Even though many evil guys are killed in dramatic battles in shonen programs, it’s uncommon to see the hero or even villains murdering innocent people directly (most murder/slaughter occurs as a result of indirect acts). This is one of the reasons why serial murderers are rarely shown in anime. In this post, we will look at some of the serial killers in animes.
Most anime viewers, however, are unaware that serial murderers have made a few prominent cameos in anime, whether shonen or seinen. It’s simply that the majority of them went unnoticed because the anime didn’t do particularly well with its target demographic. There are a lot of spoilers coming!
For this list, we’re looking at any anime characters that have been murdered as a result of a mental illness. It might be a death obsession, a deity complex, or just plain insane. Also, be aware that we may be approaching some crucial story points and character developments, so are careful of spoilers.
Table of Contents
Here is the list of some of the most terrifying serial killers in anime:
1. Hibana
“Deadman Wonderland”
The first item on our list is a trip to the world’s most dangerous theme park. A day in the Deadman Wonderland jail AND amusement park is only for the most evil and strong-willed. However, you only wind up here after committing the most heinous of crimes, and Hibana Daida fits the description perfectly.
Don’t be fooled by her age; Hibana is a seriously troubled woman who sees herself as an avenging angel. Hibana, also known as ‘Punisher,’ tortures her victims before murdering them; her victims range from other students to her mother, and she is entirely devoid of humanity.
2. Uragami
“Parasyte”
Even though Parasyte concentrates on aliens with hands, the creature that makes our list is quite human. Uragami, one of the series’ primary villains, has the unusual ability to feel other parasites. The darker side of Uragami’s history originates from his long criminal career as a serial cannibal.
Even by anime standards, some of the autopsy reports from his “feastings” are too pretty over the top. Uragami is an illustration of how deep a human being may go into the darkness, deluded and psychologically shattered beyond repair.
3. Ruri
“Durarara!!x2”
There are a lot of characters in this anime that you don’t want to run across in a dark alley. Ruri, a.k.a. Hollywood, enters the picture. By day, she is a well-known media personality and a well-respected make-up artist. By night, she disguises herself as Hollywood, a serial murderer who wears a variety of monster costumes.
Ruri is harsh in her execution, even though she primarily targets individuals responsible for a heinous deed in her past. Part of this stems from her feeling unrestricted by society while dressed as a monster. While she appears to be a healthy, down-to-earth star, cross her with Hollywood and you’re in for a wonderful treat.
4. The Members of Laughing Coffin
“Sword Art Online”
When the Sword Art Online player population is stuck in the game, it is made apparent early on that if you die in the game, you die in real life. If it wasn’t horrible enough, some gamers act without regard for morals or empathy. Enter Laughing Coffin, a guild made up entirely of killers who like murdering other players.
This “Red Guild” shows no mercy, and its members all appear very satisfied with the act of murder, whether it is slow and agonizing or swift and definitive. The most terrifying aspect of any online game is not knowing who you’re playing with, and the laughing Coffin Guild offers gamers something to be afraid of.
5. Orochimaru
“Naruto”
Orochimaru is the primary antagonist of the Naruto series, as well as a well-known Ninja slayer. The very thought of his reappearance filled our protagonists with fear, having already been responsible for the kidnapping and murder of hundreds of ninjas.
Orochimaru did not disappoint when he eventually arrived on the scene. He became the ideal battlefield antagonist thanks to his newly acquired and more lethal talents. We also find that the majority of his prior and current murders included him testing on ways to improve his physique without having to test himself. That’s a first: ninja fatalities in the name of science.
6. Ladd Russo
“Baccano”
While not everyone may be a serial killer, anyone can be a serial killer. Ladd Russo, portrayed by Baccano, is a bloodthirsty sadist who sees murder as a game. Ladd’s love of violence knows no bounds, whether it’s mowing down a train full of people or indulging in vicious one-on-one brawls.
He has no regrets or reservations as long as he receives the blood he desires. Ladd Russo is certainly one of the top competitors anybody would want to avoid in a series where every hitman and alchemist is looking for the mythical Philosopher’s Stone.
7. Barry the Chopper
“Fullmetal Alchemist”
The name is self-explanatory. Barry was a cross-dressing butcher shop proprietor with a sideline in chopping up actual people. Killing was his business, and it was a profitable one. He didn’t try to refute his atrocities after being caught since he was completely insane and crazy.
His passion for murder and total disregard for his well-being made him an ideal candidate for military testing. Barry was taken to Lab 5, where his soul was united with a suit of armor, rather than being executed. Barry, now nearly unstoppable, would carry on killing, but this time with the help of a mysterious government department.
8. Ryuunosuke
“Fate/Zero”
Killing is a horrific deed in and of itself, but it’s an art form for Rynosuke. This serial murderer, who became a Mage during the Holy Grail War, is unconcerned about who he murders as long as it is attractive. Ryunosuke’s preferred targets are children of all ages, adding points to his sicko score, even though he doesn’t care who he kills.
When Ryunosuke joins forces with Heroic Spirit Castor, he discovers something much worse: a soul mate who shares his passion for death. In whatever age, this is one wizard we don’t want to win the Holy Grail.
9. Light Yagami
“Death Note”
Oh, Light, you’re brimming with wonderful intentions. Law student Light Yagami wanted nothing more than to make the world a better place after witnessing how bad things had gotten in our world.
He discovered his opportunity when he got his hands on the Death Note, a book that allowed him to kill practically anybody he chose discreetly.
Light begins by killing only severe criminals, but they are rapidly booted in the head when to preserve his identity, Light begins to kill not just piety criminals, but also police detectives. It doesn’t stop there; as Light descends more into madness, he thinks of himself to be a deity and would kill anybody who will assist him in achieving his aim.
10. Johan Liebert
“Monster”
Johan, our top selection, is the most enigmatic of the killers on our list. That enigma raises a pile of questions, many of which remain unanswered. Is he getting a kick out of it? Is he a fan of assassination? What exactly are his motivations? Why does he have such a knack for killing? Johan’s murdering spree appears to have no rhyme or reason.
The most terrifying aspect of his actions is how calm and controlled he appears, as if he is simply an instrument of death. The only clear hint to Johan’s objectives is his terrible and terrifying history, which serves as the series’ titular monster.’
Serial killers are both terrifying and interesting to society, therefore it’s no wonder that anime includes a slew of serial killer characters. Serial murderers in anime are as varied and diverse as those in real life, with the exception that they are frequently more fanciful due to their placement in fictitious settings. Viewers may also perceive serial killers’ motivations and goals in anime, making it easier to sympathize with them. Here was the wrap-up of some of the most terrifying serial killers in animes. Give us feedback in the comment section below.
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