Does Action make the show better?

Whether you’re a fan of Superman and Goku, or have the intelligence of Shikamaru

Do Smart Characters Make Anime Better Than Action-Packed Heroes?

Anime has a way of delivering unforgettable characters, and the debate between fans often comes down to a clash of two archetypes: the brains versus the brawn. On one hand, we have geniuses like Shikamaru Nara from Naruto, Sosuke Aizen from Bleach, and Lelouch Lamperouge from Code Geass. On the other, we have powerhouse icons like Goku from Dragon Ball or Marvel’s Thor—characters who thrive on sheer strength and epic action. But which makes for a better show? Does a series driven by strategy and intellect trump one fueled by raw power and spectacle? Let’s dive in.

The Appeal of Smart Characters

Smart characters bring a sense of unpredictability to a show. Watching Shikamaru orchestrate a victory through clever planning or Lelouch manipulate entire nations with his tactical genius is nothing short of thrilling. These characters prove that victory doesn’t always go to the strongest; sometimes it’s about being five steps ahead.

Take Sosuke Aizen, for example. His manipulation of the events in Bleach—from faking his death to orchestrating conflicts behind the scenes—left fans stunned. It’s characters like him that challenge both their opponents and the audience, often forcing us to rethink what we know about the story.

Smart characters excel at creating tension. Whether it’s a battle of wits in Death Note between Light Yagami and L, or Shikamaru’s chess-like combat strategies, the stakes feel higher when victory hinges on intellect. Their actions make you lean in, wondering not just if they’ll win but how.

The Thrill of Action Heroes

On the other hand, there’s an undeniable charm to characters like Goku and Thor, whose strength and charisma carry their stories. Action-driven heroes thrive in shows that make battles larger-than-life spectacles. Goku doesn’t need complex strategies when he can transform into a Super Saiyan and obliterate entire planets. Similarly, Thor’s hammer-wielding, lightning-infused battles embody the exhilarating, popcorn-worthy fun that keeps audiences hooked.

The appeal here lies in the raw energy and emotion. Watching Goku scream as he powers up or seeing Thor unleash his godlike power isn’t just about the fight—it’s about the heart and determination behind it. Fans of action heroes argue that their strength isn’t just physical; it’s symbolic of their growth, perseverance, and willpower.

Does Intelligence Make a Show “Better”?

Ultimately, whether intelligence makes a show better depends on the type of story you enjoy. Smart characters often thrive in intricate, narrative-driven series where the payoff comes from unraveling mysteries or watching strategies unfold. In contrast, action-oriented heroes are perfect for shows where adrenaline-pumping fights and larger-than-life stakes are front and center.

Some series find a way to blend both, giving audiences the best of both worlds. Attack on Titan, for instance, balances Eren Yeager’s raw strength with the tactical brilliance of characters like Armin Arlert or Erwin Smith. Similarly, Naruto offers high-energy fights but also celebrates Shikamaru’s intelligence and Kakashi’s resourcefulness.

Conclusion

Both smart and strong characters bring unique strengths to a story. Whether you’re awed by Shikamaru’s next-level plans or hyped up by Goku’s latest transformation, it’s clear that anime thrives because it offers such diverse ways to engage its audience.

So, what’s your preference? Do you gravitate toward the cunning minds that play the long game, or do you prefer the relentless powerhouses who fight their way to victory? Whichever side you’re on, it’s undeniable that both types of characters make anime the dynamic and thrilling medium we all love.