Okay, let’s be real. We all love a good underdog story, right? But what about when the underdog gets… completely flattened? Like, loses-their-house-car-and-dog flattened?
Well, anime’s got you covered! Get ready for stories where the main character (MC) hits rock bottom, then proceeds to dig a tunnel to China. It's dramatic, it's over-the-top, and sometimes it's even… funny?
From Top Dog to Hot Dog (Without the Dog)
Think about it: wouldn't life be dull if every hero started perfect? These anime take pleasure in stripping away all the bells and whistles, showing us the raw, messy, human (or alien, or demon) core underneath.
Devilman Crybaby: When Everything Goes to Hell (Literally)
Let’s dive right into the deep end with Devilman Crybaby. Akira Fudo starts as a sensitive, crybaby teenager. Then, BAM! He merges with a demon and, well, things escalate. Quickly.
He gains immense power, sure, but also loses his innocence, his friends, and pretty much any semblance of a normal life. Talk about a bad day!
It’s a wild, visually stunning ride that leaves you emotionally drained but also strangely… exhilarated? You'll be screaming "what just happened?!" but in a good way. Mostly.
Erased: Groundhog Day with Grief
Imagine waking up and having to relive a terrible event from your childhood. And not just like, a bad haircut. We're talking about a series of gruesome murders.
That’s basically the plot of Erased. Satoru Fujinuma has a special ability to go back in time to prevent tragedies. But when his own mother is murdered, he’s thrown back 18 years!
He loses his adult life, his freedom, and is forced to confront a traumatic past. It's heavy stuff, but the suspense and heartwarming moments make it a must-watch. This anime teaches us about the power of resilience.
Code Geass: From Prince to… Rebel?
Lelouch Lamperouge starts as a brilliant, exiled prince with a burning desire for revenge. He gets his hands on a powerful ability called Geass and starts a rebellion against his own empire, Britannia. Good intentions, right?
Yeah, well, things get complicated. He loses loved ones, makes difficult choices, and becomes increasingly isolated. It’s a tragic spiral where Lelouch becomes the very thing he hates.
But hey, at least he looks fabulous in that Zero outfit! Seriously though, Code Geass is a masterclass in character development. See a man with everything turn to nothing!
Why We Love Watching the World Burn (for Others)
Okay, okay, maybe “love” is a strong word. But there's something undeniably compelling about watching a character struggle against impossible odds. It makes us appreciate our own (relatively) stable lives!
Plus, these stories often explore themes of sacrifice, redemption, and the importance of human connection. Even when everything is falling apart, there's always a glimmer of hope.
So, next time you’re feeling down, just remember: you could be a demon-possessed teenager fighting hordes of monsters. Or a time-traveling kid trying to catch a serial killer. Things could be worse!
These are just a few examples, of course. There are tons of anime out there where the main character loses everything. So, grab some popcorn, prepare for some feels, and dive into the beautiful, tragic world of anime where failure is just the first step to something… else. Enjoy the downfall and redemption of these characters!
