MHA vs. JJK. Demon Slayer. Which Shonen anime had the best first villain?

Published February 27, 2023

Tanjiro Yuji and Izuku faced the same starter villain that introduced them to shonen-style combat. However, one stands out for its unique characteristics.

The best shonen action anime titles have a lot in common. They may be different in style and lore but they share the need to have a “starter” villain. Many action series, including seinen and shonen, introduce viewers and protagonists to the world’s combat system. They also include a starter villain. These fights are often the point of no return for protagonists.

The original shonen “big trio” had intriguing starter villains. They were the Hollow called FishboneD, Higuma, and the rogue ninja Mizuki. Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia are their spiritual successors. This allows you to compare their starter villains and see which one was the most effective, scariest, or most meaningful.

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The Sludge Villain Nearly Killed Katsukibakugo

My Hero Academia features some contemporary shonen villains in terms of their character designs and Quirks. But it had to begin somewhere. Izuku Midoriya, the protagonist, was first attacked by the unnamed, sludge villain. The sludge criminal was a very typical petty crime who came onto the scene during a bank burglary. By chance, he took Izuku’s childhood buddy Katsuki Bakugo and held him hostage on the streets. Izuku watched in horror as the sludge antagonist charged in to prove that he was Quirkless. It took All Might’s intervention however to defeat him and save the day. Izuku used the sludge antagonist to symbolize how common and bizarre criminals in this universe can be. It was an opportunity for him to show All Might his heroism in the face of mortal peril.

Nezuko Camado Has Turned on Her Brother

Demon Slayer was introduced in “Cruelty,” the first episode of the series. He killed the Kamado Family off-screen. And Tanjiro’s little sister Nezuko became a demon. Tanjiro came home from a coal-selling expedition to find Nezuko’s family dead. Nezuko then turned on Tanjiro. She couldn’t control her demonic hunger. She tried to sink the fangs of her brother until Tanjiro beat her off with an Axe. Giyu Tomioka the water Hashira arrived. Tanjiro bravely fought to save Nezuko, despite all the danger. Miyu was convinced, Nezuko agreed to be spared, and fortunately, the fight ended before any blood was shed.

Yuji Itadori Brutal Introduction to Curses

Jujutsu Kaisenprotagonist Yuji Itadori is a tough and cool high-school boy whose world was turned upside-down when monstrous supernatural creatures attacked. Yuji and his classmates were unable to stop a powerful curse from ravaging Yuji’s school. Then, just when everything seemed hopeless, Yuji swallowed Ryomen Sukua’s severed hands and gained incredible curse power. Yuji was able to win Episode 2 when Satoru Gojo showed up to witness it all.

RELATED TO: MHA. vs. Demon Slayer. vs. Jujutsu Kaisen. Which Episode 1 was the Best?

The Curse and The Sludge Villain & Nezuko Samado – Who’s The Best Starter Vilain?

All three starter villains were dangerous, and they threatened the hero. Yuji, Izuku, Tanjiro, and Izuku became fighters almost overnight. Nezuko Camado is, without a doubt, the most interesting and memorable of all three villains. It’s interesting to note that the names of the other villains are not even established. This supports the fact that the first curse villain and the sludge baddie were plot devices meant to start the story, while Nezuko Samado is a full-fledged character.

Nezuko does not look like a normal demon. She is Tanjiro’s sister and is the only survivor of the Kamado massacre. This gives Tanjiro an immense personal stake in their short fight. Nezuko wasn’t only fighting her brother Giyu. Tanjiro on the other side showed remarkable courage and determination, refusing Giyu to kill her or harm her.

Nezuko was both monster and a victim in one package. Tanjiro started her quest to save her humanity from her new demonic status. Tanjiro, the wind Hashira Sanemi would have to prove that Nezuko isn’t a villain and a monster. That makes her a far more effective shonen antagonist than the sludge villain and first curse.