Overpowered Main Character - Anime, Manga and Light Novel

I really love overpowered main characters in Anime, Manga and light novel series.

Unfortunately, there aren’t that many series with a seriously strong main character. In fact, it may not even be overpowered main characters that I’m attracted to - it’s just that I can’t stand when the MC is nothing but a wimp that can’t make a decision on his own and ends up crying for absolutely no reason every single episode.

Over the years, I’ve been through several Anime, Manga and light novel series that have just the type of protagonist you’re looking for, and I’ve compiled them into the list you’re about to go through.

Although not all main characters are the strongest in their respective universe, they’re badass and overpowered in their own way.

Hyouka
© Kyoto Animation

Feel like trying something new? Have a look at my list of Audiobooks with Overpowered Main Characters.

Anime

Do keep in mind that the list below is not ordered from most to least overpowered, though if what you’re looking for is very overpowered main characters, I suggest you give One Punch Man, The Irregular at Magic High School and The Misfit of Demon King Academy a try.

Blood lad

Genres: Action, Comedy, Demons, Supernatural, Vampire

Blood Lad © Yuuki Kodama/Brain’s Base

Chrome Shelled Regios

Alternative title: Kokaku no Regios
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, School, Science Fiction

The main character, who used to be part of a very powerful group, decided to leave his old life behind and try to live his life normally. Unfortunately for him, his wishes are anything but granted.

Chrome Shelled Regios © Zexcs

Classroom of the Elite

Alternative title: Youkoso Jitsuryoku Shijou Shugi no Kyoushitsu e
Genres: Drama, Psychological, Slice of Life, School

Would have been my favorite Anime if it had kept airing for longer, but this series is definitely underrated and you should definitely watch it.

Classroom of the Elite © Shunsaku Tomose

Darker than Black

Genres: Action, Mystery, Science Fiction, Super Powers

Darker than Black © BONES

Death March kara Hajimaru Isekai Kyousoukyoku

Alternative title: Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody
Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Harem, Isekai, Magic

It’s a shame that there’s not that much fighting scenes.

Death March to the Parallel World Rhapsody © SILVER LINK

Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu

Alternative title: The Legend of the Legendary Heroes
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Magic

Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu © Zexcs & Funimation

Full-Time Magister

Alternative title: Quanzhi Fashi
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, School

Densetsu no Yuusha no Densetsu © Shanghai Foch Film Culture Investment

Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica

Alternative title: Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic

Hagure Yuusha no Aesthetica © Arms

Hamatora

Genres: Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Super Power

Hamatora © NAZ

Hellsing

Genres: Action, Horror, Supernatural, Vampire

Hellsing © Gonzo

Heroic Age

Genres: Action, Mecha, Military, Science Fiction

Heroic Age © Xebec

Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou

Alternative title: Demon King Daimao
Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Harem, Magic, School

The fanservice is a little heavy on this one, but if you can get over it, then it’s worth watching.

Ichiban Ushiro no Daimaou © Artland

In another world with my smartphone

Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Harem, Isekai, Magic, Romance

In another world with my smartphone © Production Reed

Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari

Alternative title: Tenchi Muyo! War on Geminar
Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Harem, Mecha, School

If you haven’t seen this series, you’re missing out. The protagonist is good at everything he does.

Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari © AIC Spirits and BeSTACK

Kaze no Stigma

Genres: Action, Fantasy, Magic, Romance

Kaze no Stigma © Gonzo

Log Horizon

Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Game, Magic

Log Horizon © Satelight

Mushoku Tensei

Genres: Fantasy, Isekai, Magic

Mushoku Tensei © Studio Bind

No Game No Life

Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Game, Supernatural

The two main characters are a duo of step-siblings who are known as undefeated gamers, until they’re thrown into an alternate universe boasting everything the duo are known as undefeated for. Don’t worry, if you’re like me and you hate when there’s more than one main character, one of them is much more present than the other despite the fact that they’re pretty much always next to each other.

No Game No Life © Madhouse

One Outs

Genres: Psychological, Sports

Despite being a sport Anime, a genre I tend to avoid, I found myself enjoying this.

One Outs © Madhouse

One Punch Man

Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Super Power, Supernatural

This is nearly the perfect incarnation of an overpowered main character. The downside, however, is that One Punch is more focused on comedy. In fact, the main character is so powerful that he gets sad and frustrated due to defeating most monsters with one punch. Luckily for him, he does meet a few stronger enemies later in the series, but none of which really hold a candle to him.

