Anime has established itself as a cornerstone of my entertainment experience over the past few years. Standing apart from other digital media as a potent and necessary force, especially now. At a time when Western entertainment suffocates under forced narratives, ideological posturing, and aesthetic degradation, anime remains a refreshing contrast, offering bold storytelling, artistic integrity, and unapologetic creativity to those tired of the manufactured monotony of the ‘woke’ West.
In an era where digital media functions as a vital source of release, it's no longer solely about passive viewing. Media consumption is about diving into stories with depth, with well-realized worlds that feature characters who feel real and relatable. Allowing the viewer to appreciate its aesthetics and ethos, which resonate with something foundational. By these measures, anime hits the mark squarely, particularly for those with a Western sensibility, who long for the times when the entertainment medium was more European, Christian and ironically Western.
Since getting into anime proper sometime in late 2022, the medium has proven itself. Nearly every element, depending on the genre, feels deliberate, purposeful, forged with precision, passion, and a deep regard for its own lore and source material. And at its foundation lies a palpable respect for what is fundamentally a Western cultural ethos.
Anime, despite being Japanese in origin, at its core manifests a deep appreciation for European culture in ways that Western media no longer does. These qualities elevate this medium beyond simple entertainment. Positioning it as a standard-bearer for what great storytelling is meant to be, and the strength inherent in the culture it often mirrors and manifests.
Tight Storylines with Deep Plots
One of anime's defining strengths is its capacity to weave tight, coherent storylines where almost everything simply fits. The best anime, and there’s plenty of it, honors the framework and rules of the worlds it seeks to build. Unlike modern Western entertainment that leans on cheap plot devices, nonsensical character arcs, and weak retcons just to push an agenda, anime prioritizes consistency. It ensures that characters’ decisions are rooted in the logic of their setting.
This means a protagonist’s actions are not random or out-of-sync with who they are—it’s a direct outcome of their development, their circumstances, or the established mechanics of their universe. Take Death Note: Light Yagami’s psychological war with L isn’t just a personality clash; it’s a meticulously executed strategic battle where every move is calculated. There’s no arbitrary action—each decision flows from a tactical necessity, emerging from the clash of two fundamentally different worldviews and the methods it gives rise to.
Similarly, in Attack on Titan, every shift in the narrative—from political manoeuvring to colossal battles—springs from established world dynamics. Despite its complex structure and hidden plotlines, the conflicts feel organic, driven by survival instincts, personal drives, ideological friction built on a greater mythos, not forced convenience.
This commitment to narrative integrity is a welcome rejection of stories that butcher logic for manufactured drama, shallow spectacle, or the insertion of politically charged messaging (I’m looking at you, Disney Star Wars). It ensures mostly unbroken immersion, allowing the audience to fully invest in the world, free from the burden of inconsistencies or the predictable anticipation of contrived "plot twists" that infuriate audiences.
Male Leads with Substance
Most anime stories center on male leads, which is a significant part of their appeal. These characters aren’t placeholders; they are forged with intent, embodying qualities that resonate deeply with the viewers. They are men who display strength, depth, and a compelling presence that few other forms of entertainment in the West deliver with such consistency.
Anime's male protagonists project strength, both physical and mental. This isn't merely about being the top fighter or strategist—it’s about raw perseverance, resilience, and the capacity to withstand hardship without breaking. Consider Guts in Berserk, a young man who faces a lifetime of agony yet drives forward through sheer, unyielding willpower. Or Vegeta in Dragon Ball, whose pride fuels an unending quest for improvement, refusing ever to settle. This strength isn’t confined to combat; it's about an unwavering drive to stand tall even when, especially when, the world is against you.
Masculinity Without Apology
Anime embraces masculinity, leaning into boldness, grit, and leadership without hesitation. These characters don’t dance around their nature; they own it. Their confidence isn’t arrogance; it's an assertion of self. As opposed to an increasingly pervasive feature in Western media that appears intent on diluting these qualities in male characters, often as a way to prop up the upstart females.
Anime is different. There is no shortage of strong, competent male characters who display their masculinity in a compelling but grounded way. From Spike Spiegel with his effortless charisma that masks an inner drive to confront his dark past, to Kamina in Gurren Lagann, who is impelled by the search for a life beyond the constraints of life underground; anime’s male leads serve as a powerful reminder why assertiveness, decisiveness, and confidence remain compelling traits in storytelling.
