Weekly Shonen Jump holds the crown as the biggest and most renowned manga magazine in Japan. It’s the birthplace of many iconic Shonen series, which have become staples in the industry and even inspired future generations of manga creators. And with these incredible series come unforgettable with the best shonen jump characters who lead the charge.
Shonen Jump has given us some of the most recognizable faces in Japanese media, each with their own identities and charisma. Every anime fan can easily recognize Goku and his Kamehameha, Naruto and his Rasengan, or Jotaro and his powerful Star Platinum. While Shonen Jump boasts a plethora of amazing protagonists, these ones stand out as the absolute best.
1. Son Goku – Dragon Ball
Son Goku, also known as Kakarot, stands as an undisputed icon in the world of anime. Created by Akira Toriyama, Dragon Ball birthed the modern Shonen Manga genre, laying the groundwork for future classics. Its influence extends to the Big 3 and beyond, shaping the tastes of generations to come. Nearly every anime enthusiast has grown up immersed in Goku’s adventures alongside the Z Fighters.
It’s a rare find to encounter a child who hasn’t attempted Goku’s signature Kamehameha move with friends during recess. Goku’s charm lies in his lovable and goofy personality, endearing him to fans across the globe. Yet, it’s the contrast of his gentle nature with his ferociousness in battle that adds an electrifying dimension to his character.
2. Monkey D. Luffy – One Piece
Luffy, embodies the values of friendship, freedom, and justice as they navigate the treacherous waters of the Grand Line. Fans of the beloved manga and anime series, One Piece, admire him not only for his humor but also for his impressive array of abilities. One Piece stands as the best-selling manga series of all time, holding a special place among the iconic titles of Shonen Jump’s Big 3. With its extensive collection of manga chapters and anime episodes, the adventure of Luffy and his crew continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
At the heart of it all, Luffy embodies joy and bravery in his quest to discover the fabled One Piece treasure and claim the title of Pirate King. How can we forget his love for food? The Straw Hat Pirates have boldly challenged the oppressive world government and championed the cause of freedom in countless regions. Despite facing formidable adversaries, Luffy’s spirit shines through, always accompanied by his infectious laughter.
3. Eren Yeager – Attack On Titan
Eren is everyone’s favourite shonen jump character. This is how most of us got into anime. Eren Yaeger has come a long way from feeling weak as a child. Now, he’s incredibly strong, with powers like controlling the founding titan and a massive army of colossal titans at his disposal.
With three of the Nine Titans under his belt, Eren is easily the strongest person in his world. By the end of Attack on Titan, nobody stands a chance against him. And in the final season’s second part, he even reveals a new form that makes him the biggest titan ever seen. It takes five titan wielders and multiple Ackermans teaming up just to have a shot at taking him down. That’s how powerful Eren has become.
4. Naruto Uzumaki – Naruto
Naruto is a global sensation, and one of the best shonen jump characters, Naruto Uzumaki, is an emblem of shonen anime. From his troubled beginnings as an outcast in the Hidden Leaf Village, Naruto dreams of becoming Hokage to earn the respect he’s always craved. Along the way, he discovers that true recognition isn’t handed out easily; it must be earned through hard work and perseverance.
Through countless trials and epic battles, Naruto transforms from a despised troublemaker into a revered hero, not just in his village but throughout the ninja world. Along this journey, he matures both as a fighter and as a person, embodying the spirit of determination and growth.
5. Yusuke Urameshi – Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho, a beloved series from the ’90s, centers around the lively character Yusuke Urameshi. In his early days, Yusuke was your typical troublemaker – always picking fights, sneaking smokes, and maybe having a drink or two.
But everything changed when he sacrificed himself to save a child from an oncoming car. Given a second chance at life, Yusuke discovers his purpose as Earth’s protector against supernatural threats from the Spirit World. Alongside his friends Kurama, Kuwabara, and Hiei, they form Team Urameshi, a tight-knit group fighting together to keep their world safe from evil spirits.
6. Yuji Itadori – Jujutsu Kaisen
Yuji Itadori isn’t just a typical shonen jump characters known for his impressive fighting abilities and willingness to team up against evil. What sets him apart is his genuine likability as a person.
Similar to Tanjiro, Yuji is inherently empathetic, caring, and altruistic. His compassionate nature shines through in his actions, as he readily lends a helping hand to those in need. Yet, amidst his noble traits, he also possesses a playful side, often using his goofy sense of humor and mischievous pranks to lift spirits.
Despite his innocence and occasional naivety, Yuji is far from foolish. His super resolve and refusal to succumb to darkness further endear him to fans.
7. Gon Freecss – Hunter X Hunter
Yoshihiro Togashi’s masterpiece, Hunter X Hunter, is packed with fascinating characters, and its main character, Gon, might seem straightforward at first. He’s a happy-go-lucky kid with a big goal: finding his dad.
But as the story unfolds, things get more complicated. Gon faces tougher enemies, and his bright attitude starts to dim. He goes through some really tough times, losing people he loves, and it changes him. The innocence and wonder he once had slowly fade away as he’s forced to grow up fast in a world full of danger and fighting. Hunter X Hunter brilliantly shows Gon’s journey from a carefree kid to a mature adult, shaped by the challenges he faces along the way.
8. Ichigo Kurosaki – Bleach
When you listen to what many current manga creators have to say, it’s evident that Bleach stands out as one of the most influential series to come out of Shonen Jump. And when it comes to iconic characters in Shonen jump characters, few can match the fame of Ichigo Kurosaki.
While characters like Naruto and Luffy inspire with their boundless optimism and hope, Ichigo brings a different kind of realism and humanity to the table. His primary drive is to shield his loved ones from harm, and he seeks strength solely for that purpose. Ichigo is a determined young man with a heart of gold, and his unwavering kindness resonates with fans of Bleach worldwide. Almost every Bleach enthusiast holds a special place in their heart for Ichigo, The One Who Protects.
9. Jotaro Kujo – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure might seem fresh with its recent anime adaptation, but it’s actually one of the oldest and most influential series out there. And Jotaro Kujo, the main character of Stardust Crusaders, is a big deal in the industry.
Jotaro is a stoic and serious hero, but he evolves over time into a more compassionate guy without losing his personality. One of the most thrilling things to watch is when Jotaro’s Stand, Star Platinum, takes down a villain with its powerful Stand rush. It’s moments like these that really make JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure stand out.
10.Tanjiro Kamado – Demon Slayer
Tanjiro Kamado, with his sword skills and heart of gold, easily earns his spot among the most beloved shonen heroes. His relentless determination, belief in friendship, and even his surprising compassion towards foes set him apart.
But it’s not just his battle prowess that makes Tanjiro so endearing. Off the battlefield, he’s a genuinely wholesome and kind person, without a trace of malice. Sure, he might get exasperated with his quirky teammates now and then, but his generous spirit and innocent nature make him truly lovable. And the same goes for his sister Nezuko.
Who’s your favourite Shonen jump character? Let us know in the comments below. Click here for more anime and manga content.
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Originating in Western anime fandom in the mid-2000s, the term “Big Three”, refers to three most popular manga and anime series: One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach.
