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Top 3 most criticized characters in anime

Top 3 Worst Written Characters | A Look at Fan Critiques in Anime Fandom

By

Hiroshi Tanaka

Jul 2, 2025, 10:42 AM

Edited By

Aditi Sharma

2 minutes (approx.)

Three anime characters, Loden, Crydo, and Yamato, depicted with frustrated expressions, representing their poor writing and flaws, set against a backdrop of discontented fans.
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In a recent forum debate, fans scrutinized character development in popular anime series, arguing that certain characters fail to resonate with audiences. Notably, frustrations surrounding Loden, Crydo, and Yamato have sparked heated discussions among fans about writing quality and character depth.

Loden: The Scumbag That Isn't

One character that raised eyebrows is Loden. Fans describe him as a self-insert who's unaware of his scumbag tendencies. "It's like if a scumbag wants to write himself as a good character," noted one commenter, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. Critics argue this lack of self-awareness leads to overly simplistic character arcs.

Crydoโ€™s Repetitive Nature

Crydo's characterization comes under fire for being painfully repetitive with phrases like โ€œsmall nika, medium nika, large nika.โ€ Many feel this reduces the characterโ€™s potential and makes them forgettable, leading fans to question the purpose behind Crydo's existence in the narrative.

Yamato: Controversy or Complexity?

Yamato appears to be the most contentious figure, with users divided over her character arc. Some believe her backstory is incoherent and introduced too late into the Wano arc, while others feel that psychological depth adds nuance to her portrayal. "Yamato has extreme mental illness," stated a commenter, offering another perspective on the character's complexity.

The Luffy Incident

Interestingly, fans scrutinized Luffy as well, suggesting that even after gaining substantial panel time, he lacks depth. "Luffy is a mouthpiece for the author's agenda," pointed out another commenter, highlighting frustrations with perceived inconsistencies in his character development.

What Fans Are Saying

The discussions raise crucial questions about character writing in anime:

  • Lodenโ€™s self-awareness is continually criticized while fans regard it as detrimental.

  • Crydoโ€™s repetitive nature leaves audiences wanting more depth and variety.

  • Yamatoโ€™s portrayal elicits mixed responses, illustrating how complex mental issues can create a divided fan base.

Key Insights

  • โœฆ Loden described as a character missing self-awareness.

  • โœฆ Crydo criticized for redundancy in dialogue.

  • โœฆ Yamato's complexity debated among fans.

As discussions continue, it remains evident that character writing directly impacts fan engagement. The contrasting opinions invite fans to reflect on what they truly want from their favorite characters.

Future Character Dynamics in Anime Fandoms

Thereโ€™s a strong chance we will see changes in character development approaches as studios respond to fan feedback. Fans have expressed clear expectations for more layered and nuanced characters. With criticisms directed at Loden and Crydo, studios may shift to writing more complex arcs that resonate better with viewers. This trend could lead to a higher quality of storytelling across genres, increasing the likelihood that franchises might hire writers skilled in character depthโ€”something that experts estimate could happen within the next few years.

Echoes from the Past: A Lesson from Literature

A unique parallel can be drawn to the literary world of Charles Dickens, whose characters were sometimes criticized for being overly simplistic. Think of Scrooge, who many viewed as a flat character until layers were added, transforming him into a beloved figure. Just as Dickens had to tweak character development in response to critics, anime creators might find themselves revisiting their characters to enhance their depth. The evolution in both fields reminds us that writers must listen to their audiences, often reshaping narratives to achieve richer storytelling.