As a guy, I see elements of myself in these characters. Their struggles, their ambitions, their moments of doubt, and pain—they reflect the physical and emotional challenges familiar to anyone striving for something more in life. Whether it’s Eren Yeager wrestling with his role in a hostile world or Shinji Ikari confronting internal demons whilst having to battle physical demons (or Angels) in the real world, anime male leads embody the harsh reality of life authentically. Thus, their victories feel earned as their battles—physical or internal—despite the fantastical setting, are grounded in the limits of what makes us human.
Campbellian Archetype: Seeking Growth, Rejecting Stagnation
A protagonist who doesn’t evolve is dead to begin with. In anime, male leads undergo genuine transformation, sharpening themselves through failure, hardship, and relentless effort. The hero’s journey is truly alive and well here, with characters starting as flawed, confronting trials, and emerging victorious, and-for good or ill-fundamentally changed.
Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey, whilst a Western creation, remains a foundational pillar of anime storytelling. Almost every major male protagonist follows this structure: an initial state of discomfort, a call to action, relentless struggle, confronting the enemy, leading to transformation. It’s a classic formula, yet anime keeps it vital through unique settings and emotionally charged conflicts.
It’s why series like Naruto, Vinland Saga, and My Hero Academia remain gripping—their leads grow. They don't suddenly become perfect heroes; they fight, they doubt, they claw their way toward something greater. The kind of storytelling that real men resonate with. Luffy, Gon, Edward Elric, and many others embody this cycle, ensuring their stories feel timeless, impactful and constantly feeding the urge for such narratives that Western media today has all but abandoned.
Anime Girls: Femininity, Grace and Competence
Anime’s handling of female characters is balanced and striking. While competent, capable female leads are abundant, the narrative dynamic often maintains a masculine foundation, most notably in its male-focused shonen and seinen genres, that artfully combines relatable male leads with capable and desirable females. A formula that works damn well perfectly.
What sets anime's female characters apart from their increasingly butch/dyke/karen counterparts in the West is their ability to be both feminine and formidable. These girls don't trade grace for grit or sacrifice elegance for aggression. Instead, they operate in a space where strength and femininity are enhanced, rather than exist in conflict.
Characters like Misato Katsuragi (Neon Genesis Evangelion) and Annie Leonhart (Attack on Titan) are sharp, intelligent, and highly skilled, yet they never feel stripped of their inner femininity. Their presence adds depth, contrast, and complexity without surrendering their womanhood. This is appealing to male audiences, the heteronormative kind.
Anime Eye Candy: A Necessary Contrast
Western media in recent years has pushed the notion that female characters must shed traditional femininity to be seen as strong. The consequence? A flood of characters who feel indistinguishable from each other, often presented as a cheap aping of the male leads they replace. Lacking the nuance and grace of anime girls that grace tight storylines. Anime, despite incorporating considerable Western influences, refuses to bend to the ideological demands on this subject. A fact that arguably reflects the (somewhat patriarchal) character of Japan.
With male leads with clear motivations functioning as the backbone for the stories, their hero’s journeys are supplemented by anime’s female characters, who balance competence with grace, delivering a dynamic that simply works. This blend of bold masculinity, meaningful growth, and refined but competent femininity is one of anime’s great strengths.
Anime Characters: Fit, Sharp &… European
Anime grasps visual appeal in a way most Western media have either forgotten or actively oppose. In the anime world, characters are typically youthful, attractive, and designed with deliberate precision to connect with specific audiences. This isn't just style; it’s strategic, rooted in how anime targets content across defined demographics:
Shonen: Aimed at young male viewers, packed with raw energy, ambitious storylines, and plots that relentlessly move forward. Shonen characters are often bright-eyed, determined, idealistic and ambitious.
Seinen: For a more mature male audience, seinen brings in sharper themes, complex characters, with a darker edge. These protagonists command a bold presence but with a more serious, grounded persona.
Shoujo: For young female audiences. Enough said.
This segmentation ensures characters remain fresh, visually impactful, and aligned with audience expectations. Contrast this with Western studios, where forced diversity mandates often override what the audience wants. Where agenda-driven storytelling produces a disconnect between the creators and the consumers.
In chasing trends or, as the argument goes, 'elevating oppressed groups'—Western entertainment often sacrifices visual appeal and grounded storytelling to push agendas that add little to the narrative. These efforts frequently feel forced and ideologically driven. Meanwhile, anime remains committed to the principle of creating characters that are visually striking and serve their role within stories designed to resonate with target audiences.
