Top 5 WORST Story Tropes / Character Tropes In Shonen Anime & Manga

Summary

In this video, the host explores outdated tropes in Shonen manga and anime, such as the underdog protagonist, villains redeemed by friendship, and the damsel in distress. While these elements have contributed to the genre's popularity, they risk becoming predictable and uninspired. The host suggests innovative alternatives, like featuring dominant protagonists and strong female characters who take active roles. Additionally, the video critiques the disruptive use of flashbacks during climactic moments and the pitfalls of lazy power scaling. Ultimately, the discussion encourages creators to rethink these tropes for fresher narratives while inviting audience engagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 Shonen manga and anime have gained immense popularity globally, with series like 'Jujutsu Kaisen' and 'One Piece' trending frequently.
• 😀 The underdog protagonist trope is prevalent but has become predictable; introducing dominant protagonists can offer fresh narratives.
• 😀 The redemption arc for villains often feels overdone, requiring well-developed backstories and substantial atonement for past actions.
• 😀 The damsel in distress trope should be replaced with active female characters who contribute meaningfully to the story.
• 😀 Emotional flashbacks during climactic moments can disrupt pacing and should be strategically placed before or after action scenes.
• 😀 Power scaling is crucial; lazy power scaling leads to imbalances and renders supporting characters obsolete.
• 😀 Despite the overuse of certain tropes, they can still be effective if executed thoughtfully.
• 😀 Shonen tropes are popular for a reason; understanding their origins can help creators innovate rather than replicate.
• 😀 Skillshare is highlighted as a resource for aspiring creators to improve their comic-making skills and learn new techniques.
• 😀 Viewer engagement is encouraged through comments about personal opinions on Shonen tropes, fostering community interaction.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video discussed in the script?

The video focuses on outdated tropes in Shonen manga and anime, analyzing how they affect storytelling and suggesting alternatives for creators.

Why are underdog protagonists considered overused in Shonen manga?

Underdog protagonists, such as Izuku Midoriya and Naruto Uzumaki, have become a common trope that, while satisfying, loses its appeal due to frequent repetition.

Can you name some dominant protagonists that could provide a fresh perspective?

Examples of dominant protagonists include Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach, Light Yagami from Death Note, and Tatsumi Oga from Beelzebub, who are expected to win and face challenges differently.

What issue does the video raise regarding villains who become heroes?

The video critiques the trope of villains turning into good guys after a motivational moment, arguing that it often lacks realism unless the character undergoes a proper redemption arc.

What example does the video provide for a well-executed villain redemption arc?

Prince Zuko from Avatar: The Last Airbender is highlighted as a strong example, as he genuinely works to amend his past mistakes after realizing the errors of his ways.

How has the portrayal of female characters evolved in Shonen manga?

Recent Shonen manga have started to move away from the 'damsel in distress' trope, showcasing women as active protagonists who are not solely dependent on male heroes for rescue.

What critique is made about flashbacks during climactic moments?

The script points out that emotional flashbacks during intense fight scenes can disrupt the narrative flow and suggests placing them before or after the action for better pacing.

What does the term 'power scaling' refer to, and why is it a concern?

Power scaling refers to determining a character's strength in comparison to others. The concern arises from inconsistencies, particularly when characters become excessively powerful, rendering others obsolete.

Which series are mentioned as having issues with power scaling?

Dragon Ball, The Seven Deadly Sins, Fairy Tail, and Tokyo Ghoul are mentioned as series that have faced criticism for poor power scaling and the resulting 'power creep.'

What does the video suggest about the use of popular tropes in storytelling?

The video acknowledges that while these tropes are popular and have worked in the past, their execution is crucial, and creators should consider innovative ways to utilize or subvert them.