extremely sharp and strong warrior while having to fight through some major personal traumas and finding her place. Leadership qualities, love, and betrayal weave her character arc in such a manner that unmistakably sets her apart as one of the most memorable black anime characters ever to grace female anime worldwide.

16. Muhammed Avdol –JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

Anime: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders (2014)

Genre – action, adventure, supernatural.

Release Date: April 4, 2014 – June 19, 2015

Number of Episodes: 48 Production Studio: David Production

Character Profile: Muhammed Avdol is a major ally in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders, and his Stand allows him to control fire. Avdol guides the main cast around the world as they attempt to take down Dio, the main antagonist of the series. He is wise, brave, and always true to the Joestar family. Avdol’s connection with Egyptian mythology, further supported by his strong stand, really brings in a lot into his character in terms of culture, and his role in the anime is very key to many of the battles. Avdol’s character is one of the standout Black anime males, melding intelligence with raw strength, and devotion that knows no bounds.

17. Zapp Renfro

• Anime: Blood Blockade Battlefront 2015
• Genre: Action, Supernatural, Fantasy
• Release Date: April 5, 2015 – October 3, 2015 Number of Episodes: 12 (Season 1)
• Production Studio: Bones

Character Description: Zapp Renfro is one hot-headed and brazen character. He plays an important role in the Blood Blockade Battlefront, a world much like New York City, except the latter is chaotic and home to supernatural beings. His blood can be manipulated to form weapons into lethal combat. His recklessness often gets him into trouble, but his loyalty to his friends and teammates makes up for the wild nature of his. Yet the more amusing anime Black character, Zapp’s aggressive fighting style and humorous personality make him one of the most featured in the show full of supernatural battles and quirky characters.

18. Sister Krone

• Anime: The Promised Neverland 2019
•  Genre: Horror, Mystery, Psychological, Shounen
•  Release Date: 11 January 2019 – 29 March 2019 
• Number of Episodes: 23 [Seasons 1 & 2] 
• Production Studio: CloverWorks 

Character Description: Sister Krone is probably the most complex character in The Promised Neverland. Being a caretaker at the Grace Field House orphanage, it initially seemed like she was an antagonist, one plotting against the main children. However, her back story got that of a tragic figure who is caught in a system which she could not escape. A lot of physical strength and intimidation factor contrast with her basic fragility. Her character is a strong social commentary on survival and ambition, making her one of the most memorable Black anime female characters in recent times. Although she is an antagonist, she shows her humanity and struggle so poignantly that the audience is able to relate very deeply with her. 

19. Simon Brezhnev – Durarara!!

• Anime: Durarara!! (2010)
• Genre: Action, Mystery, Supernatural, Urban
• Release Date: January 8, 2010 – June 25, 2010
• Number of Episodes: 24
• Production Studio: Brain’s Base

Character Info:

Simon is a Russian sushi chef in the busy and chaotic city of Ikebukuro. He has a large and powerful build but is a peace-loving man who often tries to avoid and prevent violence between the warring factions in the city. His appearance in the series adds some lightness to it and comic relief; hence, he stands out as quite a likable figure in the series Durarara!!. Simon’s pacifism deepens the concept of a world full of supernatural and human conflict through a peaceful character.

20. Nadine – Kiba

• Anime: Kiba (2006)
• Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Shounen
• Release Date: April 2, 2006 – March 25, 2007
• Number of Episodes: 51
• Production: Madhouse

Character Details:

Nadine is an extra terrestrial warrior in the anime Kiba who fights for the freedom of her people. Moments of her in this anime are few, but the impression of her tactical mind and combat skill is lasting. Nadine is one of those many minor Black anime characters showing that even though they may not be in the limelight, what they do is important to the story.