5 anime which used reverse Shonen tropes (& 5 that use too many)

The Shonen tropes prevalent in anime, particularly within action and adventure series, have become a fundamental part of the genre. Tropes serve as patterns or recurring themes in stories. Anime often heavily relies on these patterns, making them obvious to fans. Many shonen tropes provide a foundational structure for anime narratives, allowing the incorporation of distinct elements that add depth to the story.

While some anime tropes may make fans cringe, others are simply irresistible. When executed effectively, these tropes seamlessly integrate into the narrative, avoiding the trap of feeling like tired clichés.

This list features five anime that defy Shonen rules with clever twists, leaving fans cheering for more, while also highlighting five that might rely too much on familiar ideas that make the fans groan while watching.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and is not ranked in any order.

One Punch Man, My Hero Academia, and other animes with reverse shonen tropes

1) One Punch Man

One Punch Man brings down the typical shonen power escalation trope by introducing Saitama, a hero capable of defeating any opponent with a single punch. Created by ONE as a webcomic in 2009, the series gained widespread acclaim for its satirical take on superhero tropes. Madhouse's adaptation in 2015 further elevated its status, blending stunning animation with comedic brilliance.

Saitama's lack of a true challenge defies the common narrative of a protagonist striving to become stronger through endless battles, offering a fresh perspective on heroism and power dynamics. This inversion of the shonen trope of continuous power growth creates a unique and engaging narrative.

2) Hunter x Hunter

Hunter x Hunter diverges from the common shonen trope with its protagonist, Gon Freecss, whose journey is marked by vulnerability and moral ambiguity. Originally serialized by Yoshihiro Togashi in 1998, the series received a groundbreaking adaptation by Madhouse in 2011. Gon challenges the archetype of a typical Shonen hero by embodying a mix of positive and negative traits, creating a character open to argument.

The series is known for its unpredictable twists and turns, offering deeper thematic elements and nuanced character dynamics. Togashi's narrative decisions, coupled with the series' unique power system and world-building, elevate it to a subversive masterpiece within the shonen genre. This departure from the typical Shonen protagonist archetype allows for a more nuanced exploration of character and theme.

3) Mob Psycho 100

Mob Psycho 100 offers a unique twist on the shonen genre by centering around Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama, a socially awkward middle schooler with immense psychic powers. Created by ONE, the series debuted as a webcomic in 2012 before receiving an acclaimed anime adaptation by Bones in 2016.

Unlike traditional shonen protagonists, Mob is introverted and non-confrontational, preferring to avoid conflict whenever possible. The series delves into themes of self-acceptance, personal growth, and the true meaning of strength, offering a fresh and introspective take on the genre. Mob's introspective journey challenges the shonen tropes of outward strength and confrontational heroism.

4) My Hero Academia

My Hero Academia (Image via Bones) Jujutsu Kaisen (Image via Mappa)

My Hero Academia presents a fresh perspective on heroism by breaking down common shonen tropes, with its lead character, Izuku Midoriya, epitomizing empathy and introspection over recklessness. Conceived by Kohei Horikoshi in 2014, the series swiftly rose to cultural prominence. Bones' adaptation since 2016 has garnered acclaim for its dynamic animation and rich character development.

Midoriya's journey deviates from the traditional shonen narrative of a bold and forceful hero, instead underscoring the significance of understanding and self-examination in heroism. This departure from the usual Shonen protagonist archetype adds complexity to the character and delves into heroism with greater subtlety.

5) Jujutsu Kaisen

Jujutsu Kaisen breaks away from the typical shonen trope, such as the tournament arc trope, opting instead to maintain a continuous narrative focused on character growth and world-building. Gege Akutami's manga debuted in 2018 and gained widespread acclaim for its fresh approach to supernatural battles. The 2020 anime adaptation by MAPPA further enhanced the series with its captivating animation and thrilling action sequences, delighting fans.

The anime diverges from typical shonen tropes by avoiding tournament arcs and downplaying the significance of friendship. Its characters exhibit contrasting aspects, adding depth to the storyline. The serious tone without humor intensifies the suspense of the narrative for the fans.

