In the emerging world of anime, new series like Jujutsu Kaisen, My Hero Academia, and Demon Slayer have taken the global state by storm. These shows have grasped audiences with stunning visuals, complex plots, and characters. However, a bold claim suggests that despite their popularity, these modern hits may never truly surpass the “Big 3” of anime: Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece.
Surprisingly, these assertions have little to do with the quality of the storyline or animation. Instead, it points to a subtle yet crucial element that sets the classics apart – their character names. The classic series might be key to creating truly unforgettable characters, from food-inspired names to wordplay.
The Power of Memorable Names
The Big 3, along with their Dragon Ball forebear, features characters with unique, easy-to-remember names. Naruto Uzumaki, Ichigo Kurosaki, and Monkey D. Luffy roll off the tongue and stick to viewer’s minds. These names are often simple, catchy, or based on wordplay.
The charm of these earlier anime lies in their captivating naming conventions. For instance, many One Piece characters are named after real-world pirates or have pun-based names. Others like Frieza, a play on “freezer,” perfectly place the character’s cold nature.
It’s no wonder fans often exclaim, ‘Let’s go back to Frieza!” when discussing character names. This clever wordplay adds an extra layer of enjoyment for viewers who catch the references.
Nostalgic Appeal of Quirky Character Names in Classic Anime
Anime fans often express nostalgia for the naming conventions of classic series. Characters like Vegeta (vegetable), Frieza (freezer), and Krillin (chestnut) have names derived from food or everyday objects. This quirky approach made characters instantly memorable and added a layer of fun to the series. The more standard names, while perhaps more relatable, might not stick in viewers’ memories as vividly as their creatively-named predecessors.
This seemingly minor detail of character naming can have a significant impact on an anime’s long-term resonance. The names of Big 3 as well as other classic series often become part of fan vocabulary and inside jokes, contributing to the shows’ popularity. The absence of this element might make it challenging to achieve the same legendary status for newer anime.
Newer anime like Demon Slayer and My Hero Academia opt for more realistic Japanese names. While Tanjiro Kamado and Izuku Midoriya are well-crafted characters, their names lack immediate punch and memorability. For international audiences especially, these names can be challenging to recall, weakening the viewer’s connection to the character.
Ultimately, plot, animation quality, and character development are crucial. The art of naming can play a surprising role in an anime’s lasting impression. After all, in the world of anime, sometimes a name like “Frieza” can be the secret ingredient to creating an unforgettable character.
One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach are available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