One Punch Man © Madhouse

Overlord

Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Game, Magic, Supernatural

Overlord © Madhouse

Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren’t They?

Alternative title: Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?
Genres: Action, Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural

Problem Children Are Coming From Another World, Aren’t They? © Diomedéa

Sword Art Online (Arc 1)

Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Game, Romance

Sword Art Online © A-1 Pictures

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime

Alternative title: Tensei Shitara Suraimu Datta Ken
Genres: Fantasy, Isekai, Magic

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime © 8bit

The Daily Life of The Immortal King

Genres: Comedy, Demons, Fantasy, Magic, School

The Daily Life of The Immortal King © Haoliners Animation League

The Irregular at Magic High School

Alternative title: Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei
Genres: Action, Magic, Romance, School, Science Fiction, Supernatural

In a future where magic and technology have changed the world, Tatsuya, our protagonist, is unparalleled by his peers, and even though he makes no effort to show off just how large that gap is, he doesn’t shy away from using his abilities when he deems it necessary. Not only is the world in which this series takes place beautiful, it’s also extremely well-thought-out in that there are often discussions about the theory of magic, and despite being a work of fiction, it’s that kind of attention to details that make you want to believe in said world.

The main character is calculating, calm, confident, composed and strong - very strong. I think this is the perfect type of overpowered character. I’ve read the light novel before the Anime came out, and the animation that was extracted from the light novel is simply beautiful, so much so that I cannot find a picture that will give it justice, forcing me to stick with the cover.

If you like overpowered main characters, please do not miss out on this one.

The Irregular at Magic High School © Madhouse

The King’s Avatar

Alternative title: Quanzhi Gaoshou
Genres: Action, Game

Forced to retire, the veteran and undefeatable Ye Qiu isn’t done just yet.

The King’s Avatar © B.CMAY PICTURES

The Misfit of Demon King Academy

Genres: Action, Demons, Fantasy, Magic, School

Demon king reincarnated 2000 years later.

The Misfit of Demon King Academy © SILVER LINK

The Seven Deadly Sins

Alternative title: Nanatsu no Taizai
Genres: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Supernatural

The protagonist lost his memories and looks like a kid, but he’s very overpowered.

The Seven Deadly Sins © Manglobe

The Unlimited Hyobu Kyosuke

Genres: Action, Super Power, Supernatural, Magic

This one is very underrated. Even though it’s short, the main character is definitely worthy of being on this list.

The Unlimited Hyobu Kyosuke © Manglobe

Manga

If you got this far and you’re about to close the page because reading a Manga is much more troublesome than watching an Anime, it might be time to changes things up a bit. Back then, I also never thought I’d end up reading a Manga - the lack of sound was a huge deterrent.

If you’re that kind of person, I think you should consider trying at least one of the Manga series (e.g. Unordinary) listed below and read only 4-5 chapters. It’ll take like 10 minutes, but at least you’ll have tried. 4-5 chapters is all it takes to get hooked up onto it, and if you hate the silence while you read, just treat yourself to some music in the background.

  • A Returner’s Magic Should Be Special
  • Almighty Master
  • Ares: If you like this Manga, you’ll probably like Kingdom and Rain.
  • Black Haze: Amazing, overpowered, secret identity, magic, school settings, I wish there was more series like that.
  • Blood Lad (see Anime section)
  • Gamaran
  • Hajime no Ippo: As I said, I’m not usually a fan of sports, but this boxing Anime was very good and it was a long read (1000+ chapters, still publishing)
  • Id
  • Kingdom: He’s not strong from the start, but he makes his way to the top and he’s pretty badass. If you like this Manga, you’ll probably like Ares and Rain. 400+ chapters.
  • Last Ranker
  • Life Howling
  • Mujang
  • Mx0
  • My Dad Is Too Strong
  • Noblesse: Don’t let yourself be fooled by the ‘Vampire’ keyword in the description, there’s no neck biting and blood sucking, neither is there any oh-damn-there’s-sunlight-I’m-dying situations - this is definitely a good read. If you’re not convinced, you can look at the one animated episode that came out, I think it’s called Noblesse: Awakening.
  • One Punch Man (see Anime section)
  • Player Reborn
  • Rain: The main character is an extremely overpowered general. Although he tries to avoid needless war, he fights when he needs to and when he does, he’s amazing.
  • Solo Leveling
  • The Beginning After the End
  • The Breaker: New Waves
  • The Gamer
  • The Great Mage Returns After 4000 years
  • The Seven Deadly Sins (Nanatsu no Taizai) (see Anime section)
  • The Sword of Emperor
  • Tiji-kun!
  • Tower of God
  • Unordinary: Can’t say much here without spoiling the first dozens of chapters, but the main character is strong.
  • Vampire Juujikai
  • Wind Breaker: A story about the student body president who turns out to be an extremely skilled cyclist.
  • World Customize Creator
  • Worst, Crows, Kyou kara Ore wa, Hareluya II Boy, Tough: those Manga are very similar, hence why they’re in the same line. They’re pretty much about a strong delinquent main character.

