Interest Stacks

Wait, the MC is Surprisingly Impressive?

Anime
byLiliandraW
Mar 27 2023, 5:07 PM | Updated Apr 10, 2023 3:14 AM
You know when a character appears weak or young or small or just overall kinda incompetent, and others question their ambitions?
You know that moment when they prove everyone wrong? When those in doubt are left to stare in awed astonishment?

Gosh, do I love a good underdog.

This is a collection of anime where the protagonist is easily underestimated. In reality, despite their appearance, they have certain impressive qualities; be it in strength, intelligence, and/or skill.

Know an anime that should definitely be included? Pop me a message!



*One entry per series. So no sequels, adaptions etc included.
*The descriptions may feature some very slight spoilers.
Hunter x Hunter (2011)
TV, 2011, 148 eps Me:- Author:10
Gon and Killua - both are very clever, strong and skilled, despite their young age. There's no shortage of moments where they leave their older associates stunned.
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu
TV, 2015, 22 eps Me:- Author:9
Nagisa - he looks weak and girly, has a gentle personality and below average grades. So naturally, no one expects him to find his true talent... in assassination.
Kuroshitsuji
TV, 2008, 24 eps Me:- Author:9
Ciel - constantly looked down upon for his young age, even though he is very clever, cunning and fully capable of his position as earl and the queens guard dog.
Jibaku Shounen Hanako-kun
TV, 2020, 12 eps Me:- Author:10
Hanako-kun - when getting into contact with one of the strongest ghosts in the school, you probably don't expect him to be a mischievous schoolboy.
Fumetsu no Anata e
TV, 2021, 20 eps Me:- Author:10
Fushi - an immortal creature who is able to take many forms, including some that may appear less impressive. Those who don't know him better may find themselves in for a surprise.
Youjo Senki
TV, 2017, 12 eps Me:- Author:8
Tanya - when a grown man is reborn into a little girl's body in the middle of a war, what is she to do? Why, become a soldier, of course.

*Isekai
Tensei shitara Slime Datta Ken
TV, 2018, 24 eps Me:- Author:9
Rimuru - not only does he look gentle and sweet in his human form, he is also reborn as one of the weakest known monsters around; a slime! Despite this, he grows at tremendous speed, and gains abilities that are frankly terrifying.

*Isekai
Kami-tachi ni Hirowareta Otoko
TV, 2020, 12 eps Me:- Author:5
Ryouma - with a new life in a strange world, he is blessed with many extraordinary abilities. Despite this, the gentle boy uses his skills to live a life of joy and healthy work regulations.

*Isekai
Mushoku Tensei: Isekai Ittara Honki Dasu
TV, 2021, 11 eps Me:- Author:6
Rudeus - thriving with magical power and knowledge from his previous life, the little boy is quickly considered a genius.

*Isekai
Sekai Saikou no Ansatsusha, Isekai Kizoku ni Tensei suru
TV, 2021, 12 eps Me:- Author:6
Lugh - reborn in another world, the little boy uses the assassination techniques from his previous life, to fight the threat in his new one.

*Isekai
Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari
TV, 2019, 25 eps Me:- Author:10
Naofumi - reborn as a hero, this young man is ready to do his duty to protect this unfamiliar world. Except that he is immediately met with scorn and doubt, simply because he is the hero of the shield; supposedly the most useless weapon. Watch as he proves them all wrong.

*Isekai
Yuusha Party wo Tsuihou sareta Beast Tamer, Saikyoushu no Nekomimi Shoujo to Deau
TV, 2022, 13 eps Me:- Author:6
Rein - deemed weak and worthless by his peers, he is thrown out of his party. And yet, as he makes new friends, both he and his previous teammates quickly realize that his beast taming capabilities are a match for no one else's.
Black Clover
TV, 2017, 170 eps Me:- Author:6
Asta - despite his small build, not exactly noteworthy intellect - oh, and the rather alarming lack of magic - he will absolutely prove himself stronger than expected.
Itai no wa Iya nanode Bougyoryoku ni Kyokufuri Shitai to Omoimasu.
TV, 2020, 12 eps Me:- Author:7
Maple - she's cute, sweet, and she maxed out her defenses because she was scared of pain... so now she's invincible?
Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online
TV, 2018, 12 eps Me:- Author:8
Karen (Pink Devil) - small, cute, clad in pink; she will absolutely annihilate you if you underestimate her.

*This character can only be seen in this specific anime of the series. You don't need to watch the previous seasons, to understand the plot.
Spy x Family
TV, 2022, 12 eps Me:- Author:10
Anya - a little girl who acts and thinks the way a 6-year-old should, except that she has a secret ability; she's a psychic.
Kotarou wa Hitorigurashi
ONA, 2022, 10 eps Me:- Author:9
Kotarou - only four years old, he is fully capable of living on his own and making his way through life, despite some rather heart-breaking circumstances.
Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic
TV, 2012, 25 eps Me:- Author:7
Aladdin - with his gentle voice and small build, you can't really fault anyone for not expecting the magical power he wields.
Made in Abyss: Retsujitsu no Ougonkyou
TV, 2022, 12 eps Me:- Author:8
Riko and Reg - despite being very young and small, both showcase might, willpower and mental strength no child should possess.

*Quite graphic and gory! Don't let the cute art fool you.
World Trigger
TV, 2014, 73 eps Me:- Author:6
Kuga - he is small and therefore a weak fighter, yes? Well, think again.
Sabikui Bisco
TV, 2022, 12 eps Me:- Author:7
Milo - being gentle and kind, and a doctor no less, he is advised against taking a more forceful approach when needed. Naturally, he doesn't listen.
Nanatsu no Taizai
TV, 2014, 24 eps Me:- Author:7
Basically all the 7 Deadly Sins (esp Meliodas and Escanor) - you think you know how strong they are, and yet you still find yourself surprised.
Noragami
TV, 2014, 12 eps Me:- Author:9
Yato - just a dead-beat God, earning pocket change from doing housework... or is there more to him?
Kami no Tou
TV, 2020, 13 eps Me:- Author:9
Bam - just another candidate, looking to get through the Tower of God. Except that unlike everyone else, he found his own way in.
One Punch Man
TV, 2015, 12 eps Me:- Author:8
Saitama - he really doesn't look very impressive, is he really a hero? Yes, yes he is.
Mob Psycho 100
TV, 2016, 12 eps Me:- Author:10
Mob - average eighth-grader with a bowl cut, definitely not a psychic who could destroy the world.
Naruto
TV, 2002, 220 eps Me:- Author:7
Naruto - Constantly underestimated, he makes it his mission to prove his worth to all those around him.
Xian Wang de Richang Shenghuo
ONA, 2020, 15 eps Me:- Author:-
Wang Ling - quiet guy who just wants to blend in... which is kinda difficult to do, when he has more power than he can contain.
Saiki Kusuo no Ψ-nan
TV, 2016, 120 eps Me:- Author:7
Saiki - he really, REALLY doesn't want to gather any attention; wishes to appear as the most uninteresting guy possible. But being a psychic might make that kinda impossible.
Piano no Mori (TV)
TV, 2018, 12 eps Me:- Author:5
Kai - despite his less than noble upbringing and unconventional education, he quickly creates a name for himself for his unique and beautiful style of playing the piano.
Saikyou Onmyouji no Isekai Tenseiki
TV, 2023, 13 eps Me:- Author:-
Reikenzan: Hoshikuzu-tachi no Utage
TV, 2016, 12 eps Me:- Author:-
Isekai Yakkyoku
TV, 2022, 12 eps Me:- Author:-
Jigokuraku
TV, 2023, 13 eps Me:- Author:10

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