The adage that sex sells and that beauty is a universal draw holds in anime’s approach to character design, which unapologetically embraces a highly polished, often idealized aesthetic that resonates globally. Anime’s commitment to visually striking characters, rooted in distinct European characters presented within a stylized East Asian cultural lens, is appealing to many, avoids the pitfalls of Western entertainment’s agenda-driven mandates.
This approach, characterized by (woke) critics as "White-adjacent" in its appeal to Europeanized aesthetic standards, resonates with viewers in the East and the West. Strange, considering how anime doesn’t necessarily set out to appeal to various “oppressed” groups. Anime transcends cultural boundaries without sacrificing its artistic identity, creating an audience base that feels authentic and engaging.
Fan Service: Unapologetic Appeal
Fan service! That uniquely Japanese element that keeps audiences entertained. The fact that in Western discourse, particularly within Anglo-American circles, Japanese media’s celebration of feminine beauty is often viewed critically and/or cynically is telling. Mainly owing to the dominance of feminism in the Western world, particularly the anti-sex feminist variant that is pervasive in English-speaking countries, which is antagonistic towards heterosexual sensibilities
Fan service in anime and manga manifests in two main ways:
Direct and Obvious: Shows like Gurren Lagann push over-the-top visuals featuring minimal clothing, exaggerated proportions, and a playful indulgence in the art form. It’s unashamed, and it knows exactly what it is doing.
Subtle and Aesthetic: Then there’s the more refined approach—young, attractive female characters with meticulously crafted designs: cleavage, long legs, graceful movement, short skirts Cha Hae-In (Solo Levelling), who are paired with personalities that feel genuine, not performative.
It’s this combination—an interplay of allure and charm—that locks in a male audience and gives anime its distinct visual power. Western media, in contrast, has largely rejected this dynamic in favor of narratives that prioritize ideology over sexual authenticity.
Anime, however, despite or more likely because of its approach towards the female form and its artistic presentation, is appreciated by viewers who have a pulse and aren’t functional eunuchs. The exploding popularity of anime globally is a testament to the idea that female sexuality, when approached honestly and respectfully, sells!
The paradox is noteworthy. While (self-righteous/hypocritical) critics dismiss its perceived gender dynamics, hundreds of millions of fans across the world connect with this medium’s approach. The draw isn't just overt sexuality; it’s the balance of beauty, charm, and the elevation of femininity.
Truly Menacing Villains
A compelling story with a strong lead is only as good as the forces opposing it. No matter how well-built the protagonist, if their opposition lacks weight, menace, or purpose, the stakes feel hollow. This is where anime excels—its villains are not just roadblocks; they are forces of nature, embodiments of terror and orchestrators of chaos.
Great anime understands that a truly fearsome villain doesn't just exist to challenge the hero—they redefine the narrative, shape the themes, and create the tension that drives the viewer's emotional peaks and troughs. Unlike modern Western media, which often reduces antagonists to bumbling parodies of wickedness, anime respects the role of a properly crafted villain. Here are a few of them:
Meruem (Hunter x Hunter) – Evolving Terror
Meruem is an antagonist unlike any other, precisely because his terror isn’t static—it evolves. Introduced as the Chimaera Ant King, his overwhelming power is immediate and undeniable. He is ruthless, viewing humans as disposable.
Initially, his strength alone makes him terrifying, but what truly cements him is his gradual philosophical shift. He doesn't remain a simple monster; he becomes something more complex and disturbing. His intelligence, his confrontation with mortality, his unsettling, undeniable humanity—all of it makes his presence overwhelming. He isn't just terrifying because of what he can do; he is terrifying because of what he could become.
Diavolo/Emperor Crimson (JoJo: Golden Wind) – Brutally Unpredictable
If unpredictability is the essence of fear, then Diavolo embodies it completely. With the ability to predict the future and erase time, he stands as one of the most disturbingly overpowering villains in anime history. His sheer existence makes survival feel impossible—there’s no outsmarting him, no escaping fate when he decides your time is up. What makes him truly unnerving is his chilling personality. There’s no theatrical villainy—just cold, calculated murder. His actions aren’t for grand spectacle or personal revenge; they’re brutal, efficient, and devoid of hesitation. He kills not as a statement, but as a necessity, making him chilling in his absolute simplicity.
Rei Utsubo (The Fable) – Insidious Evil
Not all terrifying villains need supernatural power, grotesque forms, or god-like abilities. Sometimes, the most unsettling antagonist is the one that could walk among us. Rei Utsubo, from The Fable, is a perfect example. His brand of evil is quiet, insidious, and suffocating. There’s no outward chaos—only absolute control. He manipulates, torments, and psychologically disarms his victims, making them feel powerless without the need for a grand physical confrontation. His utter lack of remorse, his calculating ability to destroy people from the inside out, and on top of that, willing to take advantage of a girl in a wheelchair! That is real horror.
