Why Superheroes and Animes Protagonists Avoid the Act of Killing

Have you ever wondered why, in anime and comics, protagonists often avoid the act of killing, despite facing seemingly insurmountable challenges? In both Marvel and DC, and in many fictional realms of anime, protagonists significantly shun the concept of killing unless they are characters of another archetype - the anti-hero. This article aims to explore the underlying reasons for this behavior and the role of the hero and anti-hero archetypes in the narrative.

Killing and the Hero

The fundamental paradox lies in the concept of a hero. A true hero, as society perceives them, is defined by their ability to save others, not harm. Killing is strictly reserved for monsters and hostile entities that pose an existential threat. If a sentient being is killed by a character, it diminishes their hero attributes. For instance, the society would hardly condemn someone for killing a ravenous man-eating tiger, but killing a human being is viewed differently due to the perceived value and sanctity of human life. The ethos of the narratives dictates that even the lowest scum of society deserves a second chance.

The Role of Comics and Anime Archetypes

There are exceptions to this rule in both superheroes and anime protagonists. Characters who do not follow the traditional hero archetype, often considered anti-heroes, can have no qualms about killing. Anti-heroes defy the societal standards of being a hero. These characters deceive people, challenge societal norms, and often kill. While they might lose some of the hero points, they challenge the conventional and often make the narratives more compelling and complex.

Comic Tropes and the Influence of Hero Archetype

In the context of comics, the Comic Code Authority has long-standing rules that encourage the portrayal of superheroes as non-violent agents of justice. However, Independents in the comics world do not follow these strict rules, allowing them the freedom to explore violent and morally ambiguous protagonists. Even in Marvel, Cable and Punisher, while defined as heroes, occasionally involved in killing. This is a deliberate choice to test the boundaries of heroism.

Shonen Anime and the Killing Trope

In the realm of shonen anime, killing is a common trope that enhances the narrative tension. Characters like Tanya Degurechaff, Guts, Jubei Kibagami, Onikirimaru, Saya Kisaragi, Goblin Slayer, Lelouch, Agame, Golgo 13, Kenshiro, and Eren Yeager, among others, kill their enemies on a regular basis to advance the plot. This adherence to the trope has become a hallmark of such animes, providing suspense and drama.

Conclusion

The aversion to killing among superheroes and many animes protagonists stems from the societal and cultural perception of a hero's role. True heroes are save-givers and not killers. However, this rule is not infallible, as the anti-hero archetype blurs the lines and challenges the traditional definitions of heroism. Understanding these nuances helps us appreciate the complexity of these narratives and the depth of the characters involved.