manga arcs where villains outshine the protagonists: 9 manga arcs where villains outshine the protagonists

Some manga arcs take antagonists to new heights that they overshadow the protagonists to some extent and become memorable among the readers. From manga arcs like the Pain's Assault arc to the Aogiri Tree arc, some of these manga arcs present unforgettable villains with ideologies, power, and depth.

Here is a list of nine manga arcs where villains steal the show as they establish their frightening power and multifaceted personalities.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the writer's opinion and not Sportskeeda.

Pain's Assault, Culling Game, and others are among manga arcs where villains outshine the protagonists

1) Pain's Assault (Naruto)

Pain overwhelming Kakashi (Image via Pierrot)

In Pain's Assault from Naruto, the village of Konoha faces devastation at the hands of Pain, the leader of the Akatsuki. Pain, whose real name is Nagato, wields the Rinnegan, giving him god-like abilities such as controlling gravity, summoning creatures, and even resurrecting the dead.

His sheer power is showcased when he single-handedly destroys Konoha. Pain's philosophy that true peace can only be achieved through shared suffering adds a complex moral dimension to his character. His emotional backstory, where he transforms from a war-torn orphan into a vengeful deity, makes him a formidable and sympathetic antagonist whose ideology and strength significantly overshadow the protagonist, Naruto.

2) Golden Age Arc (Berserk)

Golden Age Arc from Berserk (Image via GEMBA, Millepensee)

In the so-called The Golden Age Arc of Berserk, the main character of the series, Griffith, is an astute strategist and a great commander since he leads his band, defeats many foes, and earns people’s trust and love. However, his drive to become a king drives him to the extent of betraying even his friends to gain a kingdom.

Griffith's cross-over to the dark side and monster is evident during the Eclipse when he sacrifices all his comrades to transform into Femto, the demonic one. His multi-dimensional role and his abrupt fall from a hero depicted in the disintegration of his personality affect the storyline more than the main character, Guts.

3) Chimera Ant Arc (Hunter x Hunter)

Killua Vs Shoot (Image via Nippon Animation)

In the Chimera Ant Arc of Hunter x Hunter, Meruem, the Chimera Ant King, begins as a ruthless, nearly invincible leader with immense strength and intellect. His interactions with Komugi, a blind Gungi master, humanize him and add depth to his character.

Meruem grapples with philosophical questions about power, humanity, and his purpose, elevating him beyond a typical villain. His tragic end, where he recognizes the value of human life and dies with Komugi, leaves a profound impact, often overshadowing even the protagonist, Gon, among the other manga arcs of the series.

4) Arrancar Arc (Bleach)

Grand Fisher appears (Image via Studio Pierrot)

The Arrancar Arc in Bleach also presents formidable Arrancars spearheaded by In the Arrancar Arc of Bleach, powerful Espada Arrancars are revealed, led by Sōsuke Aizen. Aizen's treachery of Soul Society and his plan and control of incidents are manifestations of his intelligence. His power of the Hōgyoku is capable of overcoming the barriers of both Shinigami and the Arrancar.

The skills and the history of each Espada indeed flesh out this antagonistic team. Aizen's final fight with Ichigo demonstrates his power and self-confidence as the series' central character, who tends to steal the spotlight from the main hero. His sonorous voice and nearly absolute power establish him as one of the games' most dangerous antagonists.

5) Yorknew City Arc (Hunter x Hunter)

Kurapika using his Dowsing Chain (Image via Nippon Animation)

In the Yorknew City Arc of Hunter x Hunter, the Phantom Troupe, led by Chrollo Lucifer, takes center stage. Chrollo's strategic brilliance and ability to steal Nen's abilities make him a formidable adversary. The Troupe's heist and ruthless combat skills highlight their strength and unity. Chrollo's calm demeanor and mysterious background add to his imposing presence.

The tragic and complex backstories of Troupe members further enhance their depth. The Troupe's dominance and Kurapika's vendetta against them create a narrative where the villains' complexity and charisma often overshadow the protagonists among the other manga arcs of the series.

6) Shibuya Incident Arc (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Pseudo Geto seals Satoru Gojo (Image via Mappa)

The Shibuya Incident Arc in Jujutsu Kaisen showcases a massive battle between Jujutsu Sorcerers and cursed spirits led by Mahito and Geto. Mahito's soul manipulation powers make him a terrifying foe, while Geto's cunning strategies and his goal to eradicate non-sorcerers add complexity.

The chaos and destruction during the incident highlight the villains' formidable nature. The arc explores the cursed spirits' ideologies, giving them depth beyond antagonism. The high stakes and emotional toll on the protagonists emphasize the villains' dominance, making them stand out significantly.

7) Whole Cake Island Arc(One Piece)

Sanji retrieval team in Pudding (Image via Toei Animation)

The Whole Cake Island Arc in one One Piece focuses on Sanji Vinsmoke and his family. Judge Vinsmoke, Sanji's ruthless father, genetically engineers his children as super soldiers, showcasing his technological prowess and combat skills. Sanji's compassion, seen as a weakness, highlights the family's cruelty.

Judge's ambition to revive the Germa 66 empire and willingness to sacrifice his children for power emphasize his nature. The Vinsmokes' advanced technology and complex family dynamics often overshadow the efforts of the Straw Hat Pirates, adding depth and tension to the arc.

8) Culling Game Arc (Jujutsu Kaisen)

Cursed Naoya spins to negate Maki's attack (Image via Shueisha)

The Culling Game Arc in Jujutsu Kaisen centers on a deadly competition orchestrated by Kenjaku, who has taken over Geto's body. Kenjaku's long-term schemes and ability to create chaos make him a compelling antagonist.

The Culling Game's deadly rules and powerful cursed users raise the stakes for the protagonists. Kenjaku's intellect, strategic mind, and goal to create a new world order make him a formidable villain. The unique abilities and motives of the game's participants add depth to the arc. The deadly nature of the game and Kenjaku's machinations often outshine the protagonists' efforts, making the villains the arc's true stars among the other manga arcs of the series.

9) Aogiri Tree /11th Ward Battle Arc (Tokyo Ghoul)

Aogiri Tree /11th Ward Battle Arc (Image via Shueisha)

In the Aogiri Tree Arc of Tokyo Ghoul, the focus is on the Aogiri Tree organization, particularly Eto and the One-Eyed Owl. Eto, a complex character who is both a famous author and a powerful ghoul, stands out as a charismatic and intelligent leader.

The Aogiri Tree's large-scale attacks on human institutions showcase their strength, while the ambiguous nature of the One-Eyed Owl and internal conflicts add tension. Eto and Aogiri's enigmatic presence and significant impact on Kaneki and other ghouls make the villains the arc's focal point, often eclipsing the protagonists.

To conclude

In these manga arcs, the antagonists are not only portrayed as evil foes who provide conflict but also have important roles and contribute significantly to the storyline progression. Often filled with formidable abilities or deep philosophical questions, characters such as Pain, Griffith, and Meruem are titanic figures that leave a lasting impression through the manga arcs.

These are not just bodily opponents of the protagonists but mental and ethical ones, making their effect on the manga arcs remarkable. These manga arcs show that one cannot simply distinguish good guys from bad ones, as sometimes characters with seemingly evil intentions end up being the most appealing, complex, and memorable characters in their narratives.

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Edited by Ivanna Lalsangzuali