Shōnen, the most popular subset of manga and anime, has a significant following beyond its target demographic of young boys. It’s renowned for its compelling heroes and equally memorable villains. While many iconic villains have extensive buildups across multiple arcs, some manage to leave a lasting impression within a single arc. Whether through their unique powers, intriguing narratives, or well-crafted stories, these one-arc villains stand out. Here are five of the best one-arc shōnen villains.
5. Boros
Series: One-Punch Man
Arc: Alien Conquerors Arc
Boros, a formidable alien warrior, travels across the galaxy seeking a worthy opponent. He is thrilled to encounter Saitama, yet their battle ends in a pyrrhic victory for Boros, followed by an outright loss. Despite being one of the toughest foes Saitama has faced, Boros ultimately succumbs to Saitama’s overwhelming strength. His struggle against Saitama highlights the hero’s might, leaving Boros to die with a bittersweet acknowledgment of Saitama’s power.
4. Enel
Series: One Piece
Arc: Skypeia Arc
Enel, the self-proclaimed God of Skypeia, is a memorable antagonist who uses the Goro Goro no Mi to control electricity. Ruling over the sky island, Enel meets little opposition until he faces Luffy, whose rubber body is immune to electricity. Despite his formidable abilities and divine status, Enel is defeated by Luffy. Post-defeat, Enel explores the moon, making brief appearances in mini-arcs, but his return to the main storyline remains uncertain.
3. Future Zamasu/Goku Black
Series: Dragon Ball Super
Arc: “Future” Trunks Arc
Future Zamasu, initially a candidate for Supreme Kai, harbors a deep-seated prejudice against mortals. His desire to eradicate all mortal life leads him to ally with Goku Black, a version of himself in Goku’s body. Together, they terrorize Future Trunks’ timeline. Zamasu’s immortality and regeneration abilities make him a formidable foe. His defeat requires the intervention of Zeno, the Omni-King, who erases the entire multiverse to stop Zamasu’s rampage.
2. Melon
Series: Beastars
Arc: Revenge of the Love Failure Arc
Melon, a gazelle-leopard hybrid, serves as the final antagonist in Beastars. Raised by his leopard mother, Melon becomes an amoral figure who kills for sport. His existence challenges the series’ themes of carnivore and herbivore integration. Melon’s dual nature and brutal actions reflect his internal conflict. Despite his capture, the societal issues he represents persist, underscoring the ongoing struggle for harmony between carnivores and herbivores.
1. Meruem
Series: Hunter x Hunter
Arc: Chimera Ant Arc
Meruem, the Chimera Ant King, is born with immense power and intelligence. His ruthless nature contrasts with his growing respect for humanity, particularly through his interactions with Komugi, a blind gungi champion. Despite his initial disdain for humans, Meruem’s bond with Komugi humanizes him. Their final moments together, playing gungi as they succumb to poison, highlight Meruem’s complex character and his evolution from a merciless king to a compassionate being.
These one-arc villains demonstrate that a character doesn’t need multiple arcs to be impactful. Their unique attributes and compelling stories leave a lasting impression, contributing to the richness of shōnen narratives.
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