This article was originally published on 27 February 2023.

Of all the genres of anime and manga, shonen is by far the most lucrative. Aimed at young boys by admission of its very name, 15 of the 19 manga franchises to have sold over 100 million copies are deemed as shonen products.

As someone who is not a young boy but has dabbled in being one in the past, I can attest to the appeal of the genre. It’s typified by exciting action, intriguing drama, and drawn out, epic story arcs with a massive payoff at the end. It’s a pure dopamine drip, and not coincidentally, makes up the majority of my anime viewership.

With such a broad range of material to draw on, I elected to reflect on specific moments in shonen history that really got me pumped. I’ll throw a disclaimer here early, I’m not trying to stretch the boundaries of imagination, so all of the entries listed will be quite mainstream and from recent productions.

This is hardly scratching the surface, I just don’t want to think too hard. Plus, Gon Freecss as a header image is bound to grab me more clicks than Keima Katsuragi. Just you wait, though, the God of Conquests is bound to get his time in the sun one of these days…

Please note, there are big ass spoilers for the anime contained within this article. Legit, you wouldn’t find more spoilers if you went to a car dealership.

Bang! (Blue Lock)

Season 1, Episode 1

Sports anime conventions would usually see a ragtag group of misfits finding strength in one another to work towards a common goal and become better people. Blue Lock does this, sometimes, a little bit, albeit with the caveat that all of the participants are ultimately working for themselves, and actively encouraged to be assholes. Insert obligatory “tired of being nice” meme.

Yoichi Isagi has many of the tropes of your standard shonen leading man, with one notable exception: by entering this assignment, he is making an effort to shed the mindset of a team player, become the biggest piece of shit on the field, and score all of the goals while he leaves his opposition (and likely, his teammates) bawling in his wake.

It is wonderfully illustrated in the climax of the very first episode, where participants are tasked with playing a game of soccer tag. Whoever is hit last within the time limit will be instantly eliminated, so Isagi and his pal Ryosuke Kira do their best to avoid an early defeat.

The latter has been positioned as the deuteragonist; the upbeat star from a nearby school who gravitates towards Isagi as they enter the confines of Blue Lock. So when Isagi decides that he will be the one who must be destroyed on this day, it comes as quite the shock. Don’t be like Kira and let your guard down, this is an anime that is going to challenge the norm.

Bells in the rain (Death Note)

Season 1, Episode 25

Death Note plays out a little differently from your usual anime, insomuch that its lead character, Light Yagami, is in actual fact the villain. This places his foil, L, in an interesting narrative position; he is the good guy, but he doesn’t necessarily have to be a good guy. To keep things engaging, there has to be a certain edge to him that makes us question where our loyalties lie.

Shortly before Light successfully kills his rival, the duo shares a quiet scene on the roof. L is his usual self, muttering nothings about bells that only he can hear, but there is something more to this rainy day discussion than meets the eye. You can anticipate that we’re on the threshold of something big, just based on the atmosphere.

What makes L so fascinating is that he too was surely aware that he was about to perish, and treats the inevitability with a kind of contemplative resignation. How much did he know by this point? How close was he to outwitting the murderous Kira? Could he at least take solace in the knowledge that his successors would finish the task on his behalf?

L was a slave to his devout obligation to duty, with only a superficial list of joys that sustained his attention. Here, he has an approaching sense of his own mortality, and knowing that he can’t escape it, he instead chooses to stay true to who he has always been; a smug, know-it-all prick who will have the last laugh, either in this life or the next.

Rengoku vs Akaza (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)

Mugen Train (Movie)

In a little under two hours of runtime, Mugen Train is able to build up a character we’ve only gotten a basic impression of, make us intrigued by him as he combats the film’s assumed antagonist, and then have us absolutely on the edge of our seat when he takes on an even mightier foe in the final act.

I’m not going to lie, I thought we had already gotten a complete story when Tanjiro and Inosuke were at last able to fell the braggart Enmu. So when the Upper Moon demon Akaza arrives on the scene, I was surprised and unprepared for what was to follow.

His duel with the Flame Hashira Rengoku is easily in the top 5 anime fights of all time. Off the top of my head, I cannot think of any better; it is emotional, gripping, tightly choreographed and exquisitely animated. We thought we were in the clear, the day had been saved, and our heroes were about to ride off into the sunset. But nope, Rengoku is mortally wounded and just barely able to send the demon fleeing from the morning sun.

For him to have gone through all that without actually slaying the demon doesn’t feel cheap or disappointing. It just makes us that much more ready for the day that Tanjiro is able to overcome the cavernous gap in ability to finish the job himself.

Hamon clackers (JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure)

Season 1, Episode 15

When I think of an exact moment I was sold on an anime, this is probably the one that most springs to mind. The first arc of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Phantom Blood, doesn’t stray too far from conventional storytelling traditions as it introduces us to the Joestar legacy.