Jason (Tokyo Ghoul) – Animalistic Sadism
Jason is pure, distilled sadism. His presence is oppressive, his violence extreme, and his cruelty utterly devoid of empathy. He doesn’t kill and maim for necessity or ambition—he kills because he enjoys it. That alone makes him terrifying. There’s something raw and uncomfortable about Jason’s brutality. He isn't a great mastermind. He simply acts as an apex predator who relishes watching his prey squirm. His torture of Kaneki is one of the most profound moments in anime and is infamous, not just for its gore, but for the psychological devastation it inflicts. When a villain can break a protagonist so fundamentally. Turning an 18-year-old boy’s hair white in 10 days! The impact of such moments lingers long after the credits roll.
The Villain Void: Western Entertainment's Missing Element
Great anime understands that the villain is more than a roadblock—they are the paradoxical engine of the story. They create urgency, force the hero to grow, and challenge the very fabric of the narrative. Western media has largely abandoned this principle. Modern villains often feel like hollow caricatures—designed solely to be scorned, humiliated, and effortlessly defeated, frequently by strong female protagonists. Stripped of complexity and genuine menace, they fail to contribute any real thematic weight, reducing conflict to shallow moral posturing minus the meaningful narrative tension.
The Western version of ‘the bad guy’ is dumb, incompetent, and comically exaggerated, stripped of menace for the sake of empty messaging. Anime avoids this by embracing antagonists with weight, power, and purpose. It doesn’t mess around when it comes to its villains. The bad guys are truly terrifying. Characters who, through sheer force, psychological warfare, unpredictability and cruelty, seek to fulfil their designs.
Relentless Action – Profound Stories
Anime action is often breathtaking. Shows like Demon Slayer have built their reputation on sheer visual firepower—fluid animation, striking palettes, and fight choreography that feels like a dynamic art form. But anime isn't just about the spectacle; the narratives driving those high-octane battles are equally compelling.
Anime action draws its strength from storytelling that is coherent and unafraid to deal emotional gut punches. Even in fantastical or Sci-Fi settings, the characters remain believable, with motivations, fears, and growth arcs that feel grounded. Now add in layers of irony, sharp humor, intricate twists, and the capacity to tackle dark/complex themes like racism, genocide, cannibalism and forbidden love, and you have stories that aren’t just entertaining but intellectually and morally engaging.
Naturally, this excellence isn’t accidental—it’s built on the bedrock of manga, the foundation for most exceptional anime. The richness of these original works, crafted with painstaking artistry, fuels the medium’s ability to deliver gripping narratives. That creative pipeline—from manga to anime—is why the stories continue to evolve and captivate, ensuring there’s always something substantial to rely on.
Anime Aesthetic: Echoes of a European Age
Beyond the storytelling and action, anime possesses a distinct aesthetic—one that frequently draws from European culture, architecture, history, and even character design. From the imposing, gothic-influenced landscapes of Attack on Titan to the Renaissance-inspired settings of Black Butler, to Golden Wind’s Italy: a stunning fusion of elegance and danger, where the sun-soaked streets of Naples and breathtaking landscapes contrast with the gritty underworld.
Japanese creators have consistently woven European elements into their artistic traditions, blending them seamlessly. Even character appearances often reflect this fusion. Many anime protagonists feature sharp, striking features reminiscent of Europeans or Euro-East Asians, creating a compelling mix that feels both familiar and idealized.
The discussion and potential controversy around this is undeniable, but therein lies its appeal. In a (Western) world obsessed with diversity, equality and inclusion, which upon deeper inspection are code words for removing anything that is Christian, European and paradoxically, Western. Anime chooses to take a different path. It understands the power of the visual. Attractive characters, expressive designs, and meticulous detail forge an aesthetic that amplifies the kind of escapism that viewers are looking for. And European (or White) culture is where this inspiration is to be found.
The Verdict
Anime success is thanks to a convergence of tight storytelling, compelling leads, competent but desirable female characters, mesmerizing visuals, and yes, an unapologetic appreciation for European aesthetics and culture. With villains that instil genuine dread, action that commands attention, and creative aesthetics that bridge worlds of the past, present and future, anime remains an unmatched medium that knows how to capture, challenge, and entertain in a way that is superior to the modern Western form.
I rest my case.