There’s little that beats the feeling of watching a character overcome a huge struggle or roadblock on their path to success. Some characters bulldozethrough their obstacles with overwhelming strengthor unrelenting determination. Others squeeze through their barriers with help from others or the “lessons they learned along the way.”
Then, there are the analytical heroes who treat their dilemmas like a game of chess, waiting to be won through clever reasoning. Seeing the way these characters work through the problem at hand can be quite the treat, especially when their intricate musings manage to surprise even the viewer. Let’s dig into this interesting anime trope and see how it’s transformed since appearing in the world of anime.
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The Corners
The analytical hero trope is a spectrum and several iconic characters can be found along its entirety, from one end to another. Certaincharacters lean heavily into their analyticalcapability, enough so that it becomes one of their most domineering characteristics. Whereas other analytical heroes have core traits that relegate their analytical prowess to a minor presence, left to peek out at incidental moments. Generally, an analytical hero uses their intellect and strategic skills to help others.
In some cases, they’re not necessarily seeking to help others, but they still excel in selflessness, empathy, or leadership. They tend to be more astute than their peers, and they dissect various grains of information to reach answers other characters can’t even grasp. Oftentimes, these mental exercises occur in an instant or at least a timeframe short enough to leave observers mystified. These characters canusually become stronger or more effectiveby analyzing the strengths and weaknesses or strategies of other characters.
In the 90s and early 2000s, viewers were able to catch early examples of the analytical hero trope inDetective Conan fromCase Closedand Loki fromMythical Detective Loki Ragnarok. Both of these detectives used their exceptional critical thinking and investigative skills to help others by solving mysteries. Being analytical was a necessary part of them being detectives, and what good is a detective without a keen sense of inquiry?
The Edges
In the mid to late 2000s, the trope transformed and viewers found themselves introduced to analytical heroes with questionable motives or methods. Viewers started to see that an analytical hero can also be an anti-hero. As Shakespeare said, albeit in a slightly different manner, “heavy is the head that wears the crown.” The most logical or pragmatic decision isn’t always easy for other characters to understand, which canpaint a character as a villainor mystery to others.
With his mind control abilities and high wit, Lelouch Vi Britannia ofCode Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellionmanipulated one character after another as he fought for the freedom of others. He had no qualms about presenting himself as the villain, and he was often willing to get his hands dirty for the greater good. However, if we’re talking about wading through muddy waters as a means to an end, Lelouch can’t hold much of a candleto Light Yagami ofDeath Note.
After receiving a demonic notebook granting him the ability to kill anyone simply by writing their name in it, Light went to work ridding the world of criminals. While his goal was noble, his way of pursuing it was less so. God complex aside, Light’s strong intellect helped him evade the authorities and one of his core nemeses as he got rid of anyone who stood in his way.Death Noteremains a treasure among many anime fans not just due to its strong writing, but also the elaborate game of cat and mouse Light engaged in with L, another analytical mastermind in the series.
The Centers
As the analytical herotrope currently stands, representation spans widerthan ever before, with every anime season introducing a new addition. With so many cases in modern series, it’s interesting to note how characters show their analytical nature in distinctive ways. They also use their problem-solving skills differently, which keeps the trope fresh.
As possibly one of the most “heroic” examples of an analytical hero, Izuku Midoriya fromMy Hero Academiais known more for his heroic spirit and passion for helping others. However, the series introduces him as such a big fan of heroes that he’s filled notebooks with his thoughts and observations about different heroes’ abilities. He also has moments throughout the series where he withdraws into a muttering state of ruminating on his plans or what he’s noticed about others.
As one of the recent most “analytical” examples of an analytical hero,Yoichi Isagi fromBlue Lockpresentshis talent for problem-solving more directly. In the midst of a heated game or competitive bout, Isagi will take only a few moments to gather all the information at his disposal, form connections, and forge a new path ahead. He’s one of the quickest thinkers viewers can see in recent anime, and his sudden revelations have led him and several teammates to surpass their limits just in the nick of time. The series used a peculiar style of depicting Isagi’s reflective moments with visuals of his mind being deconstructed as puzzle pieces and forming together upon reaching an epiphany.
Other notable examples viewers are sure to recognize include Sora fromNo Game, No Life, Goblin Slayer fromGoblin Slayer,and Norman fromThe Promised Neverland. From never losing in a game of Tag to exterminating goblins more resourcefully than any adventurer around, these analytical heroes wield a sharpness that can’t be beaten. Seeing heroes win through cleverness appeals to the fascination many viewers share for problem-solving, but without making them do the work themselves. In a way, it’s almost like a vicarious catharsis. It also conveys that intelligence and rational thinking can bring success.