Jonathan Joestar is fondly remembered for being a muscle-bound champion who fought valiantly against his foster brother, Dio. But he is more made up of the sum of his actions than an interesting protagonist himself; it is not until we meet his buffoonish grandson, Joseph, that things really kick up a notch.

An arrogant lout who somehow manages to be a master tactician, Joseph faces off against the ancient Pillar Men with a brand new trick up his sleeve: a pair of clackers he has infused with energy. He proudly whips them about while letting out a fearsome cry, only for them to swing too far and bonk him over the head.

“Oh no!” he cries, his colleagues admonishing him in disgust. It’s such a defining moment of Joseph Joestar, portraying him as a knucklehead more concerned with style than substance. I’m so glad he would return for a few more seasons afterwards.

Good night, Chief (Megalobox)

Season 2, Episode 17

Occasionally, the best moments in storytelling aren’t those that necessarily come out of nowhere. There are times when a character arc is so wonderfully presented, you can foresee its outcome, almost making you hope that you’re right.

To that end, the death of Chief in Megalobox was telegraphed to perfection. After winning the tournament that will secure his rights to the land his people live on, the battered boxer gives a loving look at the photo of his wife and son before closing his eyes and going to sleep.

The next morning, he is found dead, sending all he had secured back into jeopardy. Chief represented the lost morality that Joe had shed after the events of the first season. His warm demeanour and wise outlook on the world had brought the man called Nomad back to reality, and he didn’t even get to live long enough to see the fruits of his labour.

I often toss up which of the seasons of Megalobox I prefer; the first is fresh and exciting, where the second is introspective and emotional. I think I would say that this is the better season from a storytelling aspect, and this right here was the event that sealed the deal for me.

The death of Miche (Attack on Titan)

Season 2, Episode 26

It may seem strange (or even a little sinister) to include a good man’s grisly demise amongst anime’s greatest moments, but the way Miche Zacharius goes out highlights everything that made Attack on Titan legendary.

This isn’t a story known for its plot armour, and yet somehow, you figured that the soldier whose power was second only to Levi’s would make his escape. Up to this point, Miche was a one-man wrecking crew, remaining stoic in the face of insurmountable odds and familiar with practically every nuance in Titan hunting.

The Beast Titan is smarter than your average bear, hucking his horsey and sending Miche to the turf. When the hirsute giant leans over to exchange in some unexpected small talk, the wounded Scout is uncharacteristically shaken. He eventually regathers his courage, taking up his weapon to make a stand, only for the Beast to give the surrounding Titans the command to finish the job.

Miche does not go out heroically, quietly, or even quickly. We can only watch on helplessly as he is ripped to pieces by the ravenous mob, reduced to a shrieking, writhing mess. I am a big fan of Kenta Miyake’s work, but for my money, this is his finest hour; gone is his deep, booming voice, replaced by the ear-piercing cries of a man who is being eaten alive.

It’s just as horrifying visually as it is in an auditory sense, with close-ups of Miche’s tear-stained face before at last his head is ripped clean from his shoulders. When this happens to a villain who had it coming, we might feel a pang of satisfaction. When it occurs to a beloved hero, it is shocking and dreadful… and absolutely intoxicating.

Limitation Transformation (Hunter x Hunter)

Season 5, Episode 131

Of course, in anime, things are barely black and white. So even when an antagonist is on the receiving end of brutal punishment, it isn’t exactly cause for celebration.

Neferpitou is an outstanding character who we get to see grow over the span of a season, presented at first as an immature yet menacing killing machine. They are a stark contrast to the plucky Gon Freecss, whose bravery and determination is often accompanied by a kindhearted smile.

Through Pitou’s cruelty and perverted treatment of Kite’s dead body, Gon is noticeably changed. He clings desperately to the idea that his mentor can be brought back to life, so when it is revealed that there is nothing that can be done to help him, something snaps.

Gon is gone. In his place emerges this twisted, unstoppable presence who sets about obliterating Pitou. In their last, agonizing seconds on earth, all they can think about is the relief that they are sustaining this beating, instead of their king.

It takes such a physical and emotional toll on Gon that he is effectively taken out of commission for the majority of the next season, with the driving force becoming Killua’s mission to revive his friend’s body and soul.

It’s not Hunter x Hunter’s best fight scene. In fact, it’s hardly a fight scene at all, more of a mugging. But it is indeed its most impactful moment, the point of no return that shifts the balance of strong and weak, good and evil, Pitou’s face and Pitou’s teeth.

The chimera (Fullmetal Alchemist)

Season 1, Episode 7

We’re going back a few decades for our list with the first big, emotional scene that ever left me reeling in anime, when it is discovered that the alchemist Shou Tucker has transmuted his 4-year-old daughter with the family dog. It is a hideous, atrocious crime that has made its mark as one of the biggest bombshells of the medium.

