Shonen Showdown: Dreamers Who Succeeded and Those Who Fell Short

In the world of shonen anime, protagonists often possess dreams that drive their narratives. From battling to become the strongest to seeking a peaceful existence, these dreams shape who they are and the paths they undertake. Some protagonists achieve their dreams, while others are left grasping at straws.

Protagonists Who Achieved Their Dreams

Denji – The Ordinary Dream

In Chainsaw Man, Denji's dream is refreshingly ordinary. Escaping a bleak childhood, his ultimate goal is to lead a normal life, complete with simple pleasures like jam on toast. He achieves this early in the series upon joining the Public Safety Devil Hunters. With Pochita's sacrifice, Denji gains the ability to protect this dream rather than pursue it further, showcasing a unique twist on shonen storytelling.

Meliodas – Breaking the Curse

Meliodas, from The Seven Deadly Sins, harbors the heart-wrenching dream of breaking the curse that dooms him and his beloved Elizabeth. Their journey, fraught with reincarnations and separations, concludes with Meliodas successfully ending their tragic cycle, allowing them to build a family together. This achievement turns his saga into a deeply rewarding tale, highlighting that some dreams extend beyond the self.

Ash Ketchum – Becoming a Pokémon Master

After years of adventure, Pokémon's Ash Ketchum finally clinches the title of Pokémon Master. This victory resonates powerfully with both longstanding and newer fans who have followed his journey through numerous regions and battles. Ash's triumph underscores persistence and dedication, marking a heartfelt milestone in shonen history. The moment captures the essence of journey over destination, inspiring future trainers.

Naruto Uzumaki – Becoming Hokage

In Naruto, the eponymous hero's dream of becoming Hokage is twofold: it represents his desire for recognition and love from his village. Through relentless perseverance and overcoming monumental challenges, he achieves this dream. Naruto's journey reflects themes of acceptance and identity, resonating deeply with audiences as they watched him grow from an outcast to a leader.

Goku – The Eternal Search for Strength

While Goku from Dragon Ball repeatedly claims the mantle of the strongest fighter, he's always searching for a superior challenger. His dream is perpetually renewed, a testament to the series' evolving narrative. Goku's quest for power serves as a parable of continual self-improvement, where each battle is a step, not an endpoint. His journey encourages embracing growth over absolute accomplishment.

Protagonists Who Didn't Achieve Their Dreams

Jonathan Joestar – A Tragic Sacrifice

A legendary tale begins with Jonathan Joestar from JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. His dream of defeating Dio and restoring peace unravels with his untimely death at his adversary's hands. While he cannot fulfill his dream, his sacrifice sets in motion the events leading to Dio's eventual downfall by his descendants. Jonathan's legacy is bittersweet, marking his story as one of noble intention meeting tragic fate.

Light Yagami – The Downfall of Kira

In Death Note, Light Yagami's vision of a new world under his dominion falters spectacularly. Despite his intelligence and initial successes, he becomes consumed by his god complex, leading to his eventual demise. Light’s story reveals the dangers of unchecked ambition and moral corruption, spotlighting the shonen tendency to explore the fine line between heroism and villainy.

Eren Yeager – Incomplete Revenge

Attack on Titan's Eren Yeager is a unique case where his dreams shift drastically. Initially seeking to eradicate Titans, Eren's goals darken as he turns against humanity on a quest for vengeance. Yet, his friends thwart his ambitions, preventing him from achieving full realization of his plans. Eren's arc addresses profound themes of revenge and freedom, illustrating how dreams can evolve into obsessions.

Saitama – The Unreachable Challenge

The ironic plight of Saitama in One Punch Man is the absence of challenge. Yearning for a worthy adversary, he faces perpetual disappointment with opponents who fall at a single punch. His constant triumph over evil with no real struggle highlights the series' exploration of existential ennui. Saitama’s story is a philosophical inquiry into the essence of fulfillment and the quest for meaning beyond power.

Deku – A Hero Without a Quirk?

In My Hero Academia, Deku's ambitions of heroism culminate in him sacrificing his powers. Though he dedicates himself to teaching future heroes, he's unable to directly engage as before, reflecting his early query about heroism without quirks. Deku's narrative pushes the boundaries of what it means to be a hero, suggesting fulfillment can be found in mentorship as much as action.

While some shonen protagonists reach their dreams realistically and satisfyingly, others find their ambitions unfulfilled, presenting a complex tapestry of aspirations that resonate with audiences.

Photo Credit by CBR