Deadpool, known for his outrageous humor, meta-awareness, and regenerative abilities, has carved a unique niche in the superhero world.
Often breaking the fourth wall, wielding blades with deadly precision, and mixing chaos with charm, he stands out as a hero and an antihero. Surprisingly, the anime world also boasts characters with similar traits, which are unpredictable, irreverent, and undeniably entertaining. Here are five anime heroes and villains who capture the essence of Deadpool.
1. Hidan – Naruto Shippuden
Alignment: Villain
Similar Traits: Immortality, Sadism, Unfiltered Mouth
Hidan, a member of the criminal Akatsuki organization, is one of the most unkillable characters in Naruto Shippuden. Like Deadpool, Hidan is virtually immortal, thanks to his Jashinist rituals. He revels in violence, cursing, and laughing maniacally as he fights. Though not comedic in the traditional sense, Hidan’s chaotic energy and grotesque glee mirror Deadpool’s darker side.
2. Kazuhira Miller (A.K.A. “Venom Snake” in Anime Form) – Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker (Anime scenes)
Alignment: Hero/Antihero
Similar Traits: Strategic Mind, Sarcasm, Warped Morality
While primarily a video game character, Kaz’s anime-style adaptations in Peace Walker and Ground Zeroes present him as a jaded war veteran with sardonic wit and a twisted sense of justice. His readiness to manipulate and betray, all while delivering smug one-liners, echoes Deadpool’s morally gray behavior and dark humor.
3. Ladd Russo – Baccano!
Alignment: Villain
Similar Traits: Bloodlust, Showmanship, Wild Energy
Ladd Russo is a homicidal maniac with a love for theatrical violence. His unpredictable nature, combined with his white suit and cheerful approach to murder, gives off major Deadpool vibes, if Deadpool were a full-blown sociopath. Ladd thrives on chaos and enjoys the sound of his own voice as much as Deadpool does.
4. Grell Sutcliff – Black Butler (Kuroshitsuji)
Alignment: Antihero/Villain
Similar Traits: Flamboyance, Humor, Blade Combat
Grell is flamboyant, lethal, and has a dramatic flair for the theatrical. Wielding a chainsaw-shaped death scythe, Grell’s over-the-top personality and love for breaking rules make them a perfect anime analog to Deadpool. Grell also breaks the mold of typical anime villains, embracing their uniqueness with unapologetic flair.
5. Araragi Koyomi – Monogatari Series
Alignment: Hero
Similar Traits: Regeneration, Meta-Humor, Inappropriate Jokes
Araragi is a teenage vampire hybrid who frequently breaks the fourth wall and endures extreme bodily harm—only to heal moments later. Much like Deadpool, he delivers snarky commentary even in serious situations and has a habit of making inappropriate jokes. His regenerative abilities and narrative self-awareness round out the Deadpool-like qualities in a uniquely anime package.
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