As far as which interpretation of this scene I wanted to highlight, I am going to stick with the 2003 original over Brotherhood. They both handle the reveal in equally heart-wrenching ways, however I personally feel as though 2003’s affect was more significant.

Edward knows from the outset that something is very wrong here, and he spends the first few moments acknowledging the chimera with silent horror, as opposed to the later adaptation’s early impression that this was a true achievement. Tucker himself comes across as more broken in 2003, whereas in Brotherhood he exudes an additional degree of pride.

There is a sickly candle glow in the original — while Brotherhood opted for neutral greys — and a more restrained musical score. Edward’s rage that he and Tucker are not the same also feels more unhinged. It’s a toss-up which Nina reaction hits harder, between her restraining Edward or repeatedly asking if her father is in pain.

Lastly, Shou and Nina get a little more screen-time in the original; their story is contained to a single episode of Brotherhood, instead of meeting them an episode prior. Needless to say, both are fabulous. My preference just happens to be 2003.

First contact (Dr. Stone)

Season 3, Episode 38

Although the major focus of Dr. Stone is in the way its central protagonist finesses science to survive in a near-prehistoric world, there remains the underlying question of how exactly humanity became petrified in the first place.

Early on in the third season is the episode dubbed First Contact. For the most part, it’s a fairly unassuming experience where Senku Ishigami continues reintroducing luxurious elements of his era, such as truffles and fine dining. There’s even a cute little piggy friend named Sagara who happens upon an oil field. Good work, Sagara! You won’t be eaten after all.

With the oil, Senku is able to power a motorboat that he pairs with a radio antenna out in open waters. Unexpectedly, they receive a transmission repeating the same message in Morse code. The tension builds as they piece together the one word being sent again and again.

WHY.

Without warning, a malicious figure appears onscreen, shouting ‘why?’ at the viewer as if to ask how it is that you’re still alive at this moment. At last, Senku has made contact with the foe he believes to have brought about humanity’s downfall 3,700 years prior.

It’s a thrilling moment because it comes totally out of left field in the final two minutes of an episode that was entirely tranquil up to that point. We’re not ready to fight Why-man just yet, but he has at least deigned us with his presence. Such a fabulous and chilling event.

Ignite Pass intercepted (Kuroko’s Basketball)

Season 1, Episode 18

By pairing the passing prowess of Tetsuya Kuroko with the physical dominance of Taiga Kagami, Seirin High have developed a potent one-two punch that has transformed their basketball team into a viable contender at the Interhigh Championship.

Their opening match against the powerhouse squad of Touou Academy is proving difficult enough, when latecomer Daiki Aomine finally checks in for the end of the second quarter. As a former member of the vaunted Generation of Miracles, his reputation precedes him, but Seirin were able to overcome fellow Teikou Junior High alumni Shintarou Midorima in the preliminaries. So they should still have a fighting chance against this towering power forward, right?

Aomine toys around with them in the dying seconds of the first half, before revealing his true strength in the third quarter. Seirin valiantly attempt to claw back from the brink, showcasing their tricks such as Kuroko’s phantom-like lack of presence. Sadly for them, the final straw is the moment when Aomine intercepts Kuroko’s Ignite Pass with one hand.

The protagonist’s trump card, which had kicked off numerous comebacks in the past, just dead ass stomped down by Touou’s unstoppable big man.

“Who do you think has caught more of your passes?” he sneers, and then proceeds to singlehandedly clown Seirin for the remainder of the game.

It’s the first loss we see for the protagonists in this anime, setting a high bar for them to cross in future seasons. Aomine is cold as fuck, bro, no wonder I gave him first place when I ranked the Generation of Miracles. Akashi stans are still seething.

Dabi’s Dance (My Hero Academia)

Season 6, Episode 124

At the height of the Paranormal Liberation War, the League of Villains’ enigmatic pyromaniac Dabi encounters the number one hero Endeavor and his son, Shoto Todoroki. Dabi has been something of a thorn in Endeavor’s side recently, but for all intents and purposes has remained a peripheral antagonist in the shadows of Tomura Shigaraki and the sadistic All For One.

With the heroes reeling from their long fight, Dabi steps onto the scene fresh as a daisy and ready to drop a bombshell that I legitimately did not see coming from a mile away. He reveals his true identity as Toya Todoroki, Endeavor’s eldest son thought to have died years ago in a tragic accident.

Dabi cruelly mocks his gobsmacked family members, so invigorated with satisfaction he starts to literally dance in front of them. Obviously I can’t quite compare my experience to their agony, and yet my mind was racing as all of the pieces came falling into place. When we initially learnt of Toya’s presumed demise, it was a narrative misdirection that made us think we were learning more about why Endeavor’s relationship with his family was so strained.