Naruto, Bleach, and other anime that overused shonen tropes

1) Naruto

Naruto follows the journey of Naruto Uzumaki, embodying classic shonen tropes of an underdog striving for recognition. Created by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999, the series became a cultural phenomenon, with Pierrot's adaptation spanning from 2002 to 2017.

Naruto's narrative is characterized by prolonged power-ups, often depicted through extensive training arcs, occasionally feeling repetitive. The series features numerous battles, some pivotal for character growth, yet many follow predictable patterns.

While friendship's strength is a recurring theme, its frequent use as a plot device can seem clichéd despite its importance in fostering teamwork and overcoming challenges. Overall, the series relies heavily on familiar shonen tropes.

2) Dragon Ball Z

Dragon Ball Z (Image via Toel Animation)

Dragon Ball Z relies heavily on power escalation and epic battles, hallmarks of the shonen genre. Created by Akira Toriyama in 1989, the series became a global phenomenon, with Toei Animation's adaptation from 1989 to 1996 solidifying its status. According to the critics, the series' dependence on common shonen tropes like repetitive power-ups and battles can lead to a lack of narrative depth and character development.

Dragon Ball Z's narrative is marked by prolonged and repetitive battles, which can test viewers' patience despite showcasing the characters' incredible powers. Power-ups, a frequent shone trope such as Super Saiyan transformations, serve to escalate stakes but may lose impact with overuse.

The series follows a predictable "saving the world" narrative, with protagonists facing escalating threats from villains like Frieza and Cell, adding urgency but potentially becoming formulaic with its pattern of heroic triumphs.

3) Fairy Tail

Fairy Tail embodies shonen tropes of friendship and surpassing one's limits through sheer willpower. Hiro Mashima's manga, serialized from 2006 to 2017, garnered a dedicated fanbase, with A-1 Pictures' adaptation from 2009 to 2013, continued by Bridge.

The series often follows shonen tropes with clichéd plotlines and predictable character developments, with guild members embarking on formulaic quests and facing challenges resolved through friendship and determination. While these themes can resonate emotionally, the series tends to overemphasize friendship as a solution to conflicts, sacrificing narrative complexity.

Despite its action and excitement, Fairy Tail may lack originality and depth due to its reliance on familiar shonen tropes and conventions.

4) Bleach

Bleach follows Ichigo Kurosaki's journey as a Soul Reaper, embodying classic shonen tropes of supernatural battles and personal growth. Created by Tite Kubo in 2001, the manga gained popularity, with Pierrot's adaptation from 2004 to 2012. While initially acclaimed for its unique premise, the series struggled with maintaining narrative momentum, often resorting to formulaic storytelling and prolonged battles.

The series relies on predictable shonen tropes like power-ups, common in shonen anime, often attained through training or crises. Despite their importance for character growth, their frequent recurrence can lessen the impact and create repetition.

Bleach features drawn-out battles, visually impressive yet sometimes dragging without substantial plot progression. With a sprawling cast, character depth varies, occasionally leading to fragmented narratives and underdeveloped characters.

5) Black Clover

Black Clover follows Asta's journey to prove himself in a world where magic is everything, embodying classic shonen themes of determination and teamwork. Yūki Tabata's manga, serialized since 2015, gained popularity, with Pierrot's adaptation since 2017. The series is known for its extensive use of shonen tropes like power-ups and battles, often following predictable patterns in its storytelling following the common shonen tropes.

Asta, an underdog initially lacking magical abilities but later gaining potent anti-magic powers, is a common trope in shonen anime. The series features intense training arcs showcasing character growth, though they can be formulaic. Battles escalate dramatically, with characters facing increasingly powerful foes, providing excitement yet occasionally feeling repetitive due to predictable power-ups and confrontations.

In Conclusion:

Anime such as Jujutsu Kaisen and One Punch Man have flipped the script by using reverse shonen tropes. These shows surprised viewers by breaking away from the usual formula and offering fresh, unexpected twists, keeping them hooked.

Conversely, classics like Naruto and Bleach have become known for their reliance on too many shonen tropes. While these series have their loyal fan bases, some viewers have grown weary of the predictable patterns and clichés that tend to dominate their storytelling.

Ultimately, whether an anime uses reverse tropes to keep the fans guessing or leans too heavily on familiar formulas, each approach contributes to the rich variety of the anime landscape.

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