Why We See Ourselves in These Legends—and Why That Still Matters
By Sensei Will Esparza | Friendly Neighborhood Sensei
Back in the ‘90s, if you were caught watching anime in America, people laughed. You were labeled weird, immature, or "into cartoons." I remember getting clowned for being obsessed with Dragon Ball Z, while I was literally learning more about honor, loyalty, self-improvement, and discipline from those characters than anything I saw in regular TV or school.
But everything changed.
WHEN TOONAMI HIT AMERICA
It was 1997 when Toonami hit Cartoon Network—and that changed the culture forever. Suddenly, American kids were watching Goku power up, Kenshin clash swords, and Spike Spiegel chase bounties after school.
Toonami wasn’t just a block of shows. It was a gateway drug into a deeper art form—a cultural export from Japan that showed kids around the world how powerful animation could be when combined with emotion, philosophy, and struggle.
And we’ve never looked back.
Today, anime isn’t just accepted—it’s a worldwide phenomenon. Adults now spend $5,000–$15,000 on custom cosplays of their favorite characters, travel to Comic Cons and Anime Expos, and some even make a career out of cosplay, live performances, or brand collaborations.
In the early 2000s, you were weird for liking Naruto.
In 2025, you’re weird if you don’t know who Kakashi is.
Let’s get into it.
SENSEI WILL’S TOP 15 ANIME CHARACTERS OF ALL TIME
And Why the World Relates to Them
1. Goku (Dragon Ball Series)
First Appearance: 1986 (DB), Super Saiyan Moment: 1991
Why He Matters:
Goku’s transformation into a Super Saiyan on Planet Namek wasn’t just a power-up—it was a spiritual moment. I was born that same year, and to this day, I still look at that scene as one of the most defining moments in anime history.
Goku taught us that hard work beats talent, that you're never finished growing, and that strength is meant to protect others, not dominate them.
2. Luffy (One Piece)
Debut: 1999
Why He Matters:
He’s a pirate with a rubber body and a heart of gold. Luffy reminds us that the real treasure isn’t gold or fame—it’s freedom, friends, and standing tall for what you believe in.
One Piece has over 1,000 episodes, yet his loyalty and optimism never waver.
3. Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
Debut: 2002
Why He Matters:
From a rejected orphan to the Hokage of the village. Naruto’s journey hit deep for those of us who grew up feeling ignored, underestimated, or out of place.
His grind was legendary—and every "Believe it!" made you feel like anything was possible.
4. Spike Spiegel (Cowboy Bebop)
Debut: 1998
Why He Matters:
The smooth, jazz-loving bounty hunter with a tragic past. Spike brought coolness and complexity to anime. His final stand wasn’t just about winning—it was about facing your past head-on.
“I’m just watching a bad dream I never wake up from.” That line? Legendary.
5. Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
Debut: 2002
Why He Matters:
A misunderstood genius who carried the pain of his entire clan to give his brother a future. Itachi showed us the power of sacrifice—and the price of loyalty.
Still one of the most layered characters in anime history.
6. Levi Ackerman (Attack on Titan)
Debut: 2013
Why He Matters:
The coldest fighter in the series, Levi proved that discipline, skill, and mental strength matter more than raw power.
Fans everywhere respect Levi’s relentless nature, calm leadership, and no-excuses mindset.
7. Light Yagami (Death Note)
Debut: 2006
Why He Matters:
The hero or the villain—depending on your philosophy. Light was a genius who wanted to clean the world, but lost himself in the process.
Death Note made fans question morality, ego, and justice in ways anime never had before.
8. Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer)
Debut: 2019
Why He Matters:
A new-gen hero with old-school values—honor, kindness, and relentless work ethic. Tanjiro brought heart and beauty back to anime during a time where cynicism was popular.
Also responsible for reviving sword anime culture worldwide.
9. Guts (Berserk)
Debut: 1989
Why He Matters:
A warrior born from tragedy. Guts is the physical embodiment of rage turned into resolve. His story is brutal, but relatable for anyone who's ever had to survive and rebuild themselves.
A cult favorite that influenced countless characters after him.
10. Kakashi Hatake (Naruto)
Debut: 2002
Why He Matters:
The cool, silent mentor who made it okay to be different, broken, or mysterious. Kakashi taught us there’s strength in stillness, and wisdom in letting others shine.
11. Vegeta (Dragon Ball Z)
Debut: 1989
Why He Matters:
He started as a villain, became a rival, then a hero, husband, and father. Vegeta is proof that people can change and still hold onto their pride.
His growth, pain, and comebacks are why fans argue he's even deeper than Goku.
12. Saitama (One Punch Man)
Debut: 2015
Why He Matters:
The strongest character in anime—but also the most bored. Saitama broke every shonen rule and made us laugh while asking deep questions about purpose and boredom in success.
13. Roronoa Zoro (One Piece)
Debut: 1999
Why He Matters:
Loyalty. Willpower. Pain tolerance beyond comprehension. Zoro never backs down—and fans love him because he represents quiet commitment and unmatched dedication.
14. Edward Elric (Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood)
Debut: 2009
Why He Matters:
A young genius who paid the price for trying to play god. Edward’s journey through guilt, redemption, and brotherhood made him a modern-day philosopher wrapped in a fighter’s shell.
15. Gojo Satoru (Jujutsu Kaisen)
Debut: 2020
Why He Matters:
Power meets personality. Gojo is everything fans wanted in a mentor: unbeatable, hilarious, stylish, and terrifyingly intelligent.
He’s the bridge between the old and new wave of anime—and he might be this generation’s Kakashi.
COSPLAY: FROM LAUGHS TO LIFESTYLE
What used to get you laughed at now gets you sponsored, flown out, and paid for photo ops.
Today, top-tier cosplayers make six figures attending events, doing brand deals, and selling prints.
And many don’t even act in the shows—they just bring the character to life better than most studios can.
People spend $5,000 to $15,000 on high-level builds—for no prize money. Just for bragging rights and community respect.
FULL CIRCLE MOMENT
What started as “just cartoons” has become a global community worth billions.
Anime has now influenced Hollywood, fashion, music videos, and professional sports.
Top athletes, rappers, and creatives talk about anime the way past generations talked about movies.
And here's the truth—you can make a living doing anything, if you do it with passion, precision, and your own angle.
Start as a fan.
Become a creator.
Build your brand.
Then dominate your lane.
Whether you’re in a gi, in a cosplay, behind a controller, or writing your own manga—the world’s wide open now.
Your dream life is possible. But you gotta fight for it.