Then, this dude who has been pestering the heroes since the second season pulls this little stunt, and your mind is blown. Perhaps it’s exactly because Dabi hadn’t been highlighted as more than a villainous lieutenant, that his deception is even more of a surprise.

Junpei’s death (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Season 1, Episode 12

From the time we first meet him, the withdrawn, tormented youth Junpei Yoshino is framed as a future ally to the gang at Jujutsu High. Like Itadori, he’s your average high schooler who gets thrust into the strange world of curses, and in the process of trying to ascertain his power and allegiances, the pair hit it off. He’s just some misunderstood loner, he’s not a bad kid!

Alas, the special grade cursed spirit Mahito gets in his head first, and when Junpei’s mother is killed, he is quick to believe the lie that the school bullies were behind it. He wreaks havoc at the school in a vengeful rage, coming to blows with Itadori when he arrives on the scene. After a violent tussle, Itadori is able to calm Junpei down, begging him to join Jujutsu High and exact justice against the true perpetrators of this heinous crime.

Normally, this would be his moment of redemption, where this faltering, lost soul is brought back from the brink of wickedness and shown the error of his ways. Unfortunately for Junpei, JJK don’t play that.

Mahito busts up the cheery moment, and Junpei comes to the dreadful realisation that he was indeed the one who caused his mother’s death. With a perverse smile, Mahito uses Idle Transfiguration to transform Junpei into a mindless abomination. He lashes out at a despondent Itadori briefly, before asking “why?” in his dying breath. Needless to say, it’s not nearly as intimidating as the time Why-man asked the same.

It is an absolute gut punch to watch unfold, especially because we had been subconsciously conditioned to expect otherwise the very first time we watched the opening credits. You know, the one that presented Junpei as a student at Jujutsu High the whole time?

What a damned swerve. Poor Junpei and his mom, they deserved better. At least their loss made for some amazing storytelling.

Frieren’s mana suppression (Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End)

Season 1, episode 10

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End is a deliciously patient experience that does not rush out of the gates with all guns blazing. It is a masterclass in setting the stage in order to deliver its action with the highest level of intrigue.

Case in point, the eponymous mage’s confrontation with Aura the Guillotine, the conclusion of an epic four episode arc that pits her party against a demon army. While her comrades deal with Aura’s underlings, Frieren confronts the wicked general and her undead soldiers directly. This isn’t their first meeting, with Aura previously forced to withdraw after suffering a blow at the hands of Himmel, Frieren’s ally who would go on to slay the Demon King himself.

But Frieren is alone this time, and there’s no way she can avoid Aura’s fearsome spell, Auserlese (better known as the Scales of Obedience). It places Aura’s soul against her target, forcing whoever possesses less mana into subservience. Observing Frieren’s lack of progress in the years since their first skirmish, the cocky subjugator is certain of her victory this time.

That is until Frieren unveils the fact that she has spent most of her life suppressing her mana. To most, it would be a pointless practice, but here and now, Aura discovers that it was exactly for times like this: to deceive arrogant demons that would underestimate her power.

To put an exclamation mark on her point and defeat Aura once and for all, Frieren removes her limiter and unleashes her godlike supplies of mana. It’s a shining “I’m her” moment in anime, and to add injury to insult, Frieren’s lone command to her newfound slave is for Aura to kill herself.

Dang sis, you’ve just been playing around up to this point, haven’t you? Getting our first true taste of this ancient mage’s power is exactly why Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End was the perfect way to close out the 2023 anime season.

Mommy (Dandadan)

Season 1, episode 7

As a Dandadan manga reader, I knew this moment would hit hard once it was translated to the screen. Even then, I was not even slightly ready for the impact of the Acrobatic Silky’s final moments.

This menacing yokai had been gobbling up our protagonists left, right, and centre, infuriated when Aira Shiratori refused to call her mommy. When she learns that she has caused Aira’s death in the process of said gobbling, she implores Momo Ayase to use her psychic powers and transfer her aura. Once Momo has connected the two, she is taken into the Silky’s past life, as an innocent woman whose daughter was kidnapped by debt collectors.

With her aura transferred, Acro-Silky begins to crumble away, the last fragments of a lifetime of regrets. Without closure, she is destined to be wiped from memory, with nobody left to remember the monster who lost her daughter in both the spirit realm and the world of the living. Before she’s completely gone, Aira embraces the yokai and thanks her for being her mother, praying that she can pass onto a kinder world.

It’s completely unlike anything we had seen in Dandadan up to this point; a sombre, poignant demise to a miserable creature who only sought to recapture the love that was stolen from her.

If you’d like to see more of this kind of article, let me know in the comments, or via social media! Please make sure to share with your friends, or with particularly attentive enemies.