As seen on some of our previous articles, anime is a premier avenue of checking out some of the best characters ever to grace TV. From amazing fighters to attractive heroes (and villains!), this animation wonder is home to some of the most memorable characters in pop culture!
Amazingly so, we’d also want to list down some of the best elderly characters in this genre. Depending on the show, some seniors have an even more powerful impact than young ones! Check out this entertaining list of super seniors from anime
Pinako Rockbell (Fullmetal Alchemist)
It’ll be a recurring theme for this article, but never judge a book by its cover! And in this case, it’s going to be both appearance and age! Pinako Rockbell may be that sweet granny in the neighborhood (she sure is!), but she’s more than just being that excellent mother figure for orphans in FMA. Pinako is a genius engineer, known for the innovative Automail inventions! So much so, her granddaughter, Winry, took after her in helping out the Alphone twins reach for their dreams!
More About Pinako Rockbell (Fullmetal Alchemist) on fandom.com
Genkai (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Another granny type that definitely is more than meets the eye, Genkai from the popular Shonen hit, Yu Yu Hakuso, proves that age is just but a number! Known in both the human and spirit world, this amazing fighter has fought and won countless battles. Her bizarre (yet effective) training methods did help mold Yusuke into his full potential – it’s actually through her guidance that the spirit detective was able to truly harness his spirit gun!
Related: Other Shonen (Manga & Anime) Topic Random Anime Stuff: Amazing Reasons Why Isekai Anime is So Entertaining!
Also, her connection to antagonist Toguro is a bittersweet affair – it’s one that proves that good truly trumps over evil, even if it means growing old (over a bizarre take on immortality). More importantly, even passing on her powers and lessons to Yusuke, Genkai’s fighting skill is unparalleled. On more than one occasion, she didn’t even need to make use of tricks or special powers to beat opponents to a bloody pulp!
More About Genkai (Yu Yu Hakusho) on fandom.com
Master Roshi (Dragonball)
Perhaps one of the most popular old dudes in anime, Master Roshi takes the cake on being a memorable character simply because he has been able to train and guide one of the most strongest characters in pop culture – Son Goku! The old man is funny (he’s a pervert!) and eccentric. But when the going gets tough, Master Roshi can take on any kind of foe thrown at him. Got to hand something special to this old teacher, as well – it’s Master Roshi who also taught Goku his signature move, the Kamehameha technique!
More About Master Roshi (Dragonball) on fandom.com
Whitebeard (One Piece)
Another strong old man has entered the field! Whitebeard, a legendary figure in the popular One Piece series, is one fine example of what makes this show such an amazing experience. A close rival to the enigmatic and powerful Gol D. Roger, Whitebeard was known to be one of the strongest pirates in One Piece history. Leading the massive fleet of Whitebeard pirates, this tremendous character is also known for his loyalty for his crew.
In fact, he sees everyone in his fleet as his sons, rescuing them if needed! Whitebeard is also known for his major part in one of the biggest naval battles in the series – no spoilers, it’s just one of the most iconic and bittersweet moments in this long-running series!
More About Whitebeard (One Piece) on fandom.com
When it comes to both Nen manipulation and fighting prowess, nothing comes close to the Chairman of the Hunter Committee, Isaac Netero! An agile and formidable fighter, his fighting skills go a level higher, simply because of his keen insight and calculating manner on how to approach fights! Hunter X Hunter has one of its most memorable fights with this elderly man taking the spotlight!
More About Isaac Netero (Hunter X Hunter) on fandom.com
Another fan favorite, Silver Fang from the excellent series One Punch Man is another great example of never underestimating a fighter’s age. As a martial artist, Silver Fang is renowned for teaching an excellent form of martial arts. But even more impressive is his role as hero. Silver Fang has a clear insight on who the strongest are really are (ahem, Saitama!), and never fights for fame or fortune! A true hero indeed!
More About Silver Fang (One Punch Man) on fandom.com
You don’t need special moves or powers to win fights! Sophie Hatter, a young hat maker, was cursed by a wicked witch! Transforming to an elderly woman, Sophie decided to go on a journey to break the curse. But more than trying to transform back to her younger state, the elderly woman touched on several people’s hearts – and even proved that love can help transform even the coldest of wizards (and demons!). Sophie’s journey also helped stop a war between two countries – how’s that for an amazing feat from a granny?!?
More About Sophie Hatter (Howl’s Moving Castle) on fandom.com
As a commander in the walled world of Attack on Titan, Dot Pixis proved that not only fighting skills are needed to survive a world devoid of hope. In fact, Pixis’ calculating and innovative way of planning and leading troops has resulted in humanity’s survival in more than one occasion! Known to think outside of the box, Pixis seems to have a special ability on who to trust in dreaded times!
More About Dot Pixis (Attack on Titan) on fandom.com
If you have a team of expert killers (a sniper, a bomb expert, a hacker wizard, etc.), you’d need someone tough and intelligent enough to lead them. And Section 9 is truly in good hands with Daisuke Aramaki leading them! Aramaki’s days of actually fighting in the fields may be over and done with, but his guidance and strategies on making the most out of each member of Section 9 is what makes this old man shine. In fact, even with a small stature, Aramaki commands respect on every member of his team!
More About Daisuke Aramaki (Ghost in the Shell) on fandom.com
And there we have it! Age is really just a number when it comes to elderly characters in anime! And it even isn’t only on sheer strength – most of these characters win all sorts of battles simply because they are several steps ahead of the game! Who are your other memorable elderly characters in anime? Let us know below!
