The Best Anime Characters of 2023

Anime has always been awesome. That’s just a fact. And this year, we got to see an explosion of absolute epic-ness across all of our favorite shows, courtesy of all of our favorite characters.

From Mikasa Ackerman to Dark Deku and more, here are the anime characters — in no particular order — who defined 2023.

Warning: Spoilers ahead!

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Mikasa Ackerman (Attack on Titan)

Mikasa Ackerman has been through a lot in Attack on Titan. Although she’s the strongest Scout in the Survey Corps, she’s always held herself back to make Eren Yeager feel and look better. Well, in the final episodes, Mikasa really shines. She gives her entire heart to stopping the Rumbling. Mikasa also makes the hardest choice any of the characters have to make by killing Eren. This epic and heartbreaking moment is just one of the many reasons she belongs on this list.

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Vash the Stampede (TRIGUN STAMPEDE)

Who remembers this guy taking Twitter/X by storm? Because we sure do! Everywhere you turned online, you probably saw the signature blond hair and warm orange sunglasses of Vash the Stampede from TRIGUN STAMPEDE. He’s hilarious and unbearably entertaining, with a big heart and an even bigger personality. Plus, he’s the face of the modern Trigun series following the classic anime, and fans couldn’t be happier with his role.

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Gojo Satoru (Jujutsu Kaisen)

We just can’t get enough of Gojo Sensei. You probably agree, because you have taste. Charming and chaotic, Gojo Satoru fought the battle of a lifetime in the famous Jujutsu Kaisen Shibuya Arc — and lost. Now he’s sealed inside a cursed box awaiting rescue. But he’s kind of chill about this massive mistake, which is both admirable and amazing. Thus with social media accounts dedicated to counting the days until Gojo’s release, he’s a no-brainer for our list.

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Nico Robin (One Piece)

Let’s welcome the newest member of the Straw Hat Crew, Nico Robin! Fans were super excited to see the return of the “Devil Child.” This archeologist temporarily left the ship, but One Piece season 30 will pick up with Robin aboard. She’s back to make new memories and cause tons of trouble alongside Luffy, Nami, Zoro, and the rest of these infamous pirates. Raise and replicate your hands if you’re excited for more Robin!

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Muichiro Tokito (Demon Slayer)

Our eyes aren’t getting misty thinking about this twin’s tragic backstory. It’s just his powers in our eyes. Totally. Anyway — the enigmatic and sullen Muichiro Tokito already checked quite a few boxes to be everybody’s favorite emo boy. But the reveal of his past as well as his current abilities, and the major change he went through during the Sword Village Arc, cemented him as a major player in Demon Slayer.

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Mitsuri Kanroji (Demon Slayer)

Yes, we picked two characters from Demon Slayer. But how could we skip the other Hashira feature? Mitsuri Kanroji is kind, strong, and utterly adorable. Cue major heart eyes. After taming her personality and appearance to find marriage, she realized her own potential and power and joined the Corps instead. Now she’s a beloved member of the group, and has saved the young hero Tanjiro on numerous occasions.

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Anya Forger (SPY X FAMILY)

Nobody can resist those massive, puppy dog eyes. Anya Forger’s adorable face, however, is just scratching the surface of her charm. This five year old telepath lives in a family full of secrets, yet she knows all of them. Does she use this power for good? Sometimes. Other times, she just uses it to be a little gremlin. No wonder the world is obsessed with her. If you aren’t, it’s probably because you haven’t watched SPY X FAMILY yet.

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Dark Deku (My Hero Academia)

At first glance, Izuku Midoriya is a typical Shounen protagonist. He’s bright, bursting with energy, and optimistic to the point of almost being annoying. And while we love those heroic archetypes, it’s exciting to finally see the Dark Deku shift in the My Hero Academia anime. After trying to fight all on his own to save the people he loves, Deku becomes something sinister. While his friends are able to bring him back from the brink of it, it’s a great lesson in how a hero’s best intentions can lead them very far astray.

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Who are your favorite anime characters from 2023? Share your picks at side.show/geekgroup or in the Sideshow Social Network, and don’t forget to Let Your Geek Sideshow!