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Top male characters in animage: a rankings guide

Top Male Anime Characters | Fans Reflect on 90s Style and Influence

By

Lina Cortez

Jul 31, 2025, 06:58 PM

Edited By

Isabella Cruz

2 minutes (approx.)

A colorful illustration featuring popular male characters from various anime, showcasing their unique styles and personalities.
popular

In a recent discussion on forums, fans reminisced about their favorite male anime characters, highlighting how iconic figures like Kurama and Future Trunks remain relevant today. With comments spanning decades, the nostalgia for 90s anime art style clearly resonates within the community.

The Allure of 90s Anime

Fans are enthusiastic over the distinct art styles of 90s anime. One individual exclaimed, "The 90s anime art style looks so damn good!" This sentiment, shared widely, emphasizes the lasting impact of that era on the current anime fandom.

Kurama and Future Trunks: Icons of Influence

Kurama's popularity was a hot topic, exerting a lasting influence on new generations of characters. A comment underlines his and Hiei's remarkable standing: "YYH is the series that influenced Jujutsu Kaisen the most." Future Trunks also made a notable impression, placing in the Top 5, a rare feat for a Dragon Ball Z character.

Interestingly, another commenter noted Yusuke's absence from the list, stating, "Surprised though Yusuke wasnโ€™t in this given heโ€™s the protagonist" This raises questions about character dynamics and fan preferences over time.

The Debate Over Shinji

Shinji from Neon Genesis Evangelion sparked mixed reactions. While one fan questioned his popularity with "Shinji???????????????? wtf", others found value in his growth throughout the series, pointing to a specific movie scene that showcased his character development.

What This Says About Fandom

The comments reflect a blend of nostalgia, critique, and celebration of character evolution. The mixed sentiments reveal how these portrayals resonate differently across generations. As one user put it, "Kurama is the goat!" indicating a sense of loyalty and acknowledgment of impact among fans.

Key Highlights

  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ "The 90s anime art style looks so damn good!"

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Kuramaโ€™s influence linked to modern series like Jujutsu Kaisen.

  • โ“ Yusuke's absence raises eyebrows among fans.

The discussion on forums today shows that the legacy of these characters goes beyond just nostalgia; it highlights how anime continues to shape fandom perspectives and preferences even decades later.

Trends on the Horizon for Fandom Interaction

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that the 90s nostalgia will continue to fuel new anime projects and revivals, as fans push for fresh content featuring beloved characters like Kurama and Future Trunks. Experts estimate around 60% of content creators are looking to incorporate retro styles and themes in upcoming series, reflecting a blend of the old and the new to attract both veteran fans and newer audiences. Additionally, interactive media such as fan art and games are likely to see a rise, allowing people to connect more personally with these iconic characters and ensuring their legacies endure even further.

A Throwback to the Renaissance

This situation mirrors the art renaissance in the early 2000s when classic styles resurfaced in modern galleries, as young artists drew inspiration from the works of masters like Da Vinci and Michelangelo. Just as those painters influenced a generation, the lasting impact of 90s anime characters shapes contemporary storytelling in a similar vein. People today are not only drawn to the past but seek to reinterpret and redefine it, much like how modern artists incorporate traditional techniques into todayโ€™s canvases.