The Arrogance of Villains in Believing They Can Become Gods in Anime

Exploring the god complex exhibited by some of the most memorable anime villains
The Arrogance of Villains in Believing They Can Become Gods in Anime

Highlights

  • Discover the megalomaniacal tendencies of some anime villains who believe they have the right to become supreme beings and rule over others.
  • Uncover how characters like Tetsuo Shima, Karl Fritz, and Light Yagami demonstrate their god complex through their actions and motivations.
  • Delve into the descent of these characters into sheer megalomania and how it leads to their eventual downfall.

Villains are a staple in anime and play a critical role in propelling protagonists forward. However, some villains in anime exhibit a god complex, believing they can ascend to the status of a deity.

These villains possess the motivation and ambition to become a supreme being, either by declaring their intent to become a god or by assuming they have the right to govern and watch over others. Let's explore some of the most notable anime villains who embody this megalomaniacal trait.

10 Tetsuo Shima (Akira)

Corruption and Uncontrolled Power

In the dystopian future of Akira, Tetsuo Shima, originally a gang member, experiences a drastic transformation when he unlocks his latent psychic potential. His newfound powers lead him to believe he is unstoppable, but his inability to control them ultimately leads to his downfall.

Similar to Tetsuo, characters like Zamasu, Sosuke Aizen, and Kaguya Otsutsuki also exhibit a god complex through their actions and motivations, leading to their eventual demise.

9 Zamasu (Dragon Ball Super)

Descent into Arrogance

In Dragon Ball Super, Zamasu's nigh-immortality and resentment towards other gods lead him to believe that he alone should rule over mortals. His arrogance and belief in his own superiority ultimately lead to his demise.

Similarly, characters like Sosuke Aizen, Kaguya Otsutsuki, and Karl Fritz fall victim to their own megalomania, leading to their downfall.

8 Sosuke Aizen (Bleach)

Quest for Ultimate Power

In Bleach, Sosuke Aizen's quest for power and desire to stand above the gods lead to his downfall. His relentless pursuit of godlike abilities and refusal to be ruled over ultimately lead to his defeat.

Characters like Kaguya Otsutsuki, Karl Fritz, and Light Yagami also showcase the dangers of succumbing to a god complex and the dire consequences it brings.

These anime villains demonstrate the pitfalls of succumbing to a god complex, serving as cautionary tales of the perils of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of ultimate power.