If you made it this far again without noting down something, it probably means that you’re desperate for something new. You’ve seen all of the Mangas listed above, or you don’t like the ones you’ve skipped through, but you’ve done your research.

I also never anticipated I’d find an interest in light novels, alas, I did, hence, you should give it a try as well if your appetite is still unsatiated.

Unlike most Manga and Anime that I’ve watched or read, the release speed of light novels is FRIGHTENING. Some translators go as far as to release 4 or 5 chapters every single day. Furthermore, a lot of stories with overpowered main characters have 2000+ chapters and are being actively translated.

I can safely say that the majority of light novels that have been translated by Wuxiaworld have an overpowered main character and are very good stories - so don’t lose hope just yet.

Light Novel

  • Against The Gods
  • Ancient Godly Monarch: I love this one a lot, too bad there’s only ~300 chapters released as of 2016/12/26. Luckily, the speed at which each new chapter is released (translated) is very impressive (2 chapters/day)
  • Ark
  • Battle Through The Heavens
  • Chaotic Sword God: Story with 480+ chapters about an overpowered and ruthless MC that died but was reincarnated when he died.
  • Combat Continent
  • Desolate Era: One of my favorite LN. 600+ chapters. MC is really, really OP. Definitely worth reading
  • Dragon-Marked War God
  • Emperor’s Domination: Out of all light novels that I’ve read, this is my favorite. This main character is exactly the kind of main character that I’m always looking for: arrogant, ruthless and overpowered. Not only is this series still ongoing, it has more than 3000 chapters and there is currently 1200+ translated chapters (2018-01-12).
  • I Shall Seal The Heavens: One of my all-time favorite light novels. The main character is always overpowered when compared to people of his own age, even more so, he’s overpowered against some people who are significantly older than him (and that’s something considering that the ‘immortals’ in this light novel can live for thousands of years). This light novel is completely translated with a bit over 1600 chapters.
  • Library of Heaven’s Path: Somewhat different from a lot of stories, as the main character hasn’t actually fought much so far. He has a library is his head which is basically a cheat code for finding flaws in basically anything.
  • Lord Xue Ying
  • The Irregular at Magic High School (Mahouka Koukou no Rettousei) (see Anime section)
  • Martial God Asura
  • Martial World
  • Peerless Martial God
  • Reincarnator: Post-apocalyptic, MC came from the future
  • Skyfire Avenue: I’m not a big fan of mecha, but the whole secret identity concept as well as the fact that there’s a bit of magic into the mix as well as school life makes this whole story very interesting. The main character is overpowered compared to most people in his environment, but he’s not the most overpowered of his universe.
  • Stellars Transformations
  • Tale of Demons and Gods
  • The King’s Avatar: Overpowered in a video game. Not one of my favorite, but the MC’s still very overpowered
  • The Legendary Moonlight Sculptor: It’s because of this light novel that I started reading light novel. I recommend this if you’ve never read light novels before because the translators put a bit of life in the text, such as the stats window, quest popup, inventory, items etc. which actually look like real game windows. But seriously, the main character is insanely overpowered (and greedy)
  • Transcending the Nine Heavens
  • True Martial World: He’s weak at the start and it’s a slow development, but he gets very overpowered.
  • Wu Dong Qian Kun
  • Zhan Long

If you’ve already read all of those, don’t worry. There’s a lot more than that. For instance, more than 80% of the novels being updated on NovelUpdates have an overpowered main character. If you still think you’re hopeless, then go on LNMTL. It’s hard to get used to machine translation, but at least LNMTL has a couple of user-defined terms and it makes everything much more easy to understand compared to something like Google Translate.