Coolest Supporting Characters in Shōnen That Took the Story to New Heights

Most series need a very strong protagonist that will drive the main storyline and keep the viewers interested. However, side characters are there to keep everything balanced—being the allies or the villains. Over the years, shōnen anime presented us with some of the coolest side characters we've ever seen on our screens, and these are our picks for the ones that took the story to the heights.

Misty: Millenials' Go To Girl

Our first pick is Misty from Pokemon, an anime that marked the whole millennial generation. One member of the original trifecta, Misty first joined Ash on his journey to reimburse for the bicycle Pikachu destroyed. However, after some time, Misty decided to join Ash and Brock on a journey to become the Master of Water-Style Pokemon, ultimately becoming one of the most iconic side characters in the last three decades.

Mikasa Ackerman: The Ultimate Badass

In Attack on Titan, by some fans, Mikasa is considered one of the protagonists. However, with Eren's story being the starting and sometimes the center point of the story, Mikasa is 'moved' to the side character role, and she is absolutely incredible. She developed from an emotional and cheerful child to a withdrawn and stoic person who would do anything to protect Eren. Over the years, Mikasa became one of the great staples of the series and is still considered an amazing side character.

Winry Rockbell: The Repair Specialist

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood had some amazing side characters, but at the top is definitely Winry Rockbell, the mechanic of the group. Winry is an incredibly talented mechanic who can repair anything and has been helping the Elric brothers from the beginning. She is a perfect side character who brings new dynamics to the characters' interactions, especially to the brothers, who look at her as their 'rock.'

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Kakashi Hatake: The Coolest Shinobi

Kakashi Hatake is your ultimate shōnen sidekick who quickly became the fan favorite among Naruto fans with his phlegmatic and aloof behavior. But underneath that sometimes coldness, Kakashi is actually one of the funniest and one of the coolest side characters we saw in the anime genre. He is incredibly compassionate and emotional towards his loved ones, despite his very hard life, and the way he acts as a sensei to his Team 7 is beautiful.

Satoru Gojō: A Powerful Sorcerer

In recent years, Jujutsu Kaisen has had almost unmatchable success among domestic and western fans, and for some, it surpasses some shows that have been on air much longer. This is because of a curious and strong storyline; the characters are interesting enough to elevate the plot of the series. One of them is definitely Satoru Gojō, a powerful individual with incredible humor who overshadows everyone who is in the scene with him—even the main character, Yuji.

Seiko Ayase: Strongest Grandmother Ever

Seiko Ayase quickly became the fan favorite of the hit manga and now anime series Dandadan, with her being a badass spirit medium with amazing skill in martial arts but also her relationship with Momo and her friends. She is kids' big ally and mentor who helps them nurture their powers but also a mother figure that keeps them protected from harm.

Roy Mustang: The Flame Alchemist

With the seriousness of Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, the Elric Brothers always provide the 'fun factor' and childishness in the series. However, Roy Mustang, the Flame Alchemist, brings his stoic and calm demeanor that would calm even the wildest soul. He's incredibly helpful to Edward and Al, but even as the center point of the plot, Roy's character fully shines and elevates the whole anime series.

Vegeta: A Grumpy Saiyan

Vegeta is one of the most iconic characters in Japanese animation that increased the popularity of the Dragon Ball franchise all over the world. At first a villain trying to save his Saiyan race, through many years of journeying and many fights with Goku, Vegeta's redemption arc became one of the coolest aspects of his character. Some people like him, some don't, but who can leave out, and not to mention one of the most popular anime characters in the world?

Shanks: A Red-Haired Pirate

The leader of the 'Red-Haired Pirates' became very popular among the One Piece fans immediately after first appearing in both manga and anime. He is one of the Four Emperors that rule the New World and one of the main reasons why Monkey D. Luffy decided to embark on his own journey across the world—and he gave him that iconic straw hat that now we fondly remember Luffy by.

There are many different side characters in this vast collection of anime and manga, but these are our picks for today, and maybe we will do one more in the future with different picks.

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